MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

British Overseas Territories Consultative Council.

The main issue at this year's Overseas Territories Consultative Council (8 -10 December)(OTCC) will be to review developments since the March 1999 White Paper “Partnership for Progress and Prosperity” was published.

The Council will look ahead to the coming decade, and consider whether there is a need to build on the principles and mechanisms established in the White Paper.

An important issue to discuss will be the nature of the relationship between the Overseas Territories and the UK and the role of Governors in working with Councillors on standards of governance and compliance with international standards and obligations. This must be a common endeavour. This does not signal a major change in the relationship nor an attempt to assume new powers for the UK Government or Governors. But the FCO wants to make clear what they expect (and have always expected) of Governors and what Councillors should expect of the constitutional relationship with the UK. This will also have implications for the constitutional review process, which will also be discussed.

Since there will be a discussion on the role of Governors, the Minister for the Overseas Territories, Bill Rammell wants Governors to attend the OTCC. This is not intended to serve as a precedent for future OTCC meetings.

There will also be a press and photo opportunity to launch the new Overseas Territories Environmental Programme (UKOTEP) which will be operated jointly by FCO and DFID.

St Helena's delegation will comprise Councillor Mervyn Yon and Councillor Cathy Hopkins. They and the Governor will leave St Helena on 22 November. The Governor and Councillor Yon will return via Ascension Island on 19 December. Whilst on Ascension Island they will hold informal meetings with Ascension Island Council and the Administrator. Governor Hollamby will also present Canon Clive Duncan with his MBE insignia.

Councillor Hopkins will remain in the UK for further discussions on constitutional reform and for family leave. For the constitutional discussions she will be joined by Councillor Gunnell.