OT leaders wrap up pre-JMC meeting with vague statement
British overseas territories leader in Bermuda, July 2015
(CNS): A short, vague statement was released by the leaders of the British overseas territories Wednesday after they wrapped up their meeting in Bermuda ahead of this year’s Joint Ministerial Council Meeting (JMC) in the UK. The three day get-together was to provide the BOTs with an opportunity to arrive at some common ground over issues that will be raised when they head to London later this year for meetings with their British bosses.
The lack of detail and ambiguity of the statement reflects the differing interests and priorities that the dependent territories have, as in many respects being remnants of the British Empire is the only real common denominator among the countries and their governments. Although there are certainly areas of common concern, with differing economies, communities, political aspirations and environmental challenges finding strong common goals across all 14 territories is not easy.
Some territories, such as the Turks and Caicos Islands, are leading the charge for independence but many others, including Cayman, are still a long way from seeking to sever UK ties. The statement also reflects the common vulnerability of all the small territories being at greater risk from climate change, but claims of continuing a “long history of caring for and nurturing our environments” certainly don’t apply equally across all the territories.
While Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and a number of other Caribbean territories are concerned about the potential imposition by the UK of unpalatable restrictions on their financial services sectors, such as a public register showing the beneficial owners of offshore entities, other islands have very different concerns about poverty and developing their economies.
The Joint Statement:
“We, the elected Leaders and Representatives of the Overseas Territories, met on 23rd – 24th July 2015, to discuss issues of mutual interest and the forthcoming Joint Ministerial Council Meeting (JMC), with UK Ministers to be held in December 2015 in London. The purpose of the Joint Ministerial Council is to implement the principles espoused in the 2012 White Paper on Security, Success and Sustainability and to agree at the UK ministerial level on collective issues between Overseas Territories Governments and the UK Government. At the Leaders’ meeting we discussed measures to secure our long-term futures:
Economic Development & Diversification – To build sustainable economies, with stable banking sectors where relevant that are more resilient and capitalize on changing global trends and to seek innovative solutions, in partnership with the UK, to develop robust and effective infrastructure across all of the Overseas Territories.
Building Communities and Strengthening Families – To develop innovative healthcare and social services in the territories, including mental health services and the creation of an Overseas Territories Sports council.
Good Governance & International Affairs – To continue to uphold the principles of Good Governance in the administration of our respective territories and recognize the right of all people of the Overseas Territories to self-determination; to reiterate the UK’s constitutional responsibility for defending the Overseas Territories in international forum where the Overseas Territories have committed to meeting international standards.
Global Standards of Financial Regulation Accountability and Transparency – Continuing the fight against financial crime and continue to be responsible international financial centres that facilitate global trade and investment in line with the emerging global consensus.
Environmental Sustainability – As vulnerable small territories whose economies are dependent on environmental sustainability and at greatest risk from climate change, we will continue our long history of caring for and nurturing our environments.
We reaffirm our commitment and respect for the principles outlined in our constitutions and will uphold our obligations to our electorate and the people we serve.”
Category: Caribbean, World News
08.40 you may wear stockings if you so wish
Sweet shorts bruh!
They were in a hurry to get to the final cocktail party.
Shame Alden did not wear a suit.
I think it’s cool that Bermuda has a national dress….be mighty comfortable for us to adopt it. Save a bit on the huge CUC bills/environment.
Are the knee-high socks required?
On the other hand you feel like a smug self-satisfied tool when you wear it. There is a reason it is the national dress of Bermuda.
Not unlike those who, claiming Scottish heritage, always where a kilt to every wedding they attend.
With the size of some men, I’d be afraid the shorts would disappear into the er …”triangle”.
You forgot to mention how silly it looks.
Why exactly is the man in the middle wearing such shorter pants than the rest? Is this a symbol of his supremacy and authority? Find out next on, “Gone With The Wind: A Taxpayers Story.”
Ignoramus, it’s “Yes, Bwana, Sir!”
So the straw-bosses of the islands had a meeting and decided that they will do what the ‘White Paper’ from the mother country told them to do?
When I went overseas to work as an accountant all those years ago, I had the choice between Bermuda and Cayman. I noted the business uniform of Bermuda shorts was the norm over there, and so chose Cayman.
Because I didn’t want to look a total d#ck.
Thanks for that comment, made me laugh, and too true.
Summary of the joint statement by the OT Leaders – “Yes, Bwana”
did tara rivers write that statement?
talk shop waffle……zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
A bit like the European Union – a common geographic area but frequently disparate political, economic, social and environmental concerns and ambitions, among the members.