AFC stands alone in opposition to anti-money laundering bill – govt deems move ‘vulgar abuse’, APNU signals support

The Alliance For Change (AFC) said it will not support the recently tabled Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, citing President Donald Ramotar’s veto of two opposition bills as its reason, a move which government has deemed an example of “vulgar abuse” on the part of the minority party.
But, from all appearances, the AFC will be standing alone, as its main parliamentary ally, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), said it has already given its commitment in the House that once the bill is fine tuned at the level of the Select Committee, it would get its blessing.

AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan on Wednesday announced that his party is withdrawing its support for the bill until the president assents to the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Bill 2013 and the Former President’s (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill 2012, both passed by the combined opposition using their one-seat majority.
However, last week, President Ramotar informed the Speaker of the House Raphael Trotman that he will not give his approval.
Now, the AFC is vindictively claiming that its decision to withdraw its support is based on the actions of the president.
“The AFC will reconsider its support for the anti-money laundering bill in view of the fact that the government is not assenting to the two opposition bills, mainly the Fiscal Management and Accountability Amendment and the President’s Former Benefits Amendment,” the party leader stated.
Addressing the press at the SideWalk Café, Ramjattan said that with Guyana’s limited resources, the benefits of the former president must be capped, emphasising that a ceiling must be put in place.
Ramjattan’s acknowledgement
Turning his attention to the Fiscal Management and Accountability Amendment Bill, Ramjattan said when approved, it will have tremendous benefits as it relates to accountability.
This bill, the party argued, will help to root out corruption and aid in transparency.
He accused the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) of dragging its foot on the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission and reiterated that the party will not support the Anti-Money Laundering Amendment Bill 2013 until its demands are met.
Standing alone
However, from all indications, it appears as though the AFC will be standing alone when the anti-money laundering bill goes to the National Assembly for approval.
APNU Chairman David Granger told Guyana Times International that the coalition made a commitment in the National Assembly to examine the bill in a special select committee and it will stand by that decision. He said the anti-money laundering bill has been in the pipeline for several years, noting that it is time that the people of Guyana benefit from such a move. He further added that while passage of the bill is important, enforcement is key.
He said the international community may be more concerned about enforcement, rather than meeting a deadline, adding that the APNU will not be making any deal with the president, since it is his constitutional right not to assent to the two bills.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, commenting on the AFC’s position, said the timely passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill is so important to national interest that any responsible party would take all available steps to ensure its approval.