A trip to the UK by Finance Minister Bob Richards and the Cabinet Secretary to take part in a conference cost almost $20,000, according to the Ministerial travel website.

According to the website, Mr Richards and Cabinet Secretary Derrick Binns left the Island on November 30 last year to attend the Annual Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) Conference in London, returning on December 4.

The website states: “The JMC brings together political leaders from the Overseas Territories and UK Ministers, and is the principle forum for reviewing and implementing the shared strategy for promoting the security and good governance of the Territories and their sustainable economic and social development.

“The Minister and the Cabinet Secretary also met for discussions with the Minister responsible for the Overseas Territories and other UK Government and private sector officials.”

The cost of air travel for the two men was listed as $12,550, while accommodations cost $6,161.

Other expenses listed included $304 of meals, $104 in ground transportation and $195 in miscellaneous expenses.

The website also detailed a trip to Washington DC by Premier Michael Dunkley earlier this month to meet with US Congressional Representatives and attend the 63rd National Prayer Breakfast.

Mr Dunkley was joined on the trip by Deputy Head of the Civil Service Cherie Whitter and Public Affairs Officer Nea Talbot.

The group left the Island on February 3, returning on February 6.

The total cost of the trip was listed at $5,472, with $3,728 spent on accommodation, $1,580 on air travel and $163 on meals.