“My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, last evening the United Kingdom voted to exit as a member of the European Union in response to a referendum put forth by the Prime Minister, David Cameron. This morning, Prime Minister Cameron subsequently announced his imminent resignation within 90 days as a result of the defeat of his motion.
“It is our understanding that the exit from the EU will take up to two years to come into effect, however, as a British Overseas Territory, we have begun to consider possible implications and their effects on us as a people and as a territory, and will seek to engage in discussions with the other Overseas Territories, as well as the UK Government on what approach will be taken in regards to our relations with the EU moving forward.
“The EU has played a considerable role in the development of the Overseas Territories in recent years, and with the UKOTs being a member of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA), we have been the beneficiary of significant funding through the European Development Fund (EDF) 10 and 11 which has funded numerous projects here in the Turks and Caicos Islands and other territories. The extension of the EU passport to us as an Overseas Territory and the associated free movement and employment with in the EU member states is another factor that might possibly be impacted, as well as the intended chairmanship of the OCTA by the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2017. These are just some of the more immediate and obvious areas for discussions.
“The United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) of which the Turks and Caicos is a member has been engaged with the UK government for several months discussing the potential impact of UK departure from EU on the UKOTs. The UKOTA will be convening a meeting next week with the UK government to continue discussions on these important issues. My Government will continue to monitor the developments in the UK over coming weeks and will remain engaged in discussions with the OTs and the UK to ensure the best possible outcomes for our people and for these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.”