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TCI New Governor, Current Governor and Minister deepen OPBAT
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 27, 2023 – The incoming TCI Governor is already at work for the islands, and last week joined the Minister of Immigration and the current Governor in the US for high-level, trilateral border security talks. The meeting has unfolded as the Humanitarian crises in Haiti sends shockwaves to its closest neighbours with 9,000 migrants caught at sea by the US and Bahamas, and $5 million spent on repatriation by TCI last year alone. 
The three countries have agreed to significantly enhance their 30-year-old OPBAT agreement.
In this vein, the Turks and Caicos signed a new Statement of Intent with The Bahamas and the United States Governments last week, in the presence of several high-level officials. Representing the Turks and Caicos was Governor Nigel Dakin, who is essentially the Minister of National Security and the Minister of Foreign Affairs all rolled into one.
Dakin was joined on the National Security trip, held in the US, by Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services; Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, incoming TCI Governor as well as various permanent secretaries.
“OPBAT offers admirable operational flexibility to all parties involved and is unique to the Northern Caribbean. While it cannot be replaced, it can – through mutual agreement and discussion – be enhanced to counter 21st century threats,” the statement read.
The success of OPBAT notwithstanding, in the face of these new threats, challenges the countries, “accept the need to leverage our authorities against complex threats, commit to coming together to combat transnational organised crime, and pledge ourselves to our common goal of security and stability in the northern Caribbean.”
The three countries signed off to ‘bear witness to the evolving threats in the region and acknowledge the need to
dedicate resources to combating irregular migration, illegal financial transactions, unlicensed fishing, international criminal operations, and the trafficking of guns, goods, and people.’
The threats of the major displacement from extreme weather, ongoing crisis, and political instability were also acknowledged.
Last December the TCI visited The Bahamas in an effort to deepen security alliances with the neighbouring nation and the US, a goal which the country has now achieved, and one which Dakin describes as vital.
The trip introduced Selvaratnam to intricate immigration issues in the Turks and Caicos which she will oversee come June, as she takes over as the country’s head of National Security.
Nelson Mandela showed us the extraordinary difference one person can make in building a better world.
And as the theme of this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us – combatting poverty and inequality is in our hands.
Our world is unequal and divided.
Hunger and poverty are rife.
The richest one per cent are responsible for the same quantity of planet-wrecking greenhouse gases as two-thirds of humanity.
These are not natural facts. They are the result of humanity’s choices. And we can decide to do things differently.
We can choose to eradicate poverty.
We can choose to end inequality.
We can choose to transform the international economic and financial system in the name of equity.
We can choose to fight racism, respect human rights, combat climate change, and create a world that works for all humanity.
Every one of us can contribute – through actions large and small.
I join the Nelson Mandela Foundation in urging everyone to perform 67 minutes of public service on Nelson Mandela International Day – one minute for each year he fought for justice.
Together, let’s honour Madiba’s legacy and turn our hands towards building a better world for all.
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AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2024) set to strengthen Africa-CARICOM linkages
Speakers at ACTIF will include global superstars Viola Davis, Serena Williams, Didier Drogba and African and CARICOM Heads of States
Nassau, Bridgetown, Georgetown, May 28, 2024 – Excitement mounts as The Bahamas prepares to host the Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM) and the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) from 12 – 14 June 2024 in The Bahamas. Themed “Owning Our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa,” ACTIF2024 is set to forge significant pathways for economic prosperity between Africa and the Caribbean.
Other distinguished speakers will include Heads of State from seven CARICOM countries, former Prime Ministers, Ministers of Trade,
Economic Development and Finance, Dr. Roger W Ferguson, Former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve, USA, Prof. Andreas Klasen, Professor of International Business and Director of the Institute for Trade and Innovation at Offenburg, and many more.
Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank, said: “We are witnessing shifts in the global economic landscape and the trade strategies of major economies, making it imperative for African and Caribbean nations to unite for mutual prosperity. The Afreximbank Annual Meetings and AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum in The Bahamas will serve as a strategic platform to enhance our economic bonds. These events indicate a vibrant assertion of our shared destiny. We are poised to harness the dynamic economic growth within our regions, enhancing our collective resilience and prosperity.”
The event promises to be a pivotal platform for high-level discussions on economic development and regional integration.
Building on the successes of the inaugural AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum held in Barbados in 2022 and the gathering last year in Guyana, this year’s Forum in The Bahamas will further elevate and expand upon the discussions and initiatives previously set in motion. ACTIF2023, which focused on strengthening economic bonds and creating new investment opportunities, sets a precedent for meaningful collaboration between Africa and the CARICOM nations.
Afreximbank invites industry leaders, trade organisations and other stakeholders in the CARICOM region to participate and attend.
Registration is now open at https://2024.afreximbankevents.com.
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