Premier Burt Meets With UK Minister For OTs
Premier David Burt participated in a joint meeting with the United Kingdom’s Minister for Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty and leaders of other UK OTs.
A Government spokesperson said, “This meeting was significant as it was the first meeting between OT leaders and Minister Doughty since he was appointed as minister under the new UK Labour Government.
“OT leaders, as members of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association [UKOTA], jointly requested the meeting to discuss relevant issues and strengthen the partnership with the UK Government.
“Minister Doughty opened the meeting by outlining the core principles that he aims to establish in the UK/OT relationship. These include respect for the rights of the OTs, the right to self-determination, belief in devolution and autonomy, and principles of partnership. He emphasised the need for open and frank conversations, ensuring that decisions affecting the OTs are made inclusively and transparently. The Minister addressed the ongoing strategy development initiated by the previous UK government but announced that the new Government would establish a more inclusive consultation plan which aims to better incorporate the diverse needs and perspectives of the OTs.
“Plans for the upcoming Joint Ministerial Council were also discussed. The public will recall that this is the annual meeting hosted by the UK government which usually takes place in November, bringing together leaders of the British Overseas Territories, which the Premier attends on behalf of the Government of Bermuda. Minister Doughty highlighted the importance of the JMC and assured that it would not conflict with COP29 with the dates for this year’s meeting set for with proposed dates of December 9-11, 2024. He also underscored the importance of enhancing OT representation at international forums such as COP29.
“The OT leaders collectively raised several critical issues, including the need for direct engagement with Minister Doughty, access to finance for climate resilience, and the development of a new white paper. They also stressed the importance of bilateral compacts to address the unique needs of each OT. Minister Doughty concluded the meeting by reiterating his commitment to prioritise the OTs in his portfolio. He assured that there would be dedicated time to address OT priorities and announced several immediate actions to address OT requests, including enhanced engagement around COP, improved public sector capacity through training and mentoring programs, and addressing visa process times with the Home Office.
Premier Burt said of the meeting, “This meeting marks a significant step forward in strengthening our partnership with the UK, especially following the recent change in Government. It was encouraging to hear directly from Minister Doughty about his commitment to respecting the rights of the Overseas Territories, ensuring our voices are heard, opening access to additional resources, and meeting with OT leaders individually to discuss the unique needs and issues that impact each territory. It was a pleasure working with Minister Doughty while he was in the Shadow Cabinet, and I look forward to continuing to develop a positive relationship with him and his Cabinet colleagues as they take office.
“The Government of Bermuda is committed to working productively and collaboratively with the Minister and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to ensure that the interests of the people of Bermuda are effectively represented and addressed.”
“OT leaders … requested the meeting to discuss relevant issues and strengthen the partnership with the UK Government.”
NO! We hate the colonial oppressors! We must not “discuss relevant issues and strengthen the partnership with the UK Government”!
WOW! Video conferencing! What a concept. Mr. Big did not have to charge taxpayers for first-class airfare, limo services, and a 5-star hotel. He must be disappointed.