Against the backdrop of growing global uncertainty and shifting geopolitical alliances, the United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to its Overseas Territories this week during the observance of the Second Annual Overseas Territory Day. The event, championed by UK and Territory leaders alike, underscored the critical role these regions play in defense, environmental security, and Britain’s wider international footprint.

Speaking in his capacity as President of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA), Premier of the Virgin Islands Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley described the occasion as an opportunity to reflect not only on the Territories’ vital roles in areas like security and environmental stewardship, but also on the “mutual respect and collaborative growth” that continues to define their relationship with the UK.

“Overseas Territories are not only vibrant communities rich in culture and heritage,” Premier Wheatley said in a statement Tuesday. “They are vital partners in the UK family… their contribution to the UK’s global presence and values cannot be overstated.”

Observed annually on the first Monday of June, Overseas Territory Day was marked in London with a series of ceremonial events, including a flag-raising at Parliament Square, a choral evensong at the Guild Church of St Lawrence Jewry, and a formal reception at Speaker’s House hosted by House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. The Virgin Islands was represented by UKOTA Chair and BVI Representative Tracy Bradshaw.

This year’s theme — “The Strategic Importance of the Overseas Territories and the Enduring Significance of our Constitutional Relationships with the United Kingdom” — reflected a growing focus on the Territories’ role in Britain’s global influence, particularly amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and climate-related vulnerabilities.

From the Caribbean to the South Atlantic, the Premier noted, Overseas Territories continue to punch above their weight. Citing efforts in renewable energy, biodiversity protection, and disaster preparedness, Dr. Wheatley praised the Territories for “thinking globally while acting locally.”

“These qualities not only define the character of our communities,” he said, “but also underpin their strategic relevance and global reach.”

Tuesday’s remarks also touched on the importance of responsible self-governance and ensuring that the voices of Overseas Territories remain central to policymaking at the UK level.

“We remain focused on ensuring their voices are not only heard but are instrumental in shaping policy and partnership,” Wheatley said.

The Premier closed with a call to unity and long-term vision, urging stakeholders to maintain momentum in advancing sustainable development, deepening constitutional ties, and building a legacy defined by “strategic cooperation, constitutional respect, and mutual progress.”

As Britain redefines its global relationships post-Brexit, events like Overseas Territory Day provide a moment to assess how longstanding ties — rooted in history but looking toward the future — continue to evolve.

In a direct appeal to the international community, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has called on the United Kingdom and other colonial powers to set aside their national interests and support the self-determination of the 17 remaining non-self-governing territories under the mandate of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24).

Speaking at the UN’s Pacific regional seminar on decolonisation, held in the Timorese capital Dili from 21st to 23rd May, BVI Special Envoy Benito Wheatley urged administering powers to recommit to the principles of decolonisation and support a meaningful pathway to self-government for the remaining territories on the UN’s list.

“We all must work together to make progress on decolonisation,” Mr Wheatley said in his address. “I know it is hard to separate national interests from the process, but an effort must at least be made to work in the best interest of Non-Self-Governing Territories.”

He added that the Special Committee should prioritise the dispatch of visiting missions “where this is practicable,” noting that “the politics of the process is very complicated and requires dialogue, but no effort should be spared.”

The BVI, which hosted a UN visiting mission in August 2024, was recognised in the mission’s report for its advancement toward full internal self-government. The mission also recommended the establishment of a timetable for the Territory’s eventual independence.

Mr Wheatley expressed appreciation for the UN’s engagement and reiterated the Territory’s commitment to good governance and democratic reform. He also used the opportunity to highlight the broader need for sustainable development assistance, particularly in the face of growing climate threats.

“To truly advance self-determination, UN agencies must play a more active role in supporting the development priorities of these Territories,” Mr Wheatley stated. He urged the C-24 to adopt a resolution at its upcoming June session that would allow UN agencies to utilise their regular programme budgets to support Territories classified as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), especially those that are associate members of regional commissions such as ECLAC and ESCAP.

In a firm message to London, Mr Wheatley also called on the United Kingdom to formally withdraw the Order in Council currently held in reserve, which grants it the power to suspend the BVI’s constitution and impose direct rule if triggered.

“There is no longer an excuse for the UK to maintain this unnecessary, undemocratic and blunt colonial instrument over the Territory,” he said, noting that the BVI had completed the governance reform programme agreed in 2022.

The UN’s list of territories yet to be decolonised includes American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, French Polynesia, Gibraltar, Guam, Montserrat, New Caledonia, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Tokelau, Turks and Caicos Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, and Western Sahara.

The seminar in Dili marks a continuation of the UN’s longstanding commitment to decolonisation — a process that remains incomplete nearly eight decades after the adoption of the UN Charter.

– First American Pontiff in Catholic Church History

The College of Cardinals has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy in the Church’s two-millennia history.

The announcement came at 6:07 p.m. local time, when white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful conclusion of the conclave’s fourth ballot. Shortly thereafter, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti proclaimed the traditional “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Appearing before a jubilant crowd in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV offered his first apostolic blessing and addressed the faithful with a message of peace: “Peace be with all of you! I want this salute of peace to enter your heart, reach your families, and all people, and all the peoples, and the whole world.”

Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Prevost is a member of the Order of St. Augustine. He spent decades serving as a missionary in Peru, where he taught theology and held various administrative roles within the Church. In 2023, he was appointed to lead the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, a position that placed him at the heart of the Church’s global leadership.

Pope Leo XIV’s election is seen as a unifying choice amid ideological divisions within the Church. His background reflects a commitment to inclusivity and dialogue, values that align with the synodal approach emphasized by his predecessor, Pope Francis. In his initial remarks, Pope Leo XIV expressed a desire for a Church that is “engaged with the modern world and always looking for peace, charity and being close to people, especially those who are suffering.”

The new pontiff faces a range of pressing challenges, including fostering unity within a polarized Church, addressing global conflicts, and continuing efforts to reform Church governance and address past abuses. His leadership will be closely watched as he navigates these complex issues.

Pope Leo XIV’s election has been met with congratulations from leaders around the world. U.S. President Donald Trump lauded the historic moment, stating, “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our … .”

As the Catholic Church enters this new chapter under Pope Leo XIV’s guidance, the faithful and observers alike look forward to the direction he will set for the global community of believers.