[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has expressed disgust at the treatment by the Combined Opposition of its petition to Parliament on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill along with the non- support for the Bill itself.
The Opposition by a majority vote defeated both the motion dealing with the petition and the AML/CFT Amendment Bill.
In a statement released on Friday, the PSC outlined that “the Private Sector collectively is one of the most important stakeholders in this country with a legitimate and irrefutable interest in preserving the health and stability of the domestic economy and it is for this reason – to protect against further economic slippage – that the Private Sector Commission petitioned Parliament.”
The PSC added that the Opposition saw it fit, despite their economic importance to deny the presentation and reading in Parliament of the petition, thereby denying a voice to the very people who drive the economy and employ a high percentage of the nation’s citizens.
“This action reveals an inexplicable contempt for the stakeholders of this country and/or a lack of understanding of how the economy functions. In a civilized world, on critical matters of economic and national importance” the PSC said, adding that “it is mandatory for leaders to rise above this petty and often retrogressive tit for tat disposition. We expect nothing less from our elected representatives, who must understand that merit is the most important factor for the people of this country.”
The Private Sector Commission in concluding placed on record its deep disappointment over the actions of Parliament and says it holds this 10th Parliament accountable for any damage that may accrue to the Guyana economy going forward.
