~ Premier holds Bilateral meeting with UK Minister for the Overseas Territories ~
The Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, is currently attending the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in Greater, Georgetown, Guyana.
The conference, taking place from Feb. 25 - 28, is being hosted under the Chairmanship of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The event gathers the fifteen (15) member states and five (5) associate members in the Caribbean region. This conference of heads takes place at the beginning and middle of each year.
This meeting serves as a platform for the Heads of Government to discuss and make decisions on matters related to regional cooperation, integration, and development. Topics on the agenda include regional security, the Single Market and Economy, food and nutrition security, Climate Resilience and Energy Security.
Last evening, Premier the Hon. David Burt participated in the Opening Ceremony and held a bilateral meeting with the Hon. David Rutley, UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, who is also in attendance at the CARICOM Conference. Discussions included the UK’s Overseas Territories strategy and the upcoming PACAC visit to Bermuda.
The public will be aware that Bermuda has been an Associate Member of CARICOM since 2003. And over the years the membership has provided opportunities for Bermuda in various sectors, including sports, arts, science, public health, education, business, energy, technology, and technical training.
Of the CARICOM meetings, Premier Burt said, “It is an honour to represent Bermuda at the 46th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting. Climate action and energy sustainability will feature heavily on the agenda, and we expect to provide updates on Bermuda's progress in that area and the steps we've taken since COP28. Additionally, there have been some key developments here in Bermuda, such as the passage of our Corporate Income Tax legislation that I am eager to update my fellow Heads of Government on.
“Ultimately, our participation signals Bermuda's commitment to regional cooperation and mutual development, and we welcome the opportunity to strengthen the bonds that unite us.”
The Premier is accompanied to Guyana by MP Christopher Famous. The Premier returns to Bermuda on Thursday (February 29).
For more info on CARICOM visit: https://hgc.caricom.org.
To review the Premier's February 23, 2024 Ministerial Statement on CARICOM, click here: https://www.gov.bm/articles/caricom-update.