Bahamas News
The Bahamas Enacted New Financial Legislation to Ensure It Remains Globally Competitive
#Nassau, August 29, 2019 – Bahamas – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest said the government has enacted a significant number of new pieces of legislation, or amended existing legislation, to ensure The Bahamas remains globally competitive in the financial sector.
“In some instances, these have totally transformed the way business is transacted in this country,” DPM Turnquest noted during the Financial Intelligence Unit’s (FIU) Public-Public Partners Forum held in the training room of Poinciana House, Wednesday, August 28, 2019.
“As you are no doubt aware, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has been one of the major drivers of change towards the adoption of more stringent rules and compliance standards.”
He further explained, “In 1989 they became one of the primary international bodies exercising oversight of the global financial sector, with a primary objective to lead anti‑money laundering efforts, along with countering the financing of terrorism, and countering the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.”
The DPM said The Bahamas’ financial sector is not only being assessed by the FATF, but the FATF’s standards are being used by other agencies, such as the European Union, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the United Nations, and others, who all assess the country’s performance as a key player in the global financial system.
He said the FATF Mutual Evaluation of The Bahamas was conducted in late November and early December 2015 and the report itself, the Mutual Evaluation Report (M.E.R.), was released in July 2017.
DPM Turnquest explained that the M.E.R. involved a comprehensive review of financial industry. “We were assessed based on our compliance with the 40 FATF recommendations, and our effectiveness with implementing these recommendations as mandated by the six immediate outcomes.”
He added, “Since the release of the M.E.R, and our being placed in the ICRG process, The Bahamas has successfully had our compliance rating upgraded for a number of the recommendations and immediate outcomes. But there is still more work to be done.
“We are optimistic that in the short order we will meet the requirements of those few remaining areas where we did not achieve the requisite standards. Our aim is to, at the earliest opportunity, be released from the ICRG process.”
The DPM noted that The Bahamas has made significant strides in improving its legislation and systems, particularly in the last three years, but it appears that as soon as the country gets closer to meeting the standards, the requirements change.
He said the perception is that the goal posts are often moving. “However, The Bahamas is staying engaged at a high level with our international partners to keep pace with the changes and to shape the future direction that we collectively move towards.”
DPM Turnquest explained that overall, the Bahamas Government supports the adherence to global standards that are applicable to all financial sectors around the world.
He said the entire global system is better protected and safeguarded when everyone maintains a firm commitment to high Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) standards.
“Our local stakeholders can feel confident that the Government will remain relentless in our commitment to protect the interests of the local financial services sector and the broader Bahamian economy.
The DPM added, “A critical part of our work, therefore, is to meet and exceed the expectations of FATF and other international organisations, and become a pace‑setter in how the industry is monitored, regulated and policed.”
He explained to the participants that their forum is aimed at bringing greater awareness of the need for mutual cooperation between the industry regulators, law enforcement agencies and other government agencies which play a critical role in the overall AML/CFT fight.
“It is imperative that we all, as heads of the various agencies, work collaboratively to achieve the country’s objectives.”
DPM Turnquest stated, “We must remember that while each of us has a statutory role to play, and the information that we gather is to achieve that objective, this information can also protect the integrity of the financial system and ultimately the people of The Bahamas.”
By Llonella Gilbert
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest brought remarks at the Financial Intelligence Unit’s (FIU) Public-Public Partners Forum held in the training room of Poinciana House, Wednesday, August 28, 2019.
(BIS Photos/Derek Smith)
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Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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