UK and OTs forge agreement on modern partnership
A joint declaration that promises a “modern partnership” built on mutual respect and shared values was agreed on between the United Kingdom (UK) and its 14 Overseas Territories (OTs) recently.
The landmark agreement, forged during the Joint Ministerial Council meeting attended by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley in November, paves the way for a more transparent, accountable, and empowering relationship.
Both sides pledge to work hand-in-hand on issues of common concern, fostering stronger ties and a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and aspirations. The declaration includes a commitment to practise the highest standards of governance, including in the areas of human rights, rule of law, integrity in public life and financial management.
The declaration seeks to empower OTs by giving them a greater say in matters that directly impact their communities. One key aspect of this is the commitment to consult OTs on UK legislation that affects them, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.
UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, David Rutley, hailed the declaration as a significant step forward. “The Overseas Territories are an important part of the British family, and our shared values, such as support for democracy and the rule of law, underpin this close relationship,” Rutley said.
He also highlighted the agreement’s role in equipping both parties to navigate “the opportunities and challenges of the modern world” together.
The declaration also addresses the critical issue of financial support. The UK has committed to exploring ways to improve funding mechanisms for OTs, ensuring they have the resources necessary to pursue their development goals. Additionally, both sides will work towards presenting a unified voice on the international stage, including at the United Nations, showcasing the collective interests and aspirations of the UK and its OTs.
This joint declaration marks a turning point in the UK-OT relationship, shifting towards increased collaboration, respect for autonomy, and shared responsibility.
It also creates more opportunities for the OTs to take on responsibilities where they want to, such as around transparency measures, and through the development of ‘Compacts.’ These ‘Compacts’ will set out roles and responsibilities on specific issues in each community.
The UK said it will seek to agree to these detailed bilateral agreements with each of the OTs.
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Same ole massa in a new shirt
This has to be a joke. How can you be in a modern partnership when all one side of the partnership does is dictate to the other side while their affairs are worse than those they are dictating to.
I doubt Natalio read that agreement LOL
What kind of modern partner uses slavery methods like two orders in council to make the other partner’s financial services industry with their companies have public register and the other to suspend the constitution unless they do exactly what they say and implement what all they say and by when they say. Meanwhile there is nothing in place to hold the other partner accountable nor can they be looked into. They need to stop their PR games as people are not fools.
Pure hogwash…they think we are stupid…
We not our ancestors!!! We will 4*@# you up.
We need knowledgable, hard nose, no bending nor compromising negotiating leaders for Premiers and elected bodies to run the ship.
All we have today ae weaklings and bank account fillers and living on office privilidges and comforts.
Reckon the anti democratic and free speech of this site will continue to not post such views.
But thank God, nothing last forever. Those oppressed today will control the views and ship tomorrow. So, carry on.
If the Doctrine of Discovery is still in the UK’s mentality we will remain subjected to their beck and call and their bullish ways of dealing us.
A modern partnership between the UK and the 14 OT’s.
Now lets reform the public service in all these OTs by moving the civil servants to work in all the OTs during their 20 to 30 year careers. No more continuous employment in one OT for life. Just like the Governors move every 4 years and so should all the OT civil servants.
Additionally limit the travel of all elected members of an OT legislature to the UK and the 14 OTs only. The UK Minister for OTs, David Rutley, can attend all the international conferences, symposiums, etc. and represent all 14 OTs. The local OT governments will save millions of tax dollars and still be well represented at these international events.