BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Team Unity Government has expressed its desire to engage the United Kingdom Government over its impending exit from the European Union and the possible implications it might have for the Federation and the wider Caribbean.
Dubbed Brexit, the proposed exit saw the British public voting 52 percent to 48 in favour of leaving the European Union.
That vote sent stock markets, the pound sterling and other financial institutions around the world crashing after the results were released.
Governments and economists in the Caribbean are fearful of the possible implications that it can have for member states in the region.
Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris said on Wednesday (Jun. 29) that his Government is concerned with the move taken by the British public, noting that it is their choice and they would have to live with the possible consequences or fallout from such a decision.
“The truth is the short term has been somewhat cruel in terms of the impact on the stocks and the financial markets, but we have to wait because it is still too early to make a determination,” he said.
Addressing journalist at his monthly media briefing, Dr. Harris informed that the exit has not officially occurred and the United Kingdom remains the same as before the vote.
He explained that there is a two-year window for the Government to make an announcement with regards to the terms and conditions of the exit from the Union.
Further, he stated that negotiations could not be forthcoming between the two Governments until a new administration is implemented in Britain, because current Prime Minister David Cameron has express his intention to resign.
“And before they get there anyway, they have to formally notify the European Union and that has not been done. We would expect that there would be a change in the leadership of the Government since Prime Minister Cameron indicated that he would not lead the country properly into those negotiations.”
Several European leaders are calling for the British to exit the Union at the earliest possible time.
