Deborah Backer, also spoke to this newspaper about the issue.
She said, “I think it is as clear as day [that] the Government has put us in a position that the Opposition will not support the bill when it comes to the floor.
“We cannot support this, it is impossible…,” Backer declared.
Backer acknowledged that, with the impending sanctions, it is a tough call, but she maintained that the bigger picture has to be considered. She said, “To an extent, with the sanctions, it is a tough call….We are satisfied that, from our research, the small people, those receiving money from family through Western Union and so, will not be affected. It is the big people, who will have to do much more.”
The Deputy Speaker also noted that changes to Guyana’s legislation cannot be made without proper consideration. “We will also be writing to CFATF about (the) shortsightedness of such a move…. We cannot change the Act just to meet the requirements of CFATF,” Backer said.