Virgin Islands JMC '13 report

Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions

Date: 11th November, 2014

Completed By: British Virgin Islands Economic Diversification

Commitment Progress 1 Promote globally the investment and trade opportunities in the Action principally for UKG Territories, including through cooperation between Territory investment agencies, UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) teams and UK Embassies, High UKTI Miami team visited the BVI from 20-23 October, 2014 and undertook Commissions and other Posts. a fact finding /scoping visit. The team met with various Government and Non-Government stakeholders, including the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association, the Department of Trade, the Rotary Club, and a local fashion designer among others.

2 Inform UK companies of investment opportunities in the Territories and Action principally for UKG encouraging them to explore the opportunities.

BVI prepared investment and promotional materials for the second JMC OT Investment Forum in 2013 that highlighted tourism, financial services agriculture etc. BVI officials also discussed these opportunities with interested parties. BVI has launched public tenders for capital projects that were brought to the attention of UK companies.

3 Promote Territory exports and service industries, including in emerging Action principally for UKG markets and in countries where the Territories are not currently recognized.

BVI has developed strategic relationships in some emerging markets as well as advanced economies primarily in relations to service industries of Tourism and Financial Services. These included promotional tours in Brazil, China and Mexico, the United States and United Kingdom.

4 Explore further opportunities to boost inter-Territory trade and BVI is committed to ensuring an attractive and transparent trade and investment and the sharing of best practice. investment regime. As such, the Territory has embarked on a mission towards developing polices for trade, investment, export, licencing, and 1

Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions consumer protection.

It is also the intention of the BVI to establish relationships and trade linkages with other countries and territories within the Caribbean region as a means of furthering economic integration. We are desirous of continuing existing relationships and establishing relationships within the UK (UKTI, BIS, Hertfordshire) with regards to building partnerships for capacity building.

5 Publish Territory investment policies setting out clearly the offer to BVI has a draft investment policy document and is in the process of inward investors. reviewing it with a focus on investment incentives which are expected to create an environment to attract investment.

6 Commission independent advice on enhancing strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability

competitiveness, The BVI has commissioned independent advice and has embarked on initiatives that would enhance our competitiveness, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability, particularly in the areas of Financial Services, Tourism and the Environment. Among the initiatives being conducted is a review of the territory’s procurement procedures, undertaken by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

7 Promote entrepreneurship and the development of small businesses, The BVI has submitted 7 initiatives for implementation under the SME including through the Caribbean regional EU-funded Small and Medium- Project, geared at providing support to SME’s through the BVI National sized Enterprises project.

Business Bureau and the Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association. These initiatives are aimed at assessing the existing, and creating the necessary business enabling environment and the appropriate regulatory framework to facilitate development of the SME sector. The initiatives focus on capacity building, statistical digest, business growth, job creation, entrepreneurial development, training and certification, advocacy through regional and international partnerships, creation of skills emporium.

A National Business Bureau Loan Guarantee Programme (LGP) was 2

Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions launched in September 2013, which continues in operation.

Employment and Education

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Commitment Share good practice on workforce planning, skills training and addressing the specific needs of young people, older people and the disabled.

Progress The Youth Employment Service (YES) continues to prepare young people in the Territory to help them gain employment. YES has undertaken a series of workshops, to better prepare unemployed youth to be productive employees and frontline staff.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Ministries of Health and Education, to pursue a joint approach to the promotion of healthier lifestyles among the youth, as obesity and chronic noncomunicable diseases are areas of concern in the Territory.

A Child Protection Protocol was signed between the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to deal with child abuse issues.

BVI has recently adopted a policy to grant two scholarships annually to special needs students to provide further assistance not currently available in the Territory. In implementation of this policy, two Scholarships were granted in 2014 to two special needs students.

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Develop efficient and professional public employment services.

BVI has undertaken a number of Job Fairs throughout the Territory, including on the sister Island of Virgin Gorda.

The Employment Services Unit of the Labour Department is undertaking various initiatives towards the development of professional public 3

Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions employment services, many of which are ongoing. These include: ·

Post Registration Sessions with registered job applicants to prepare them for job interviews/labour market.

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Participation in job fairs by assisting with the organization and implementation.

