Cayman Islands Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly called for “amicable and transparent” discussions as she opened Wednesday’s Joint Ministerial Council plenary session in London, which focused on issues impacting British Overseas Territories.
O’Connor-Connolly’s call comes at a time when there is mounting pressure in the UK on the issue of beneficial ownership registers and after public criticism from lawmakers there over the perceived role overseas territories play in tax evasion and money laundering.
She spoke on behalf the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA), of which she is the chair.
Resetting the relationship
A government statement on the meeting said discussions focused on resetting the relationship and began by setting out the new UK government’s approach to the overseas territories, as well as identifying areas for improvement.
Leaders of the territories are gathered in the UK for the annual talks, which comprise the first joint meeting between them and newly appointed UK Minister for the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty.
“Discussions were held on how fundamental structures, such as constitutions, impact the way OTs interact with the UK government and how to future-proof relationships between the UK and its OTs relationships,” the statement said.
Doughty, in a post on his official page on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday assured the leaders that their concerns and those of the citizens of the BOTs are being heard.
“The UK is listening to, and strengthening our bond with the Overseas Territories to help deliver security, prosperity, modern partnerships, transparency, tackle climate change and protect our natural world. Together we will deliver on the issues that matter to our people,” he said.
The UK 🇬🇧 is listening to, and strengthening our bond with the Overseas Territories to help deliver security, prosperity, modern partnerships, transparency, tackle climate change and protect our natural world.
Together we will deliver on the issues that matter to our people. pic.twitter.com/Dc0YjEqbhO
— Stephen Doughty MP (@SDoughtyMP) November 20, 2024
Doughty, the statement said, has set out five principles, referred to as the ‘Doughty Principles’, to guide the UK-overseas territories relationship.
Guiding principles
Top of the list is the devolution and democratic autonomy of the OTs, and consistency on the principles of partnership and engagement.
Listening to the OTs by following the principle of “nothing about you without you” is included on his list as well as partnership with the OTs based on mutual respect and inclusion, applying to all UK government departments.
“Rights come with responsibilities, including the responsibility to uphold our common values,” the principles state.
Doughty has also set out good governance and ensuring proper democratic accountability and regulation as a key principle for him.
Defending the territories’ security, autonomy and rights, including the right of self-determination, is the fifth principle on his list.
Calls for support
The second plenary session, the statement said, focused on security and irregular migration and discussions were held on common threats facing OTs, as well as the opportunities for support and collaboration between the OTs and with the UK.
Cayman has been challenged with dealing with irregular migration this year with the consistent landing of Cubans on local shores, the most recent of which occurred ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Rafael earlier this month.
Leaders also held a session focused on climate and environment “to gain a better collective understanding of the joint environment and climate priorities and how the UK can work in partnership to address the concerns that were raised”.
According to reports out of BVI, British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley, during the political counsel talks, asked the United Kingdom to provide greater support for borrowing ratios to the territories to bolster their economies and resilience to climate-related risks.
Wheatley explained that these rules, aimed at reducing the UK Treasury’s risk of contingent liabilities, “hinder the ability of OTs like the BVI to invest in large-scale infrastructure projects”.
“These ratios do not take into account climate hazards. … If we are to reduce the risk of being a contingent liability, we must be allowed to build our economies,” Wheatley is quoted as saying.
During the day’s final session, discussions were held on the global economic outlook and the need for economic diversification, building resilience and attracting investment in OT economies, the Cayman government statement said.
Financial Secretary Ken Jefferson contributed to the discussions during that session.
Following the JMC session, Premier O’Connor-Connolly, accompanied by Attorney General Samuel Bulgin, attended a meeting for OT leaders hosted by UK Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
Hoyle, an advocate for the overseas territories, visited the Cayman Islands in July.
In an government interview released Wednesday, which also featured House Speaker Sir Alden McLaughlin in the Cayman Islands Parliament chamber, Hoyle vowed to continue his advocacy for overseas territories.
The premier’s evening ended with a reception for leaders of British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies hosted at the speaker Sir Lindsay’s house in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the UK Overseas Territories Association.
The second day of the JMC will reconvene 21 Nov.
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