Premier In UK For Overseas Territories Meetings
Premier David Burt, as well as other local officials, are in London this week participating in the annual Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council [OT JMC] Meetings.
A Government spokesperson said “This yearly meeting hosted by the UK Government, brings together Leaders of the Overseas Territories. The Joint Ministerial Council is the highest political forum between the UK Government and elected Governments of the UK OTs, under the chairmanship of the Hon. Stephen Doughty MP, Minister for the Overseas Territories. It’s the first JMC under a Labour Government and will focus on ‘transforming the relationship’ for the cooperation of shared interests.
“While the key focus of the Premier’s visit will be the JMC Meetings, there are also other engagements planned, specifically focusing on the financial services and the banking sector.
“As such, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Premier Burt is leading a delegation that includes the Minister of Economy and Labour, Jason Hayward, Financial Secretary Chodzie Ofoego and CEO of the Bermuda Monetary Authority [BMA] Craig Swan. Vice Chair of the Financial Policy Council Sir Andrew Large and Financial Policy Council member Stephen Catlin will also be part of the financial meetings.
“It should be noted that Minister Hayward will also attend the BDA Wealth Forum while in the UK, and the Premier and Financial Secretary will meet with key leadership members of the Bank of England and Lloyds, respectively.
“This week’s jam-packed series of engagements also includes:
- “A Bilateral Meeting with the Hon. Stephen Doughty MP, Minister for the Overseas Territories.
- “A Bilateral Meeting with UKOTA Council.
- “A Meeting with the Rt. Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle – Speaker of the House of Commons.
- “Leaders of the British Overseas Territories Dinner, hosted by Minister Stephen Doughty, MP.
- “A Meeting with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Tulip Siddiq MP.
- “An event Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of UKOTA.
- “The Bermuda Society Annual Dinner, with Premier David Burt as the honoured guest; and
- “The London Office Dinner for Students and Recent Graduates. This event will also highlight the 15th Anniversary of the Government of Bermuda’s London Office.
Today the Premier said, “The UK Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council will once again bring together the OT leaders to discuss critical matters of interest to our respective countries. These are important opportunities for each of our islands. Economic, social, health, financial, immigration and climate and environmental matters will be part of our conversations this week.
“I will also be engaging in significant meetings focusing on banking and financial services while in London. And on Wednesday, I very much look forward to meeting and engaging with close to 70 young Bermudians at the London Office Reception. This is always a highlight for me each year. And I’m eager to update them on the progress being made by their Government back home and to hear their views and feedback on how they can make a contribution to making Bermuda fairer for all.”
A Government spokesperson added, “The Premier and Minister Hayward are supported on this trip by the Cabinet Secretary Marc Telemaque, Ministry of Economy and Labour Permanent Secretary Aideen Ratteray Pryse, Kimberley Durrant, UK Representative and Director of Bermuda’s London Office, and Brandon Sousa also from the London Office.
“It should be noted that Her Excellency the Governor, Reña Lalgie will also attend some of the OT meetings in London. Premier Burt returns to Bermuda on Friday, November 22.”