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Quarterly Employer/Labour Consultation Sessions.

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Weekly Orientation Sessions for new employees, as well as those changing employers.

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Public Education on the services offered by the Employment Services Unit (i.e. resume writing, employment searches, interviewing techniques, skills assessment etc.)

10 Develop immigration policies that take into account the interests of local Immigration legislation and policies are currently under review, and will be people and businesses, and minimize risks for the UK. developed to advance the interests of local people and businesses, while minimizing any risks to the UK. 11 Explore further how the people of the Territories can access vocational Action Principally for UKG. training in all parts of the UK and in other Territories.

A Technical High School has been built on Tortola and has been opened for the 2014/2015 academic year. Work is being done with the HEART Trust/NTA in Jamaica as well as City and Guilds to provide training for teachers. Training is presently ongoing. The students of the technical school will be able to access up to Level 2 training and this will enable them to access further training at the HLSCC and further afield in the UK and the region.

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Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions

Links with the Wider World

Commitment Progress 12 Strengthen Territory engagement with international partners with support from the UK’s network of diplomatic posts.

The Territory has led a number of initatives to strengthen its engagement with its international Partners, some of which include the following activities: In 2013 the BVI sponsored the attachment of a member of the Premier’s Office International Affairs Unit with the Overseas Countires and Territories Association (OCTA) –Technical Assistance Team in Brussels.

This was done to facilitate a deeper understanding of the European Commission’s relationship with the OCTs and to enhance the BVI’s Chairmanship of the group of 22 Territories in 2014.

The BVI attended the United Nations Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), held on Apia, Samoa from 1-4 September, 2014, as an associate member of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Territory actively participated in the United Nations Private Sector Forum, and shared best practice, in its promotion of multi-sectorial partnerships as a means for SIDS to mobilize resources to conserve their biodiversity. The UN Private Sector Forum was held ahead of the SIDS Conference in Apia Samoa.

The BVI also represented the 22 Overseas Countries and Territories linked to the EU in its capacity as Chair of the Overseas Countries and Territories 5

Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions Association (OCTA).

As chair of OCTA, the BVI is spearheading the establishment of an All Party Parliamentary Group of MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) to provide support to the Overseas Countries and Territories on matters of concern to the OCTs within the European Parliament.

BVI attended the Guadeloupe International conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change from 21-24 October, 2014. In its capacity as Chair of OCTA the Premier or BVI and Chair of OCTA give remarks during the Opening ceremony.

13 Make full and effective use of new trade opportunities with the EU and The Territory is currently considering the opportunities offered by the increased EU funding streams including the European Development Fund Horizon 2020, LIFE Plus and Erasmus Plus programmes of the EU funding and its regional programmes streams. The Territory is also currently participating in discussions on regional programming for the 11th EDF. The BVI is an INTERREG Partner with Guadeloupe on the upcoming International Conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change, being held in Guadeloupe from 22-25 October, 2014.

BVI as Deputy Regional Authorising Officer for the Caribbean is managing the Small and Medium Enterprise programme for the Caribbean OCTs, and is also one of the programme’s identified beneficiaries.

The BVI engaged the ACP Secretariat to discuss trade and programming opportunities for the OCTs with ACP countries via the European Union.

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Encourage the Commonwealth Secretariat and the chairs of Action principally for UKG. Commonwealth fora to invite the Territories directly to participate in relevant meetings and programmes, particularly the Commonwealth BVI attended the Commonwealth’s Third Global Biennial Conference on Small States, held in St. Lucia from 26-27 March, 2014. The meeting was small states meetings.

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Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions held under the theme Building Resilience in Small States.

The BVI and CFTC (Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation) launched a technical assistance programme in late 2013 on economic planning and institutional governance.

Green Energy and Environment Commitment 15

Progress

Increase the use of renewable energy sources, including enabling production and removing barriers to use.

The Ministries of Natural Resources and Labour and Communications and Works are actively scoping sites where solar technologies may be deployed and generating capacity using alternative sources may be increased. The collaboration will be aimed at removing barriers to use through the creation of an enabling environment in the public sector for the use of renewable energy.

