2026 Overseas Territories Summit Concludes
The Government of Bermuda has successfully concluded the Overseas Territories Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service Annual Summit, hosted on behalf of the government by the Head of the Public Service, Cherie Whitter, last week from June 11 – 12, 2026.
A Government spokesperson said, “The two-day Summit brought together senior public sector leaders from Bermuda, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, providing a valuable forum for collaboration, peer learning, and strategic dialogue on shared public service priorities.
“Throughout the Summit, delegates engaged in robust and candid discussions on workforce shortages, talent acquisition and retention, public service reform, leadership development, and the integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into public administration.
“A key focus of the first day was a structured forum examining public service workforce challenges across the Overseas Territories, where each jurisdiction shared insights into recruitment pressures, the drivers of talent gaps, and practical strategies to strengthen workforce capacity and ensure continuity of critical services. The second day saw a series of high level meetings to further discuss and implement plans and strategies.”
Reflecting on the outcome of the Summit, Head of the Public Service, Ms. Whitter, underscored the importance of continued regional cooperation, saying, “The conclusion of this Summit marks an important step forward in strengthening collaboration across our Overseas Territories. During the two days, we engaged in meaningful, solution-focused discussions on the shared challenges facing our public services, and subject to the necessary approvals, expect to enter into an MOU to increase engagement in talent development activities including secondments and attachments.
“While each of our jurisdictions is distinct, the commonalities are clear. By working together, sharing experiences, and building on collective expertise, we are better equipped to modernise our public services, develop our people, and deliver for our Island homes. Bermuda is proud to have hosted this important gathering and to contribute to advancing this ongoing partnership.”
The spokesperson said, “The Summit also provided an opportunity to highlight Bermuda’s ongoing efforts to modernize job evaluation systems and grade structures, including lessons learned during the implementation phase in other jurisdictions.
“A special moment during the Summit was the acknowledgement of The Honourable Franz Manderson, MBE, JP, Deputy Governor of the Cayman Islands, who will retire on July 7, 2026, following distinguished service. Delegates recognised his significant contributions to public service leadership across the region. The presence of Deputy Governor Designate, Ms. Gloria McField-Nixon, marked a notable leadership transition for the Cayman Islands, as she prepares to officially assume the role on July 8, 2026.
“Attendees extended their best wishes to both leaders, recognising their contributions and the continued strength of public service leadership within the Overseas Territories. And last Friday as part the King’s Birthday Honours, Mr. Manderson was recognized with the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire [CBE], for his services to the Cayman Islands Civil Service and the wider community in the Cayman Islands.
“The Government of Bermuda reaffirms its commitment to ongoing collaboration with fellow Overseas Territories, recognising that shared challenges require shared solutions, and that strong, modern public services remain central to supporting the needs and expectations of citizens.”
