PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The United Kingdom’s newly appointed minister responsible for the Overseas Territories, Uma Kumaran MP, will pay a visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands as she begins her tenure in the role.

Kumaran, who was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on July 22, will visit the territory to discuss national security, economic growth and the relationship between the UK and Turks and Caicos.

The visit will be her first overseas trip since taking office and comes ahead of a wider regional commitment on September 7.

During her time in the territory, Kumaran is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Premier Charles Washington Misick and meet members of Cabinet and Opposition Leader Edwin Astwood.

She will also meet with the National Security Council and operational security leads to discuss the territory’s security environment, regional developments and shared strategic priorities, including frontline law enforcement.

Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam said the visit provides an opportunity for Kumaran to engage directly with the territory’s elected leaders and security partners while gaining a better understanding of its priorities and challenges.

“I look forward to welcoming Minister Kumaran to the Turks and Caicos Islands for the first overseas visit of her ministerial tenure. The programme will provide a valuable opportunity for Minister Kumaran to engage directly with our elected leaders and security partners, gaining first-hand insight into the opportunities, priorities and challenges that are shaping the future of our Islands,” the governor said.

Kumaran was elected as the Member of Parliament for Stratford and Bow in July 2024. She has experience in international affairs and climate diplomacy and previously served on the UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

Her FCDO portfolio includes the Overseas Territories and Caribbean, global technology and artificial intelligence, violence against women and girls, and FCDO operations.