Ms. Gillian Merron, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office paying a courtesy call to Mr. Robert Mactavious, Managing Director/CEO, British Virgin Islands Financial Service Commission.  Also pictured at the head of the table is His Excellency the Governor, David Peary, the Minister’s Private Secretary, Sarah Clayton and Deputy Managing Director, Corporate Services for the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission, Mrs. Jennifer Potter Questelles.  Photo Credit: Mr. Doron Hodge/GIS

GILLIAN MERRON IN VIRGIN ISLANDS FOR TALKS ON GOVERNANCE, PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

Thursday, April 9 –   Following meetings in the US earlier in the week, Foreign Office minister, Gillian Merron visited the British Virgin Islands on 7-9 April for talks.   The Minister met Premier Ralph O'Neal, Leader of the Opposition, Dr Orlando Smith, the Cabinet and members of the House of Assembly.  Discussions covered policing matters, good governance, and the territory's financial services industry.  As the government minister with responsibility for defence and security of the Overseas Territories, Gillian Merron observed a marine exercise involving the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and HM Revenue and Customs and a joint search and rescue exercise involving Virgin Islands Search and Rescue and the US Coastguard.  The Minister also inspected facilities to protect the territory's citizens from hurricanes.

Minister Merron said, "We take very seriously our responsibilities towards our Overseas Territories, so I'm delighted to be able to visit British Virgin Islands at this point.   We've been looking at the territory's public service and good governance issues, as well as practical matters related to policing and immigration.  

The Minister added, "We must all be alive to the impact of wider global challenges as well, whether they be the economic crisis or climate security both of which I know are of particular interest to British Virgin Islanders given the twin mainstays of  the economy of the territory - international business companies and tourism.   

G20 leaders were clear on the need for all jurisdictions to meet international standards on tax transparency. I welcome the territory's public commitment to the OECD standards, and am encouraged by the progress being made in this area."

###