WHAT can be more compelling than to preserve one’s integrity or, in the case of a country, an unimpaired state? It therefore behoves all concerned to be ever mindful of how we conduct ourselves and the manner of the image we portray.There is really nothing that should supersede the idea of maintaining an impeccable integrity; and I find it unthinkable that the leader of the Opposition in Parliament cannot distinguish the difference of being nationalistic as against being unduly squeamish on insisting that certain bills be assented by the President. David Granger is demanding that President Donald Ramotar give his assent to bills passed by the combined Opposition before he can support the Anti-money Laundering and Countering of Financing of Terrorism Bill now before Parliament.
The integrity of Guyanese is at stake if the Parliament is seen to be delinquent in passing this most important bill, which has far-reaching ramifications affecting this nation, not only in Guyana, but regionally and internationally.
While integrity is an important aspect of the AML/CFT (Anti-money Laundering of the Financing of Terrorism) bill, accessing freedom of finances on the international market will become most problematic, which in turn will affect everyday business financial transactions, posing undue, expensive delays in finalizing money transfers, both incoming and outgoing. Cannot better sense prevail amongst those members sitting in Parliament and whose first obligation should be nationalist in their approach to management of the affairs of state? The country cannot be run by parliamentarians with juvenile thinking adopting spitefulness, as is the present case with the AML/CFT Bill.
The future well-being of Guyana is at stake. Will the opposition members display the necessary maturity and ensure that a most welcome, inviting business climate is firmly established?
Written By David DeGroot