By Kurt Campbell
[www.inewsguyana.com] – A United Nations (UN) countering terrorism team that is currently in Guyana has expressed concerns over the country’s the lack of legislative architecture to effectively counter terrorism. This is according to Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon, who told a news conference that the biggest blow to Guyana’s Legislative framework in this regard is the stall in enacting the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill which is in effect preventing Guyana from being accorded recognition in implementing the UN Security Council Resolution.
The team on Monday October 7 and Tuesday October 8 engaged Government and its organs in the reviews of Guyana’s counter terrorism principles and activities, with focus on Guyana’s counter terrorism architecture set up in accordance with international treaty and the UN Security Council resolutions on countering terrorism.
During these meetings, the team was provided with information by counter terrorism agencies in Guyana. It was during these meetings that the concern in relation to Guyana’s legislative framework was raised.
According to Dr. Luncheon, the role of Guyana’s law enforcement and other national security bodies along with its legislative instruments to fight terrorism was examined.
He further stated that the body was updated by Government on the enactment of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill which is currently before a Parliamentary Select Committee.
Additionally, an update was also provided on the establishment of the Investigative Unit, which will be established in the Office of the Commissioner of Police to investigate money laundering and terrorist activities.
