Cayman Governor Calls For More Political Unity In Caribbean

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

26 August 2004

The Cayman Islands Acting Governor the Hon James Ryan, has called upon the governments of the UK's Caribbean overseas territories to cooperate more closely to ensure their interests are represented in the global market place.

Opening the Caribbean and Bermuda Overseas Territories Chief Ministers’ Conference, Mr Ryan stated: “Coming together today we are reminded that individually our countries are small, but we also know that collectively we wield considerable power, for the strength of unity brings a resonance to our voice that the world cannot ignore.”

“Your support to Cayman’s Leader of Government Business, the Hon. McKeeva Bush, during his stance on the EU savings tax directive, amply demonstrates this point,” he noted.

Mr Ryan called upon the chief ministers to spend time discussing policy coordination and the opening of communication channels between the different territories.

“We must remember that as Overseas Territories, we all share similar histories. Therefore increasing cooperation between us can only serve to promote our economies, better our lifestyles and give our citizens access to better services,” he observed.

Attending the opening of the meeting, the first time it has been held in the Cayman Islands, were Leader of Government Business McKeeva Bush, Chief Minister for Anguilla Osbourne B Fleming, Chief Minister for Montserrat John Osborne, Chief Minister for BVI D. Orlando Smith and Chief Minister for Turks and Caicos Islands Michael Misick, among other delegates.

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