BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- Introduction:
International Relations of a country is mainly concerned with relations
between nations / international organisations and primarily with foreign
policies. The relationship can be political or economical etc. The British
Virgin Islands being a dependent territory of United Kingdom all matters
dealing with foreign policy and international representation is left with
the Government Of United Kingdom. Under the constitution of 1977, the
Queen of United Kingdom is represented by the Governor, among other things
the Governor is responsible for external affairs including all matters
related to international finance of the territory. The governor under the
approval of the Secretary of State has delegated to the Chief Minister
some matters related to regional cooperation e.g. CARICOM, OECS etc. For
more details, let us see how the British Virgin Islands is related
politically and economically with the rest of the world especially with
United Kingdom and other Regional Organizations.
- Relationship with United Kingdom / Britain:
The relationship between the British Virgin Islands and United Kingdom
/ Britain is based on partnership for progress and prosperity. The United
Kingdom through an appointed Governor is responsible for external affairs,
defense, internal security and public services. As it is stated in the
White Paper (“ Britain and the Overseas Territories, A Modern
Partnership”. Issued by Foreign and Commonwealth Office).
“ Britain’s links with the Overseas Territories are long- standing
and important. The relationship is rooted in a share history: but it moves
forward, too, in partnership. For Britain, the Overseas Territories are a
significant element in its national and international identity, and an
important responsibility. For the Overseas Territories, their links with
Britain are significant too: but so is their individual character and
diversity. This intertwined relationship is strong and constant. But it is
subtle and changing too. A new and Modern partnership between Britain and
Overseas Territories must reflect this relationship. It must be a
partnership for progress and prosperity”.
From the above the relationship between the BVI and UK is based on the
above principles. In other words UK relationship with the BVI must be seen
in this context; within the overall framework of modernisation and reform,
and within UK’s new international role. As participants in the new
global order and the new global economy, the BVI as well as other Overseas
Territory must embrace reform and modernisation. And in its relationship
with Overseas Territories, UK must ensure that its structures and its
practices are reformed and modernised. The relationship between UK and BVI
and other Overseas Territories needs to be effective and efficient, free
and fair. It needs to be based on decency and democracy. Both UK and the
Overseas Territories, BVI being one of them have much to contribute to
each other. They have done so in the past. They must continue to do so
now, and in the future.
New Partnership between UK and Dependent Territories;
In his speech to the to the UK Overseas Territories Association the
Foreign Secretary set out the principal elements of the new relationship
between Britain and Overseas Territories, which stated as follows;
The new relationship would be a modern partnership tailored to the needs
of both sides, and based on four fundamental principles;
- Self-determination; The UK Government will comply with the
Territories’ the right to self-determination, including request for
independence.
- Mutual obligations and responsibilities; If the territories
retain the British connection, the UK will not shirk its
responsibilities of defense and security, safeguarding fundamental
interest, insuring democracy and political stability and promoting
good governance and prosperity.
- Freedom for the territories to run their own affairs to the
greatest degree possible;
- A firm commitment from the UK to help the territories develop
economically and assist them in emergencies;
Based on the on these four principles, the UK proposed a relationship
with Dependent Territories which recognises its unique and individual
concerns. The proposed relationship addresses the following key issues.
Coordination:
The Foreign Secretary would work with the International Development
Secretary on the details of new arrangements to ensure the best possible
management of the UK’s links with, and responsibilities for, its
territories. A Minister for the Overseas Territories would be appointed.
There would be a new structured dialogue between the Overseas Territories
and the Government.
Citizenship:
The sense of injustice felt in many Overseas Territories from not enjoying
British citizenship was understood. The UK would look sympathetically at
the possibility of extending citizenship to citizen of the Dependent
Territories.
Financial Regulations:
A check-list of regulatory measures for the territories to bring their
financial regulation up to internationally accepted standards, and which
combat money laundering, allows full cooperation with overseas
investigations and creates equity among Overseas Territories. The Overseas
Territories would be invited to present proposals for independent and
properly resourced regulatory authorities for financial service sector.
Human Rights:
The records of many Overseas Territories were positive, but further work
would be needed to ensure compatibility with the commitments, which
Britain has made on their behalf. In another words, Overseas Territories
must comply with the same international obligations to which the UK is
subject, such as the European Convention on Human Rights, and the UN
International Conventions.
