WASHINGTON, D.C., October 11, 2022 — Issues regarding the financial services industry and specifically the recent blacklisting of The Bahamas by the European Union were discussed on Tuesday, October 11, when the Ambassdor of Belgium to the United States Jean-Arthur Regibeau paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Wendall Jones, Bahamas Ambassador to the U.S.
During the discussions, Ambassador Jones reiterated the position of Prime Minister Philip E. Davis at the recent United Nations General Assembly when he noted that European countries that operate frameworks similar to flagged and blacklisted countries that share commonalities are not eligible or included in the lists.
Ambassador underscored that all of the countries blacklisted are small and vulnerable and former colonies of European States.
In his address at the UN, Prime Minister Davis noted that “black-governed countries matter.” The Belgian Ambassador assured Mr. Jones that his government is aware of the Prime Minister’s remarks which are being discussed.
Other matters discussed during the meeting included the impact of the war in Ukraine on the world economy, Climate financing and the pledge of Belgium to a special fund and scholarship opportunities for Bahamians.
Ambassador Regibeau joined the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1998. He has previously served as Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Armenia, Belarus and Uzbekistan.
