Attorney General Kim Wilson has travelled to Anguilla for the Conference of the British Overseas Territories Attorneys General.

Witness protection and custody alternatives are to be "critical areas of focus for Bermuda".

"The conference, which is held annually, provides an invaluable opportunity for Attorneys General to share information pertaining to matters of law and order across the region," said Ms Wilson.

"Additionally, the identification and development of action plans for mutually agreed initiatives which are aimed at strengthening the infrastructure which underlies the administration of justice in the Overseas Territories continues to be a priority for attendees."

The conference will be held from May 26-28 and is being chaired by the Attorney General of England and Wales, Baroness Scotland.

Attendees will include attorneys general from Anguilla, the British Virgin Island, the Cayman Islands, the Falkland Islands, Montserrat and the Turks and Caicos.

Ms Wilson said a number of issues important to Bermuda would be discussed, including how best to lay the groundwork for a witness protection programme in the region;

Custody alternatives for juveniles and mentally challenged persons; increased exchange of legal information between Attorneys General chambers of Overseas Territories.

Other items of business to be looked at over the three-day conference include:

• An overview of the jury system in small Overseas Territory jurisdictions

• An update on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Financial Services Strategy and the implications of recent international developments affecting Overseas Territories' financial services centres

• US and Canadian relations with Overseas Territories.

"A couple of the items I've highlighted have, at one time or another, been very prominent topics of discussion in our community," the Attorney General added. "It is my intention to ensure that Bermuda's position on all matters is succinctly outlined with my [Overseas Territories] colleagues.

"Finally, I look forward to providing members of the public with an update on how all aspects of the conference transpired upon my return so that they can be satisfied that the Ministry of Justice continues to promote the continued development of the administration of justice in this jurisdiction."