UK OT's Minister To Visit Montserrat

 Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the UK Minister who has responsibility for the Overseas Territories is scheduled to visit Montserrat this week.

The visit is part of a six day regional tour to discuss Hurricane Preparedness and Public Registers of Beneficial Ownership.

The Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is presently in Anguilla where he is meeting with the territories' Governor Tim Foy,  Chief Minister Victor Banks and other officials.

Lord Ahmad is expected to visit the Cayman Islands on Wednesday May 30th and is scheduled to visit Montserrat in time for the commissioning of the Police Marine Vessel, the MV Heliconia Star on Friday June 1st.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Foreign Office Minister for the Overseas Territories, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon said “The UK has provided critical aid and support across the region to assist in recovery from last year’s widespread devastation, and we can already see this help from the UK has made a real difference on the ground.”

“However, there’s more that needs to be done. We will continue to work extremely closely with the British Overseas Territories, as well as the rest of the Caribbean, to make sure that the region has plans in place to prepare for, and better withstand, future hurricanes.”

The Minister will also address concerns held on the Islands about the UK’s recent Anti Money Laundering Bill.

Speaking on beneficial ownership, Lord Ahmad said “We strongly value the relationship between the UK and the Overseas Territories and will work closely with the Overseas Territories Governments to find a solution which works for everyone.”

The visit follows on from a  telephone discussion on May 24th between the Prime Minister Theresa May, Lord Ahmad and other leaders of the Overseas Territories to discuss company ownership transparency and, in particular, the issue of public registers of beneficial ownership.

Representatives from the British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce and the Caribbean Council are travelling with the Minister.