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Cayman Islands Premier Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly opened today’s session of the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) Plenary by offering remarks on behalf of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA). She expressed her desire for amicable and transparent discussions which set the tone for the day’s proceedings.
There are presently five principles, referred to as the “Doughty Principles” that the UK Minister for the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty, MP has set out to guide the UK-Overseas Territory relationship:
a. Devolution and democratic autonomy for the OTs, and consistency on the principles of partnership and engagement.
b. Listening to the OTs, following the principle of “nothing about you without you.”
c. Partnership with the OTs based on mutual respect and inclusion, applying to all UK Government departments. 
Rights come with responsibilities, including the responsibility to uphold our common values.
d. Good governance and ensuring proper democratic accountability and regulation.
e. Defending the OTs’ security, autonomy and rights, including the right of self-determination.

The first plenary session on resetting the relationship, began by setting out the new UK Government’s approach to the OTs and identifiying areas for improvement. Discussions were held on how fundamental structures, such as constitutions, impact the way OTs interact with the UK government and how to future-proof relationships between the UK and its OTs relationships.