Jeevan A. Robinson
Friday, July 31, 2015
A joint statement has been released from the leaders of the British Overseas Territories (BoT) that met in Bermuda for a Pre-Joint Ministerial Council two-day meeting last week.
The meeting was convened to discuss key issues prior to the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) to be held during December, 2015, in London.
In attendance were representatives from the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Turks & Caicos, Montserrat, and host country Bermuda.
The JMC's purpose is to "implement the principles put forward in the 2012 White Paper on Security, Success and Sustainability and also to agree at the ministerial level on collective issues between Overseas Territories governments and the UK government."
According to the joint statement released by the JMC, a number of topics were covered to include economic diversification, strengthening families, good governance, meeting global standards of financial accountability, and environmental sustainability.
Further measures on the table include:
• seeking innovative solutions, in partnership with the UK and developing robust and effective infrastructure across all of the OTs;
• developing innovative healthcare and social services in the territories, including mental health services and the creation of an OT sports council;
• reiterating the UK’s constitutional responsibility for defending OTs in international forums among key stakeholders where they have committed to meeting international standards;
• continuing the fight against financial crime and continue to be responsible international financial centers that facilitate global trade and investment in line with the emerging global consensus.
The statement concluded with an affirmation of the Leaders' commitment and respect for the principles outlined in their respective constitutions, with a promise to uphold their obligations to the voters and the people they serve.
