All : Important Speech to be Delivered During Minister's Vitit to Bermuda
Submitted by (Juanita Brock) 23.09.2011 (Article Archived on 07.10.2011)

Government House has announced that Henry Bellingham MP, Minister for the Overseas Territories, is visiting Bermuda next week. This will be the Minister’s first visit to Bermuda.

IMPORTANT SPEECH TO BE DELIVERED DURING MINISTER’S VISIT TO BERMUDA

By J. Brock (FINN)

Government House has announced that Henry Bellingham MP, Minister for the Overseas Territories, is visiting Bermuda next week.  This will be the Minister’s first visit to Bermuda.

During his visit he will meet the Premier and Cabinet, the Opposition and other senior politicians and officials; and will see first-hand how the Bermuda Police Service and the Bermuda Regiment work together on maritime patrol operations and meet some of Bermuda’s  2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games aspirants.  The Minister will also take the opportunity to learn more about both the international business sector and the tourism industry in Bermuda.

Most importantly for other UK Overseas territories, while in Bermuda the Minister will give a keynote speech on the UK Government’s strategy towards the Overseas Territories. His visit coincides with the launch of a consultation process with all the Overseas Territories in preparation for the publication of a White Paper on the Territories in 2012.  He will set out the UK Government’s vision for the Territories as vibrant and flourishing communities, retaining aspects of their British identity.  He will also speak about Bermuda’s successes and challenges and its role as the oldest and most populous of the Overseas Territories. 

The Minister says:

“I am looking forward to my visit to Bermuda next week. As my first visit to the territory and the first trip by a British Minister since 2008, this will be an important opportunity to reemphasise the strength of the UK’s relationship with the largest and most successful overseas territory.

My visit comes at an important time for Bermuda, and the overseas territories as a whole, with the launch of the consultation on the strategy for the Overseas Territories.

I believe that the Premier and the people of Bermuda can play a leading role in developing the strategy and I look forward to discussing how we can shape Britain’s future relationship with the Overseas Territories.”