Governor John Rankin, Premier Dr. the Hon Natalio Wheatley, Deputy Premier Hon. Lorna Smith OBE, Financial Secretary Jeremiah Frett, Premier's Office  Permanent Secretary Ms Stout Igwe and Director of the London Office Tracy Bradshaw attended a reception for the unveiling of the 'British Family Windows' stained glass at the Speaker's House in the Palace of Westminster.

Commissioned by UK Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle and designed by John Reyntien, the stained glass windows honour the British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies with the inclusion of their respective coat of arms to provide a visible and long-lasting presence in the Houses of Parliament.

The reception forms part of the annual Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) events in London this week. JMC  brings together UK Ministers and OT Leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest and to agree actions to address shared challenges.

“Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, has been a friend of BVI for nearly 20 years and was among the first to join the BVI APPG in 2004. He has become a friend to Channel Islands and Caribbean Overseas Territories over the years. We were all thrilled when he unveiled a stained glass window in celebration of the CDOT’s.” Deputy Premier Lorna Smith said. She added that “As shown by a UK think tank, Capital Economics, the BVI contributes significantly to employment and taxes in the UK.”

The Governor, Premier and Deputy Premier are currently in the UK on official travel.