Bahamas News
Definant? EU blacklists The Bahamas, Anguilla, and the Turks and Caicos Islands
By Shanieka Smith & Dana Malcolm
Editorial Staff
#TurksandCaicos, October 12, 2022 – The European Council said that regrettably, the 12 jurisdictions on the list are defiant with regard to tax matters, however, they are being encouraged to address these issues by becoming engaging with the EU’s Code of Conduct Group and among them are Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, and The Bahamas.
The three Caribbean region countries were recently added to the European Union’s (EU) tax haven blacklist which comprises non-cooperative jurisdictions and was assembled by the EU in December 2017 with the aim to promote good tax governance globally.
Still, Oxfam tax expert Chiara Putaturo in expressing his disapproval, said the blacklist is a “whitewash”. He stated that the criteria are unfair for countries outside of Europe, especially since European countries such as Malta have
been overlooked.
The blacklisting comes just weeks after Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis complained that some tax grading schemes were skewed; he said this at the most recent UN General Assembly in New York.
The Turks and Caicos Islands was gray-listed in March this year. At that time, E Jay Saunders, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier had announced he would produce to fix it.
For Turks and Caicos is it not fixed; the situation is worsened with the overseas territory going from gray to black on this highly regarded watchdog listing.
Typically, the EU adds gray listed countries to the blacklist if they do not complete the reforms to which they’ve committed in due time.
The Bahamas Belize, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Israel, Montserrat, Russia, Tunisia and Vietnam are also grey-listed.
Deputy Premier Sanders told our newsroom he will be addressing the nation in a press conference soon on the issue.
Two years prior, the European Union had made a commitment to revise the list however to date nothing has been done. Of the 20 jurisdictions listed by the Tax Justice Network as the world’s worst corporate tax havens only one is currently on the blacklist. Similarly, only one which was identified by Oxfam in 2016 is on the list.
Putaturo stated that by putting an end to tax havens the “world’s richest and corporates” would now have to pay their dues fairly and this would in turn lower the cost of living for people and reduce the stress placed on governments across the world.
The European Union will next update is list in February 2023.
Bahamas News
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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