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‘We will ensure our voices are heard & our needs addressed- UKOTA President
This is according to Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who at his first press engagement for the year (January 23, 2025), reinforced the importance of unity and collaboration, in announcing his new role as President of the UK Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA)—and also President of the Association’s Political Council.
‘It’s not just about leadership’
Expressing his gratitude and outlining his vision for the presidency, Premier Wheatley told media operatives, “This appointment is not just about leadership; it’s about unity and collaboration. Together, we will harness our collective strengths to address the challenges we face, such as climate change and economic resilience, and to seize the opportunities that lie ahead for our territories.”
The Premier affirmed his administration’s commitment, to amplifying the voices of UK Overseas Territories within the United Kingdom, pledging, “We will ensure that our voices are heard and our needs addressed; By cultivating closer ties with His Majesty's Government and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, we will support collaboration on important issues affecting our territories.”
Tracy Bradshaw to oversee ‘governance of the Presidency’
In tandem with Dr Wheatley’s appointment, Ms Tracey Bradshaw, UK Representative and Director of the BVI London Office, has also been elected Chair of UKOTA.
Ms Bradshaw, at the time of the official announcement in a government missive on January 9, 2025, had also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve, stating, “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair of UKOTA.”
According to Ms Bradshaw, “Alongside Premier Wheatley and our dedicated team, we will work tirelessly to ensure that the concerns and aspirations of the UK Overseas Territories are acknowledged and addressed with the utmost diligence and respect.”
Ms Bradshaw, as Chair, will focus on governance and strategic alignment.
“The Chair will oversee the governance of the Presidency, coordinating initiatives, collaboration, and ensuring accountability, thereby aligning efforts with the Association's strategic goals,” Dr Wheatley explained.
‘We are well-positioned to unify our voices’- Premier
Meanwhile, Dr. Wheatley additionally, spoke to the leadership responsibilities associated with these roles, explaining that as President, he will preside over the Political Council and prioritise the interests of all territories in the Association’s deliberations.
“Our leadership in the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association strengthens our representation and collaboration for all overseas territories, reinforcing our collective presence in discussions with His Majesty's Government and other stakeholders.”
UKOTA serves as the collective voice of the UK Overseas Territories, ensuring that all territories, regardless of size or economic capacity, are equitably represented in discussions with the UK Government.
Looking ahead, the Premier emphasised the importance of addressing shared challenges: "We are well-positioned to unify our voices in addressing shared challenges, ensuring that our aspirations are realised.”
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8 Responses to “‘We will ensure our voices are heard & our needs addressed- UKOTA President”
I think he should say others and me because that is actually what he meant. He knows how to play with the English language skillfully, but only those that lacks Godly spiritual discernment are able to understand that words that differ from thought to deceived others are dishonest.
There is a quoted saying that reads like the following. "You can fool all the people some of the time, you can fool all of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time. Conclusion up and coming: No creature that was created by God can fool him at no time.
You Be honest Premier. Action love for all the people of the BVI, over BVI LOVE only for some.