Name:
Change the name from Dependent Territory to UK Overseas Territory.
Issues Raised by BVI citizen regarding the Partnership with UK.
Some aspects of the proposed partnership has met with mixed feelings /
views in the community. Those issues related to the Framework for
Partnership and the Name Change are generally accepted but those related
to Citizenship, Financial Regulation and Human Rights have met with some
controversy and concern. These concerns / controversy were discussed by
the Global External Sub-Committee Report ( NIDS) as follows;
Citizenship:
The people of the BVI do not see full UK citizenship as highly desirable.
While there is some desire to have easy access to the UK for purpose of
education, visitation and other short term needs, there are no other
perceived advantages to this citizenship. There is also concern with
conditional or future request for reciprocity of this particular
arrangement and the anticipated influx of UK and EC citizens into the BVI,
overwhelming its economic, political and social systems. For these and
other reasons, the BVI government has reserves its position on this issue
and awaits further details of this proposed arrangement.
Full BVI citizenship will also include full membership in the EC which
comes with certain rights, responsibilities and obligations. The extent of
this commitment are not fully known to the BVI Government and there are
many unanswered questions as to the political and economic implications
for the BVI of the various treaties, conventions and arrangements
governing the EC relationship.
Additionally, the traditional cultural, social and economic links the BVI
has maintained with United States, via US Virgin Islands, do not exist to
the same extent with the UK. This lack of affinity with UK lifestyle,
which is exasperated by physical distance, appears to contribute to the
low value placed on any enhanced relationship.
Financial Services Regulations:
There is general acceptance of the contingent liability issue given the
extent of the BVI’s involvement in the global financial services
industry and the UK’s need to minimise their exposure. However, the
extent to which control is to be exercised is not yet clear. Justifiable
concern is therefore expressed over the possibility of loss of internal
autonomy in the sector and interference with 60% of the Government’s
revenues which are derived from it. There is also concern over the impact
of EU membership on the financial services industry given the differing
profiles of EU members and their perceptions of the industry. Some members
who are trying to build their economies may see the industry as a wealth
drain on their economies and may use the enhanced relationship with the
BVI to directly influence the industry.
Human Rights:
There are some differences in the value systems and traditions of the
people of the BVI, the UK and the EC. Some of these differences are
encapsulated in the various agreements and conventions to which the UK and
the EC are party. Among them are the principles reflected in conventions
dealing with capital punishment and the death penalty, both of which are
supported by the UK and the EC and opposed by the BVI.
There are possibly other sectors were compliance with the UK and EC
conventions; treaties and other arrangements may require the BVI to make
other adjustments. This may include areas such as economic, environment,
law, government and other areas were full internal autonomy was previously
exercised.
Concurrent with the developments described above, there have been other
activities in the BVI-UK political relationship which emanated from the
1993 BVI constitutional review which was requested by the BVI government
during its 25th Anniversary of Ministerial Government celebration in 1992.
Some of these issues which came out of the study included those related to
belongership, the reserve powers of the Governor, constitutional
advancement, the composition of the legislative council and the
realignment of voting districts.
All in all, the relationship between the BVI and UK Government has been
always good. Just recently on 9th September, 1998 the UK Government’s
Parliamentary Under Secretary Of State for Foreign and Commonwealth
Affairs and the BVI’s Chief Minister signed a memorandum of cooperation
and partnership to strengthen the relationship which has been existing for
many years.
- The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States ( OECS).
The BVI holds Associate Membership with OECS since 1984. As such, it
holds observer status at the Heads of Government Meetings where all
decisions are made. It also allows for membership in the Economic Affairs
Committee ( EAC ), a branch of OECS.
The OECS was established on the 18 June, 1981. The main aim of the
organization is to enhance the economic, political and functional
cooperation among the territories of the Leeward and Windward islands
after the majority of them had gained independence following a period as
Associated States of the United Kingdom.
Main Objectives;
Among the major purposes of the organisation under its treaty are;
- The promotion of cooperation among its member states at the regional
and international levels,
- The promotion of economic integration among its members,
- The promotion of unity and solidarity among its members in defence
of their sovereignty, territorial rights and independence, and
- The fullest possible unity or harmonization of the foreign policy of
OECS countries.
