By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 19, 2024 – Prime Minister Philip E. Davis and a delegation from The Bahamas who are on a five-day official visit to the African nation of Botswana set “a positive tone” on day one of the visit yesterday, showcasing the strength of the collaboration between the two countries, Prime Minister Davis noted on his Facebook page.
“We’ve secured valuable scholarships for Bahamian students, a testament to our commitment to education and mutual growth,” Prime Minister Davis said. “We also signed an MOU between BAMSI and Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources.”
The Prime Minister said discussions “also explored enhancing digital economy initiatives, promoting financial cooperation, and establishing a diamond depository in Grand Bahama to boost trade.”
“Each step we take is aimed at fostering sustainable development and opening new doors for Bahamian,” the Prime Minister said. “Looking forward to more fruitful discussions and partnerships that benefit our nations.”
In another post, the Office of the Prime Minister declared, “On the inaugural day of their visit to Botswana, the administration set a positive tone, exemplifying the robust collaboration between the two nations. They successfully secured valuable scholarships for Bahamian students, a clear demonstration of their unwavering commitment to education and mutual growth. Additionally, an MOU was signed between BAMSI and Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, solidifying their partnership.”
The Office of the Prime Minister added, “Discussions also encompassed strategies to bolster digital economy initiatives, promote financial cooperation, and establish a diamond depository in Grand Bahama to stimulate trade. Each step taken reflects their dedication to fostering sustainable development and creating opportunities for Bahamians. The administration eagerly anticipates further productive discussions and partnerships that will contribute to the prosperity of both nations.”
Meanwhile, in an article written by Senior Reporter Taneka Thompson, The Nassau Guardian today reported that at a joint press conference in Botswana, Prime Minister Davis and Botswana President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi pledged to strengthen links between the countries, adding that The Bahamas has promised to help the Central Bank of Botswana in the development of its digital currency.
Responding to a question from a Botswana journalist about this, The Guardian noted that Prime Minister Davis recounted the saga of FTX Digital Markets’ collapse and the fight that followed with the United States.
“We’re prepared to share our experiences in this space,” the Prime Minister was quoted as saying about digital currencies. “As you quite rightly point out, it is a new and emerging market that has really caught on, and one thing that the world has recognized is that digital currency is here to stay. It’s not going anywhere, so proper regulation and ensuring that bad actors are kept out of the space is the target and ensuring that you are protecting investors and ensuring bad actors stay out. You don’t want a player who is just coming in to get a fancy yacht and two jets to be jetting around the world.”
Further elaborating on this topic, the Prime Minister was quoted as saying, “We’ve had that experience because one of the major collapses in the crypto world was FTX. They happened to be headquartered in The Bahamas and because of our framework, we were able to quickly seize the assets. Of course, there was a fight between The Bahamas and the United States over jurisdictional issues as to who, where and how the liquidation of FTX should take place. I can say that we prevailed despite what the courts in the United States said, because I was in possession of the assets because I seized them.”
Prime Minister Davis also said countries like The Bahamas and Botswana have to collaborate, otherwise they will continue to be exploited and dominated by the Global North.
“The one thing that the Global South cannot escape is that they cannot go it alone,” the Prime Minister was quoted as saying. “We have to collaborate; we have to be in partnership, otherwise the Global North will continue to exploit, dominate and to keep us on our knees. And I’ll put it another way, as I was telling your president earlier, they’ll continue to keep their knees on our neck. So, it is important that you appreciate the collaboration here.”
Prime Minister Davis mentioned the practice of European bodies graylisting and blacklisting countries with offshore financial centers as an example.
“You look at the countries that were in fact targeted by that and this all comes about because of the Global North — the bloc called the European Union and the bloc called … the OECD,” Prime Minister Davis was quoted as saying. “They are the ones that have taken unto themselves the right to be the authoritarian and police of the world in financial services matters. I stand here to say, for example, that The Bahamas was a leading financial services center in the world for many years.”
During an official state visit to The Bahamas last September by Botswana President Masisi, The Bahamas and Botswana signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish bilateral political consultation, strengthen relations, friendship and cooperation.
Expanding on this budding relationship on Monday, Prime Minister Davis said The Bahamas is prepared to open doors for the people of Botswana to observe The Bahamas’ approach to tourism and hospitality, adding that The Bahamas is eager to explore programs similar to ones it has with Ghana, focusing on the exchange of technical medical nurses.
The Bahamas Botswana share an historical symbiotic relationship, as both are former colonies of Great Britain and are both currently members of the British Commonwealth
Botswana is a land-locked country that is bounded by Namibia to the west and north, Zambia and Zimbabwe to the northeast, and South Africa to the southeast and south.
Since its independence, the Republic of Botswana has gained international stature as a peaceful and increasingly prosperous democratic state. It is a member of the United Nations, the British Commonwealth, the African Union (AU), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).”
