The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

On July 24, 2019, Boris Johnson became the new prime minister of the United Kingdom(UK). He is known to be bombastic and was selected by his conservative party to get a better deal from the European Union (EU) or leave without a deal.

Conventional wisdom says that it would be disastrous for the UK if they leave the EU without a deal. I believe, like Mr Johnson, that no deal is better than a bad deal. The deal the EU currently offers effectively leaves the UK in the EU without any voting rights. This discourages any other member from leaving. If the UK leaves without a deal it will affect the UK negatively, but it will hurt the EU much more.

The lesson Caribbean countries should learn is that the new paramount principle in international relations is me first. When we complain about unfairly being blacklisted by the OECD or the EU, we should known it will fall on deaf ears. We should find loopholes to strike back, such as crafty trade barriers and conditional support in the international arena. Me first is now the order of the day in international affairs.

The Caribbean and the Bahamas have not adequately adapted. They have on many occasions sacrificed their interests for a strategic partnership with a big brother (powerful countries). I am a mathematician and the pattern is me first. Whether it be China in the South China Seas, US with the Iran nuclear deal, Russia with Georgia or the EU with Brexit.

BRIAN ELLIS PLUMMER

Nassau

July 23, 2019