BVI Visit of British Foreign Office Minister

Gillian Merron MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State of Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office with responsibility for the Overseas Territories, made a two-day visit to the British Virgin Islands. She had talks with Premier Ralph O’Neal, Deputy Premier Dancia Penn, other ministers of government as well as Opposition leader, Dr Orlando Smith. The result of the visit which was concluded on April 10, became a statement issued before her departure.

Among other issues, she spoke on the impact of the global economic downturn on the BVI economy, which relies upon international financial business and tourism. She expressed confidence that the announcement of the US$1.1 trillion support to the global economy during the G-20 summit in London will help everyone. She said, "BVI were right to recommit to the OECD standard on tax exchange of information in advance of the Summit. I welcome the Premier's further commitment not only to meet that standard, but go beyond it - and go beyond it in the very near future."

Gillian Merron was appointed to the post of UK Overseas Territories Minister in October 2008, and this was her first visit to the BVI.