The Caribbean has always felt confident that it understands the politics and values of Europe. This is largely because of a shared history, a common commitment to democracy and centrist thinking as well as the European Union’s (EU) continuing role in supporting regional development.
Despite this, it would be prudent for governments and parties to consider the implications of the political changes now taking place in almost every EU nation.
At its most obvious the United Kingdom is set to leave the EU in March 2019.
It is no exaggeration to say that as each day passes Britain’s likely future relationship with its neighbours and external partners is becoming less certain.
This is not just because the President of the European Union, Donald Tusk, has said in the last few days that the UK’s proposed post-Brexit partnership with the EU 27 is unworkable in its present form. Rather, it is because even if some form of negotiated post Brexit deal can be achieved, it is hard to imagine a fractious British Parliament divided on non-party lines, and an increasingly divided Brexit-weary electorate agreeing any solution that will not be challenged at a general election or another referendum.
