Leaders from five United Kingdom overseas territories met last week on Scrub Island to discuss shared issues including climate change, security, governance, UK relations and more, according to government.
The Oct. 22 Caribbean UK Overseas Territories Leaders Caucus was hosted by Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley.
Four other OT leaders attended in person or virtually: Anguilla Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge, Bermuda Premier David Burt, Cayman Islands Premier Andre Ebanks, and Montserrat Premier Reuben Meade.
The leaders’ discussions also touched on other shared priorities including financial services; border protection; frozen pensions; economic resilience and trade; health; education and workforce development; and connectivity and infrastructure development, according to government.
The caucus also reviewed plans for the UK Overseas Territories Association’s Leadership 2026 event, which aims to enhance collaboration, continuity and strategic engagement among the OTs.
“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,” Mr. Wheatley said. “Through collaboration, we can better navigate global challenges, build resilient economies, and ensure that the people of our territories continue to thrive.”
Supporting Mr. Wheatley at the caucus were Premier’s Office Permanent Secretary Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe, acting Director for International Affairs Dwynel Davis, acting BVI London Office Director Tracy Bradshaw, and Special Envoy Benito Wheatley.
Other regional officials in attendance 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 serves as a “critical forum for strengthening regional ties, aligning policy priorities, and fostering a unified approach to engagement” with the UK, according to government.
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