Premier Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal has announced that a major global conference will be hosted in the British Virgin Islands in 2012, bringing with it exposure for the territory through international marketing opportunities and media coverage, among other benefits.
The Islands of the World XII Conference of the International Small Islands Studies Association is slated for 29 May to 1 June at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. The Premier made the announcement during a press conference at the Central Administration Building, Road Town on Thursday 13 January.
The main objective of the conference will be to discuss how islands across the globe and, in particular the BVI and wider Caribbean, are adapting to changes associated with globalisation. The event will also empower the islands of the world to face pressing issues on the global stage, having participated in the international forum.
Held every two years, the conference in the BVI will be conducted under the theme, “Globalisation: Islands Adapting to Change.” A wide range of subject areas pertinent to the territory’s continued development will be addressed, including tourism, financial services, disaster management, agriculture and fisheries, climate change and conservation, and history and culture. Other topics will focus on health, social and economic development, entrepreneurship, Caribbean governance and business, alternative energy and sustainable development, education and literature, philanthropy, and information technology.
Premier O’Neal said the conference will not only provide the territory with an opportunity to collaborate with the College on nation-building activities, but it will also create greater awareness of the BVI’s products and services to the international community.
In light of recent global crises, Mr. O’Neal said the event will present the opportunity to learn about what is happening in other small island states and how they have responded to the challenges they are facing.
He noted that, with the conference scheduled to take place at a time considered to be the down-end of the tourism season, the BVI will benefit from having an influx of delegates, bringing increased revenue for the territory.
“The involvement of HLSCC will present research funding opportunities, exposure for researchers, and the potential for networking for all participants, including our local people,” added the Premier.
Participants are expected to include ISISA members, scholars and practitioners from across the Caribbean and beyond, officials from the Caribbean Community and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, ministers of government, hoteliers and small property owners, and students and faculty from educational institutions.
Chairman of the College’s Board of Governors Dr. Charles Wheatley and President Dr. Karl Dawson also spoke at the press conference, both highlighting how the event will help many BVIslanders to focus on the unique characteristics, needs and aspirations of small island communities. Chair of the Conference Steering Committee and Lecturer at HLSCC Dana Lewis Ambrose announced that a competition is being held to select an official logo for the event.
ISISA is a voluntary, non-profit and independent organisation. Its objectives are to study islands and to encourage free scholarly discussion on small island related matters, such as insularity, dependency, resource management, the environment, and the nature of island life.