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Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams, in Parliament on Thursday categorically denied the allegations made in Stabroek News’ headline article in its December 17 edition,Corey Liuget Chargers Jersey, that there was no apparent consultation with the relevant stakeholders as regards the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill.The Bill was slated to be passed in Parliament on Thursday.Rebutting the Opposition’s assertions that the Government failed to consult with the relevant stakeholders,Ryan Tannehill Dolphins Jersey, Williams produced evidence in the form of email records. He had sent the Draft Bill for consultation to the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA),Brian Dawkins Eagles Jersey, Private Sector Commission (PSC) and other stakeholders some five months ago.The email dated July 15, 2015 shows that the other recipients were The Commissioner of Police; The Guyana Bar Association; The Berbice Bar Association; The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana; The Guyana Revenue Authority; Bank of Guyana; The Director of Public Prosecutions; The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha; The Guyana Defence Force; The Guyana Association of Bankers; The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Guyana Insurance Association.The AG said that aside from the responses from the Commissioner of Police–who had no objections; the GHRA which sent suggestions and the Bankers’ Association which promised to respond,Mario Williams Dolphins Jersey, the Government received no other responses from the stakeholders during those five months.The statement that there was no apparent consultation with the business community is incorrect,Tyrell Williams Chargers Jersey, he said.The Attorney General proved the Opposition’s claims that they had insufficient time to review the Bill as ludicrous and untruthful.In his address to the National Assembly,Chris Watt Chargers Jersey, Williams said that the Bill was actually drafted during the Opposition’s tenure in office and the draft was sent to the then head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon,Ryan Mathews Eagles Jersey, since January 2015.Further,Michael Thomas Dolphins Jersey, the records show that the former Cabinet was briefed on the Bill by way of a Cabinet Memorandum prepared by the former AG,Dion Sims Dolphins Jersey, Anil Nandlall. |
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