A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) voted against the petition by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on the issue of the Anti – Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill.
Before PPP Parliamentarian Manzoor Nadir could have presented the petition in the National Assembly, APNU Member Carl Greenidge interjected and stated that the petition of the PSC does not meet the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.
Greenidge explained that the petition is full of inaccuracies, it is malicious and vexatious. He also noted that the petition is disrespectful.
However, Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman made it clear that he read the petition and does not find it to be disrespectful. Trotman reminded the House that petitions are the only instruments which the public has to speak to the National Assembly.
Through Trotman, the Clerk of the National Assembly noted that the petition has met the rules of the National Assembly. In response to the APNU, PPP Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira noted that “it is a slap in the face” to persons who presented the petition and any attempt to muzzle them is a serious violation.
In the end, the petition was presented by Nadir. However, the Parliamentary Opposition voted against the presentation of the motion.
The PSC decided to petition the National Assembly to pass the Amendments to the Bill as they are fearful of the repercussions facing Guyana if this Amendment is not made into law.
Failure to pass the Bill by November 18 could see Guyana being blacklisted and financial transactions could come under severe scrutiny.
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