To date the Territory has introduced a pilot programme which has seen the installation of 160 LED and 27 solar street lights. The overall plan is to introduce over 5000 street lights which be a combination of both LED and Solar across the Territory. This programme will see the removal of all candescent street lights, with a projected energy savings of 33% on the street lighting throughout the Territory.

Draft legislation is currently being reviewed by the Attorney General’s Chambers. Once adopted the legislation would allow private individuals and or companies to generate electricity using the grid tie system.

Through public private sector collaboration, the use of plastic bags has been greatly reduced. Over US$20,000 from the residual sale of plastic bags (by customers who still use plastic bags) has been donated to local environment clus and organisations.

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Establishing workshops in order to assist Territory Governments in capacitybuilding, technical assistance and renewable energy financing

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Action principally for UKG BVI attended UK-Caribbean Forum where topic was discussed in wider

Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions Caribbean context.

BVI participated in the Creating Climate Wealth Summit hosted by the Cabon War Room in BVI 4-6 February, 2014 17

Promote the development of, and investment in, sustainable fishing The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour are clarifying the legal status industries, particularly in Territories where potential resources are under- of the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) and EFZ (Exclusive Fisheries Zone) utilised or illegally exploited. available to the Territory in order to fully harness the opportunities that may be gained from the utilization and rationalization of the Fisheries Waters of the Virgin Islands. It anticipates further action to legally ensure the legislation of the Territory’s EEZ. BVI Government has invested in the further development of the Fisheries Market which provides an outlet for the sale of local catch. Recent improvements to the facility allowed for the storage capacity to be tripled.

Additionally, 4 vacuum seal machines have been installed to allow for the extension of the shelf life of catch. Payment procedures for Fishermen have been amended to allow for the acceleration of payment turn arounds for fish and local catch delivered to the Fisheries complex for sale.

Work has also been done to enhance the esthetics of the facility to better serve the public.

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Publish road maps by end of May 2014 setting out plans to implement our environmental commitments and demonstrate our contribution to the UKOT Biodiversity Strategy.

The BVI continues to pursue an environmental road map under its System Plan for Protected Areas for the Virgin Islands which sets out mitigation and conservation activities for the restoration, protection and preservation of the environment. The Systems Plan for Protected Areas for the Virgin Islands falls in line with the UKOT Biodiversity Strategy.

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Ensure the continuation of relevant funding programmes for Overseas Territories environment, conservation, biodiversity and climate-related projects.

Action principally for UKG

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Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions

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Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions International Financial Services Regulation

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Commitment Explain the contribution of well-regulated international financial centres to the global economy.

Progress Well regulated financial centers contribute to efficient global commerce by allowing the efficient and transparent movement of capital across borders. Adequate regulation also ensures that criminal activity is minimized, promoting the rule of law and legitimate international business. The British Virgin Islands believes that our continued well designed regulatory architecture will, continue to facilitate a global business friendly environment globally that is also hostile to nefarious activity. These are among the messages that the BVI has been promulgating through its marketing and public relations channels.

BVI has other information mediums e.g. international financial services, newsletter and website.

Promote the application of high regulatory standards to deliver conditions in which legitimate financial services business can flourish.

The BVI’s active involvement in the bodies such as the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Global Forum for the Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (GF) and other multinational regulatory bodies in the banking, securities and insurance space (such as IOSCO and IAS) demonstrates our continued involvement in the development and application of regulatory standards across the entire British Virgin Islands financial services sector and elsewhere. We will continue to be actively engaged with these bodies and others to ensure that we do our part to promote the rule of law and transparency across the global landscape.

In preparation for its 2017 CFATF Mutual Evaluation the BVI has initiated the process of identifying, assessing and understanding its ML/TF risk as required by the FATF Revised Recommendations. This process is being implemented through the conduct of a National Risk Assessment (NRA) which is a national exercise that encompasses the assessment of a wide cross-section of the Territory’s key business sectors’ policies and 10

Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions procedures as they relate to ML/TF. The process entails the completion of pre-assessment questionnaires by entities in the various business sectors as well as on-site visits by trained assessors to these entities to gather and verify information provided. The result of this exercise will be the Virgin Islands’ first National Risk Assessment report.

