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Feb 24, 2014 News
The Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) wants the Private Sector to be vociferous in ensuring that the ruling administration gives true meaning to previous anti money laundering laws through implementation, along with other laws that it is openly flouting.
In a statement issued yesterday, the GTUC said it has noted the calls by the Private Sector on the passage of the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill, and wants them to apply the same vigour when dealing with other issues of national importance.
According to the GTUC, Roger Hernandez of the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce (CFATF) during his visit to Guyana noted that the country will not be automatically removed from CFATF’s Watch List (Blacklist) even if the Bill is passed.
He had also informed that from experience the minimal period for removal is approximately two years.
Hernandez, the GTUC reminded, communicated clearly, “you require implementation; it is not just passing the law. It is about implementing the law.”
According to the GTUC, now that Hernandez has visited Guyana and interacted with some stakeholders on the Bill, the principal actors and the nation are asked to pay heed to the crucial areas.
Hernandez had said that CFATF requires a Report on Guyana’s progress by Friday (28th February).
The National Assembly meets on Thursday and with the Bill attracting the Draftsman’s attention, it is highly improbable it can be debated and assented to by the next day.
According to the GTUC, CFATF will be aware of this.
“Progress is being made and CFAFT’s review date for Guyana is May 2014.”
GTUC stressed also that the areas raised by CFATF regarding amendments to the Principal Act and present Bill and need for conformity, should also be noted.
“This nation should pay heed to Hernandez’s expressed concerns that amendment(s) should not risk being CFATF non-complaint.”
According to the GTUC missive, “Guyana is capable of achieving this without compromising our Constitution and desire for good governance by realising a fool proof Act and Bill that would ensure adherence, proper policing and accountability by those tasked with implementation…In principle, this position is not dissimilar to CFATF’s interest and here is where heads must come together.”
GTUC said that the Private Sector in taking a vociferous role on this matter must rise to the occasion beyond requiring the Opposition pass the Bill.
“It must equally require and ensure the administration gives true meaning to previous AML/CFT laws through implementation, along with other laws that it is openly flouting…The PPP administration has a poor record of implementing laws that run counter to its and allies’ interest.”
GTUC also restated that as it engages the opposition on the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) impasse, it is not prepared to accept any guarantee that the arbitration will commence.
“GTUC wishes to have the arbitration letters re-issued before passage of the Bill, because this administration almost two years ago gave the Supreme Court the guarantee it will re-issue the letters and to date nothing has be done.”
It noted additionally, that the demands to assent to outstanding bills, implement outstanding structures in the AML/CFT Principal Act and the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission are consistent with a principal concern CFATF has with Guyana, that is, respecting/implementing laws.
“GTUC calls on President Ramotar to stop misleading the nation by claiming his non-assent to Bills is because they are unconstitutional…The determination of constitutionality is vested in the Judiciary, not the President.”
It reminded too that as Head of State and Head of Government, the President’s vested primary responsibility is to deliver leadership to the society by assuring the citizenry, regional and international bodies of his administration’s capability and commitment to respect/implement all laws.
“It is his responsibility to address the just demands made by the GTUC, opposition and CFATF, and he is urged to do so.”
GTUC reminded also that the matter of the Anti Money laundering law, its implementation and being CFATF compliant began in 2009. Guyana was placed on the Watch list (Black list) in 2013.
“This nation must get it right and President Ramotar has more than enough time before the National Assembly meets again to attend to the outstanding matters brought to his attention…There are 24 hours in a day…It can be done if the President has the political will.”
According to the GTUC, should the Bill fail to pass, it is not because of the Opposition but the result of the administration’s comfort with the status quo.
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