GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Cayman Islands Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin welcomed four Members of Parliament from the United Kingdom to the Islands with a private reception Thursday night.

The MPs – Andrew Rosindell, Henry Smith, Col. Bob Stewart and Martin Vickers, all members of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Cayman Islands – arrived in Grand Cayman Thursday for a four day visit to the Islands that is designed to give them a broader knowledge of Cayman’s people, culture and economy.

A highlight of the reception was a briefing on the Cayman Turtle Centre where the MPs released Green Sea Turtles.

“It turned out to be a perfect opportunity for a turtle release, and we thank the Cayman Turtle Centre for being able to facilitate this with our visitors,” Mr. McLaughlin said.

Tim Adam, Managing Director of the Cayman Turtle Centre said, “A key factor in our Company’s purpose is providing a world-class tourist attraction that also educates visitors on sea turtles and factors impacting their survival in the wild, and we feel we have been able to showcase this to lawmakers in the UK Government.”

The MPs’ visit continued Friday with a meeting with the Government, H.E. Acting Governor the Hon. Franz Manderson and a meeting with Cabinet and Caucus.

The group then visited the Legislative Assembly for a tour led by Mr. McLaughlin. A meeting with the Deputy Leader of the Opposition Alva Suckoo, MLA Arden McLean and MLA Kenny Bryan followed.

At a formal luncheon at the Wharf restaurant later Friday, the UK MPs joined a local group of about 30 people, all of whom are key players in the Financial Services Industry, which included the Premier, Minister for Financial Services the Hon. Tara Rivers, Minister for Finance and Economic Development Hon. Roy McTaggart and Minister for Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure Hon. Joseph Hew.

After an engaging lunch, the group were then taken to the Island Air Hanger where they received a presentation by RCIPS Air Support Unit on the capability of and assistance offered to fellow British Overseas Territories in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

Friday ended with a reception at Government House hosted by Messrs. Manderson and McLaughlin with community leaders and selection of Youth Parliamentarians as well as Proud of Them recipients.

The visit will continue over the weekend with a trip to Cayman Brac and a tour of the Eastern districts of Grand Cayman before the MPs head home on Sunday.

IMAGES:
From left, front, Hon. Min. Joseph Hew, MP Martin Vickers, MP Henry Smith, Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MP Andrew Rosindell, Hon. Minister Tara Rivers, MP Col. Bob Stewart and CO Jennifer Ahearn. Back row from left, Cabinet Secretary Samuel Rose, Councillor David Wight, Hon. Min. Roy McTaggart and Attorney General Sam Bulgin.
MP Henry Smith gives a turtle its freedom.
Thursday night’s welcome reception.
MPs meet with Opposition.