Topic: Lord Tariq Ahmad

Premier Alden McLaughlin has welcomed newly appointed UK Overseas Territories Minister Baroness Elizabeth Sugg.

Baroness Elizabeth Sugg is taking over from Lord Tariq Ahmad as the UK Overseas Territories Minister.

The UK formalised its fractious divorce from the European Union at the end of January. The two parties now have until the end of the year to negotiate a new trade deal. The message to Cayman Islands residents has been a very British, ‘keep calm and carry on’.

The UK has agreed to constitutional changes that will give the Cayman Islands greater autonomy for internal affairs and an increased level of insulation, according to Premier Alden McLaughlin.

Like Lord Tariq Ahmad, a steady ally who most recently visited in June to discuss public registries and hurricane preparedness, these four elected members appeared eager to understand the U.K.’s relationships – and its responsibilities – to its territories.

A litany of concerns related to the ongoing investigation involving absent Cayman Islands Governor Anwar Choudhury made public last week were not addressed in responses made by senior U.K. and Cayman officials Thursday.

The British government was accused of a “double standard” in the House of Lords this week for seeking to impose public company beneficial ownership registers on its overseas territories but not taking action to legalize same-sex marriage.

The Cayman Islands came away with no promises on constitutional change following Lord Tariq Ahmad’s brief visit Wednesday, but the British Overseas Territories minister said any proposals made by Cayman would be given due consideration.

Leaders from 10 British Overseas Territories, including Cayman, met with U.K. ministers in London on Wednesday to discuss Brexit negotiations. All attendees in Wednesday’s meeting were briefed on developments and preparations for talks with the EU.