U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS—Talks continue to advance on a Technical Cooperation Agreement between the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), marking an upgrade from their previous functional cooperation. This enhanced partnership will be formalized next through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which aims to bring substantial benefits to both the USVI and the wider Caribbean region.
This significant development stems from a July 15, 2024, meeting attended by USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr.; Teri Helenese, Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for the USVI; Elizabeth Solomon, CARICOM’s Assistant Secretary-General for Foreign and Community Relations, and her professional team.
Expressing optimism about the potential of enhanced relationships and regional cooperation to tackle common challenges, Governor Bryan said the USVI is uniquely positioned to be an integral part of the Caribbean community and welcomes the official status of Technical Cooperation.
“To that end, we look forward to the Memorandum of Understanding and working collaboratively and in solidarity within CARICOM,” he remarked.
The Governor emphasized the USVI’s commitment to several key development strategies in its enhanced partnership with CARICOM, noting that addressing the energy crisis is a top priority. The focus is on sustainable solutions, cost reduction, and building resilient infrastructure through collaboration.
Additionally, promoting a blue economy is crucial, aiming for the sustainable use of ocean resources to drive economic growth while preserving the ecosystem. Agriculture is another vital sector as the Territory seeks to enhance food security and agricultural trade by leveraging CARICOM’s expertise. This includes promoting sustainable farming practices and creating economic opportunities.
Expanding the tourism industry, especially in the medical, sports, and overnight stay sectors, will strengthen regional connections and enhance economic benefits. Investing in technology will spur innovation, upgrade digital infrastructure, and strengthen a knowledge-based economy. The USVI also plans to boost intraregional trade through direct air and sea links, citizen upskilling, and the development of e-commerce.
Leveraging the Regional Migration Policy to facilitate regional employment exchange and ensure job security, along with promoting education at the University of the Virgin Islands, are also key objectives. Lastly, implementing a labor management information system will efficiently track and allocate labor resources, thereby supporting resilient labor markets.
Ms. Helenese, who is spearheading the CARICOM initiative on behalf of the Governor, said that while associate membership with the intergovernmental organization is preferred, it presents challenges due to the USVI’s status as a U.S. territory, which requires specific authorizations from the White House.
However, she considers the cooperation model a critical stepping-stone to associate membership, mirroring the prevailing dynamic political environment. Associate Members such as Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands—all British Overseas Territories—have signaled their intention to advance to full membership within the regional bloc.
Highlighting the importance of regional dialogue and collaboration, Ms. Helenese, a native of St. Croix, stated that the CARICOM relationship would encompass various areas of mutual interest.
Acknowledging the USVI’s acute labor shortage within an expanding service industry, Ms. Helenese suggested that this challenge could be effectively addressed through cooperation, particularly by linking it to disaster recovery and the Visa Waiver Program. This approach would facilitate the employment of Caribbean nationals, thereby mitigating the current workforce crisis.
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