British Foreign Secretary Talks on UK-Caribbean Forum

The British Foreign Secretary William Hague announced that he will lead delegation of UK ministers and senior officials to attend the UK-Caribbean Ministerial Forum. Hague said the commitment to coincide with the government's review of its relationship with the UK Overseas territories which include the Caribbean territories of the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Bermuda, Montserrat and the Turks and Caicos Islands, is a sign of the strength the United Kingdom attaches to its 'enduring friendship' with the Caribbean territories. He said: “We believe this will herald a transition to a more modern, dynamic and forward looking affiliation.”

The British Foreign Secretary expressed his opinion that a modern relationship between the UK and Caribbean territories should centre around three principles: first, it should be a modern partnership, an equal relationship that should be based on the shared history and culture and at the same time set the right tone for the twenty-first century. Secondly, the countries need a dynamic partnership that provides real benefits for their citizens. And, finally, the UK's relationship with the Caribbean countries should be a broad-based partnership that involves business, civil society and ordinary people.

Hague also noted that this forum is an “invaluable opportunity for the UK to work with its partners in the Caribbean region for a strong, equal and prosperous partnership based on shared ideals and mutual understanding.”