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UK Minister of Justice Mike Freer MP Visits BVI to Enhance Legal and Justice Partnerships
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Ministry of Justice, Mike Freer MP, commenced his two-day visit to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) on the 5th of November.
In his capacity, he oversees matters related to Courts and Legal services, with a specific focus on the Overseas Territories.
The primary objective of this visit is to provide Minister Freer with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and justice systems in the BVI, while also pinpointing opportunities for strengthening partnerships and support from the United Kingdom.
During his stay, Minister Freer will engage with prominent figures in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, officials at His Majesty’s Prison, as well as meet with the Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions, and Members of the Judiciary.
The Governor of the BVI, His Excellency John Rankin CMG, expressed his gratitude for the Minister’s visit, stating, “I am grateful to the Minister for taking the time to visit the BVI. Over the next few days, I hope the Minister will be able to learn more about the judicial system in the BVI and see first-hand the challenges which law enforcement agencies face.”
Mike Freer MP has a distinguished political career, having been elected as a Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green in May 2010. He served as Assistant Government Whip from June 2017 to July 2018, followed by a tenure as Lord Commissioner of the Treasury from July 2018 to December 2019. He also held the position of Comptroller of HM Household from December 2019 to September 2021 and, most recently, served as the Minister for Exports and Minister for Equalities until July 6, 2022.
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British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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