Bermuda Opposition Leader Presses Ahead With Anti-Caricom Campaign

by Mike Godfrey, Tax-News.com, Washington

20 August 2002

Leader of the Opposition United Bermuda Party, Dr Grant Gibbons has continued with his drive to discredit the government's campaign for associate membership of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), claiming in a statement released last week that the regional body's objectives of economic and political union would be detrimental for both Bermuda's economy and its reputation.

The Royal Gazette on Friday quoted the UBP leader as somewhat controversially suggesting that a link with Caricom 'works against Bermuda's efforts to present itself as a well regulated offshore jurisdiction.'

Dismissing the government's assurances that if the jurisdiction becomes an associate member of the regional body it will only be involved in co-operation in areas such as health and education, and will not be involved in any plans for enhancing economic union, the UBP Leader claimed that the PLP government cannot be trusted on this issue.

Referring to remarks made by Caricom Committee Chairman, Nelson Bascome, Dr Gibbons stated that:

'Mr Bascome tells us not to worry about these things. He says that the PLP government has given reassurances that it won't do anything that Bermudians don't want to do...The track record of the PLP government is noteworthy for broken promises, lack of consultation and stifled debate, cover-ups and secrecy. Is it any wonder that we have difficulty taking the government's word on Caricom?'

Earlier this month, however, former UBP Cabinet Minister, Quinton Edness argued the opposite, and criticised his party for its 'ultra conservative' and 'political' attitude towards the debate.

Speaking to the Royal Gazette, Mr Edness argued that recent US attacks on Bermuda and other offshore centres favoured by US companies for reincorporations, presented a compelling argument for associate membership of Caricom.

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