THE MEMORANDUM OF CO-OPERATION AND PARTNERSHIP (MCaP)
The rule of the United Kingdom Governments (UKG) has been part of the life of British Virgin Islanders (BVI) for the past four hundred years. But the modern day relationship between both governments became more formalized with the Constitution Order 1977 and the introduction of the ministerial System in 1967. The UKG has been a committed partner in the socio-economic development of the BVI especially in the Decades of the 1970’s and 1980’s when we witnessed the expansion of tourism activities and the diversification into financial services.
The UKG contributed significantly to the development of the Rule of Law and our existence as a law and order society. As well, substantial contributions were made in the development of our health, education and welfare management systems. However, the provision of current or budgetary aid to the
British Virgin Islands Government
(BVIG) was discontinued in 1978 and regular capital grants were subsequently terminated in 1990. The BVI still continues as an overseas territory of the United Kingdom (UK) with Her Majesty, the Queen vested with the Executive Authority. The MCaP seeks to define the new relationship between both countries. The document, which was signed on 8th September 1998, spells out the obligations of the BVIG and the commitments of the UKG.
The document was produced during the development of the National Integrated Development Strategy (NIDS) by a UKG sponsored consultant. The form and contents of the agreement reflects the positions of the UKG, the BVIG development strategy, the Business Plan of Ministries and the views of the wide range of private and corporate citizens. The main document of the agreement also contains
a matrix of programmes and projects over the period 1998-2000.
Any agreement of this magnitude will have to be monitored and reported on to ensure that promises and commitments of the governments are fulfilled. The Development Planning Unit has been charged with the responsibility of
preparing monitoring reports in accordance with the agreement.
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