As Guyana is locked in discussions relating to its upcoming compliance obligations under the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force follow-up process, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has underscored the need for improvements in the rate of convictions and successful forfeiture of proceeds of crime, which he said is too low across the region.

Mr. Nandlall is currently leading a delegation at the 62nd Plenary and Working Group Meetings of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) ongoing in, Trinidad and Tobago.

Guyana is scheduled to undergo a Follow-Up Report process in November 2026 and is expected to be assessed for re-ratings in November 2027 as part of its continued efforts to demonstrate technical compliance and effectiveness under the FATF standards.

During the discussions, Mr. Nandlall emphasised the need for greater sensitization of the judiciary in respect of the interpretation and application of the Anti-money laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism legislation.

He called upon CFATF to urgently create an institutional relationship with the judiciary across the region, that will result in training and continuous education on the intricacies of the AML/CFT statutory framework.

“Perhaps the time is ripe to invite nominees of the Judiciary to attend Plenary meetings, as this would give them first-hand insight into our international obligations and the recommendations which underlie the unique statutory provisions reflected in the legislation,” the Attorney General said.

Further, Mr. Nandlall noted that the judicial interpretation in asset recovery and confiscation proceedings should take into account the FATF Methodology, international standards, and the broader objectives underpinning the administration of justice in combating money laundering, terrorist financing, corruption, and organised crime.

 He noted that judicial appreciation of the policy rationale behind AML/CFT measures is essential to ensuring that confiscation and forfeiture regimes operate effectively and consistently with international obligations.

Earlier in the week, the Guyana delegation participated in several technical working groups addressing mutual evaluations, compliance monitoring, typologies, operational cooperation, and technical assistance initiatives aimed at strengthening regional capacity to detect, investigate, prosecute, and deter financial crimes.

Particular attention is being placed on enhancing effectiveness ratings, strengthening institutional coordination, improving beneficial ownership transparency, increasing the use of financial intelligence, and advancing asset recovery and confiscation frameworks across the region.

Guyana is scheduled to host, in 2026, a number of crucial regional initiatives and activities as part of its continued commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing national and regional security architecture.

Related posts:

Government to further strengthen Guyana’s anti-money laundering legislation -AG Nandlall US Ambassador urges Caribbean nations to begin real work of tackling money laundering Caribbean Bankers press Guyana to pass Anti Money Laundering Amendment Bill CARICOM worries about delays in Anti Money Laundering