THERE is no reasonable Guyanese who would not concur with the necessity of having the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill (AML/CFT) legislated.

Since the ‘Stamp It Out’ campaign that prepared the way for the most comprehensive legislation on Child Sexual Abuse in this country, this is another instance where citizens have been made fully cognizant of not only the necessity of such a Bill in the protection of the nation against transnational crime and other equally serious threats, but also ensuring that the socio-economic progress of the nation proceed unimpeded, while concomitantly upholding the probity of the nation.
All these critical factors are known by the parliamentary Opposition that still continues with its undoubtedly stalling tactics, despite giving assurances about its commitment to such a Bill being finalized.
Of course, it is being allowed its contribution to the construct of the final product, but how can it offer amendments that are not in keeping with international standards, as highlighted by the visiting CFATF official. In fact, the amendments have been deemed “risky”.
OBSERVER appreciates the fact that, like the Government, the Opposition desires an effective Bill, yet the former has kept within the proposals, but this rule has been definitely missed by both Opposition parties.
As a responsible Opposition, its only duty should be to do what is right for its country, and, as has been pointed out in a previous column, it must be careful not to be on the wrong side of history.
All Guyanese expect this legislation to be completed by February 28, as mandated, for surely Guyana must not be placed in any of the three tiers for reasons of non-compliance, as again reminded by the visiting CFATF official.
Citizens are now fully informed as to the larger problems that will induce hardships for all, for, it is astonishing, when one listens to the senior Opposition spokespersons who have been speaking about deadlines being announced so as to create fear.
These people’s representatives seem to reside on another planet!