Britain declares commitment to Samoa post-Brexit

By Derek Davies 13 April 2017, 12:00AM

The United Kingdom remains committed to support Samoa .

This is the message from Jonathan Sinclair, British High Commissioner to Samoa, who yesterday declared Britain’s commitment by announcing that the U.K. will be investing GBP 60,000  (T$190,000) to support Social Enterprise projects in the Pacific. 

Mr. Sinclair concluded his visit to Samoa yesterday after a busy week meeting with several key ministers, in an effort to reaffirm the U.K.’s commitment to their allies after their decision to leave the European Union (Brexit).

Mr. Sinclair had met with the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, as well as the Ministers for Health; Justice; Education, Sports, and Culture; and various other special interest groups. 

The primary goal of his visit was about making reassurances, and reaffirming commitments made by the United Kingdom to their allies. 

During a press conference yesterday, Mr. Sinclair assures that his government will be sticking to all of their development and trade commitments made before Brexit. 

“Our government does not take that [Brexit] as an opportunity to withdraw from the world, on the contrary, U.K. will double-down, and look to strengthen its old relationships,” he said.

“The United Kingdom is committed to strengthening further its relationship with Samoa and the Pacific region.” 

Mr. Sinclair touched on many other issues such as Climate, Health, and Education. 

He even shared his interest in Rugby, and light-heartedly remarked on his support for Wales in their upcoming test against Samoa in June.

However, top of the agenda yesterday for Mr. Sinclair was Britain’s commitment to Samoa and the Pacific region in the form of a Social Enterprise investment.

“I’m delighted to announce that the U.K. will be investing GBP 60,000 to support Social Enterprise projects in the Pacific,” he said.

The project focuses primarily on social entrepreneurs and youth leadership. 

In a press release, the British High Commissioner to Fiji, Melanie Hopkins, also praised the idea.

“Many Small Island Developing States have proportionally high youth population competing for highly competitive job markets,” Ms. Hopkins said.

“[This project] will enable the next generation of entrepreneurs and young leaders to harness their many natural talents in creative and innovative ways. To create business models which generate income for themselves and their communities, and drive youth leadership in society”

The first gathering of Britain’s new initiative, the Social Enterprise World Forum 2017, is due to commence in Christchurch, New Zealand on the 27-29 of September and urges anyone seeking more information to contact the British Council website or www.sewf2017.org for details.

By Derek Davies 13 April 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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