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VI will capitalise on economic opportunities from Brexit- Premier Fahie

- Territory to collaborate with region as independent voice to engage EU
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) says that with the United Kingdom's (UK) exit of the European Union (EU), the Virgin Islands (VI) will be looking to independently capitalise on international trade opportunities presented by Brexit. Photo: VINO/File
According to Premier Andre A. Fahie the BVI London Office will continue to serve as the EU Representation Office to give the territory a voice in various EU institutions and among the individual EU Member States. Photo: BVI London Office
According to Premier Andre A. Fahie the BVI London Office will continue to serve as the EU Representation Office to give the territory a voice in various EU institutions and among the individual EU Member States. Photo: BVI London Office
According to the Premier, Associate Membership in CARIFORUM has been requested, which is the Caribbean’s negotiating body on EU matters. He said once the CARIFORUM Associate Membership is approved, the VI will further engage the EU on various matters involving trade and development alongside Caribbean neighbours. Photo: Internet Source
According to the Premier, Associate Membership in CARIFORUM has been requested, which is the Caribbean’s negotiating body on EU matters. He said once the CARIFORUM Associate Membership is approved, the VI will further engage the EU on various matters involving trade and development alongside Caribbean neighbours. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) says that with the United Kingdom's (UK) exit of the European Union (EU), the Virgin Islands (VI) will be looking to independently capitalise on international trade opportunities presented by Brexit.

"Your Government has also been clear with the UK that the BVI would like to explore opportunities for international trade presented by Brexit as the UK seeks out new trading partners," Premier Fahie said in a statement ahead of the official exit on January 31, 2020.

EU remains the focus - Premier Fahie 

"To ensure the BVI’s voice is heard, I will travel to London in March to attend the upcoming UK-OT Joint Ministerial Council where I will reiterate our interests. Ladies and gentleman, Your Government has also taken other steps to ensure the BVI maintains our relationship with the EU," he said. 

He said the BVI London Office will continue to serve as the EU Representation Office to give the Territory a voice in various EU institutions and among the individual EU Member States.

According to Premier Fahie, "Central Government will also remain fully engaged with the EU on critical issues such as the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions on which BVI remains on the grey list," and that government continues to fund legislative solutions to the matter.

He noted that the Territory will also continue its membership in the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) as an Associate Member to maintain a political presence in Brussels, noting that it is more critical than ever to collaborate with French, Dutch and Danish Territories to lobby in the European Parliament and among other stakeholders where shared interests are at stake. 

More Engagement 

Hon Fahie also indicated that the EU has been engaged on prospects for development cooperation as a Third Country Jurisdiction, specifically 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."

According to the Premier, associate membership in CARIFORUM has been requested, which is the Caribbean’s negotiating body on EU matters. He said once the CARIFORUM Associate Membership is approved, the VI will further engage the EU on various matters involving trade and development alongside Caribbean neighbours.

14 Responses to “VI will capitalise on economic opportunities from Brexit- Premier Fahie”

  • HMMM (03/02/2020, 08:11) Like (13) Dislike (6) Reply
    HOG WASH !!!_____UTTER RUBBISH !!!
  • foy (03/02/2020, 09:49) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    Yes Fahie get on it, don't worry with those VIP haters.
  • Longshanks (03/02/2020, 12:32) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Nice one. A big juicy free trade agreement between BVI and UK can be done.
  • huh (03/02/2020, 12:39) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is he talking about?
  • Wonder (03/02/2020, 13:18) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    What are you offering to be traded Mr Premier?
    • tretretrete (03/02/2020, 19:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      What will be traded is nostalgia and longing for times past when the VI represented itself with respected intelligent get it done governance.
  • snake in the grass (03/02/2020, 13:26) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
    these haters trying to use VINO to go after our action and honest premier..NOT GOING HAPPEN
  • All talk (03/02/2020, 16:20) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    AND NO ACTION FAHIE..GETTING A BIT TIRED OF HIS SOUNDBITES
  • Socrates (03/02/2020, 21:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    1 Is the VI not a semi- self governing OT of the UK
    2. Is not the UK responsible for external affairs
    3. What does the BVI export
    4. What does the BVI have either an absolute advantage or comparative advantage in trading
    5. Does not all those cargo containers return empty, increasing the shipping cost
    6. Does not the BVI import everything and export nothing
    • Awaken the giant (03/02/2020, 23:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Socrates, the amazing thing is that after 20 years in office for most of BVI politicians;
      40 plus years for some, No exports; fish. not even Conchs, lobster; and then as if they
      did, after two terms in office, we reward them with half or more of their salaries; essentially
      with us tax payers paying two governments; one in power and one out of power. We will
      wake up one day I hope, and realise BVIs doesn't have oil wells
    • son of the soil (04/02/2020, 00:22) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      We import all the dregs from other countries


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