ANGUILLA–Blondel Cluff, Anguilla’s representative to the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) and adviser to Chief Minister Victor Banks, says that post-Brexit Anguilla will become a border nation of French St. Martin and Dutch St. Maarten, but assures that there will be protection for the island. “The EU fully recognises the desirability of continued mutually beneficial interaction between the islands that aligns with much of its work with independent countries in the region. I therefore anticipate that the second phase of negotiations will reflect this mutual objective fortified by the consensus of the people in the islands,” she said in a statement. She noted that with the signing of the agreement by Prime Minister Theresa May, there is still much to be decided in future relations.
Cluff has led two years of lobbying and negotiating with the UK government and the EU Commission and has raised awareness of the critical socio-economic ties between Anguilla and its European neighbours. She has also stressed the heavy reliance of Anguilla on EU financial support. She said that it is at a pivotal stage now and there is little more that can be attained after receiving assurances by the UK government that Anguilla will be protected and that the main focus for the island will be handled during the next phase of the negotiations.
She says the real risk to Anguilla lies in the politics within the UK, noting, “There are multiple hurdles that must be overcome if the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration that are comprised in the first phase of the process are, in fact, to be formally adopted in the UK Parliament, on behalf of all British nations, including Anguilla. If they are not there is a real risk of an acrimonious No Deal Brexit that may indirectly affect the islands, should the EU or the member states in question ordain that their Caribbean interests become less cooperative whether temporarily, or permanently; or the necessary administrative adjustments reflecting the new relationship lead to periods of uncertainty, as under a No Deal Brexit there would no longer be a recognised transition period in which the new post-Brexit relationships between the EU and British nations could be developed.”
However, she said that the islands will no doubt try to find ways and means of accommodating each other’s needs but as French St. Martin is a Collectivité of France, the French government in Paris will lead on this in practice.
She has assured that she will continue to give updates as developments unfold.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/83060-blondel-cluff-says-anguilla-will-be-protected-after-brexit
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