– Opposition’s positions perplexing, inconsistent, says Teixeira
THE Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was expected to announce its decision on Guyana at the end of its plenary and working group meetings in Paris, France (late last night/early today Guyana time).This is according to Presidential Advisor on Governance, Ms Gail Teixeira who was at the time standing in for Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon at a post-Cabinet press briefing at Office of the President.

As it stands, Guyana ranks number one on the list of delinquent countries that are under review by the international watchdog body. On February 5, the only other delinquent country in the region, Belize, which was also blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) at the same time Guyana was placed in that category, passed seven pieces of legislation in its bid to comply with the necessary requirements.

Teixeira said that in the case of Belize, the Opposition rarely supports the Government on any issue; however, given the importance of complying with recommendations of CFATF and by extension FATF, and because of the dire consequences that non-compliance can lead to, both Parties were able to find common ground in the national interest.

FATF has the authority to make a decision on any country that is not compliant. It does not have to await the assessment and or the views of regional bodies; in Guyana’s case, the CFATF.

She said that should FATF grant Guyana an extension, it will because it recognises the unique position that the country is in where the Government is prepared to pass an amendment Bill, but is being delayed simply because the Opposition wants to adjust the Principal Act.

This unique situation is further compounded by the fact that the first Bill was defeated in November last year. However, given the fact that Guyana has missed consecutive deadlines, and that the Parliament has been toying with this matter for over a year, FATF can decide that it’s high time to review the country.

“Whichever decision is taken we are not out of hot water…we are already listed as a country that is not in compliance and advisories have been sent out by both CFATF and FATF…we will continue to be in a situation where the arrangement with foreign transactions are positioned in the global context of financial and banking and insurance systems…and Guyana will be put under additional precautionary measures,” she said.

Teixeira, who is also the chairperson of the select committee to which the amendment Bill has been referred, said that if Guyana is granted more time, it is also because of efforts of very key international leaders who have come out and made public statements urging the political Parties to pass the Bill.

Among these leaders are Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS) José Miguel Insulza and CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin LaRoque.

Teixeira said that Insulza does not normally do this with non-compliant countries and that this is a rare move by the OAS to encourage the Parties involved, and even agreed to assist the country to come into compliance as soon as possible.

BILATERAL COMMITTEE
The Presidential Advisor said that the Government is perplexed by the positions taken by the Opposition. On February 8, the APNU made a proposal to establish a bilateral committee to examine the Bills that were not assented to by the President, and then they will allow the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill to go forward.

The Government responded that if they are willing to support the Bill and ensure its passage on February 10 when the House met, then Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who is the Leader of the House will announce the establishment of the said bilateral committee on that same day. Teixeira informed that this communication involved the highest persons on both sides.

On February 9, a letter was received by the President from Opposition Leader David Granger calling for both sides to work to reach a mutually accepted conclusion on this matter. Later on that same day when the committee met, the Bill was approved by both sides.

AMENDMENTS
The Opposition had also proposed amendments to be made to the Principal AML/CFT Act and the Government requested for these amendments to be put into writing in the interest of time.

Section 37 of the Principal Act deals with the police, and customs officers controlling/intercepting the movement of currency (which includes cash, precious metal, cheques, money orders, etc) at the borders of Guyana.

The amendment proposed by Deputy Speaker and APNU MP, Basil Williams is that this power/authority should not only be exercised at the borders, but within the country as well. Written amendments were also submitted by ANPU MPs Carl Greenidge and Jaipaul Sharma on February 9 to the same section of the act dealing with governance issues and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

“Two distinct amendments, different in nature by members of the Opposition…the atmosphere on Sunday was that we had this amendments in writing, we proceeded to finish the amendment Bill and there were no changes to it, the Bill was approved. We then moved to the Principal Act and it was pointed out to them that they cannot go on an excursion into the entire Principal Act,” she said.

The Opposition was also reminded that these sections of the Principal Act, which they want to amend, were never mentioned by CFATF for any changes whatsoever.

OFF THE AGENDA
On February 10, the President spoke to Granger indicating that the amendments proposed by his Party should be sent to the CFATF and FATF to ascertain whether they are in compliance with set guidelines and norms.

He assured the Opposition Leader that if those amendments are in conformity with CFATF/FATF then they will be passed in the House, but if they are not they will be deemed null and void. However, to date, there has been no response by the Opposition Leader with regards to this matter.

The committee is set to meet again on February 19 by which time the drafting of the amendments should be completed. Teixeira said that given all the reneging that has taken place over the past few days; the proposed bilateral commission is more than likely off the agenda.

“The behaviour of the Opposition is at the least level, inconsistent and perplexing,” Teixeira declared.

NO INTEREST
With regards to the AFC, its leader who sits on the committee has shown a modicum of interest thus far. He had made it clear publicly, that he has no contention with the Bill, but insists that the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) be established.

This matter is currently being addressed by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which has already put out advertisements soliciting nominees from various entities including political parties.

“Even if FATF says that Guyana will be given more time, we do not have infinite time to play with. They would want to see good faith efforts and some movements in the Parliament and so therefore we cannot go through this charade indefinitely,” the Presidential Advisor said. (GINA)