Chief Minister: "London Meetings Very Productive"

Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming and Minister of Finance Victor Banks attended the Sixth Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC) held in London on September 21 and 22. The meeting was hosted by Bill Rammel the Overseas Territories Minister and attended by Chief Ministers and senior politicians from the British Overseas Territories, including the Premier of Bermuda and Councillors from St Helena and the Falkland Islands. The only territory not represented was the Cayman Islands, due to the recent hurricane disaster.

The Chief Minister said the meetings were very productive and informative and he particularly noted the improvement in the relationship between the Overseas Territories and the British Government. A long discussion took place on the hurricane damage in the Cayman Islands. Participants were given an update on the situation and pledged their support.

Discussions took place on the ongoing constitutional reform exercise in all of the Overseas Territories are currently studying. The territories were encouraged to take their time as there was no deadline for decisions.

Other discussion also took place on sustainable development, the Overseas Territories Environment Programme, disaster preparedness and European Union development assistance.

Informal round table discussions were held on climate change, HIV/AIDS, and child rights and protection.

More British Aid for Anguilla
Following the recent Overseas Territories Consultative Council meeting, in London, Chief Minister, Osbourne Fleming, the Minister of Finance, Victor Banks, and Permanent Secretary, Carl Harrigan, met with Bill Rammel for discussions on matters specifically relevant to Anguilla. They, among things, gave a report on the Wallblake Airport extension project and on the efforts being made to increase tourist arrivals. Fleming said that Rammel was impressed with all that Anguilla was doing.
A further meeting was held with Clive Warren of the Department for International Development. An agreement was reached to provide Anguilla with funds totalling EC$800,000 to renovate the old police barracks and to accommodate three departments of Government:Inland Revenue, Audit and Immigration. The Chief Minister said that plans were going ahead immediately as the funds have to be spent by March 31 2005. After this date the British Government is ceasing aid packages to Anguilla as it is considered able to manage alone. British Government is now looking to aid countries that are less fortunate.
The Chief Minister said that the meetings were very useful and some of the best that he has attended for a long time.