Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley said stronger collaboration among Overseas Territories is essential to addressing shared legal and governance challenges, as he opened the Overseas Territories Attorneys General Conference in the Virgin Islands.
The two-day conference, which began on Tuesday, April 14, brings together Madam Chair, attorneys general and delegates from across the Overseas Territories to examine issues including human rights, transnational crime, illicit finance and sanctions, disaster preparedness and recovery, maritime boundaries, sustainable development and the use of technology in crime and justice systems.
“These are not theoretical concerns,” Premier Wheatley said. “They are real, urgent matters that affect the stability, security, and prosperity of each of our jurisdictions.”
The premier said the conference’s theme, “Stronger Together: Common Challenges, Collaborative Solutions,” reflects the need for coordinated responses to issues that extend across jurisdictions while recognizing differences in legal and constitutional systems.
“While our challenges may be similar and our objectives aligned, our contexts are not identical,” he said. “One-size-fits-all responses rarely succeed. What does succeed is the willingness to learn from one another.”
He said the exchange of experience and expertise among territories can improve legal systems and strengthen collective resilience.
“When we collaborate, we elevate the quality of our legal systems. When we share best practices, we strengthen our collective resilience,” Premier Wheatley said.
The conference will focus on strengthening cooperation and developing practical approaches to common legal and governance issues across participating territories.