Cooperation between the BVI and OECS;
The cooperation is in the area of functional cooperation. This allows for
activities related to the judiciary, scientific and cultural cooperation,
international telecommunications, civil aviation and the sea and its
resources.
The OECS agencies from which BVI benefits includes the following;
- The OECS Tertiary Level Programme.
Among other things this activity is set up to offer improvement and
expansion to the physical facilities at the tertiary level and
training of education personnel. The H. Lavity Stoutt Community
Collage is expected to benefit from the project.
- The OECS Education Reform Strategy.
This strategy is organised around 12 inter-related projects. The BVI
continues to benefit from a number of them. They include upgrading the
primary school plant, expanding and upgrading the secondary school
plant, staff development, development of teacher resource centres and
the Harmonisation of OECS Education Legislation.
- The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.
Under this initiative, the BVI is able to draw from personnel in the
region to staff the judiciary with judges. Local members of the Bar
Association are also able to serve in the region in various legal
capacities.
- The National Resource Unit of OECS.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and the relevant
departments under the ministry continue to benefit extensively from
workshops and human resources development under this unit. For example
the Agriculture Department and the Conservation and Fisheries
Department are involved in collaborative efforts that are vital to the
development of the BVI.
- Caribbean Community and Common Market ( CARICOM ).
The BVI joined the CARICOM in 1991. CARICOM was formed in 1973 and
prior to 1991,the BVI had an observer status. During that period the
territory enjoyed a meaningful relationship with various committees such
as Education, Labour, Health and Science and Technology. By way of forging
a closer relationship with the Caribbean region and accruing greater
benefits from the Community, BVI was later granted Associate Membership
status.
Aim and Objectives:
The treaty of Chaguaramas formed CARICOM in 1973, as a movement towards
unity in the Caribbean. The CARICOM has three objectives:
- Economic cooperation through the Caribbean Common Market,
- Coordination of foreign policy among the independent Member States
and
- Common services and cooperation in function matters such as health,
education, culture, communications and industrial relations.
The BVI Associate Membership status in the CARICOM has serious
limitations as a result of the amended Treaty, which does not include
Associate Members in the definition Of Member States. This has serious
implications, in the Heads of Government with Associate Membership status
will no longer be able to participate in the deliberations of the meetings
with other Heads where all decisions taken by the various institutions of
CARICOM must be ratified and many other important matters are considered.
Since then the Government and the Governor are seeking the required
clearance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to allow for BVI to
have full membership with CARICOM
.
Relations and Benefits from CARICOM:
Apart from Membership status, BVI has benefited from this organisation and
has maintained good relationship with various Committees and Institutions
related to CARICOM. The institutions that have been working closely with
the BVI are;
- Caribbean Development Bank.
- Caribbean Examinations Council
- Caribbean Meteorological Organisation
- Council of Legal Education
- University of Guyana
- University of West Indies
- Etc.
The local projects continued to benefit from CARICOM. For example,
CARIFORUM under the Caribbean Regional Indicative Programme (CRIP), such
as the Airport Development and Marine Resource Centre at the H. Lavity
Stoutt Community Collage. The projects related to environment also receive
funding under the umbrella of CARICOM from sources such as the World Bank
and Caribbean Development Bank. Also the territory benefits from legal
activities such as Witness Protection Programme and Drugs Interdiction
Programme. For the latter, CARICOM has created a training facility in
Jamaica. CARICOM cooperates with various United Nations Agencies such as
ECLAC and UNDP to provide important finance and information to BVI. There
is also close collaboration with CAIC, an umbrella organisation for HCA,
Chamber Of Commerce Organisations.
Because of the above benefits and many other reasons BVI is endeavoring to
become full member of CARICOM. At presently the Government pay about $
13,000.00 as annual membership fee to this organisation.
- United Nations Organisations:
The British Virgin Islands being a dependent territory of United
Kingdom all matters dealing with foreign policy and international
representation in United Nations organisations is left with the Government
Of United Kingdom. Apart from that the BVI, through its membership in
regional organisations, participates in many UN programmes and has
benefited tremendously from the resources of the organisation. Though it
is restricted from participating as an individual member because of its UK
relationship, the BVI actively contributes and benefits from UN bodies
such as UNDP, UNCHS, UNEP, WHO, UNFPA, UNDCP, UNV etc. The Developmental
and technical assistance received has been a significant part of its
sectoral development programmes.
