London, November 14, 2011: The Cayman Islands Government has appointed Lord Blencathra as Director of their London office.
Lord Blencathra, (formerly David Maclean) was MP for Penrith and The Border from 1983-2010 and Conservative Chief Whip from 2001 -2005.
Announcing the appointment in London today (Monday) Cayman Premier McKeeva Bush said, “It is vitally important that Cayman has a strong voice in Westminster and Brussels and I am delighted that a politician with David’s experience will ensure that our interests are protected at a time when tax neutral jurisdictions such as our own are the subject of such malicious and ill informed attacks.”
Lord Blencathra said: "I am honoured to take up this appointment and work for the Cayman Islands Government. I passionately believe that the United Kingdom and the Overseas Territories are a force for good in the world. In a world of ever faster communications there is often slower understanding. A major part of my work will be to make people in the UK and Europe understand that allowing the Cayman Islands to maintain its leading position in world finance is also vital for the City of London and the whole of the UK economy.
“As the world possibly enters even more difficult financial times then we should all build on our strengths and maintain our family ties with those countries that have always stood by us. On both those counts that means that I will be working for the closest possible relationship and understanding between our two countries. “
Lord Blencathra’s immediate agenda will include:
? Developing a more comprehensive understanding with the FCO and other governmental organizations in the UK of the financial management of the Cayman Islands, its economy and its day to day operations.
? Promoting the Cayman Islands' interests in the UK and Europe by liaising with and making representations to UK Ministers, the FCO, the European Parliament, European Governments, and the EU Commission, the Commonwealth Countries Association and the Overseas Territories Association.
? Liaising with and promoting the interests of the Cayman Islands in the Overseas Territories Consultative Council and in particular assisting the CIG in developing the new accord for the Overseas Territories with the UK government.
? Promoting the Cayman Islands' interests with The Mayor of the City of London and City of London institutions and businesses.