Caribbean Ot Leaders Demand UK Constitutional Reform
Leaders from Caribbean British Overseas Territories, including the Virgin Islands, met in Bermuda to forge a unified stance on modernizing relations with the United Kingdom. The leaders called for a transparent constitutional framework, an end to the UK pension freeze for territory residents, and collective action on climate finance and living costs.
Leaders from across the Caribbean British Overseas Territories, including the Virgin Islands, have concluded high-level talks in Bermuda, issuing a united call for a modernized relationship with the United Kingdom and a formal, codified process for constitutional reform. The 2026 Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus brought together the Premiers of Anguilla, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Operating under the principle that the territories are strongest when acting together, the leaders reaffirmed the right of self-determination under the United Nations Charter and pressed the UK government to replace its outdated 2012 White Paper with a comprehensive, transparent policy tailored to each territory's unique circumstances.
A central issue raised during the meetings was the absence of a defined framework for constitutional discussions with London. Leaders noted that territories often spend excessive time negotiating procedural steps rather than addressing matters of substance. To resolve this, they urged the UK government to publish clear criteria for constitutional modernizations.
Furthermore, the caucus adopted the principle of equilibrium, asserting that any constitutional advancement granted to one territory should not be denied to another or subjected to duplicate negotiations. The caucus also tackled long-standing economic and social inequities affecting territory citizens.
Leaders highlighted the unfair disparity surrounding the UK State Pension, which is not annually uprated for British Overseas Territory Citizens residing in their home territories despite equal contributions. On economic matters, leaders discussed collaborative measures to combat the rising cost of living, including advancing plans for a direct shipping route between the United Kingdom and the territories to reduce freight and insurance expenses.
In addition, leaders defended the reputation of their financial services industries, calling on the UK to publicly affirm their high regulatory standards and apply consistent standards across all territories and Crown Dependencies. Commitments were also made to share allocations under the National Health Service quota system, pursue regional climate finance mechanisms, and seek enhanced UK support to combat cyber security threats.
The leaders agreed to advance their unified positions through joint parliamentary engagement in London and scheduled the next Caribbean Caucus to be held in the Cayman Islands.
Primary source: BVI Government