Premier Smith claims VI will be removed from ‘Blacklist’

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Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith is confident that the Virgin Islands will soon be removed from the 'Blacklist'. Photo: VINO

Premier Smith was speaking yesterday June 26, 2014 at a press conference held in the conference room at the Office of the Premier, Government Administrative Complex, Road Town, Tortola. Photo: VINO

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith told members of the media that he had no doubt that come the releasing of the next scheduled annual tax information list, the French will no longer have the Virgin Islands (VI) ‘blacklisted’.

He was speaking yesterday June 26, 2014 at a press conference held in the conference room at the Office of the Premier, Government Administrative Complex, Road Town, Tortola.

The Premier said that his optimism was based on the discussions that he has had so far with the French authorities. “France has published a list of non compliant countries, who are non-compliant with their tax information… and this list is published on an annual basis. Based on the progress that we have made, I am optimistic we will be considered to be removed from that non-compliant list,” Premier Smith told members of the media.

When the announcement of the blacklist was made on August 30, 2013 as reported by this news site, Premier Smith had expressed shock and had told reporters that the Territory was investigating the reason for the blacklisting and was moving speedily towards ensuring that this is corrected so that the VI can get off the blacklist and continue its good relations with France.

Approximately two weeks later, Dr Smith then told reporters that the VI “fell short in the quality of information that was sent to the French authorities” and stated that this was one of the reasons the VI may have been blacklisted. He further announced that a new unit within the Finance Ministry, the International Tax Authority, had been established to better facilitate the flow of tax information.

14 Responses to “Premier Smith claims VI will be removed from ‘Blacklist’”

fox (27/06/2014, 08:09) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
Blah blah blah blah
bbc (27/06/2014, 08:11) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
Why will this mad have a press conference on the day of high school graduation? Is he trying to upstage his media happy education minister? Just asking
OhKala (27/06/2014, 08:29) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply

L..s..... L..s... More l..s. When is this man going to stop taking we the people for granted?
- @ OhKala (27/06/2014, 12:20) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
  so sad but true.
Observer (27/06/2014, 09:18) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
Yet another example the NDP cannot manage the financial services section. They have sit around with them head in the sand and allowed the big powers to destroy it. NDP must go we need the VIP the founder and protector of the people
one eye (27/06/2014, 10:57) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
They blacklist us under ndp never ever happen under vip think about it ppl
- egg face (27/06/2014, 12:58) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
  The France backlist is the least threat to the BVI.. ..........CRIME/VIOLENCE/ CORRUPTION/ INSTABILITY.......ETC..ETC is the real issue
Z L (27/06/2014, 11:23) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
Look at that paid for coverage dude
trrefdrfds (27/06/2014, 12:13) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
having to lsiten to the head of the NDP in the BVI is like inviting your executioner to dinner
Hmmmm (27/06/2014, 12:23) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
I thought the Iron curtain was destroyed years ago, And yet the government is ruling us with the tight fisted dictatorship. Wild spending not paying stealing and nothing completed. How much more are we to take or shoved down out throats?
NDP MUST GO
she the cat mother (27/06/2014, 12:30) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
Let’s see if I understand all of this,
First we destroy our economy the financial and tourist section to the point where no one would dare invest in us, and our reputation as being blacklisted is shameful

Then we are forced to beg on our knees to the UK with this poorly negotiated protocol for financial management

Now the NDP must answer some "TOUGH" questions?
When did the cart start pulling the horse in the BVI only since after 2011 elections?
Sherry (29/06/2014, 14:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
We have to grasp that the essential requirement for any country is this ability to manage our affairs with our own resources and to take a place alongside other nations that are doing the same thing, it is clear that the ndp HAS FAILED US AGAIN!
ann (29/06/2014, 14:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
We had dug ourselves into a hole from which we couldn't escape..NDP must go
Lait 521 (29/06/2014, 15:01) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
Yeah, if there is so much progress, why is the government looking in every corner to tax the daylight out of you?

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Premier Smith claims VI will be removed from ‘Blacklist’

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