The Central Bank of the Bahamas is planning to introduce a government-backed pilot digital currency, Jamaica Observer reported June 22.
Speaking at the Bahamas Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference earlier this week, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Bahamas, K Peter Turnquest, made the announcement, saying that the development of a fully digital payment service is “the way forward for this era of governance.” Turnquest continued:
“A digital Bahamian currency is especially important for the many family islands as they have seen many commercial banks downsize and pull out of their communities, leaving them without banking services. As an island nation, where transportation can be an inconvenience for many, especially the elderly, and costly, we must offer financial services digitally and securely.”