Guyana has reaffirmed its strong commitment to tackling money laundering, terrorist financing, and the movement of funds linked to weapons programmes, during high-level regional talks hosted in Barbados.
The 61st Plenary and Working Groups Meetings of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) took place in Bridgetown from November 24 to 28, 2025, with officials from across the region focused on boosting cooperation and tightening financial crime controls.
A large Guyanese delegation represented several key agencies responsible for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). Among them were Bank of Guyana Governor Dr. Gobind Ganga, Head of the FIU Matthew Langevine, as well as representatives from SOCU, GRA, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the DPP’s Chambers, GGMC, the Guyana Gold Board, the Gaming Authority, and the Guyana Securities Council.
During the meeting, Guyana presented its First Enhanced Follow-Up Report, showing the progress made since its last major review by CFATF.
The country has launched its Third National Risk Assessment to examine vulnerabilities in the financial system and is preparing to introduce tighter checks for high-risk sectors. Authorities are also strengthening oversight of virtual asset service providers, while maintaining the current prohibition, and improving systems that support international cooperation in criminal investigations. Financial entities continue to be supervised according to their risk profiles, and work is underway on new legislation, including a Draft Trust Bill. Compliance in company registration has improved, and there is stronger enforcement of targeted financial sanctions. Additionally, investigators and prosecutors are receiving more resources and specialised training to better handle financial crimes. Guyana is also placing greater emphasis on asset recovery and is preparing to chair the ARIN-CARIB network in 2026.
Guyana also expressed gratitude to the CFATF Secretariat and the Government of Barbados for their support and hospitality during the sessions.
The work coming out of this Plenary forms part of continuous regional efforts to safeguard financial systems, protect economies, and ensure that the Caribbean remains tough on financial crime.