UN agencies working in the Caribbean have extended support to the BVI,
UNEP supported a Coastal Zone Inventory project which was implemented by
National Resources Institute (NRI) and the University of Newcastle. The
project produced an atlas of coastal habitats in both hard copy and GIS
format. As the result of this project, a study of the management options
for BVI’s Exclusive Zone has recently been completed. Also the BVI is
benefiting from regional activities supported by United nations Children
Fund ( UNICEF ) in the areas of advocacy for children’s rights and early
childhood and primary education. The United Nations Population Fund (
UNFPA ) is supporting family planning and family life education. The
United Nations Drug Control Programme ( UNDCP ) has provided the following
inputs under its regional and national programmes;
- Introduction of drug related concepts into the primary education
curriculum,
- The development of a drug control master plan,
- Training of forensic personnel and providing equipment for the
forensic department,
- Training custom and law enforcement officers to improve their skills
in the detection and identification of narcotic drugs.
Also United Nations DDSMS provided assistance in the area of economic
planning. Assistance in the area of environmental protection and
management was received from capacity 21 project, GEF small grants’
programme. The United Nations Volunteer Programme ( UNV ) provided
assistance with the provision of a UNV Economist and physical Planners
under the UNDP / UNCHS Integrated Development Planning Strategy Programme.
UNDP and supported the BVI by providing policy advice and institutional
support for the development of a comprehensive analytical sustainable
development framework. The UNDP in collaborated with the UNCHS in
providing technical assistance for the preparation of a National
Integrated Development Strategy ( NIDS). UNCHS, through its support to the
Caribbean Human Settlement Programme, has continued to provide technical
advisory support to a number of planning and resettlement initiatives in
the territory.
- European Union & Other Developing Countries:
The relationship between the BVI and European Union and Other
Developing Countries has mainly related to LOME funding and developmental
assistance. The BVI, through its CARICOM associate membership, gets
representation in Brussels, where the European Union secretariat is based.
The BVI- European Union relationship is restricted to non foreign affairs
issues due to its UK relationship.
The BVI has been receiving assistance from European Development Fund (EDF),
the CDB under LOME IV. Diplomatic Wing Funds of UK were used to build
Police Barracks and EDF funds financed a water project. The seaport
development was Co-financed by the European Investment Bank and the
Caribbean Development Bank. The Caribbean Development Bank also provided
support towards the rehabilitation of ports at Road Town and Virgin Gorda.
Under LOME IV, the BVI has been allocated funds for the construction of a
library resource centre for the Community Collage. Also the European
Investment Bank is financing the development of Beef Island Airport.
- US Virgin Islands and United States:
The BVI has strong traditional cultural, social and economic ties with
the United states of America, via United States Virgin Islands (USVI).
This relationship extends to the full history of the BVI people and is the
fundamental to its future existence and any other. The relationship is
formalised by the BVI-USVI friendship agreement, which is celebrated
annually by a Friendship Day Programme alternatively held in each country.
This agreement also allows for the facilitating of arrangements that will
allow the two islands to share common interests and concerns for the
mutual benefit of their people with regard to economic, social and
cultural interests. Political relationship is not allowed due to the
BVI-UK relationship.
- Conclusion:
The British Virgin Islands’s relations with the rest of the world
especially with UK and Regional Organisations are significant for future
development of the territory. In the new global order and new global
economy, the BVI needs to strengthen its relationship with the rest of the
world in order survive in the coming century. Almost a decade ago the BVI
has emerged as a thriving service economy fueled by global industries,
tourism and financial services. These industries are externally driven and
depend on events and actions in the global economy, far beyond the control
or influence of the BVI, there is a need for the territory to enhance its
relationship and partnership economically and politically with UK, trading
partners, eg. North American Countries, European Countries, Caribbean
Countries and the rest of world. Therefore the BVI needs to change and
conform with to international agreements, treats and conventions for the
benefit of the people this territory. This will be achieved through reform
and modernisation, which means that the Government of BVI should ensure
that its structures, its laws and its practices are reformed and
modernised for its future development.
|
The
