HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC Plans for a regional high-security prison were discussed during a meeting of the Overseas Territories Consultative Council, (OTCC), ahead of a major conference in London at the end of the year.

Premier Dr Ewart Brown told a news conference yesterday that while the initiative is in its early stages, it t is being considered in light of the rising crime situation across the region.

"We're all concerned about law and order and security," he said, adding there was some talk of a regional high-security prison. It's an issue we may take to the UK government.

"I would imagine if the concept was to go forward, and if interest was expressed by independent countries, it would be entertained."

The meeting brought together representatives from four of Britain's Overseas Territories Premier McKeeva Bush of the Cayman Islands, Premier Ralph O'Neal and MP Vincent Scatliffe of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Deputy Chief Minister Edison Baird of Anguilla, and Charles Kirnon, Montserrat's Minister of Communication, Works and Labour.

Brown called the meeting a success, saying We have completed a full and varied agenda, and we are now well prepared for the conference in December.

He said that concern was expressed during the meeting about the scrutiny the United Kingdom had given to financial affairs of the Overseas Territories, noting that it  was a "trend that is viewed cautiously" by members of the OTCC.