PPP calls on Opposition to back AML/CFT Bill

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Mr. Clement Rohee, yesterday called upon the political Opposition to act responsibly, in the interest of its constituents, as well as all Guyanese and commit to the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill.

Minister Clement Rohee
Minister Clement Rohee

Speaking at a press conference at his party’s Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown headquarters, he said: “The party calls on the Opposition to commit itself to all aspects of our nation’s development and to put our country first, so that the well-being of all Guyanese can continue to be safeguarded.

Opposition Leader David Granger
Opposition Leader David Granger

“We urge the Opposition to mobilise its members and supporters to support the various initiatives the Government is undertaking to, continuously, carve a better and brighter Guyana.”
Rohee, in addition to the AML/CFT Bill, made reference to several other Government interventions including environmental campaigns, legislation tabled in parliament and, of note, several security initiatives that the Opposition is urged to support.
The latter includes fighting crime and drug trafficking; the efforts to prevent smuggling and contraband across our borders; the efforts to combat human trafficking; the fight against lawlessness in an effort to maintain peace and good order; the prevention of squatting and the destruction of Government reserves and public property.
He said: “We would like to reiterate that the welfare and well-being of our people remain the PPP/C Administration’s developmental thrust.

UTMOST IMPORTANCE
“It is, therefore, of utmost importance that the Opposition ensures that its members and supporters support the Government’s violent protection action

Khemraj Ramjattan
Khemraj Ramjattan

plan.
“A lack of support in this regard has the potential to create a negative influence for investors. Over the years the Government has worked tirelessly to create an enabling environment, so that investors can continue to enjoy stability which is critical to their investments.”
Legislation cited by the general secretary are initiatives including the Firearms Amendment Bill and other recent measures Government initiated to combat crime and aid in national security.
“All Guyanese would be better served if these efforts are supported and not be used for divisive purposes. Given the current challenges faced, the need for all to give support, including the Opposition and its supporters, is crucial,” Rohee emphasised.
Among the environmental campaigns, he referred to are the anti-littering ‘Pick It Up’ drive and the Stray Catchers programme, which, he stated, have not only had a positive impact on the aesthetics of our surroundings, but also assisted in creating a healthier environment and safer roadways, respectively.
“Similarly, support for the campaign to protect our mangroves which help to mitigate the harsh consequences of climate change must be encouraged,” Rohee said.
He added that support for the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) by the Opposition provides an opportunity for them to demonstrate their nationalism for an initiative that has immense benefits for all.
Said he: “The LCDS has encompassed a number of projects for sustainable development, which will lead to a positive transformation of our country, among them being the Amaila Falls Hydro-electricity Project, whose economic benefits have been thoroughly articulated in the public domain. The potential it holds for the transformation of our country is indeed overwhelming.”
The General Secretary declared that the party is “rooted in the firm belief” that Guyana’s rapid development can be sustained with the support of all stakeholders.
“We, therefore, encourage the Opposition to mobilise its support behind Government’s programmes and policies.
“We believe that the interest of Guyanese would be better served if the Opposition were to re-direct their energies towards the national goals and continued prosperity of our people, instead of the negative stance they have taken on budget cuts, key development projects and security,” he said.
According to him, the PPP, since its establishment, continues to work assiduously to promote and develop a deep sense of patriotism and nationalism.

NATIONAL IMPERATIVE
He said: “The party believes that the demonstration and practice of such patriotic values are not only a national imperative for development, but also for the unity and cohesion of the nation as a whole.”
Rohee pointed out that, as Guyana continues on its development trajectory, not only has economic growth been achieved, but all its peoples from the various social strata have been positively impacted by the benefits which have accrued through the overwhelming social and infrastructural developments.
“This is demonstrative of the commitment of the PPP/C Administration to provide a better life for all Guyanese,” he said.
Rohee said that, Guyana, having advanced from a poor country to a developing one, still has more to do to realise its potential.
To that end, he said: “It is in this context that our party remains convinced that the Opposition can endeavour to be more supportive, not only by their actions but through the responsibilities they have to their constituencies.”
Rohee reiterated his urging for the Opposition to give “genuine and tangible” backing to the developmental goals of the Government.

(By Vanessa Narine )

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