GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Government spent about $19,000 to send five representatives to the Overseas Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London in November.

The Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin was joined by Financial Services Minister Hon. Wayne Panton, Cabinet Secretary Samuel Rose, Joint Ministerial Council “Sherpa” Ms Jennifer Ahearn and Home Affairs Chief Office Eric Bush on the 25-29 November, 2013, trip. The total cost of the trip was $19,316.80.

Also joining the group was Her Excellency Gov. Helen Kilpatrick.

Airfare for Mr. McLaughlin, Minister Panton, Mr. Rose and Ms Ahearn totalled $13,316.80. The Governor’s Office paid airfare for Mr. Bush.

Per diem allowances for Mr. McLaughlin, Mr. Bush, Ms Ahearn, Mr. Rose and Mr. Panton totalled $6,000.

The JMC brought together political leaders from the Overseas Territories and UK Ministers and was hosted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Minister for the Overseas Territories Mark Simmonds.

The JMC meets once a year to provide a forum for the exchange of views on political and constitutional issues between the governments of the Territories and the UK Government.

Those at the meeting will also discuss strategies for promoting the security and good governance of all Overseas Territories as well as economic diversification, attracting investment, vocational education and employment.