Jamaica Says Britain’s Decision Could Affect Island’s Relationship With European Union

KINGSTON, Jamaica, June 24, (CMC) – Jamaica joined the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries in analysing the decision of Britain to leave the European Union, saying it could also affect the island’s overall relationship with Europe.

In a statement, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith, said Jamaica applauded the United Kingdom “for the fact that the referendum (popularly known as Brexit) was conducted freely and fairly, with due regard for the strong democratic tradition, which has been the hallmark of the UK political process.

“The margin was close, but ultimately, the people have spoken and, on the basis of the declared results, those in support of the UK’s withdrawal of its membership from the EU, have carried the day.

Britons voted to exit the European Union (EU) by a 52 to 48 per cent margin, resulting in the announcement by Prime Minister, David Cameron, that he would be resigning and a new leader appointed in October.

Johnson Smith said that Jamaica also acknowledges that the outcome means that the United Kingdom “will need to initiate the necessary legal and other steps to withdraw from the EU, in accordance with the relevant treaty obligations.

“This will have significant implications for Jamaica-UK relations and possibly for Jamaica-EU relations,” she said, noting the decision of Prime Minister David Cameron to step down.

“We …continue to monitor related political developments. Jamaica and the UK share a strong historical bond of friendship and cooperation, at the bilateral level and in other spheres of engagement,” she added.

She said the vote to leave the EU means that the UK will eventually cease to be part of the relevant arrangements that govern Jamaica-EU relations, including the ACP-EU Cotonou Partnership Agreement and the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.

“Notwithstanding, we trust that renewed efforts will be made to strengthen and expand the Jamaica-UK partnership in all areas, not least in relation to trade, investment and development cooperation,” Johnson Smith said, adding “we are certainly committed to working towards these goals.

“At the same time, we reaffirm our commitment to the Jamaican Diaspora in the UK, and express the hope that they and their families will realise their aspirations and contribute to the prospects for a revitalised relationship between Jamaica and the UK.

“It is our hope that the UK will unite in dealing with what is undoubtedly a new and historic phase in its history,” the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister said, wishing Britain “well as they seek to move forward, taking account of the referendum result”.