Leader speaks to the Caribbean on the BBC

The Leader of Government 
Business Hon McKeeva Bush 
OBE JP broadcasting on the 
World Service at Bush House, 
London

Monday, July 19, 2004

The Leader of Government Business, the Hon McKeeva Bush, has spoken on the BBC World Service to the Caribbean.

Interviewed by Rosie Hayes of the BBC, Minister Bush restated his continued demands for the development of a new constitutional arrangement between the Cayman Islands and the UK, and freedom from the influence of EU directives.

The BBC Caribbean Service reaches more than a million people through 50 partner FM stations across the English-speaking Caribbean and on shortwave to the wider English, Spanish, and Dutch Caribbean. 

Highlighting the current lack of a proper procedure, Minister Bush stated: “The EU Savings Tax Directive is an example of where the Overseas Territories were not consulted. This was a big mistake.”

Minister Bush emphasised that he does not wish to become part of the EU, and rejected the influence the EU is attempting to exert.

When questioned on this policy he expanded: “Our policy is consistent with that of the UK Government. It is to achieve greater power for the Islands to determine our own affairs. We greatly value our cultural and historic ties with the UK and the Crown.”

Minister Bush outlined the integral differences that exist between the Cayman Islands and Europe, culturally, socially and historically.

He continued: “We are fundamentally global in outlook and our financial services industry is influenced by the US $10 trillion US economy.”

In August, Minister Bush will host Chief Ministers from the Caribbean where these issues will be debated.

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