Anguilla’s Chief Minister, Osbourne Fleming, and other officials from the British Overseas Territories, have been told that both Houses of Parliament in London were closely monitoring the affairs of the islands and were very knowledgeable about them.

Anguilla’s CM, Mr. Fleming (2nd from left) with UK Minister and others

The statement was made by the Minister responsible for the territories, Meg Munn, in an address which she delivered to the Overseas Territories Consultative Council Reception on Wednesday this week.

In welcoming the Chief Ministers, Premiers, Councillors and others, the British Minister said:

“We have a diverse range of interests represented here this evening, including the private sector, academic world, research bodies, NGOs and international organisations. We have Governors from the Territories, representatives from the UK Overseas Territories Association, as well as those who work closely with us in pursuit of our shared interests.

“However, I do have to warn you that also present are representatives from both Houses of Parliament! Seriously, they take a close interest in the affairs of the Overseas Territories and are very knowledgeable. As the Minister responsible for the Territories I sometimes bear the brunt of their concerns!

“The Overseas Territories feature prominently among the British Government’s international priorities. How the relationship is managed will, quite rightly, continue to be subject to scrutiny by Parliament and other interested bodies.”

Minister Meg Munn revealed that the National Audit Office published last month a report on how risk management was being handled in the Overseas Territories. She explained that it recognised that the British Government had gone a long way since the previous report in 1997, making progress in a number of areas. She further stated that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, along with other Whitehall departments, would be taking forward the recommendations in the report.

“I welcome the inquiry into the Overseas Territories that is underway by the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs,” she went on. We are here marking the occasion of the Ninth Overseas Territories Consultative Council. These meetings are now an annual fixture in the Government’s calendar. They offer a unique opportunity, bringing together British Ministers and Chief Ministers, Premiers and Councillors to discuss matters of concern. We attach great importance to continued engagement with the leaders of the Territories in order to promote security, safety and prosperity.
“I have been looking forward to meeting the leaders from the Territories and to hear from them directly about the issues that matter in our relationship. Our talks have been wide-ranging. I have found them both informative and, I hope the leaders of the Territories will agree, constructive.

“There is growing prosperity in the majority of the Territories. There are also many opportunities in the future, but with opportunities come challenges. For my part, I look forward to working with you over the next 12 months to make the most of those opportunities and to confront the challenges.”

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