Ministry Seeks Feedback From Charities
The Ministry of Home Affairs said that in keeping with the Government’s Throne Speech pledge, amendments to the Charities Act 1978 stakeholder consultation has commenced.
Notwithstanding that extensive charities policy development consultation was undertaken about a year ago, the Minister responsible for charities, Michael Fahy, advised that he would appreciate the benefit of additional views from all relevant stakeholders by April 17, 2013.
Minister Fahy said, “The general policy aim is to amend the Charities Act 1978 to expand the definition of ‘charitable organisations’, to give the Charity Commissioners increased regulatory authority and to strengthen the reporting requirements for charities.”
To ensure clarity, the Ministry pointed out that the first Charities Act was enacted in August 1965. This Act was repealed by the current 1978 Charities Act enacted in February 1979.
Minister Fahy continued, “Since 1979 there has been a significant increase in the number of registered charities operating in Bermuda. There has also been a widening of scope of charitable purposes.”
As an added note, the 2007 Detailed Assessment Report on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism recommended that relevant authorities undertake a review of laws and regulations related to non-profit organisations, such as charities, to prevent them from being used for money-laundering or the financing of terrorist activities.
Minister Fahy concluded, “The Ministry looks forward to receiving feedback from our various charitable organisations regarding the legislative reforms.”
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