The Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) in association with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) successfully completed the Antigua-Barbuda Compliance Officers Forum at the Halcyon Cove by Rex Resorts. The two day event was held on November 23^rd and 24^th and specifically targeted Compliance Officers. It commenced with an opening ceremony where the feature address was delivered by the Honorable Gaston Browne Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda who focused on the important issues of Corresponding Banking and De-risking. He also reiterated his Government’s commitment to the continued fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) and charged the participants to be vigilant.

Senator the Honorable Maureen Payne Hyman provided opening remarks on behalf of Honorable Steadroy Benjamin, Attorney General and Chairman of the AML/CFT Oversight Committee where she encouraged participants to apply responsible compliance in their duties. Director Croft in his remarks recognized the increasing importance of the Compliance Officer’s functions especially in relation to money laundering and financing of terrorism (ML/FT) risks and vulnerabilities. He considered compliance officers as gate keepers to prevent financial institutions from being infected with the proceeds of crime.

A wide section of the financial system was targeted where sixty (60) participants spanned from the domestic and international banking sectors, insurance businesses, credit unions to money lenders and remitters. An experienced cadre of facilitators presented on a range of subject matters relevant to the Compliance officer’s functions. This included techniques to ensure effective suspicious activity reporting and resolving the compliance conflict. Participants also gained valuable feedback from Regulators regarding regulatory and AML/CFT issues facing the financial sectors. As Antigua and Barbuda prepares for the 4^th Round Mutual Evaluation by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), Lt. Col. Edward Croft reminded participants of the need for their continued cooperation in this process. Participants expressed that the forum was of great benefit to their profession and proposed that the ONDCP increases public awareness of AML/CFT requirements. Director Croft has pledged the commitment of the ONDCP to address this issue.