Canada
United Kingdom Caribbean Overseas Territories Public Service Summit
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 13th June 2025- Under the esteemed Chairmanship of Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the United Kingdom Caribbean Overseas Territories Public Service Summit was successfully hosted in the Turks and Caicos Islands on June 11, 2025.
Held under the theme “Collaboration, Innovation, Impact: Driving Public Value Together,” the Summit provided a dynamic platform for strategic dialogue, knowledge sharing and regional collaboration.
The Summit brought together high-level leadership from all six United Kingdom Caribbean Overseas Territories.
Attendees included:
- Honourable Frantz Manderson, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Cayman Islands
- Honourable Dr. David Archer, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, British Virgin Islands
- Honourable Perin Bradley, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Anguilla
- Honourable Lindorna Lambert-Sweeney, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Montserrat
- Honourable Cherie Whitter, Head of the Public Service, Bermuda
“As the current Chair of the United Kingdom Caribbean Overseas Territories Heads of Public Service, it is an honour to welcome my fellow
Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service to the Beautiful By Nature Turks and Caicos Islands for this year’s Public Service Summit.
This Summit, held under the theme ‘Collaboration, Innovation, Impact: Driving Public Value Together,’ speaks directly to the heart of what we aim to achieve and comes at a pivotal moment in our collective journey as public service leaders.
Across our territories, we are navigating an increasingly complex and interconnected world, one that demands not only resilience, but also adaptability, innovation and strong regional cooperation.
Though our responsibilities as Heads of Public Service are as diverse as our islands, we are united by a common mission: to serve our people with integrity, efficiency, and purpose.
This Summit, followed by the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service Leadership Forum, provides an invaluable opportunity to learn from one another, to share best practices and to identify impactful strategies to strengthen governance and service delivery across our region.
I encourage my colleagues to fully engage, to explore new perspectives and to foster the enduring spirit of cooperation that defines our region.”
Acting Premier and Minister of Border Control and Immigration, Honourable Jamell Robinson, in his remarks, stated, “The decision to host this year’s UKOT Heads of Public Service Summit in the Turks and Caicos Islands is both a powerful endorsement and a symbolic milestone, a clear affirmation of our territory’s rising leadership and influence within the region. This Summit is more than a gathering of leaders, it is a bold call to action. It reaffirms our collective commitment to excellence, adaptability, and the pursuit of meaningful public value that reaches every citizen, every institution, and every future generation.”
Meanwhile, Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam also offered opening remarks, stating, “It is a pleasure to welcome the Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service from across our sister Overseas Territories to the Turks and Caicos Islands. You gather at a critical moment, as we collectively navigate complex challenges and bold public service reform to meet the evolving expectations of a modern world. For the Turks and Caicos Islands, hosting this event and the Leadership Forum, featuring 200 of our brightest talents, offers a unique opportunity to share insights collectively and connect our future leaders with the wealth of experience of the Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service. It is through this kind of collaboration that we cultivate innovation, inspire excellence and ensure our public service remains resilient and responsive in a rapidly evolving world.”
The Summit takes place during a week of activities hosted by the Office of the Deputy Governor and marks the first time the Public Service Summit has been held in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Deandrea Hamilton Editor
Ottawa, May 22, 2025 – In a landmark address following the historic opening of Canada’s 45th Parliament by King Charles III, newly
elected Prime Minister Mark Carney has laid out an ambitious vision for the country, framing his government’s agenda as a “covenant with Canadians.”
The speech, delivered from Centre Block on Parliament Hill, follows a stirring throne speech by King Charles—his first as Sovereign in Canada—marking his 20th official visit to the country and the first accompanied by Queen Camilla. The King praised Canada’s diversity, resilience, and role on the global stage, calling for unity and bold leadership in an increasingly volatile world.
Prime Minister Carney’s message responded directly to that call, setting forth a four-pillar agenda focused on unity, security, opportunity, and national renewal.
“This is more than a mandate. It is a covenant,” said Carney. “A promise to serve all Canadians, to lead with integrity, and to deliver results that reach into every home and every community.”
National Unity and Reconciliation
At the heart of the covenant is a renewed commitment to Indigenous Peoples. The government pledged to double the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to $10 billion and to accelerate wealth-building partnerships in housing, clean energy, and infrastructure. Carney also vowed to uphold the principle of free, prior, and informed consent on major national projects.
The Liberal leader emphasized Canada’s bilingual and multicultural identity, with assurances that both French and Indigenous languages and cultures would be protected and promoted.
Economic Transformation and Affordability
Carney’s government aims to “build the strongest economy in the G7,” beginning with legislation to eliminate internal trade barriers and
create a single national labour and business environment. The Prime Minister announced the creation of Build Canada Homes, a new agency tasked with doubling home construction and leading a transformation of Canada’s housing sector through modular, affordable development.
In line with the throne speech, Carney reaffirmed commitments to child care, pharmacare, and dental care, while introducing new tax cuts and housing incentives to ease pressures on middle-class families.
A More Secure Canada
Addressing rising public concerns over safety and sovereignty, the government announced investments in border security, cyber protection, and military readiness, particularly in Canada’s North. The Carney administration will introduce new legislation to toughen penalties for organized crime, drug trafficking, and repeat violent offenders.
Fiscal Responsibility and Global Engagement
Striking a balance between ambition and discipline, the Prime Minister pledged to bring government operating growth under two percent, while capping public sector expansion and cutting duplication. Internationally, Carney signaled a new phase of global leadership, particularly ahead of Canada’s hosting of the G7 Summit in June. “This is a critical moment—not just for our government, but for our nation,” said Carney. “We are ready to lead, to act boldly, and to serve Canadians with humility and courage.” The covenant sets the tone for what is expected to be one of the most transformative Liberal mandates in decades, with implementation details expected in the first budget next month.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Header: King Charles III and Queen Camilla meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Diana Fox Carney as they arrive at Ottawa Airport for their two-day visit to Canada. Picture date: Monday May 26, 2025.
1st insert: Throne speech by King Charles—his first as Sovereign in Canada
2nd insert: King Charles III and Queen Camilla meeting with an elder as they arrive at Ottawa Airport for their two-day visit to Canada. Picture date: Monday May 26, 2025.
3rd insert: King Charles III meeting with school children as he arrives at Ottawa Airport for his two-day visit to Canada. Picture date: Monday May 26, 2025.
4th insert: King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they arrive at Ottawa Airport for their two-day visit to Canada. Picture date: Monday May 26, 2025.
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