The United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association held its Annual General Meeting on 14th January 2021. At the meeting, UK Representatives of the British Overseas Territory Governments elected Ms Kimberley Durrant, UK Representative of the Government of Bermuda London Office as its Chairman. According to the Association's constitution, the Premier of Bermuda, the Hon E David Burt, JP, MP is the President of the Political Council. This will be the third time Bermuda has been afforded this role amongst OT Governments.
The value of UKOTA is to work in collaboration on the combined priorities which impact the Overseas Territories.
Ms Durrant said: "A sincere gratitude to the St Helena Government, and their UK Representative during their tenure as Chairman and President of the Political Council. Their tenure has been difficult to manage through the impact of Brexit and COVID. Our priorities for 2021/2022 will focus on delivering a strategy for enhanced EU engagement for the Overseas Territories; Developing opportunities for Trade in Goods and Services alongside the UK and the participation of Overseas Territories at COP 26 hosted by the UK in Glasgow. We are grateful for the confidence of colleagues and look forward to cohesive work with OT Governments and the UK Government."
Regarding Ms Durrant’s appointment as Chairman, Premier Burt said: “Congratulations to Ms Durrant on her appointment as Chairman of the UK Overseas Territory Association. This is an honour for her and Bermuda. As a well-respected member of the UKOTA, I am confident that Kimberley will enjoy a successful term as she works to deliver their 2021/2022 strategy.”
“Bermuda is well-positioned to make a positive contribution to the work of the UKOTA, and I look forward to my tenure as President of the Political Council.”