GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Premier the Hon. Alden McLaughlin will leave the Cayman Islands Saturday to travel to London to attend the annual Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London.

The JMC will bring together political leaders from the Overseas Territories and UK Ministers 25-29 November and is being 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.

“Our goal in the Cayman Islands is to build sustainable economies, create jobs and drive prosperity,” said the Hon. Premier. “Once we do these things, we can ensure a better quality of life for our citizens and visitors.”

On Tuesday night Mr. McLaughlin will host an invitation-only dinner for current and potential future Friends of Cayman at the InterContinental Hotel, Westminster, where he will deliver a speech and entertain questions.

A major UK-Overseas Territories Business Forum will be held alongside the JMC on 28 November. The event will bring together all the Overseas Territories with UK businesses and investors to explore investment opportunities in all Territories.

During the JMC, participants will also review and implement strategy and commitments in the 2012 White Paper ‘The Overseas Territories: Security, Success and Sustainability’.

Traveling with the Premier will be Her Excellency Gov. Helen Kilpatrick, Financial Services Minister Hon. Wayne Panton, Cabinet Secretary Samuel Rose, Joint Ministerial Council “Sherpa” Ms Jennifer Ahearn and Home Affairs Chief Office Eric Bush will join the delegation in London.

They return to the Cayman Islands on Saturday, 30 November.