GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – The United Kingdom and British Overseas Territories’ Joint Ministerial Council meeting, which is held annually in London, will be held via video conference beginning Monday, 23 November, 2020. Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin, together with various Ministers and other officials, will attend the meetings.

The JMC brings together political leaders from the British Overseas Territories (OTs) and United Kingdom Ministers and this year kicks off with an opening welcome from Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

OT and UK leaders will discuss measures they have taken to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and the way forward, including vaccines.

Following that discussion Premier McLaughlin is scheduled to speak about amendments to the Cayman Islands Constitution, which were assented to by the Privy Council on 11 November, 2020.

The session will wrap up on Monday with a discussion about border security challenges.

Topics for discussion on Tuesday through Thursday include:

• Economic Resilience in small, open island economies against the backdrop of COVID-19 and other economic shocks
• EU Exit and its impacts, including funding, market access and mobility
• Issues concerning free trade agreements and international trade
• Protecting the vulnerable, specifically focusing on mental health, domestic abuse and children
• Environmental protection and funding with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
• COP26 opportunities and engagement in the UN Climate Change Conference being hosted by the UK in 2021

The conference ends Thursday afternoon. JMC meets once a year to provide a forum for the exchange of views on political and constitutional issues between the governments of the Overseas Territories and the UK Government.

Joining the Premier for this year’s conference will be members of Cabinet.