Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly spent the first day of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in talks with Samoa’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, alongside other government officials.
O’Connor-Connolly, in an audio update on Tuesday about the international gathering of leaders being held in Samoa, said, it was “both humbling and rewarding to engage in dialogue with fellow island leaders who understand the unique challenges we face as small nations”.
She added, “We share a commitment to environmental sustainability, and the rich conversations on education, agriculture and public enterprise have strengthened our bonds. I look forward to deepening our relationship with Samoa as we continue to collaborate on key initiatives for the benefit of our people.”
Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly CHOGM update:
The premier, who is also attending the meeting as president of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA), spent the first day in Samoa in discussions, described as “productive”, with Mata’afa.
Premier O’Connor-Connolly, accompanied by Chief Officer Eric Bush, discussed cultural exchange, key economic priorities and mutual challenges faced by both island nations with the host prime minister.
A government statement on the meeting said, “The Premier and Prime Minister Mata’afa, both the first female leaders of their countries, spoke about shared experiences in their leadership journeys, including the significance of women in politics and public service. Discussions touched on the importance of balancing tourism and environmental conservation, as well as ensuring food security through traditional agricultural practices.”
Climate resilience featured in talks
Premier O’Connor-Connolly and Chief Officer Bush also met with Toeolesulusulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster, Samoa’s minister of natural resources and environment, and discussed climate resilience and sustainable environmental practices.
“Our discussions today reinforced the importance of building resilient frameworks across our economies, particularly in sectors like housing and education,” Bush said in an audio message update on the day’s meetings.
“It was an honour to share perspectives and learn from Samoa’s experience, especially their innovative housing solutions. I am excited about the opportunities these exchanges present for the Cayman Islands and look forward to bringing these insights home to further strengthen our approach.”
Premier O’Connor-Connolly, the statement said, extended open invitations for future collaboration between the two island nations, focusing on climate resilience, education, and sustainable development.
O’Connor-Connolly also met with Seuula Ioane, Samoa’s minister of education and culture, and discussed integrating technology into education systems and the need for ongoing teacher training, particularly in remote island communities.
“Minister Ioane highlighted similar initiatives in Samoa, including the distribution of laptops to students and the challenges of equipping teachers to embrace new technology,” the statement said.
Leatinu’u Faumuina Wayne So’oialo, Samoa’s minister of public enterprise, also met with the premier and shared the details on the Samoa Housing Corporation, which provides low-income housing support through government-backed loans while paying dividends back to the government.
“Both delegations explored the possibility of adopting similar housing models in the Cayman Islands,” the statement added.
The leaders also had a traditional exchange of gifts “symbolising the deepening ties between the two island nations and the mutual respect they share,” the statement added.
O’Connor-Connolly is set to participate in sessions at the meeting, including ‘Reducing Barriers to Trade’ and the ‘Island Nations Leaders Roundtable’, focusing on strategies for economic cooperation among small island states.
The premier will represent UKOTA at a CHOGM business event, which will be attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The Cayman Islands will also participate in the Commonwealth Business Forum, Women’s Forum, and Youth Forum, reinforcing its leadership on environmental stewardship, economic resilience and inclusive growth.
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