President Donald Ramotar in what he himself called “an unprecedented step” today in a written message pleaded with the National Assembly to expeditiously address the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2013 and to see it passed by May 28 the latest.
Faced with a May 27 deadline to have the amendments become law or face international sanctions, the President in a last-ditch effort attempted to impress on APNU and AFC–both parties have indicated that they would not support the amendments–to put Guyana above partisan interests.
“…[I am] appealing to all members to put Guyana first despite what differences they may have…,” the President said in his message, read by Prime Minister Sam Hinds.
He called on the legislators to complete the review and return the bill expeditiously.
He pointed out that many Caribbean countries have experienced difficulties in meeting the requirements of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and the international requirements.
However, he noted that the legislature in all of the countries rose to the occasion and agreed on the requirements. He then pleaded for the amendments to be addressed at special meetings and to be passed by May 24 or May 28 the latest.
“Guyana’s destiny is in your hands,” the President said adding that the Members of Parliament should put Guyana first and leaders of political parties second lest they “be found wanting.”
“Too late, too late, shall be your cry,” heckled one opposition member after the message.
Shortly after the message was read, Deputy Speaker Deborah Backer presiding today denied a motion by Hinds to have an adjournment on matters of public importance–that is the money laundering bill. Hinds made the motion under Standing Order 12. Relying on a ruling by past Speaker Ralph Ramkarran, Backer said that section of the standing order speaks about urgency. However, she pointed out the amendments were in the making for quite some time and were not a sudden occurrence.
