03/06/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONTSERRAT PARTICIPATES IN OVERSEAS TERRITORIES DAY PROGRAMME AT WESTMINSTER
The Montserrat Government UK Office joined representatives from across the United Kingdom Overseas Territories on 1st June to participate in a programme of activities marking Overseas Territories Day. Activities were led by the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) and held across key parliamentary and civic venues in Westminster.
Observed annually, Overseas Territories Day celebrates the people, cultures, histories and contributions of the UK Overseas Territories, while providing an opportunity to strengthen engagement between the Territories, Parliament, the UK Government and key external stakeholders. The programme also provided an opportunity for the Montserrat Government UK Office to engage with parliamentarians, government officials and strategic partners while highlighting Montserrat's culture, priorities and contribution within the wider Overseas Territories family.
This year's programme included a reception at the House of Commons, kindly hosted by the Speaker, the Right Honourable Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Attendees heard remarks from the Speaker, the Minister for the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty MP, James Cleverly MP, and the Hon. David Burt, Premier of Bermuda and current President of UKOTA.
The reception brought together representatives from the Overseas Territories, Members of Parliament, officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and a range of organisations that work alongside and support the Territories.
A highlight of the reception was a steel pan performance by young Montserratian musician Josiah Persaud, who proudly represented the island and showcased an important element of Caribbean culture.
The commemorations also provided a valuable opportunity for engagement with parliamentarians, UK Government officials and strategic partners. Participation in such activities forms part of the Montserrat Government UK Office's wider parliamentary engagement and diplomatic representation programme. The Programme, seeks to strengthen relationships across Westminster, raise awareness of Montserrat's development priorities, and support advocacy on issues of importance to the island, including economic growth, climate resilience, diaspora engagement, infrastructure development and sustainable investment opportunities.
A special Evensong Service was also held at Westminster Abbey, where prayers were offered for the leaders and people of the UK Overseas Territories.
In addition, a two-week exhibition highlighting the diversity, culture, heritage, environment and achievements of the Overseas Territories is currently on display at Portcullis House. The exhibition provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the unique identities, histories and contributions of the Territories to the wider UK family.
Commenting on the occasion, Kei-Retta Farrell, UK Representative and Head of the Montserrat Government UK Office, said:
"Overseas Territories Day is about celebrating the people, cultures and communities that make our Territories unique, while also creating opportunities to strengthen relationships with those who help shape policy and decision-making in the United Kingdom. It was particularly rewarding to see Montserrat represented through Josiah Persaud's steel pan performance and to engage with colleagues and partners from across the Overseas Territories family. These connections are vital as we continue to advance Montserrat's priorities and raise the island's profile in the United Kingdom."
The Montserrat Government UK Office extends its thanks to UKOTA, the Speaker of the House of Commons and his team, Westminster Abbey, and all those involved in organising and supporting this year's commemorative activities.
The Montserrat Government UK Office looks forward to continuing its engagement with Parliament, UK Government departments and partner and external organisations throughout the year in support of Montserrat's development priorities and international profile.
Ends
