St Helena : Councillor Mervyn Yon returns form EU-OCT Forum
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 16.04.2011 (Article Archived on 30.04.2011)
Returning on 3rd April 2011 was Councillor Mervyn Yon. Councillor Yon returns to the Island after having attended the European Union’s Overseas Countries and Territories Forum (EU-OCT) in New Caledonia.
Councillor Mervyn Yon returns form EU-OCT Forum
Returning on 3rd April 2011 was Councillor Mervyn Yon. Councillor Yon returns to the Island after having attended the European Union’s Overseas Countries and Territories Forum (EU-OCT) in New Caledonia.
The EU-OCT was a five day forum where representatives from nineteen Overseas Countries and Territories were able to share ideas on common matters and also listen to individual presentations.
Councillor Yon represented the Island along with SHG UK Representative, Kedell Worboys MBE, the Acting President of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OTCA).
Because of delays in travel Councillor Yon was only able to attend the afternoon session of the opening day. This included the Ministerial Conference and the report of the OCTA activities. Of specific importance was the Signing of the Joint Position Paper (JPP) which Councillor Yon signed on behalf of St Helena.
The JPP reflects the general view of the Overseas Countries and Territories on their relationship with the European Union and how they want to move forward. Councillor Yon made a presentation on the Paper whereby he expressed the appreciation of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha for the aid from the European Development Fund that was awarded under EDF9.He went on to comment that because of the isolation of the islands, this economic support is vital for moving towards self sufficiency. Councillor Yon spoke specifically of the need for safer landing facilities and put forward his case for this.
The main topics discussed at the forum were the programming for European Development Funds EDF9 and 10, the environment and renewable energy, a short session on public health, information sessions on territorial strategies for innovation and the evaluation of the EU-OCT Cooperation over the past 10 years. Meetings were also held to discuss strategic issues relating to individual territories.
Overall all representatives contributed to discussions and Councillor Yon was able to comment on how St Helena is working towards renewable energy with the use of solar powered lighting and wind turbines.
As head of delegation for St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Councillor Yon also spoke on behalf of Tristan da Cunha concerning funding for their electricity.
Councillor Yon found the Forum to be very informative and was able to network and bounce ideas off the other delegates.
He said:
“Interacting with the other representatives is very important as it gives everyone a chance to share ideas on common interests.”
Now back on St Helena Councillor Yon will report to Legislative Council on all that took place at the forum and his contributions on behalf of St Helena.
Public Relations/Information Office
The Secretariat
14 April 2011
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