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Discuss evolving standards in the provision of financial services and The British Virgin Islands has kept pace with the evolving standards of actively engaging with international standard setting bodies. the OECDs model Information Exchange Conventions and specifically the evolution of the interpretation and implementation of Article 26.

The BVI is part of the group of early adopters who have committed to the application of the Common Reporting Standard by the year 2016.

The BVI is an active member of the Global Forum and regularly engages with all the members on its deliberations.

See also paragraph at section 21.

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Challenge other jurisdictions to match our commitments to transparency Action principally for UKG and tax information exchange.

The BVI has engaged with other Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies to have a consistent approach to transparency and consistent exchange.

The BVI has also challenged publically for there to be a level playing field, for exchange of tax information.

The BVI is a part of the OECD Early Adopters Group on the automatic exchange of information. The Group has invited other countries to join the initiative.

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Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions

Governance 24

Commitment Engage in peer review processes to improve regulation and get rid of redtape, and further strengthen procurement, public financial management frameworks and codes of conduct and integrity.

Progress BVI commissioned the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to review the territory’s procurement procedures and management of contracts, and provide recommendations on how they can be improved to meet international standards of best practice and achieve best value for money. The report of this review is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

BVI has undertaken several activities to strengthen its public financial management frameworks, which include:

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developed a national development strategy (SEED) which outlines the Social, Economic, Environment and Direction/Governance priorities of the Government. These are linked to the Capital Investment Programme, medium term fiscal objectives and budget.

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developed annually a medium term fiscal plan (MTFP) which supports the Government's move toward medium-term planning, transparency and accountability in managing its fiscal affairs and assists in promoting effective and efficient allocation of resources. BVI’s first MTFP (2014-2016) was approved by the UK and we are now in the process of finalising the 2015-2017 MTFP.

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creation of A multi-year performance based budget, to complement the MTFP. This better links the policy objectives stemming from the MTFP and SEED.

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creation of a A fully integrated performance budget for the Ministry of Education with similar performance budgets for the other

Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions Ministries to follow in 2015.

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Created a medium term debt strategy (2015-2017) which provides the necessary guidance for future borrowing decisions in line with the fiscal path outlined in the MTFP and the borrowing limits set out in the Protocols for Effective Financial Management

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adopted a new chart of accounts in 2013 which ensures more transparency in Government expenditure and enables better planning and allocation of resources.

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Revision of the Public Finance Management Act and Regulations to promote greater transparency when it comes to the fiscal affairs of Government. These will cement the changes that have been made thus far to the public financial management framework

The Public Service Management Bill will be introduced in 2015 to provide for the regulation of the public service of the Government of the Virgin Islands, along with its administration and management. The Bill provides the legal framework which will govern the conduct of public officers and the overall expectations and responsibilities of working in the public service.

Action principally for UKG

Increase secondments between the Territories and the UK where appropriate including through reviewing the effectiveness of the UK Government’s Jubilee Programme.

The following is a list of secondments and training conducted through the UK Government’s Jubilee Programme which is functioning well. There are no other secondments that took place between the Territory and the UK outside of those listed below and facilitated through the Jubilee Programme.

Financial Year 2013-2014 1. Criminal Prosecution Services (UK): secondment to Office of the Director of Public Prosecution - Short term attachment by Criminal 13

Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions Justice Adviser, Crown Prosecution Service to help support the Office of the DPP. 2. Ministry of Health and Social Development: Contribution towards the National Action Plan for Children - Fifty Percent 50% consultancy costs for the development of a National Action Plan for Children to ensure that the needs of children are addressed in policy making across all sectors of Government, and that the activities of Government, the NGO sector, business and the wider community reflect and ensure these needs are met.

3. Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour: Environmental Officer attachment BVI London House 4. Deputy Governor’s Office : Contribution to DODs training (Public Sector Reform) - Contribution towards training costs of Senior Public Officers in Policy Formulation and Good Governance.

5. BVI Health Services Authority: Fees for Senior Technical Advisory Services - Contribution of 1 month fee for Senior Technical Advisor 6. Auditor General’s Office(BVI): Travel costs for 2 to attend the Auditors’ Conference in the UK Financial Year 2014-2015 1. Ministry of Health and Social Development: Review of Youth Justice issues in BVI - Fifty (50%) consultancy fees for diversion, sentencing and detention options for children charged with, or convicted of, serious offences.

