Premier Wayne Panton has emphasised the importance of cooperation among British overseas territories in the face of a range of challenges from climate-change impacts to issues affecting financial services.
Panton, through a statement following a 29 July meeting with his counterparts from the United Kingdom Overseas Territories in the Caribbean, said, the respective territories find “themselves at a critical juncture” which is why continued discussions among leaders is needed.
“While we welcome the increased levels of engagement and interest in the Overseas Territories that is now emanating from the UK, it is important that we come together as a regional group to share our observations and experiences,” Panton said a 10 Aug. statement, as he called the Cayman Islands government-sponsored meeting “successful”.
He said it only reaffirmed “the strong spirit of friendship and partnership” between the Caribbean overseas territories, “but reminded us of our similar priorities and challenges due to our geographical and cultural ties. It is therefore critical to exchange ideas and agree joint positions on solutions wherever possible.”
The recent high-level meeting, a government statement said, was to frankly discuss a range of issues affecting the various territories and ways to address them.
“It remains a priority of my Government to strengthen partnerships and increase collaboration with our regional counterparts as together we are stronger. Therefore, it is important that the Cayman Islands continues to play its role in facilitating strong and mutually beneficial relationships with our regional neighbours,” Panton added.
The meeting, the statement said, was attended by premiers, deputy premier, ministers and senior government officials from Anguilla, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, British Virgin Islands and Montserrat.
The agenda covered a wide range of topics of interest to the territories, the statement said, including improved engagement and information sharing between Caribbean overseas territories, beneficial ownership, representation at international forums and the United Kingdom’s relationship with its overseas territories.
“Opportunities were explored to foster greater awareness among the territories of the shared historical and heritage links especially through youth, sports and cultural exchanges. The meeting was also used to prepare for the next Joint Ministerial Conference in November 2023, as well as to discuss Overseas Territories participation in the upcoming United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) and other similar forums,” the government statement added.
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