Premier Meets With UK Minister

November 23, 2011

Bermuda Premier Paula Cox met privately with British Foreign Office Minister Henry Bellingham in London yesterday [Nov. 22] just prior to the convening of the Overseas Territories Consultative Council to discuss the UK’s future strategy towards its 14 remaining dependencies.

Hosted by Foreign Office Minister for the Overseas Territories Mr. Bellingham, the annual meeting brings together Premiers, Chief Ministers and elected representatives from across Britain’s Overseas Territories.

Discussions will focus on the UK’s proposed 2012 White Paper on the Overseas Territories .

There will be also be sessions on subjects including aviation safety, good governance, criminal justice, economic development, and environment and climate change.

The Council is being attended by British Ministers from the Departments for International Development; Transport; Environment; Energy and Climate Change; the Treasury; Home Office; Ministry of Defence; Culture, Media and Sport; and Business, Innovation and Skills.

The Premier With UK Foreign Office Minister Henry Bellingham

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr. Bellingham said: “I am delighted to welcome elected leaders from the Overseas Territories to this year’s meeting in London.

“Much has happened since Territory leaders gathered here 12 months ago and I am delighted that the UK government has developed and agreed a clear strategy towards the Territories focused on increasing our engagement with them; working together to strengthen good governance arrangements, public financial management and economic planning, where necessary; and developing external support for the Territories.

“A strong demonstration of our increased support for the Territories was provided by this Government’s decision to build a new airport on St Helena. I will be joined at the meeting this year by several colleagues from across the Government. This is a sign of the strengthening engagement of the whole of the UK government with the Overseas Territories.

“I look forward to discussing with Territory leaders their ideas for the development of our partnership which will help us develop our thinking for the White Paper on the Overseas Territories that we intend to publish next year.”

In addition to the Council meeting, leaders and elected representatives will meet Foreign Secretary William Hague; attend a reception hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association as well as having bilateral meetings with Mr Bellingham.

The United Kingdom’s 14 Overseas Territories, spread across the globe, are diverse communities. They range from Bermuda to the island of Pitcairn with its 47 inhabitants, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The total population of the territories is around 239,000.

The Consultative Council, held annually since 1999, is a forum for discussion of key policy issues between British Ministers and Heads of Overseas Territories’ Governments.

The Council meets once a year in London.

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Comments (16)

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  1. Cancer says:

    I’m sure shes thanking him for that “fake” good report he gave bermy when he was here!

    • Yup says:

      Can’t see the issue. All I know teachers are being laid off. Home schools and social programs designed to help our at-risk youth are being abandoned by govt. Cannot understand the drop-dead importance of socialising with rich Englishmen who honestly have no meaning. PLP is soooo out of touch!!!! Worse than UBP ever was.

  2. The Batman says:

    Maybe she’ll pick up some good leadership skills while she’s there, cause she definitely needs it.

  3. LOL (original) says:

    This story should not have warrented any of the above comments OBA supporters (or PLP non supporter) pick your battles wisely as the PLP bloggers wait for this type of oppertunity to use your “in the heat of the moment” comments and try to project your thinking on the rest of the supporters as it is easy to paint you as haters. I know what you are just venting fustration at things this Government has done and the PLP supporters and MP’s have said and done but the first rule of Sun Tzu’s “Art of War” is to make your oppentent agitated and over extend them selves leaving this opening you are creating.

    LOL

    • Hmmmmm says:

      I feel you, but these facists can only be who they are. Their conversion is fake.

    • The Batman says:

      That is not the first rule of Sun Tzu’s “Art of War” at all. The first rule is to “Win Whole.” To succeed with your resources and objective intact. During my years of study into how to combat crime, I read Sun Tzu’s “Art of War” numerous times.

      Next time check your sources before posting incorrect information.

      p.s.-Keep on drinking that PLP kool-aid. The PLP and their supporters are more crazy than The Joker. And I would know.

      • The Batman says:

        “All warfare is based on deception. Hence when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when we are far away, we must make him believe we are near. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.”

        All principles I use when I take on thugs at night. Now shut up before you catch a batarang to the jugular

      • LOL (original) says:

        You must be referring to the PLP supporter who is trying to steal my call name on other threads I’m the (Original) LOL.

        LOL must be the Joker in disguise lololol

  4. Cancer says:

    Ya… Were just very frustrated. Wish she would call an election. Can’t wait… As another cruise ship cuts back!

    • Street Business says:

      You don’t know wth your talking about..You’ve been dismissed!

  5. confused says:

    the blind leading the blind leading the misinformed

  6. Bulla Bulla says:

    Spending more money we don’t have! Smart….

  7. Watching! says:

    For a party that “hates” the Monarchy they sure spend a lot of time in London, especially when it is for attending royal parties or accepting some award like Dame or Sir…maybe she is talking about independence and wants to learn how to rule her subjects a bit better.

  8. Down 'n' Dirty says:

    She was last seen in Selfridges at the hat rack ..

  9. Hamilton Parish says:

    no bie she went petticoat lane first to buy material for them outfits, then to selfridges
    and harrods for hats