The new Overseas Territories Minister. Mark Simmonds is in the Caribbean visiting the British Virgin Islands from yesterday (22) and Anguilla on Wednesday (24). The Cayman Islands is not on his agenda.

The following is a Press Release from HM Governor’s Office, Montserrat.

Visit to the British Virgin Islands by Mark Simmonds MP, Minister for the Overseas Territories, 22-24 October

Mark Simmonds, the new Minister for the Overseas Territories, will be visiting the British Virgin Islands from 22 to 24 October.

This will be Mr Simmonds’ first visit to an Overseas Territory since taking up his post in September and his first official visit to BVI.

While he is in the BVI, the Minister will have meetings with the Premier and Cabinet, the police and at the prison. He will also visit Virgin Gorda to hold discussions on the tourism sector.

Speaking ahead of his trip, the Minister said:

“I am really looking forward to visiting the British Virgin Islands, which will be my first trip to a territory since starting my new role as Minister for the Overseas Territories.  While I have visited the British Virgin Islands 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.

Premier Smith said, “We in the BVI value the relationship between the UK and its Overseas Territories, including the BVI and we are keen to continue working together in partnership. I look forward to meeting Mr. Simmonds in his capacity as Minister for the Overseas Territories and to solidifying the support that will result in the continued growth of the Virgin Islands.”

The Minister will visit Anguilla after leaving BVI on 24 October.

Mark Simmonds was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 5 September 2012.

Mark Simmonds first entered Parliament in 2001 and is the Member of Parliament for Boston and Skegness.

Born in 1964, he was educated at Worksop College and Trent University. Mark was elected onto Wandsworth Borough Council for the Southfield Ward in Putney in 1990 where he remained until 1994 when he stepped down to pursue a parliamentary career.

Positions held

• Member of Parliament for Boston and Skegness, 2001 – present
• Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Shadow Foreign Secretary, 2002-2003
• Shadow Minister for Education, 2003-2004
• Shadow Foreign Office Minister, 2004 – 2005
• Shadow Minister for International Development, 2005 – 2007
• Shadow Minister for Health, 2007 – 20010
• Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, September 2012 – present

He is married to Lizbeth, and has three children.

Responsibilities:

• Africa
• Overseas Territories (not Falklands, SBAs or Gibraltar)
• Conflict Issues
• Climate Change
• International Energy
• Consular
• Protocol
• Ministerial Oversight for FCO Services

The Caribbean (not including Dominican Republic, Haiti or Cuba)