Caribbean leaders arrive in Bermuda today for a pre-conference meeting of the Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC).

The meeting is the first of its kind to be held on the Island.

Premier Mckeeva Bush of the Cayman Islands and Premier Ralph T. O'Neal of the British Virgin Islands will spend two days on the Island. They will be joined by Montserrat's Minister of Works and Labour Charles Kirnon, and Edison Bard, Deputy Chief Minister of Anguilla.

Premier Brown said: "Very rarely does Bermuda have an opportunity to have several Caribbean leaders on our shores at one time.

"We are truly honoured, and this event is without a doubt a historical moment for Bermuda."

He continued: "It is not inconsequential that in addition to the recent UK election which resulted in a newly formed coalition Government, a number of the Overseas Territories too can boast of new leadership. Bermuda has committed to a significant role with the Territories to engender partnership for progress into the future."

The meeting is intended to offer the leaders an opportunity to discuss matters of shared interest before the official conference is held in London this autumn.

A Government spokesperson said "an aggressive agenda" had been set for this week's meeting, with "Civil Aviation at the top of Bermuda's list".

The meeting is scheduled to begin tomorrow at 8 a.m. at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.

The group will also tour the Island, visiting St. George's and Dockyard on Saturday.