Gov’t requests associate membership with CARIFORUM to continue EU relations
Government has issued a request for Associate Membership in the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) as one of their measures to ensure that the relationship between the BVI and the European Union (EU) is maintained.
Premier Andrew Fahie in a recent statement following the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU on January 31, said the BVI will have to undertake a number of measures to ensure that the territory is in a favourable position to negotiate beneficial deals.
“We have officially requested Associate Membership in CARIFORUM, which is the Caribbean’s negotiating body on EU matters. I will be following up on this request in just a few weeks’ time when I meet my political colleagues in the region at the upcoming CARICOM Intersessional Meeting in Barbados,” Premier Fahie stated.
He added: “Once CARIFORUM Associate Membership is approved, we will begin to engage the EU on various matters involving trade and development alongside our Caribbean neighbours. This will also entail our London Office attending the regular meeting of CARIFORUM Ambassadors in Brussels.”
Other Measures
Premier Fahie also said the BVI London Office will continue to serve as the territory’s EU Representation Office, to ensure that BVI’s voice is heard in several EU institutions and among individual EU Member States.
He added that government will be continuing its membership in the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) as an Associate Member to maintain a political presence in Brussels.
“It is more critical than ever that we work closely with our fellow French, Dutch and Danish Territories to lobby in the European Parliament and among other stakeholders where our interests are at stake,” the Premier said.
Fahie, who is also the Minister for Finance, further said discussions with the EU have been had with regards to the BVI as a Third Country Jurisdiction.
He stated: “Your government has also recently engaged the EU on prospects for development cooperation as a Third Country Jurisdiction, particularly as partners of the EU Outermost Regions in the Caribbean that include Guadeloupe, Martinique, Sint Martin and French Guiana.”
“We have a good track record of cooperation with these neighbours on sustainable development and will endeavour to continue partnering on projects,” the Premier added.
The BVI is expected to continue to enjoy a number of benefits from the EU during the Brexit transitioning period which ends on December 31 2020.
During this period, a number of meetings will be had to negotiate future policies and trade agreements after 2020.
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he done gee away the country to dem now he want team up wid dem?
He wants to suck up to the EU that wants to blacklist the BVI. This is a pure indication the man has no clue what he is doing especially when it comes to foreign policy. Fahie needs to learn and tackle his lack of leadership at home before he moves to foreign policy.
Good move Premier
Fahie is an i***t. Running to the elites if Europe to grease his palms. And keep him fat.
What the hell does this mean? I bet he don’t even know what he getting us in to. Face it Andrew, you in over your head. You don’t have a clue what u are doing. These people who you have now associated us with, would not have sold out their people like you have. You are not FIT for this job.
Andrew the d**b wants to secure relations with Europe. An economy that’s shrinking. While America has the strongest economy in the world. More proof of colossal stupidity.
Why some people so daft . This is not playing politics . This is finding a way to improve relationship with EU member state for economic reasons . Any govt who was in had to do so now that Britain had moved away from the EU . Fahie you need to run some radio programs to educate the average BVI on these issues so they can stop sounding so stupid
Europe was going to impose its will on the territory, abortion and same sec marriage. And take over financial control if our country. Because Europe is out of money. There’s your education.
Mr Fahie, you are making us look bad.
Why don’t you wait until the UK negotiates an arrangement, good or bad, with the EU?