The Turks and Caicos Islands will soon have a new Governor, the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office announced.

Dr John Freeman, CMG, has been appointed the next Governor of the British Overseas Territory.

Freeman will succeed outgoing Governor Peter Beckingham, who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service when he leaves the Turks and Caicos Islands in October.

Incoming Turks and Caicos Governor Dr John Freeman

Dr Freeman will be taking up his appointment in October.

“[My wife] Jill and I will be sad to leave Turks and Caicos. We have had three very happy years here, the work has been stimulating and everyone most welcoming,” Beckingham said in a statement released Wednesday. “Our two daughters and our new grandchildren have also loved visiting. I hope we can see many friends, colleagues and business contacts before we leave in October; Jill is planning another Footsteps4Good in September, so that will be a great opportunity to catch up with lots of people across the Family islands.”

Beckingham has been serving as Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands since October 2013, succeeding former Governor Ric Todd in the post.