Dear Editor
FROM the reported details via “US jails Guyanese ‘Cash Jet’ pilot for 13 years for cocaine trafficking”, September 28, 2019, one concludes that the saga of the ‘Cash Jet’ story is now closed, with full justice finally being dispensed, by way of sentence.

Expressing views via “Removal of another brick  in the construct of money laundering,” October 14, 2018, in which it was stated”…apart from shedding  further light on the criminal dynamics of local money laundering facilitates a further window view  of the operations of the local criminal state under the PPP/C administration.” This is in addition to its “vastness and pervasiveness …..and the players who are often involved,’’ and that “It also nails the  deceptive lie  of the PPP/C …..to downplay the cancer that is money laundering to its supporters, especially that it is a figment of the imagination of the current coalition government.”

Editor, the given statistics of 1287 deposits which Lall also made or had others make tell its own story. It supports the contention as to its “vastness and pervasiveness ‘, in addition to   underlining the field day which facilitated the daily, serious crime of money laundering during the PPP/C administration, and for which the APNU+AFC not so long ago received commendations for combatting its grip on the nation.

The fact that a former permanent secretary within the past regime could have been found with $14B in several bank accounts, referred to in that prior letter, explains what was the meaning of the criminal state, as fashioned and allowed to flourish unabated during the PPP/C type of governance. Organised crime and pillaging of the state became the order of the state.

As further expressed in that October 2018 letter, money laundering was more than a “cancer’’ which this unconscionable party has always tried to ‘’downplay’’ to its supporters, even seeking to ascribe its existence to a figment of the imagination of the current government”, as also expressed in the first letter, in October, 2018.

Of course, there are other Khamraj Lalls against whom the state’s relevant authorities are continuing to build credible cases, before they are taken for prosecution. And in saying this, one is reminded by remarks by former US Charge d’ Affaires, Jeremy Hunt, who cautioned against quick results in matters of financial crimes, since he opined that they take years, with the paper trail having to be followed. He was right, given the overwhelming tide of existing expectations.

However, what is so bold and shameful, is that these nefarious criminals’ existence is continuously denied by a political opposition whose pronouncements can only be interpreted as a reckless and lawless disregard for efforts towards fighting corruption, of which money laundering is its centrepiece crime. Further, and this is the very sad aspect of such bold irresponsibility, is that it has inculcated an understanding among the general stream of PPP/C supporters that such ills are acceptable, for which those who are guilty are not expected to be held accountable. It would seem that for many, any means suffice for a justification for such disreputable ends.

Editor, a further question is necessary here: what moral examples are being established for the young? Just what spiritual legacies are they being bequeathed? The case of Khamraj Lall is a timely reminder that money laundering is not only a crime, but is a deadly cancer which must be defeated.
Regards
Earl Hamilton