Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will be aware that the Overseas Territories Heads of Government make an annual trek to London to convene in a political council setting to discuss various matters with UK Government Ministers including the Foreign Secretary the Rt. Hon. James Cleverly.
Mr. Speaker, this Joint Ministerial Council as the highest political forum between the UK Government and Government’s of the Overseas Territories; or JMC; is usually preceded by a meeting of the leaders only, under the auspices of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association, a body with a rotated political chairmanship and supported by the UK Representatives of the Territories.
Uniquely, this year’s meetings took place in the wake of the coronation of Their Majesties the King and Queen at which, with the Governor, I was present. Mr. Speaker, the spectacle was witnessed by millions through the various media now available 70 years after the last such occasion and His Majesty is to be congratulated for overt efforts at making the ancient ceremony more reflective of the United Kingdom of today.
Mr. Speaker, the UKOTA Political Council meeting afforded the Territories’ Leaders the opportunity to consolidate the remaining positions to be taken in the JMC the following day and likewise provided an update on the work of the Association during the previous year.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will be aware that the Rt. Hon. Lord Zac Goldsmith has been appointed as the UK’s Minister for the Overseas Territories, and prior to the formal start of the JMC, we engaged in a bilateral with him and his officials in the company of the Governor. Honourable Members will have seen the media coverage of that meeting and I am pleased to advise this Honourable House that the session was useful.
The bilateral provides a leader the opportunity to canvass those issues unique to the respective Territory. I can confirm that the principle issues raised included:
- The UK’s position on the ongoing issue of beneficial ownership
- The UK’s position on Bermuda’s cannabis legislation
- The extension of international treaties to Bermuda, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as well as treaties and protocols related to intellectual property, trademarks and patents.
The Minister was keen to emphasise his commitment to working with the Overseas Territories as part of the “UK Family” and, at the direction of the Prime Minister, had agreed the designation of a lead Minister on OT matters within each UK Government Departments across Whitehall to ensure a coordinated cross-departmental approach to the UK’s relationship with the Territories, mirroring the efficient response of the FCDO to Overseas Territories’ issues.
Mr. Speaker, a genuine and leading interest in the OTs has been taken by the Speaker of the UK House of Commons. The Rt. Hon. Sir Lindsey Hoyle is a fearless advocate for the rights of Members in the Commons, and he has brought that same energy to a relationship with the OTs, evidenced in establishing an office for Overseas Territories in Parliament including the gesture of installing a pair of stained-glass windows at the entrance of the Speaker’s Official residence bearing the crests of the Overseas Territories.
Mr. Speaker, beyond the gracious hospitality of the UK Speaker, his office kindly and facilitated a UKOTA Parliamentary Conference of two panel sessions entitled Overseas Territories - Environmental Superpower and Overseas Territories – Our People, Our Future. The environmental panel featured compelling accounts of the impact of climate change on all OTs and magnified the importance of a clear strategy to mitigate these issues and aid the preservation of the diverse, delicate ecosystems found in the OTs. It should be no surprise that around 90% of the UK’s biodiversity resides in the UK’s Overseas Territories and are home to 94% of British endemic species.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to participate on the second panel and with other panelists canvassed the nature of the functional relationship between the UK and the OTs and the interest of some OTs in structuring a different arrangement leading to full Commonwealth status.
Mr. Speaker, prior to the formal JMC commencement and in the interests of maximising the time in London, I was pleased to attend a Bermuda Society Breakfast Briefing with Gold Members represented by friends of Bermuda and Bermudians based in the UK and working with local law firms or insurance companies. This intimate setting provided for an engaging and informative exchange, confirming the ongoing success of these industries owing to their Bermuda presence and the conducive atmosphere for the growth of industry. We highlighted the valued engagement with the Bermuda Society to provide Bermudian students with opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, 11th May, the JMC formally commenced, and over the next two days, the Council was favoured with addresses from the Prime Minister via video message, the Rt. Hon. James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary in person and a visit from His Royal Highness the Duke Edinburgh, all of whom spoke to the importance of the OTs to the UK.
As the final communique notes, the issues covered were broad and reflect the serious matters with which OTs are consumed in the governing of a unique set of small jurisdictions with diverse populations and constitutional structures.
Mr. Speaker, perhaps the highlight of this time in London for me was the annual London Office student dinner which is hosted by Premiers to engage Bermudians studying in the UK or those who have recently graduated. This event was well attended and featured a brisk Q&A followed by an informal dinner. It was immensely inspiring to be in the company of Bermuda’s bright future, represented by the diverse and vibrant young people at dinner.
Mr. Speaker, their courses of study ranged from public health to law, finance, political science, fashion and engineering. It was a pleasure to host them and hear of their plans for the future, which thankfully do include Bermuda.
Mr. Speaker, the JMC is a paradox which sees a clash of two worlds. In the well-appointed and historic confines of the Foreign Office, in rooms where world history was made in the name of the British Empire, now sit the leaders of what remains of that institution, small islands, debating modern issues like climate change, economic resilience, the migration of peoples and sustainable development.
There was a constant reference to the OTs as a definitive part of the UK Family, perhaps in recognition of the fact that there have been occasions when that has demonstrably not been the case. There appears to be an openness to engage in genuine dialogue with elected governments of the OTs, and that openness should be met with genuine engagement on our part.
The nature of our existing constitutional relationship makes it necessary for us to work together and on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, and in the best interests of those whom we serve. This is a necessary commitment, reiterated to the UK Government as part of this annual Joint Ministerial Council.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.