ANGUILLA–Governor Tim Foy notes that although no one knows the outcome after the March 29 deadline for Britain to exit the European Union (EU) – Brexit – he is confident of some important issues concerning Anguilla.
He said firstly the most important thing is that the UK government will continue to ensure that the interests of Anguilla and all other Overseas Territories are fully represented and reflected in negotiations with the EU. “Formal discussions have been regularly held on Brexit between UK ministers and leaders of the Overseas Territories, including Chief Minister Victor Banks. These talks have consistently reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to include the Territories’ priorities in Brexit negotiations. I am sure and we can be confident that this commitment will not change,” he said.
The second issue he raised is that the right to hold a British passport will not change whether there is a deal or not, and the rights to a British Overseas Territories Passport and to hold a British Passport will in no way be affected by Brexit. “This means that Anguillians’ rights to enter the UK and to work there free from any visa restrictions will remain unchanged. It also means Anguillians will be able to visit the US without a visa using the existing [Electronic System for Travel Authorization – Ed.] ESTA arrangements,” Foy noted.
The governor said the UK government had agreed to make good any loss of EU funding under the current European Development Fund (EDF), should the EU decline to meet this commitment. He added that this would not affect the current UK grant of 60 million pounds sterling.
Referring to current arrangements for travel to St. Martin/St. Maarten, Foy said there was no reason these arrangements should change because of Brexit. “But again, as I have said before, I will carefully monitor the situation and respond swiftly should any move be made to change these arrangements in a manner which harms Anguilla’s interests,” he concluded.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/84952-governor-foy-gives-update-on-how-brexit-will-affect-anguilla
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