Africa-Press – Seychelles. The National Countering of Terrorism Committee chaired by the Minister for Internal Affairs Errol Fonseka held its 2nd meeting for this year on July 1 during which different issues of national interest were discussed.
The meeting, which was held at the Independence House Annex, discussed the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering of Terrorism Financing National Risk Assessment which is due to take place this month. It is to be noted that a similar assessment took place five years ago.
The World Bank is facilitating the assessment and locally it is being spearheaded by the ministry responsible for finance.
A number of entities are expected to participate and the work, which has already started, is expected to last for a period of 18 months.
The various amendments to the Prevention of the Terrorism Act and its regulations were also discussed at length.
The Committee was also briefed on the Eastern and Southern African Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) and members learned that it had reviewed a number of amendments to the legislation and regulations which were brought forward by Seychelles during the review which was held in April 2022 and have provided constructive comments on the way forward.
It is expected that more amendments to the said legislation and regulations be tabled before the National Assembly as soon as is practicable. Minister Fonseka stressed on the fact that a periodic review is necessary so that Seychelles can be on par with international best practices and obligations.
Seychelles is expected to defend its position in the upcoming ESAAMLG meeting that will be held in Zambia in September, 2022.
It is to be noted that the committee met throughout the year 2021 and early March 2022 wherein a number of issues were discussed and resolved.
Members of the committee are; Tania Potter who is also the secretary of the committee, the Commissioner of Police Ted Barbe, the director of the Financial Intelligence Unit Richard Rampal, the Attorney General Frank Ally, representatives of the ministry responsible for finance and representatives of the ministry responsible for foreign affairs, secretary of state for finance Patrick Payet, and special advisor Steve Lalande.
The Committee will continue to meet on a quarterly basis and its next meeting is scheduled to take place in September 2022.
For More News And Analysis About Seychelles Follow Africa-Press
