Cayman Islands Premier Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office today (Friday, 22 May) informed all Overseas Territories Heads of Government that work on the UK/Overseas Territories strategy has been halted following the  announcement of a general election in the UK, scheduled for 4 July 2024.

The deferral of the strategy is pending the formation and direction of a new Government.

Premier Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly responded to the announcement, stating, “Today’s decision is neither surprising nor unexpected following the calling of the general election. I have shared this news with my Government as well as the Leader of the Opposition, with whom I have been engaged since the signing of the Joint Declaration at the end of 2023. It is my sincere hope that a new UK Government will use the start of their administration to work with the Overseas Territories in a spirit of partnership and bilateral consultation to strengthen our relationship.”

The announcement comes at the conclusion of Premier O’Connor-Connolly’s week of productive meetings in the United Kingdom where discussions focused on various strategic initiatives and the ongoing relationship between the UK and the Cayman Islands.

The Premier noted that the Cayman Islands Government remains committed to working closely with the UK to ensure the best outcomes for our people.