The central issue for discussion from the perspective of the British Overseas Territories (BOTs) at the Joint Ministerial Council meetings was the recent hurricanes and the recovery aid that would be required. Lead by the efforts of the Premier of the Cayman Islands, leaders from the most affected BOTS were able to secure pledges from the UK Government that the aid would be granted, in part from the UK Government and in part from the private sector with security and guarantees from the UK. In the session regarding hurricane relief and recovery at the JMC meetings Lord Bates, Minister of State for DfID, along with individuals from Department for International Development and the FCO recovery teams, as well as Public Health England and the Ministry of Defence were present to aid discussion about hurricane relief and recovery. Lord Ahmad advised those attending of the Prime Minister’s commitment at the meeting with leaders to provide additional assistance to hurricane impacted territories. Premier McLaughlin requested that the UK consider hosting an annual hurricane preparedness meeting in Miami ahead of the hurricane season to ensure that the UK and territories were as prepared as they can be in the event of storms. This request was agreed to by the UK Government Officials.
The day continued with discussions on rebuilding the tourism and business sectors in the impacted territories, including the need to rebuild stronger and better to allow for better resilience against hurricanes. The Rt. Hon. Penny Morduant, Secretary of State for Development attended these discussions.
The day ended with discussions around UK assistance to territories in matters to do with coastal security against people and drug trafficking as well as building resilience, improving communications, and sustainable economic development.