European Union confirms nearly $30m for the Turks and Caicos
The EU confirmed nearly US$30m to support education and business in TCI at an EU Overseas Countries and Territories meeting 24-26 February.
Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, and Minister of Finance, Washington Misick
“We can now reveal that the TCI has secured $16.39m of new funding to support our education sector,” said Deputy Governor Anya Williams, “this in addition to the $13.3m already announced for improving the way that government interacts with businesses in our Territory. We have already arranged important training for government commercial officers in this regard for April.
“I have worked with the EU for three years to secure this funding, which we are eligible for through the UK’s membership of the EU. This is bringing us a range of new opportunities to the TCI.”
“That the TCI has secured nearly $30m in direct funding from the European Union is recognition of the significant improvements that we have made in both our economy and public financial management,” said Finance Minister Washington Misick.
“We will now use these funds to boost arguably our two most important sectors in the short to medium term - education and business. The TCI will also look to play its part alongside other countries and territories in protecting our environment and biodiversity, as well as looking to increase out use of renewable energies, which can only further benefit our people and commercial institutions.”
The EU OCT event saw leaders from 22 European Union countries and territories, including the eight inhabited UK Overseas Territories, gather for the 13th EU OCT Forum, held in the British Virgin Islands,to strengthen their relationships with key EU institutions and to discuss how they can work better together.
It took place under the patronage of the outgoing Chair Dr. Orlando Smith, Premier of the British Virgin Islands, European Commissioner for International Development and Development, Neven Mimica and other high level EU Commission officials, including Marcus Cornaro, Deputy Director General for International Cooperation and Development and Member of the European Parliament, Maurice Ponga.