Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly has declared her government’s intention to join other overseas territories in signing a declaration of partnership with the United Kingdom.
The agreement, titled ‘A modern partnership for a stronger British family’, was presented to leaders and representatives of the OTs for their scrutiny this November.
It was the main focus of the latest Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council meeting which is held every year in London, England.
Speaking on Radio Cayman’s ‘For the Record’ show, on Friday, 1 Dec., in a joint interview with the premier, Governor Jane Owen described the document.
She said it is an agreement that will “reaffirm the responsibilities and the obligations that both sides feel that they own”.
“It will talk about the commitment that we both have to the values of democracy and freedom,” Owen told host Orrett Connor.
“In our very fractured and difficult world at the moment, that is a really, really important commitment.”
The declaration talks about the need for the UK and its overseas territories to work together across a range of areas like security, crisis, economy and environment, Owen said.
She stressed that the UK often learns from Cayman as well as Cayman learning from the UK, adding “it’s never a one-sided conversation”.
The governor said the agreement is the “start of a process” and an opportunity to highlight what is important in the partnership and check that it is working well for both sides.
‘We’re now family’
O’Connor-Connolly said that while there have been agreements in the past, the theme of the latest declaration is a testament to how far Cayman has come.
“We’re no longer called subjects, per se, but we’re now family. So it means that we’re [on] level playing ground in equal partnership,” she said.
“Partnership connotes the fact that there will be consultation… it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to be full acceptance, but that’s the art of negotiation,” she said.
“And we believe that we’re in good stead having enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the United Kingdom that we can now sit at a table as equal partners.”
She also listed various sections of the documents, which included ‘mutual expectations and responsibilities’, ‘sustainable development’, ‘excellence in public service’ and ‘implementation oversight’.
The premier said she shared details with the Opposition on what was contained in the document and gathered their feedback, adding they noted their appreciation since this was the first time they had been consulted in that way before.
In addition, she said they agreed with the government signing the declaration.
O’Connor-Connolly told listeners that she will be inviting UK government representatives to come to Cayman to discuss the new partnership.
‘Shared values’
The two-day meeting took place on 14 and 15 Nov., during which time Cayman was undergoing a change of leadership and a reshuffle of ministerial seats.
Tasha Ebanks-Garcia, Cayman Islands Government Representative – UK, attended the meeting on behalf of the administration and reported back to the government.
On day one, David Rutley, UK’s Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Americas and Caribbean, chaired the meeting for the first time.
David Cameron, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, dropped in during the day to meet the leaders.
The meeting continued on 15 Nov., after which overseas territory representatives were invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace where they met King Charles III.
They also attended a dinner hosted by Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons.
Rutley, in a post on X on 17 Nov., said, “Shared values such as support for democracy and the rule of law underpin the close relationship between the UK and overseas territories.
“This week, overseas territories leaders and I agreed a joint declaration reaffirming these values and laying the foundations for a modern partnership fit for the 21st Century.
“I look forward to signing it once it has been approved by overseas territories’ cabinets.”
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This is very interesting news to me, and I look forward to the agreement being signed by Caymanian leaders. I do believe it would be important for Cayman to take a leadership position in this matter and encourage all Caribbean nations to sign the agreement ASAP.
Just as in business, it is important for Commonwealth stakeholders to understand there are benefits derived with outside oversight. Well-run businesses employ outside auditors, and countries should employ outsiders to review operations, spending, elections and other key operations to ensure longterm stability, financial strength and excellence in government.
I hope the Government will share the signed documents with the public immediately upon execution.