FCO online forum on White Paper attracts only one Bermuda comment
Just one public comment relating to Bermuda has been posted on an online forum seeking feedback for a UK Government White Paper on the Overseas Territories.Announcing the White Paper last month, Minister for the Overseas Territories Michael Bellingham said: “I believe that the Premier and the people of Bermuda can play a leading role in developing the strategy, and I look forward to discussing how we can shape Britain’s future relationship with the Overseas Territories.”He met with Premier Paula Cox during a visit to the Island later last month. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office [FCO] also launched a website where citizens of the Overseas Territories can give feedback.So far, the only publicly-posted comment about Bermuda on the site is from Michael Hardy, a former director of the Bermuda International Business Association.Mr Hardy recommended that the Governor of Bermuda should be “more available and willing to accept responsibility for the police force in Bermuda” when it comes to investigating white collar crime. He also cited concerns about the future of Bermuda’s economic viability.Other comments have been posted by residents of the Cayman Islands, St Helena, the Falkland Islands and other countries around the world.In addition to public comments on the website, feedback can also be sent by private email to the FCO or via post. Visit http://ukoverseasterritories.readandcomment.com/ for full information.