2. Civil Registry and Passport Office: UK Fraud Detection/Forgery Training - Travel costs to BVI for Home Office Immigration Liaison 14

Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions Officer to improve travel document security throughout the region; enhancing handling and issuance procedures; detecting forged documents; prevent the circulation and use of fraudulent travel documents; minimize criminal activities.

3. Ministry of Health and Social Development: Trainer fees for Mini Behavioural Institute "Slipping Through the Cracks" - Trainer fees to enhance the counselling skills and service delivery capacity of social workers, addiction, mental health, and guidance counsellors involved in treating chemically dependent clients.

4. Her Majesty’s Prison: Prison Officer initial training (not yet started) Trainer costs to train new prison staff in the role of officer to UK standard and to allow existing staff the opportunity to receive directed training in critical areas.

5. Fire Department: Practical Fire Investigation course, (not yet started)Travel and course fees for Fire Officer to Fire Service College in UK to obtain competence to ascertain causes, effects and extent of fire damage.

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Extend to the Territories international treaties on tackling corruption, bribery and the financing of terrorism and of organised crime (the UN Convention Against Corruption; the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention; the UN Convention on Suppression of Financing of Terrorism; and the UN Convention on Transnational Organised Crime).

The international treaties on tackling corruption have all been extended to the BVI as follows: UN Convention Against Corruption (extended 2006) OECD Anti-Bribery Convention (extended 2013) UN Convention on Suppression of Financing of Terrorism (extended 2012) UNTOC – United Nations Convention on Transnational Organised Crime (aka Palermo- extended 2012) OECD Mutual Convention on Assistance in Tax Matters (extended 2013)

Fulfill our commitment to extension of the core human rights The Core Human Rights Conventions have been extended to the BVI as conventions1 where these have not been extended already. follows: 15

Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights – by extension 20.5.1976

Footnote1: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination; the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment; the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women.

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The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – by extension 20.5.1976 The International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination – by extension 7.3.1969 The Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment – by ratification 8.12.1988

Strengthen the work of audit bodies and public accounts committees or Four Public Officers, two from the BVI Auditor General’s Office, and two their equivalents, with the support of the UK National Audit Office. from the BVI Government’s Internal Audit Department attended the Auditor’s Conference in the UK from 26th January -8th February, 2014.

The conference was organised by the UK National Audit Office (NAO) in an attempt to assist with strengthening the work of the audit bodies in the Territory.

One Member of the House of Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee attended the 3rd Westminster Workshop: The Public Accounts Committee in the UK from 23rd to 28th June, 2013.

The conference was organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK and the UK Houses of Parliament to assist Members with understanding the depth, purpose, structure and practical functioning of the Public Accounts Committee, relations with the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) and the challenges with small legislatures.

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Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions

Security

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Commitment Progress Enhance support provided by the UK Association of Chief Police Action principally for UKG Officers, UK College of Policing and the newly formed National Crime Agency.

The BVI has signed an MOU with the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) which has provided welcome assistance in investigating organised crime and building capacity and capability within the RVIPF.

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Enhance support for judicial and prosecution services, building upon Action principally for UKG the relationships already established with the Ministry of Justice and UK Crown Prosecution Service.

The RVIPF is currently working with the Association of Criminal Records Office (UK) to develop legislation allowing the exchange of criminal records of UK citizens between Overseas Territories and the UK.

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Implement disaster risk reduction initiatives; robust and effective disaster preparation and response planning, including exercising and engagement with regional and international disaster response agencies.

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The BVI has prepared the third 5-year VI Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy and Programming Framework which seeks to build the territory’s resilience by fully institutionalising and integrating comprehensive disaster management, climate change adaptation, alternative energy/energy conservation options and gender considerations within Government, the private sector and communities.

