Global shifts spur changes to Overseas Territories paper
The Premier provided more detail on his recent visit to London to attend the Joint Ministerial Council, including information about a planned memorandum of understanding to strengthen relationships between Britain and the Overseas Territories.
David Burt, who is also the Minister of Finance, spoke in the House of Assembly today about the updating of the 2012 White Paper titled The Overseas Territories: Security, Success and Sustainability.
Elaborating on details shared in an interview with The Royal Gazette, Mr Burt said: “Since the establishment of the White Paper, we have witnessed global shifts that no longer reflect the political dynamics of that time.
“Leaders across the territories, supported by the Minister of State, Stephen Doughty, agreed that we require a long-term vision setting a sustainable and secure relationship.
“The UK Government has expressed the challenges with producing a renewed White Paper and, as such, specific compacts per territory will be devised to fit the specific needs and circumstances dedicated to each territory.
“The compacts will provide a strong and merit-based approach in how we engage with the appropriate departments across Whitehall.
“The process will be jointly decided in what is hoped will be a transparent process, leading to an accountability framework.”
He said this will take the form of an MOU between the Government of Bermuda and the British Government.
Douglas De Couto, the shadow finance minister, asked whether any discussions were held with Mr Doughty on independence or full Caricom membership.
Mr Burt said there had been no talk of sovereignty.
On the latter, despite multiple attempts by Dr De Couto to get him to elaborate, the Premier would only say: “We are waiting for the UK on matters related to Caricom.”
Mr Burt said constitutional reform and tackling illicit finance were topics discussed at a bilateral meeting with Mr Doughty.
On constitutional reform, the Premier said: “I was pleased to confirm to the minister the considerable work done towards the introduction of the promised report for the consideration of the legislature on the process proposed to be adopted.
“The minister similarly confirmed the UK Government’s commitment to engage closely with each territory whose democratic will is to revise its constitution.”
Mr Burt said that the report on the reforms will be made public.
He added: “On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I was likewise pleased to reaffirm our commitment to work collectively with the UK Government to tackle illicit finance.
“On enhanced transparency measures, this government has committed to legitimate-interest access to registers of beneficial ownership information in line with global standards with the necessary safeguards to protect rights to privacy in line with our constitution.”
The delegation engaged with British ministers, including Lord David Hanson, Minister of State at the Home Office, who emphasised his understanding and acceptance of Britain’s responsibility to protect the OTs and to strengthen internal security.
“It was noted that there continues to be a need for greater co-ordination between governments on matters such as prison reforms, defence and operational support working with multi agencies to achieve solutions where required,” Mr Burt said.
“The work already done on the Governor’s Council will be strengthened and supported through regional co-operation and action.”
Mr Burt made a passing reference to the UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy.
He said: “The strategy was drafted together with officials from Bermuda, other OT governments and the UK in a genuine collaborative effort.”
The RoyalGazette is awaiting responses from the Government about the extent of the consultation locally, the process of implementation going forward and the extent of Britain’s involvement.
Mr Burt said the highlight of his visit to London had been engaging with young Bermudians during the London Office annual dinner for students and recent graduates.
Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, represented Bermuda on the JMC plenary with British Expertise International and UK Export Finance.
Dr De Couto asked how the entities would support Bermuda’s “priority economic projects”.
Mr Burt responded: “Bermuda does not have the same financial requirements as other OTs. Nonetheless we have been extended a line of credit of up to $1 billion of any export finance matters.
“The UK Government is looking to expand their trade relationships as they are looking to seek economic growth as they try to chart a course towards a balanced budget.”
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