With a set date for UK to exit the EU, VI still not @ Table
Premier Smith said it could affect the Virgin Islands (VI) Financial Services and Tourism sectors and the VI Representative to London and the European Union (EU) E. Benito Wheatley agreed and even spoke about other benefits that our students studying abroad enjoyed by being a part of the EU.
The VI private sector also weighed in, writing about the legal, social and financial implications of Brexit on the VI.
VI AWOL?
One of the things Premier Smith told the people in Parliament is that he wants the VI to be at the table to advocate for the territory’s interest when negotiations begin for Brexit.
However, there are preliminary talks ongoing about Brexit and it is reported by our correspondents in London that the VI is nowhere close to the table.
It was just last week that the British Prime Minister Theresa M. May (C) announced that the UK will withdraw from the EU no later than March 2019. Prime Minister May said she plans to trigger Article 50 of the Treaty on the EU by March 2017 which launches the two-year negotiation process between the UK government and Europe.
Even at this early stage one would think that the VI would be around the table trying to influence time table, agenda, and being apart of the negotiation team while cementing its position on some of the issues to be negotiated. However, this has not taken place as yet.
We will be at Table?
However, the VI Representative to London and the EU Mr Wheatley disputed our claims. Speaking exclusively to our newsroom from London, the VI Ambassador said “the OTs and Brexit are at the top of the agenda of the upcoming joint ministerial council in London between the OTs and the UK.”
Mr Wheatley stated that “a framework for OT-UK engagement on Brexit will be determined by the Ministerial discussions.” However, he did not elaborate on what the VI will be pursuing at the talks scheduled for October 31 to November 2, 2016.
The Opposition Virgin Islands Party, the media and civil society have been critical of the 5 year old [2011-current] National Democratic Party Administration headed by Premier Smith on his inability to address regional and international issues while only reacting to them way after the fact.
They cited the VI’s slow and ineffective response to the leak of the so called ‘Panama Papers’, as just one example, arguing that the VI refused to engage the international media and vigorously defend its legitimate business.
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15 Responses to “With a set date for UK to exit the EU, VI still not @ Table”
#PassTheAriceptPlease
What about all the expats who live and work in this country, pay taxes and contribute to this country yet have no voice, so you all go and sit down!
There is zero leadership in this country.
As if the people of VI said that we want that. NDP for themselves alone! Especially the one that ruined our education system!