Senator the Honourable Barry Griffin represents The Bahamas at the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly and The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly
Senator Barry Griffin Led The Bahamas Delegation to OACPS and ACP-EU
Brussels, Belgium – 19th-28th June, 2023
Senator the Honourable Barry Griffin, Vice-President of the Senate and Deputy Chairman of The Bahamas Trade Commission led The Bahamas’ delegation to the 63rd Session of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly and the 43rd Session of the African, Caribbean and Pacific and the European Union (ACP-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly which convened from 19th to 28th June, 2023, in Brussels, Belgium.
Senator Griffin used the fora at the Assembly to bring forth matters of national import, such as the Haitian Migration Crisis, and the European Union’s listing of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions and the listing of third countries regarding anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT).
Senator Griffin delivered a compelling and impassioned speech during the Committee on Economic, Finance, and Trade, which underscored the unfair treatment of Small Island Developing States by the European Union through the labeling of these jurisdictions as “zero tax” or blacklisting, which effectively cripples their economy. He urged all delegates present to consider the plight of small jurisdictions, such as The Bahamas, and the adverse impacts of unilateral actions. He also encouraged them to foster an environment of mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.
Senator Griffin also conveyed remarks centered on the urgent crisis unfolding in Haiti and appealed for international collaboration and support to effectively address the challenges faced by the nation. He highlighted the urgent need for support from the international community and, in particular, from the European Union and OACPS member-states, to rally together and provide the necessary aid for a “Haitian-led solution” to the multidimensional issues that the nation faced. He
called upon the international community to embrace its collective responsibility and lend unwavering support to Haiti as it strives for democratic stability and progress. Senator Griffin concluded his address by expressing The Bahamas’ unwavering solidarity with Haiti and reaffirming the country’s commitment to standing alongside the Haitian people in their quest for a brighter future. He implored all member-states present to forge a united front, combining their efforts and resources to address the grave humanitarian crisis that Haiti currently grapples with. Senator Griffin’s poignant and stirring speech resonated deeply with his fellow parliamentarians and delegates, driving home the urgent need for immediate action.
The 43rd Session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly served as a pivotal platform for delegates to engage in productive dialogues on critical global issues. The Assembly yielded valuable resolutions aimed at effectively addressing the multifaceted challenges of violence, extreme poverty, and political instability. The co-presidents of the assembly also expressed their resolute call for the expedited signing of the Post-Cotonou Agreement, a pivotal accord designed to foster stability and forge progressive partnerships to address global challenges jointly.
