UK Release Results Of Public Consultation
The need for a diversified economy and lack of sufficient infrastructure were the two most commonly cited challenges inhibiting economic development in the British Overseas Territories, according to a recent report.
Yesterday [Mar.13], the U.K. Foreign Office released the results of the public consultation surrounding the development of the U.K Government’s new strategy for the Overseas Territories. The consultation was launched on 27 September 2011 and concluded on 31 December 2011
They received 517 responses in total, with Bermuda accounting for 50. The Cayman Islands sent the most responses with 182, followed by the British Virgin Islands with 104, and the United Kingdom with 82.
Anguilla had 23, Saint Helena had 19, Gibraltar sent 14, Montserrat had 11, Falkland Islands had 10, Turks and Caicos sent 7, the ‘Rest of the world’ 7, while the Pitcairn Islands had 6 submissions.
Topics raised included the need for a diversified economy, lack of sufficient infrastructure, allegations against the governments, levels of debt, crime an more.
One Bermudian resident cited in the report speaking on crime said, “The Bermuda Government is not doing enough and I fear there is only more to come if drastic measures are not taken now. No proud Bermudian wants our home to become another Jamaica.”
Commenting on the consultation, Minister for the Overseas Territories Henry Bellingham said: “I am delighted by the wide-ranging and comprehensive responses we have received from Territory Governments and NGOs on our new strategy for the Overseas Territories.
“This consultation is an important part of our efforts to reinvigorate the UK’s relationship with the Territories and will help inform our detailed approach due to be set out in a White Paper soon.
“The results underline strong support for continuing close co-operation between the UK and the Territories on many areas, but also highlight some of the challenges that they are currently facing.”
The full report is below [PDF here] click ‘Fullscreen’ for greater clarity:
The U.K. Foreign Office released the results of the public consultation? Who was included in this public consultation? I’ve tried to find some reference online to this happening in Bermuda from 27 September 2011 to 31 December 2011 but have not. I’m sure there would be more than 50 responses if the general public new about this.