Caricom Heads to discuss Guyana’s anti-money laundering law impasse

Caricom Heads meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines today are expected to discuss the impasse here over the anti-money laundering bill.

The Government Information Agency today released a portion of a letter written by Barbadian Prime  Minister Freundel Stuart to President Donald Ramotar on March 7, 2014.

The letter said in part  “…without any doubt, this situation and the threatened action by CFATF will affect Guyana and the entire Caribbean region, and will negatively impact the well-being of our people.”

“I trust that during our inter-sessional meeting we will be able to discuss this matter in caucus, and see what other action we can take as a group to assist Guyana at this juncture.”

Guyana faces further action by the CFATF if updated anti-money laundering legislation is not passed. The government and the opposition have been locked in protracted discussions on a select committee of Parliament over the bill. It is unclear whether a compromise will be struck.