The Director and Deputy Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) have signed contracts with the Finance Secretary and will assume duties with effect from September 19.
This information was provided by Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who was asked whether effect had been given to a decision of the House to appoint the officials.
Earlier this month, the National Assembly had unanimously appointed Mr. Matthew Hugh Edward Langevine to the post of FIU Director and Mr. Abiose Thomas as Deputy Director. Recommendations for the appointment were made by an Appointments Committee of the National Assembly which comprised of Government Members; David Patterson, Amna Ally, Annette Ferguson, Cathy Hughes and Chairperson Dr George Norton and Opposition members; Gail Teixeira, Dr Clive Jagan, Ganga Persaud, Bishop Juan Edghill.
The Clerk of the National Assembly explained that he acted expeditiously to give effect to the decision of the House.
The FIU’s mandate is to facilitate the detection, prevention and deterrence of money laundering, and financing of terrorist activity in Guyana.
It is an autonomous body responsible for requesting, receiving, analysing and dissemination of suspicious transaction reports and other information relating to money laundering, terrorist financing or the proceeds of crime.
It was established and operates within the ambit of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act (AMLCFTA) 2009 and its Regulations.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs on Tuesday confirmed that an onsite visit by members of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) will take place on September 14 and 15, 2016.
(GINA)
