British Consul General Paul J.G. Rennie made his first official visit to Guam and the CNMI. Rennie is Britain’s senior representative for the U.S. Southwest and Pacific territories. He met with island leaders, educators, environmental groups, and local businesses to explore partnerships in economic development, climate risk insurance, and renewable energy.
“It’s been fascinating, I am really struck by how much the communities around this whole region want to collaborate. When you’re kind of out here, you realize just how much collaboration is taking place in the oceanic region,” said Rennie.
The visit emphasized a connection on challenges and opportunities, such as sustainable energy, circular economies, and climate resilience. Rennie highlighted the importance of forging people-centered relationships.
“History is written by those who show up,” said Rennie. “It’s really been a full spectrum of the political, the economic, the cultural. It’s questions around sustainable and cheap energy. It’s questions about the environment and how the climate might be changing around us.”
His week-long tour included meetings with the Governor of Guam, local senators, the University of Guam, Guam Green Growth, and the U.S. Coast Guard, among others.
The inaugural visit opens the door for deeper UK engagement with the Pacific region and showcase the Marianas as vital players in global conversations about sustainability and island innovation.
