From left: Leader of the Opposition Palmavon Webster, Governor Tim Foy, Premier Victor Banks and Keithstone Greaves.
ANGUILLA–Among the agenda topics and panel discussions presented during the two-day Anguilla Country Conference was “Whither Anguilla in the Brexit Era?” With every seat filled and many standing in the back of the room, it was obvious that the topic and discussion chaired by Keithstone Greaves of Radio Anguilla was of great interest to the public. The panel members consisted of Governor Tim Foy, Premier Victor Banks and Opposition Leader Palmavon Webster, who each gave short presentations.
Foy began the discussion by commending the intent of the Country Conference. His remarks centred on his assessment of what he believes Brexit will mean for Anguilla and its future post-Brexit. He said Anguilla has always had very strong links to other Caribbean islands, especially St. Martin/St. Maarten. He said the first issue was recognising the importance of the ability to travel freely across the seven-mile stretch of water between Anguilla and French St. Martin. He said, “I am pleased to say that the French don’t want anything to change. Assurances have been reached with the Minister of Foreign Territories in February/March of this year.” He noted that Anguilla’s trade status with French St. Martin accounts for less than 10 per cent of trade to Anguilla. Fuel, food and medicines are imported from non-EU countries and locations.
European Development aid funds of approximately 16 million euros over four years received by Anguilla will continue and if the EU discontinues it, the UK has committed to continue funding it. Foy also briefly addressed Anguilla’s future in a post-Brexit world. He said that what defines Anguilla today is not the constitutional relationship with the UK, but instead its relationship with the Eastern Caribbean and the wider world.
Banks began his short presentation on the topic by asking, “What is all the fuss about?” He said Anguilla’s current constitutional status as a UK Overseas Territory (OT) places the island in a colonial situation, while the island wants to become more autonomous and self-reliant He noted that as an OT, Anguilla has had no say in the Brexit discussions and decision making. He said the EU membership created choices and guaranteed free movement of people, goods and capital and freedom to establish and provide services. He said Anguilla and the other OTs benefitted by participation in funding programmes for capital and human resource development. He said if Anguilla’s future was negatively affected post-Brexit, it would be necessary to reassess the new arrangements. “We must be concerned with the final outcome and the impact to Anguilla. If new agreements change our current national development goals, there will be good reason to accelerate Anguilla’s movement towards constitutional advancement and economic transformation and development.”
Webster ended the panel discussion by thanking The University of the West Indies/Anguilla Open Campus for hosting the conference. She asked the audience to consider the impact of Brexit on the future of the island and its children as well as on its governance institutions, transparency and overall management.
A lively question and answer period followed the panel discussions, many questions dealing with Anguilla’s ability to link and collaborate with countries other than the UK for developmental capital.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/92032-conference-features-top-officials-presenting-on-anguilla-and-brexit
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