By Kurt Campbell
[www.inewsguyana.com] – The main Parliamentary Opposition – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) says it intends to seek clarity from representatives of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) who are currently visiting Guyana on the contentious Anti – Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Amendment Bill.
According to the APNU, the CFATF representative, Mr. Hernandez is scheduled to meet with the Parliamentary Select Committee which is currently considering the amendments at 17:00 on Friday (February 21) at the Parliament Building, Georgetown.
The APNU in sending a strong message to the incumbent People’s Progressive Party (PPP) says it will not accept any limit being placed on the questions that it will be allowed to ask the representative since the Party strongly believes the Administration has grossly misled the nation on the issue.
Moreover, APNU Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker Basil Williams says the Party will also be looking to engage the representative privately where they will address issues relating to autonomy among others in relation to the amendments.
The APNU said its representatives on the committee had ask that Mr. Hernandez visit Guyana so that they can clarify all issues which seemed to be causing difficulties, particularly the opposition’s three major amendments to the Principle Act and its right to make amendments outside of what was asked for by CFATF.
CFATF is responsible for monitoring the operations of legislation of this type throughout Caribbean.
Meanwhile, the APNU has also accused the Administration of being inconsistent and incompetent in enforcing such legislation in Guyana. The Party says it does support strong AML/CFT legislation, institutions and law enforcement measures.
“The PPP’s approach has created public confusion and apprehension instead of confidence, certainty and security” Opposition Leader David Granger said, adding that “the PPP administration has been deliberating dilatory and delinquent in enforcing its own legislation for over 13 years.”
According to the APNU, its only intention is to ensure good governance, correct the deficiencies in the AML/CFT Act and ensuring that they are enforceable.
The APNU has also defended its amendments to the ACT and says it is awaiting the completion of the draft by the Chief Parliamentary Council and will consult extensive in coming days with stakeholders in that regard.
