Caribbean News
Criticism growing for EU Blacklist
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
October 28, 2022 – International organizations are joining Phillip Davis, Bahamian Prime Minister and E Jay Saunders, TCI Deputy Premier in highlighting the disparity between European countries and smaller nations in regard to tax blacklists.
In September at the UN General Assembly Davis said, “When we look at the countries that are flagged as high risk and blacklisted several startling commonalities emerge. Why are all the countries targeted small and vulnerable?”
A month later both The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos were listed on the EUs blacklist of non-compliant tax jurisdictions along with several others.” 
In the aftermath of the Turks and Caicos, addition to the list in early October Oxfam International, a British-founded confederation of 21 independent charitable organizations focusing on the alleviation of global poverty, said this: “The current list makes the EU a hypocrite as major tax havens in Europe like Malta and Luxembourg escape the list while countries outside Europe like Eswatini and Botswana risk being blacklisted.”
An opinion piece published in the Guardian pointed out the disparity
“In the global fight against corruption, Caribbean nations like Trinidad and Tobago are blacklisted in a move that is gravely discriminatory— Pierre Moscovici, economic affairs commissioner, said ‘No one must get a free pass.’ Not one European country was listed; they all got a free pass.”
The Corporate Tax Haven Index which ranks jurisdictions ‘most complicit in helping multinational corporations avoid or underpay corporate income tax” lists 70 jurisdictions on its 2021 list. The European Union has a link to the list listed on their website and the Joint Research Centre at the European Commission has audited the list to judge its accuracy. It said
“In general, the CTHI is found to be robust”’ Despite the seal of approval not one of the single most prolific tax haven jurisdictions on the CTHI is listed in the EU’s tax blacklist. In fact two of the so-called most prolific are EU countries. The list includes
- The British Virgin Islands
- The Cayman Islands
- Bermuda
- The Netherlands
- Switzerland
- Luxembourg
- Hong Kong
- Jersey
- Singapore
- The United Arab Emirates
On the complete list of 70 jurisdictions described as ‘most complicit’ 28 EU countries were listed, that is to say, all of them.
In 2020, CARICOM asked the EU to desist from what it describes as “the ongoing unilateral, arbitrary and non-transparent blacklisting strategy employed by the European Union (EU) against CARICOM Member States.”
CARICOM maintained that the practice causes significant reputational risk and discourages investment.
Still the practice has continued.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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