The U.S. Virgin Islands is tightening ties with the Caribbean region.
First, with its return to the 25-member Caribbean Tourism Organization and now, the Government of the USVI is pursuing a relationship with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Teri Helenese, the Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is leading efforts to solidify a functional cooperation relationship with the Georgetown, Guyana-based Caribbean grouping on behalf of Governor Albert Bryan Jr.
She explained that the areas of key interest to the U.S. Territory include working with CARICOM on:
- The development of a “blue economy”
- Investment in key economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism and technology
- Intraregional trade facilitation
- Climate change
- Regional employment opportunities
- Disaster recovery
- Initiatives to address crime, poverty, and emerging public health challenges
