Anguilla’s Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, attending the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council meeting in London this week, used the opportunity to discuss a number of bilateral matters affecting the island with British Ministers and other officials.
One of those matters was Anguilla’s relations with St. Martin/St. Maarten and the importance of taking that into consideration when the United Kingdom exits the European Union.
Following is a press release sent to The Anguillian on November 2, by Mr. Fritz Smith, the Anguilla Government’s Sherpa at the meeting:
“Each year in the heart of Whitehall, London, UK the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) takes place between the Government of the United Kingdom and those of its fourteen Overseas Territories, of which Anguilla is one. The JMC is recognised as the highest forum for political dialogue and consultation between the UK and elected Leaders and Representatives of the Overseas Territories and is undertaken for the purposes of providing leadership and promoting cooperation on areas of mutual interest.
“During the week long JMC Anguilla is being represented by a delegation comprising the Honourable Chief Minister, Mr Victor Banks; the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Mrs Cora Richardson-Hodge; the Permanent Secretary for Finance, Dr Aidan Harrigan, The Honourable Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Cardigan Connor and the Government of Anguilla Sherpa , Mr Fritz Smith. The London Office of the Government of Anguilla headed by the Representative Mrs Blondel Cluff, the Senior Attaché, Mr Charlie Wheeler and Junior Attaché, Mr Barnabus Wale, supports the Leader’s delegation.
“With the advent of Britain’s departure from Europe, the already robust JMC agenda addressing key social and financial issues such as health, pensions, economic development, infrastructure development and beneficial ownership was overshadowed by the issue of Britain’s complex negotiations on its departure from the European Union (Brexit) and the position of the Overseas Territories within the British Realm, and the wider world after Brexit. The general sentiment is one of uncertainty coupled with opportunity, leading many Overseas Territories to review their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as examining their actual and potential relationship with the United Kingdom and European Union during what will be a new era for all British citizens.
“With meetings and events continuing throughout the week, the Anguillian delegation found time to meet with the new Minister for Overseas Territories, the Rt Hon Baroness Anelay whom, it is hoped, will visit Anguilla during the course of 2017 as part of the fiftieth anniversary of the Revolution of Anguilla. The delegation also engaged with the Slough community that lies at the heart of the country’s diaspora, one of the largest and most established UK based diasporas of the UK Overseas Territories. Later in the week the Leader’s delegation and London Office will embark upon a series of meetings with key UK institutions and associations as part of an on-going programme of relationship development during what is generally recognised as being one of the most dramatic moments of change in recent history for both Anguilla and the UK.
“At this morning Session on Economic Development, Chief Minister Banks, made an intervention on Anguilla’s behalf making the case for support for much needed infrastructure development for Anguilla, a situation made even more urgent with the reality of Brexit. Chief Minister also thanked the HM Government for it support on the development of Road Bay Jetty.
“Chief Minister Banks also made an intervention on Anguilla’s behalf in relation to Brexit and the implications for the Overseas Territories. Mr Banks made the point to Baroness Anelay, Minister for the Overseas Territories and Robert Walker MP, Under Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, that Anguilla has a special case due to its location in relation to St Martin/St Maarten. Mr Banks stressed that Anguilla depends on St Martin/St Maarten trade and for its connectivity to the rest of the world. Most persons (tourist and Anguillians) traveling to and from Anguilla transit through St Martin/St Maarten. It is therefore important that after Brexit Anguilla and its people are not disadvantaged by virtue of the UK’s departure from the European Union.
“The JMC ends on November 2 with a reception at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to be hosted by The Rt Honourable Lord Bates, Minister of State for International Development.
“The Bi-laterals between the UK and Anguillian governments will be held from November 3rd thereafter the Leaders’ delegation returns to Anguilla on Saturday November 5th.”
