Chief Minister Julie Thomas is set to leave St Helena on November 16, 2024, to attend the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in the United Kingdom. The JMC, held annually in London and hosted by the UK Government, serves as a key platform for dialogue between UK Ministers and leaders from various Overseas Territories.
Scheduled for November 20-21, 2024, the JMC will address topics such as security, irregular migration, economic diversification, illicit finance, climate issues, and human development. Chief Minister Thomas will lead a discussion on 'ODA Recipient Territories' during the first day of the event. This session aims to explore challenges faced by territories receiving Official Development Assistance (ODA) and share insights on ODA graduation concerns affecting St Helena.
Beyond the council meetings, Chief Minister Thomas has planned several official engagements. She will meet with Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories; other OT leaders; DEFRA Minister Creagh; Dame Meg Hillier MP; Chair of the Treasury Committee; and John Camp OBE, CEO Compass Partnership Schools.
While SHG UK Representative Kedell Worboys accompanies Minister Christine Scipio at COP29 in Baku, Chief Minister Thomas will be joined by Governor Nigel Phillips CBE and SHG UK Representative Office Manager Glenda Bas during her trip.
Chief Minister Thomas is expected to return to St Helena on November 30. In her absence, Minister Jeffrey Ellick will serve as Deputy Chief Minister and can be reached via email at jeffrey.ellick@sainthelena.gov.sh.
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