AG to update accountants, executives

BARBADOS’ Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite will provide an update on recent and upcoming legislative changes in the International Business Sector.He is scheduled to address chartered accountants and other senior executives attending a workshop hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Barbados (ICAB) at Hilton Barbados on Friday, August 27. The workshop comes at a critical time for the international business sector. Last year it experienced a decline in new registrations and reduced profits, as indicated by the reduction in corporation tax paid to Government. The sector bore the brunt of the global economic recession and the attack on international financial centres launched by the G20 countries. During this turbulent period Barbados has continued to build on its network of tax treaties, robust regulatory framework and business facilitation capabilities. The Government has indicated that it plans to amend legislation and strengthen regulatory framework to enhance competiveness and increase investor confidence.ICAB executive director Reginald Farley indicated that “the workshop is part of the Institute’s programme of continuing education for its members who as chartered accountants make up the largest professional group employed in or providing professional services to the international business sector in Barbados”.  “The topics for discussion reflect several of the issues affecting the sector and I anticipate that the expert presentations and the discussions will help to guide the way forward for service providers in the sector.” Speakers will include Steve Clarke of Deloitte & Touche who will address International Accounting Issues; Kaye Williams of Meridian Law who will focus on legal structures, corporate governance, anti-money laundering; and Canadian lawyer Michael Thorteinssons who will speak on reasons why Canadian companies invest in Barbados and examine a recent tax case with implications for Barbados. (PR)