The actions of the opposition to hold government accountable needs the support of all citizens

Mar 23, 2014 Letters

Dear Editor,
Note is taken of the call made by Mr. Yesu Persaud in Stabroek News (15th March, 2014) to President Donald Ramotar, Messrs. David Granger and Khemraj Ramjattan to pass the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) bill in parliament. The call urges the opposition to abandon their just demands tying passage of the Bill to some areas of governmental weakness that threaten the realisation of maximum benefit intended with the passage and implementation of the AML/CFT.
Having established a track record of mistrust and deceit it is an unfortunate reality that the Opposition in Parliament cannot place trust in the government when it comes to implementation of laws and respect for decisions made in the highest decision making forum of the land. It is unfortunate that under successive PPP regime the rule of the lawless takes precedent over the rule of law and where there should be honour and dignity there is now dishonour. This nation is reminded that the PPP continues to flout domestic laws and agreements, even international agreements, such as the St Lucia Statement, Herdmanston Accord and Hoyte/Jagdeo Agreement. Successive PPP governments particularly between the years 1997 to present day, have squandered any trust that was vested in them in 1992.
Mr. Yesu Persaud is reminded that the domestic laws of a country are not in isolation, but more analogous to international public laws, which influences behaviours of nation states. The symbiotic nature of this relationship between domestic and international laws reinforces the need for domestic adherence to good governance that respects, not only the passing of bills, but the assent to bills passed, the implementation and where necessary the reinforcement. This serves to solidify the intent behind the law which is to fundamentally protect society. It is within this frame work that the nexus between good governance, the AML/CFT Bill, Guyana Constitution, and regional and international conventions and charters is established and which the AML/CFT must pass.
The AML/CFT’s importance is recognised particularly since it has been established in a U.S court of credible justice that Guyanese civilian Shaheed ‘Roger’ Khan who is now enjoying the hospitality of the U.S penal system was able to purchase a government to government triangulating computer system. This was purchased by a government minister to fight narco- turf wars in Guyana during an era that left many ”prominent” and “respected” citizens, law enforcement officers, businessmen and “alleged” criminals dead or missing.
The passage of the AML/CFT Bill is also important, since it is possible that “respected “ and “prominent” businessmen and money launderers can also use ill-gotten assets to access government contracts, partner with government for development and buy/gain national respect and influence. We are reminded of the gated community established by Roger Khan, his acquisition of prime property and assets (still not confiscated) and his involvement in helping government to fight crime. Guyana is also under surveillance for international terrorism though these threats, so far, have had no linkage or association with government.
The parliamentary actions of the opposition with regards to conditionalities set for the passage of the AML/CFT Bill as a means of holding government accountable to good governance and forcing them to act with basic decency needs the support of all citizens.
Leslie Gonsalves
President, Guyana Trades Union Congress

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The actions of the opposition to hold government accountable needs the support of all citizens

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