Premier urges stronger regional cooperation at UK OTs Caucus
Leaders and senior representatives from the United Kingdom’s Caribbean Overseas Territories (UK OTs) gathered on Scrub Island on 22 October for the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories Leaders Caucus — a high-level meeting focused on deepening cooperation and addressing shared challenges.
The one-day event, hosted by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, brought together in-person and virtual participation from Anguilla’s Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge, Bermuda’s Premier David Burt, Cayman Islands’ Premier Andre Ebanks, and Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade.
The leaders discussed a range of key issues, including good governance, financial services, security and border protection, frozen pensions, climate change, trade, and education. They also reviewed plans for UKOTA Leadership 2026 aimed at strengthening collaboration, continuity, and engagement among the territories.
Premier Wheatley stressed the importance of regional cooperation in tackling mutual concerns and ensuring stronger engagement with the United Kingdom. “This caucus reflects our shared commitment to advancing the collective interests of the Caribbean Overseas Territories and strengthening our voice in engagement with the United Kingdom. Through collaboration, we can better navigate global challenges, build resilient economies, and ensure that the people of our Territories continue to thrive,” Wheatley stated.
Supporting the Premier were Permanent Secretary Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe, Acting Director for International Affairs Dwynel Davis, Acting Director of the BVI London Office Tracy Bradshaw, and Special Envoy Benito Wheatley. Other regional officials attending included Marisa Harding-Hodge, Marc Telemaque, Kimberley Durant, Brandon Sousa, Tracy Knight, Tasha Ebanks, and Kei-retta Farrell.
The Caribbean UK Overseas Territories Leaders Caucus continues to serve as a key platform for aligning policy priorities and fostering a unified regional stance when engaging with the UK.
The event follows previous efforts by the Virgin Islands government to promote closer ties among overseas territories and strengthen their influence in discussions with London. According to *BVI News*, past meetings have focused on balancing local autonomy with UK oversight and advancing shared development goals in areas such as climate resilience, trade, and governance.
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THAT’S THE BEST AH HE
He could definitely learn from these leaders about how to be less offensive and abusive towards the UK. That would be a good start. His hero the criminal Fahie who he still honors and looks up to on the walls of the HOA (disrespecting the HOA and bringing it into disrepute everyday) is a bad example for diplomatic relations. Despite Najan Christophers (according to Natalio Wheatley) obstructively mis-stated protestations, Fahie was never a real, nor a pretend nor a model of a diplomat to base oneself on.
These fellow leaders may be able to help you in future more successful relations with the UK.