The Premier, the Hon. David Burt JP, MP, is in London this week to attend the annual meeting of UK government officials and leaders of the Overseas Territories at the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC).
The Premier is joined by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Sen. the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, and Secretary to the Cabinet Maj. Marc Telemaque, JP.
The Minister for Economy and Labour, The Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, is also in the UK.
While he is not attending the JMC as part of the Bermuda delegation, he will participate in the sessions relevant to Economic Development.
The Premier will join Minister Hayward at the Bermuda Business Development Agency’s event, “A London Forum, The Bermuda Advantage,” where the Premier will deliver opening remarks.
The Joint Ministerial Council is the highest political forum between the UK Government and the Governments of the British Overseas Territories.
Part of the Premier’s engagements include attending an audience with His Majesty King Charles III; attending a meeting with The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary; holding a bilateral with Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories; and attending Parliamentary engagements hosted by The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons.
The discussions at the JMC will focus on securing commitments on the following: establishing a new relationship under the existing 2012 White Paper; establishing a new Charter and Compacts for each Territory; looking at technology and innovation in healthcare, leveraging contacts with relevant Government departments; addressing illicit finance; and supporting economic growth in the OTs including establishing links with business leaders across the UK.
On Friday, November 28, the Premier will host his annual networking dinner for Bermudian university students and recent graduates in the UK.
The Premier said, “Annually, the Joint Ministerial Council convenes Overseas Territory leaders in London for discussions with the UK Government. Throughout the week, I will represent Bermuda in high-level meetings with the UK Government, and upon my return, I will deliver a Ministerial Statement to the House of Assembly to update the public on any commitments made.
“I am excited to meet Bermudian students and recent graduates who are living in the UK, as I host my annual networking dinner in London. I welcome the opportunity to listen to their experiences, assist their transition to employment in Bermuda, and update them on the progress being made at home. There are several students that I met last year who have returned to Bermuda, and Ministers are eager to engage with our young people.”
The Premier and Ministers will be supported by Kimberley Durrant, UK Representative and Director of Bermuda’s London Office.