ANGUILLA--Chief Minister Victor Banks left Anguilla on Friday for the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meetings for the Overseas Territories to be held in London next week. He is accompanied by Minister of Infrastructure Curtis Richardson, Permanent Secretary of Finance Aidan Harrigan and Permanent Secretary Larry Franklin. In London, Anguilla’s representative in the UK and to the European Union (EU), Blondel Cluff will join the group.
There will be two days of intensive meetings that will review and discuss the Overseas Territories’ relationship with Britain including environmental issues, Brexit, trade and economy, health and education and disaster management. Several UK ministers will attend the JMC meetings including Minister of State for the Overseas Territories, Lord Ahmad, Minister of International Development Lord Bates, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, David Lidington and Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mel Stride.
After the JMC meetings the chief minister will be holding bilateral meetings with appropriate ministers in the UK with particular discussions on capital development and the airport project. Harrigan will be presenting the first draft of Anguilla’s budget.
During the visit to London, Banks will attend the Queen’s annual diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace attended by members of the royal family and over 1,000 people from more than 100 countries. It will include members of the British government and public figures.
