European Development Funds, Innovation, Small and Medium Enterprises Some of the Items Discussed
BRUSSELS, Belgium:--- On December 2nd 2013, Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams met with Leaders of the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories Council (COCTC) in Brussels, Belgium at their 2nd Extra Ordinary Meeting. Points addressed during the meeting were: proposal on the principles of operation of the Council, the new EU Overseas Association Decision that will go into effect January 1st, 2014, regional projects under the 11th EDF, Territorial Strategies for Innovation Project and status update on the Small and Medium Enterprise regional program under the 10th EDF.
The Council elected for the period of 2013-2014 a new executive body consisting of: Chief Minister of Montserrat, Reuben Meade serving as Chairman and Prime Minister of Curacao serving as Vice Chair.
The Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories Council (COCTC) was established on April 27th, 2012 based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the all Caribbean OCTs during the first meeting held in Curacao. The MOU sets the basis for regional cooperation between Council members. The Executive body for the period of 2012 -2013 consisted of Curacao as Chair and Cayman Islands as Vice Chair.
From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister
