‘Brussels office vital to fight prejudice’
Wednesday 30th September 2009, 1:00PM BST.
A DEEP-SEATED prejudice against Crown Dependencies such as Guernsey must be eradicated by better communication, according to Guernsey Financial Services Commission director-general Nik van Leuven.
An office in Brussels, near the European Parliament, was vital in that, he said.
As HM Procureur for more than six years, Mr van Leuven (pictured) said he had seen the problem at first hand.
‘By far the best way to dispel ignorance, and so prejudice, is to engage positively to educate and inform and persuade the prejudiced.
‘A very effective means of so doing, to my mind, involves establishing an office in Brussels where Guernsey’s interests can be immediately and effectively presented to EU politicians, officials and others.’
Mr van Leuven said engaging with the EU was crucial. ‘In my opinion, constructive engagement with the EU is vital to Guernsey’s economy, and financial services regulatory equivalence, coupled with commitment to and practice of such important issues as tax transparency and consumer protection, need to continue to be given priority by Guernsey’s government.
‘The cost of not constructively engaging with the EU is economic death, not by a thousand, but many fewer cuts.’
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OECD and IMF are both European and both respected within the world of bank-types, and they white-washed us all sparkly.
Can’t we ask them to put in a good word with the Sprout-Hq?
How much does the Shanghai connection cost and what has been its worth?
So we are paying through the nose to employ someone to tell the EU why it’s so good that we do not disclose information about their citizens doing business using Guernsey.
That’s good, honest work. While we’re at it, can we pay someone a miwwion notes to tell old ladies why it’s vital they leave their front doors open to let burglars in without the need for smashing the window. It saves money in the long run and promotes an efficient burglary ethos.
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Is it not possible to team up with Jersey & the IOM as well? We all come under the banner of Crown Dependencies and could all benefit from sharing an office and a team in Brussells.
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I am disappointed and surprised that this story has not been given greater prominance locally.
Whether we like it or not, this IS the future. This is relentless and it ain’t going to go away.
Unfortunately the Bailiwick must engage with Brussels and EU in order to survive politically, commercially and socially.
Our destiny lies in the hands of three critical exterior acronyms. EU. IMF. OECD.
Watch this space or just ask the holder of two other local acronyms. The DG at the GFSC.
We have already been allocated a French economic regional number. I believe it is number 24 or 25 or 26?
I have seen the future written in the stars – yellow ones arranged in a circle on a blue background. Just watch those EU flags flutter.
Sadly our independence will be consigned to history within a generation – 25 years or maybe less!
Sad but true.
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BigSarkBob
You believe the regional number for Guernsey is 24 or 25 or 26!!!
Are you sure about that?
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Well Paul, er… I used to be sure but now I’m confused.
I was told by a French man who had been told for sure, but I’m still not so sure.
That should clarify the position?
Perhaps there’s a job for me in Guernsey politics but I’ll check with the Welsh Audit Office first.
I’ll also ask the little Emperor, Tricky Nicky Sarkozy.
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