Commonwealth of Learning, Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth, Third Course Development Boot Camp, Port of Spain, Trinidad, 4 June 2007, Bridging the Last Mile, Opening Remarks, Sir John Daniel // This is our first course development boot camp in the Caribbean and it is particularly appropriate that it is being held in Trinidad and Tobago. That is because the subject area that we are opening up at this event is Life Skills, an area in which Trinidad & Tobago has developed a special reputation for strong programmes. Through this event and what follows we hope that all the small states of the Commonwealth will be able to benefit from the expertise that is here. // My task this morning is fourfold. I shall explain why the Commonwealth in general, and COL in particular, works closely with small states; I shall give you some background on the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth; I shall explain why what you are doing here is unique; and I shall suggest some priorities for you when you return home to your countries.