Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, British member of parliament and Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the UN at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with responsibility for the British Overseas Territories is on a short visit to Bermuda.
The visit follows quickly on the release of the controversial Foreign Affairs Committee (“FAC”) report of the British Parliament which recommended, among other things, that British citizens should be allowed to gain citizenship, vote and run for office in the British Overseas Territories.
During his visit, Lord Ahmad will meet with members of the government, including the Premier David Burt and the Leader of the Opposition Craig Cannonier. He will also meet business leaders, members of civil society and officials responsible for ensuring the island’s disaster preparedness and maritime security. Topics will include the implementation of international human rights obligations in Bermuda and the challenges facing vulnerable groups.
Bermuda was one of the few British Overseas Territories not to send representatives to appear in person to give evidence during the hearing process at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from which the FAC’s report was subsequently compiled. Following its issue, Premier Burt moved a motion in the House of Assembly to reject the report which he described as an unwarranted and unjustified attempt at intervention into Bermuda’s domestic affairs.
The motion received bipartisan support.
