UK OVERSEAS TERRITORIES MINISTER MAKES TCI STOPOVER EN ROUTE TO REGIONAL OTs MEETING

The recently appointed UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, Uma Kumaran, made her inaugural overseas trip this week, visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands(TCI) on Sunday before attending the Caribbean Overseas Territories Caucus in Bermuda.

Minister Kumaran held bilateral talks with Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Premier Charles Washington Misick, his Cabinet, and Opposition Leader Edwin Astwood.

She also had engagements with the TCI’s National Security Council and operational security leads “to gain first-hand insight into the security environment of the Turks and Caicos Islands, regional developments, and shared strategic priorities, including through engagement with frontline law enforcement personnel.”

Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam said the programme provided “a valuable opportunity for Minister Kumaran to engage directly with our elected leaders and security partners, gaining first-hand insight into the opportunities, priorities, and challenges that are shaping the future of our islands.”

According to the TCI Governor, “At a time when many of the issues affecting the Turks and Caicos Islands are increasingly regional in nature, this visit will help deepen mutual understanding, reinforce the strength of the UK-TCI partnership, and advance cooperation on matters that are vital to our security, resilience, and continued prosperity.”

In a social media post on Monday September 7th, Minister Kumaran wrote: “Delighted to begin my first official visit as Minister to the Caribbean here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Continuing on from the discussions we had in London with the Premier and partners on the issues that matter - from regional security to resilience in Haiti. The UK is committed to the prosperity of the TCI’s people. Thank you for the warm welcome.”

Meanwhile, a statement on Monday from the Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands Premier Charles Washington Misick said Minister Kumaran’s visit provides an important opportunity to strengthen the longstanding TCI–UK relationship and engage directly on matters of shared priority and importance to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Premier Misick welcomed the continued dialogue and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a constructive and mutually respectful partnership with the United Kingdom.”

From the Turks and Caicos Islands, Minister Kumaran went on to attend the Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus in Bermuda this week, in preparation for this year’s UK and Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council(JMC), scheduled for November.