The United Kingdom’s recently appointed minister for the overseas territories will arrive in the Virgin Islands next week in order to meet with VI officials.
Mark Simmonds, a Conservative party Member of Parliament who was named to the ministerial post on Sept. 5, will make his first official visit to the VI on Monday, according to a UK government press release. He replaces Henry Bellingham, a fellow Conservative MP, who lost his ministerial post when David Cameron, the UK prime minister, reshuffled his Cabinet in September.
During the three-day visit, Mr. Simmonds will meet with Premier Dr. Orlando Smith and Cabinet members as well as representatives of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the Her Majesty’s Prison Service. He will also visit Virgin Gorda “to see firsthand how the tourism sector is developing there,” the release stated.
Though this will be his first visit as OT minister, Mr. Simmonds has been to the VI before.
“I am excited to be going back this time in an official capacity. I am interested to see how the territory has progressed and developed since I was last there. I am also delighted to have the opportunity to renew my acquaintance with the Honourable Premier and hear his plans for BVI’s future,” he said, according to the release.
After leaving the territory on Wednesday, Mr. Simmonds is scheduled to fly to Anguilla on an official visit.
{fcomment}