UKOT Chief Ministers, L to R: Hon. Victor Banks (Anguilla), Hon. Ralph O'Neal (B.V.I), Hon. Derek Taylor (T.C.I), Hon. John Osbourne (Montserrat) and Hon. McKeva Bush (Cayman Islands) [photo TCI GIS/Courtney Robinson]

Chief Ministers meet in TCI

The Turks and Caicos Islands played host to the annual Conference of Chief Ministers of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories (UKOT). The meeting commenced with an opening ceremony that took place at Beaches Resort and Spa, on the beautiful island of Providenciales on Thursday, August 29th 2002.

The Annual United Kingdom Overseas Territories Chief Minister’s Conference is an important event in the diaries of all UKOT Chief Ministers. The meetings focused on such issues as: Constitutional Reform, Illegal Immigration, EU/OCT Cooperation, the European Union Tax Initiative and the Sustainable Development Initiative.

The UKOT meetings are held in close proximity to the United Overseas Territories Consultative Council (UOTCC) that is scheduled to be held in London, September 26th to 27th 2002. The matter being discussed while attending the UKOT Chief Ministers’ meetings will be that which is a precursor to that which will be tabled at the UOTCC.

Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos, Hon. Derek Taylor in remarks said that the Chief Ministers Meetings provides the Heads of all Government, along with their key officials a great opportunity to share ideas, learn from shared experiences and formulate policies on matters of mutual interest. From this they will present a united position to the British Government when both sides meet come September. “This is important, for we are all too aware of the age-old saying, ‘Unity is Strength.”

The Honorable Chief Minister then went on to say that the past three years have not been kind to many Caribbean States. “The decision by the World Trade Organization and European Union to remove protection on agricultural products, the backbone of many small economies has affected the livelihood of many of our regional neighbors.” He added that what is important to the UKOT’s is a progressive reduction of customs tariff by 2005. “For many of us Customs receipts account for up to 50% of Government revenue. We need greater certainty concerning the implications of the required changes for our economies.”

Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands also brought remarks. He made mention that the last UKOT meeting was held in Tortola, B.V.I. Since then, there have been a lot of high-level meetings and conferences being held here in the Turks and Caicos. He went on to say TCI and BVI have a lot in common, though we share few differences. “We must be very careful that we don’t get divided.”

Hon. O’Neal said that too often UKOTs looked to the EU for financial aid or grants. He reminded all that aid is indeed expensive. His hope is that the UK Officers would visit the Island Nations and see what they are trying to do for their people.

The distinguished leader of the British Virgin Islands looks forward to the day when there would be a lessening of the powers given to the Governors of the UKOT. His hope is that some day soon the UKOT will be allowed to have six Ministers of Government, instead of the current five.

To declare the conference open, Governor of the Turks and Caicos, Mr. Mervyn Jones ascended to the podium. He enlightened the UKOT delegates that by being senior elected representatives of their territories; it is they who must know what policies and decisions that are in the best interest of those they serve.

He then stated that the tragic events of September 11 were proof positive that any nation, even the mightiest by any military or economic standards is hugely vulnerable and allow complacency at its peril. “So, to be prudent Ministers or Governors or Administrators, we all need to communicate, to collaborate and think collectively.” He further stated,UKOT delegates present at the opening ceremony and conference were, Hon. Victor Banks, Minister for Finance, Anguilla, Hon. McKeva Bush, Chief Minister of the Cayman Islands along with representatives, Mr. Charles Clifford and Dr. Christopher Rose, Hon. Dr. John Osborne and Mr. John Serrate represented Montserrat.

Representatives attending the meetings along with Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal of the British Virgin Islands were Mrs. Sylvia Moses and Mr. Robert Mathavious.