Former Guernsey Politician Slams Lack Of Level Playing Field

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

28 July 2003

A former Guernsey politician has criticised the OECD for failing to create a level playing field with regard to tax and information exchange, arguing that certain US states, such as Delaware, are unimpeded by the restrictions which beset businesses in other jurisdictions.

According to a Guernsey Press and Star report, speaking at a recent seminar attended by OECD tax policy and administration centre official, Jeffrey Owens, Advocate Peter Ferbrache observed that:

'(In Delaware) you do not have to say who you are, whereas here if you want to open a business, you almost have to state your heritage going back to 1066.' He continued: 'How on earth are you going to have a level playing field?'

Advocate Ferbrache also asked whether the United States is likely to exchange information on request in accordance with an agreement reached last year.

The Guernsey Press reported that Mr Owens observed that he would be disappointed if the flow of information between the two tax authorities was not there. He also confirmed that the lack of a level playing field - especially with regard to the perceived regulatory failings in Delaware - has been a topic of discussion during talks between the OECD and the Channel Islands authorities.

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