Specific activities included:  Development of Vulnerability and Disaster Risk Profiles for the three main sister islands and establishing zonal disaster management teams to lead on community based disaster risk reduction initiatives

Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions 

Conduct of several simulations including the national LANTEX/CARIBWAVE exercise which tested the territory’s level of preparedness for an earthquake or tsunami impact  Development of Tsunami inundation maps and evacuation maps as well as posted evacuation signage throughout the territory. This along with the work previously done allowed the Territory to become the second country outside the United States to receive the US National Weather Service Tsunami Ready certification  Formalization of an agreement with the Italian CIMA Research Foundation to promote continued collaboration in DRR and recovery from environmental, natural and technological hazards, particularly within the context of climate change  Drafted disaster legislation and accompanying regulations which seeks to strengthen private sector response by developing loss reduction strategies that focus on vital economic activities and critical facilities;  Worked in close collaboration with regional partners to access critical training in Safer & Greener Building, Land Search and Rescue, Business Continuity Management & Mass Casualty Management Increased the awareness of general public through a sustained, resiliencebuilding training and the dissemination of target hazard information.

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Take advantage of the expertise of the UK Ministry of Justice, National Offender Management Service and HM Prison Service to progress alternatives to custody, prison reform, restorative justice and protection of vulnerable witnesses.

The Territory successfully piloted Electronic Tagging in 2012, subsequently developing an approach that encompassed the opportunities presented by the new Police Control Room and the Territory –wide public safety camera system.

The RVIPF is developing a Victim Support Strategy which fits within the Community Safety Strategy (CSS), especially as it concerns matters of Domestic Violence. The CSS calls for a domestic violence Support Group consisting of members of the Social Development Department (SDD), the Probation Service and the Office of Gender Affairs with input from the 18

Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions Family and Juvenile Group and other stakeholders.

Vulnerable Victims are being targeted by Police and stakeholders within the Criminal Justice system to provide support and dignity when giving evidence. The RVIPF Victim Support strategy is providing impetus for training of Officers and for structures to ensure the rights of victims are considered. With the increase in reports of Domestic Violence in the Territory, efforts are being made to engage with SDD, to provide a ‘joined up’ response, especially to repeat victims.

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Put in place robust and reliable extradition arrangements, including The BVI is committed to collaborating with other Law enforcement through extension of the 2003 Extradition Act; agencies on matters of security and law enforcement. The 2003 Extradition Act has not yet been extended to the Territory. We look forward to having this Act extended at the earliest opportunity.

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Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions

Health [carried over from 2012 Communiqué]

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Commitment Improve treatment and care for people suffering from chronic noncommunicable diseases:  improve the sharing of information on UK health strategies and practices to the Territories;  share expertise on the audit and review of healthcare standards;  improve treatment of the mentally ill, building on work carried out by the Royal College of Psychiatry.

Progress Action principally for UKG

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Use telemedicine and other distance support arrangements where Action principally for UKG this can improve healthcare in the Territories

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Address gaps identified by situation analysis of International Health Action principally for UKG Regulation compliance The BVI responded on 18th October, 2013 to a questionnaire circulated to UK OTs from the Department of Health (DH) in England on procurement of vaccines and medicines, which sort to provide an overview of the situation in the Territories and indicate what assistance would be required.

On Wednesday 2nd April, 2014 the issue was further discussed during a teleconference with officials from the Department of Health; at which time it was agreed that UKOTs would provide further specific information on our needs in respect of current procurement arrangements.

On 15th April, 2014 the DH provided a link for registration to access updates on vaccines and other health matters from Public Health England.

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Joint Ministerial Council 2013 - Progress on Implementation of Agreed Actions 37

Improve representation of the Territories and linkages with the Action principally for UKG work of global and regional health bodies The BVI participates in a regional medicines procurement programme – the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Pharmaceutical Procurement Service (OECS/PPS) – for the bulk procurement of medicines.

Vaccines are procured through the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Revolving Fund for vaccinations of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation.

These arrangements have worked reasonably well to provide easy and timely access to quality and efficacious medicines and vaccines, resulting in significant cost savings. The Territory’s more immediate need is in the area of institutional strengthening, for example through attachments to the National Health Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and European Medicines Agency (EMA); as well as access to documentation on existing standards and protocols in these areas.

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Review health care support for the people of the Territories Action principally for UKG including the NHS quota arrangement, assistance for the costeffective procurement of medicines and professional training.

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