The British Virgin Islands along with the other British Overseas Territories (OTs) have agreed to a new Joint Declaration with the United Kingdom (UK) Government.
The Governor’s Office confirmed the development on Thursday, December 14 as it explained the basis of the Declaration.
“The Declaration defines a new, more collaborative and ‘modern partnership’ between the UK and the OTs and includes a commitment to practice the highest standards of governance in the areas of human rights, rule of law, integrity in public life and financial management,” the Governor’s Office stated.
It added, “As part of the declaration, the UK and OTs committed to; improve transparency and deepen bilateral partnerships; consult OTs on UK primary legislation that impacts them; and support OTs to take on more responsibilities where they wish to do so.”
Speaking on the breakthrough was the UK Minister for the Overseas Territories the Right Honourable David Rutley who stressed on the importance of strengthening the relationships with the Overseas Territories.
He said, “The Overseas Territories are an important part of the British family, and our shared values such as support for democracy and the rule of law underpin this close relationship.
“Our new Joint Declaration sets out more clearly than ever how the UK and Overseas Territories will work closer together on the opportunities and challenges of the modern world,” Rutley added.
In addition to the aforementioned agreements, the Governor’s Office explained that additional commitments are included in the Declaration.
These include “investigating improvements to how the UK provides financial support to OTs and agreeing to speak with one voice on the international stage, such as at the United Nations.”
“It also creates more opportunities for the OTs to take on responsibilities where they want to, such as around transparency measures, and through the development of ‘Compacts.’ These ‘Compacts’ will set out roles and responsibilities on specific issues bespoke to each community. The UK will seek to agree these detailed bilateral agreements with each of the OTs,” the Governor’s Office further explained.
The Joint Declaration was agreed during the UK and British Overseas Territories annual Joint Ministerial Council meeting in London in November and has now been formally approved within the OTs.