Dear Mr David Granger,
I am confident that the situation around the amendment to the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill in Guyana has not only been on the front burner of the local political agenda, but it has captured the attention of countries around the region and the world.
Largely, this is due to the fact that the issue of anti money laundering is of concern to many developed countries. The issue has been actively discussed at the G8 Summit at Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, in June 2013 and the G20 Summit in St Petersburg, Russia, in September 2013.
From July 1, 2013 the Russian Federation has been presiding at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Our country strongly upholds efforts of the organisation aimed at effective implementation of FATF standards and encourages other countries to take measures to ensure they meet these standards.
I have noted concerns by the government of Guyana and various stakeholders, including the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), international experts about the lack of agreement in the Parliament on passage of the proposed amendment to the AML/CFT Bill.
Being a friend to the people of Guyana and not having any intention to take sides in this matter, I hope that you as the leader of the opposition will take into consideration the reasons expressed in favour of the bill.
Sincerely yours,
Nikolay Smirnov
Russian Ambassador
Copied to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Khemraj Ramjattan
