The Government of Guyana has hosted a five-day regional training programme aimed at strengthening the Caribbean’s capacity to assess and combat money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing, as member countries prepare for a new round of international evaluations.
The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Assessors’ Training Programme was held in Georgetown from November 9 to 13, 2026, bringing together approximately 50 participants from 16 countries and territories, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI).
The programme was organised through the Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs and was designed to equip public-sector officials with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to participate in CFATF Mutual Evaluations.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, visited the programme and engaged with representatives of the CFATF Secretariat, trainers and participants.
During the visit, Nandlall highlighted the importance of building regional expertise and strengthening institutional capacity to address financial crimes.
The CFATF is the regional body responsible for monitoring and assessing how its member jurisdictions implement international standards established by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Its Mutual Evaluations examine not only whether countries have the necessary laws and institutional arrangements, but also whether those measures are effective in practice.
The assessments consider a country’s ability to identify, investigate and prosecute financial crimes, disrupt criminal activity, recover illicit proceeds and address risks associated with money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.
The latest training comes as CFATF member jurisdictions transition from the Fourth Round to the Fifth Round of Mutual Evaluations, which places greater emphasis on the effectiveness of national systems in tackling these offences.
Guyana was represented by nine officials from key institutions, including the Financial Intelligence Unit, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Bank of Guyana, the Gaming Authority, the Special Organised Crime Unit of the Guyana Police Force and the Cooperatives Department of the Ministry of Labour.
Participants who successfully completed the programme may be considered for selection as assessors on future CFATF Mutual Evaluation teams.
The training was facilitated by five officials and technical experts associated with the CFATF Secretariat: Deputy Executive Director Wendell Lucas; Law Enforcement Advisor Christopher Lahourie; Legal Advisor Camille Renie; Financial Advisor Knalidi Jackson Frederick; and Junior Financial Advisor Nalita Seenath.
Jadelle Holder-Remy and Kimberly Cyril also attended and provided support on behalf of the Secretariat.
The programme was held at a significant point in Guyana’s ongoing engagement with the regional body. According to the government, the country is continuing to implement measures arising from its Fourth Round Mutual Evaluation and was preparing for its November 2026 follow-up reporting process. Further technical compliance re-rating considerations are anticipated in November 2027.
The government said it continues to prioritise legislative and institutional reforms covering financial intelligence, supervision, investigation, prosecution, confiscation and asset recovery.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the CFATF, FATF and regional and international partners to maintain an effective framework aligned with international requirements.
