Premier Wheatley Joins UK Overseas Territories in Miami Meeting to Address Shared Challenges

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, recently joined Heads of Government from United Kingdom (UK) Overseas Territories (OT) in a productive meeting held in Miami, Florida on July 29. Chaired by Premier of the Cayman Islands, Honourable Wayne Panton, the meeting aimed to address shared challenges and discuss issues of mutual importance.

The agenda covered a wide range of topics, including improved engagement and information sharing among Caribbean OTs, beneficial ownership, representation at international forums, and the United Kingdom’s relationship with its Overseas Territories. The participants explored opportunities to enhance awareness of shared historical and heritage links, with a focus on youth, sports, and cultural exchanges.

The meeting also served as a preparation for the upcoming Joint Ministerial Conference in November 2023, as well as discussions on Overseas Territories’ participation in the United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) and similar forums.

Several senior officials and civil servants from the respective Overseas Territories also attended the meeting, alongside Premier Wheatley. Among the attendees were Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Honourable Charles Misick; Premier of Anguilla, Honourable Dr. Ellis Webster; Deputy Premier of Bermuda, Honourable Walter Roban; and Cayman Islands Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture, and Heritage, Honourable Bernie Bush. Premier of Montserrat, Honourable Joseph Taylor-Farrell, participated virtually.

Earlier this year, Premier Wheatley and other Overseas Territories and United Kingdom Ministers participated in the Joint Ministerial Council in London. The discussions aimed to promote security, good governance, sustainable development, economic and social progress, and to establish priorities, develop plans, and review implementation.

The meeting concluded with productive discussions and a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation and addressing common challenges among the United Kingdom Overseas Territories.