Welcome to the XVI (16th) ministerial meeting of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force. I am delighted to see so many enthusiastic participants from the different islands and countries, gathered here together, united in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing.
It is the first time that this event is being held here in Curaçao. As Lieutenant Governor of the Island Territory of Curacao, I am very proud and pleased that this event is hosted here this year, where we will have the opportunity to discuss ongoing regional efforts to effectively implement mechanisms to address the problem of money laundering and terrorism financing!
Our task is to make this possible. That many of you have traveled long distances to be here, serves to remind us all just how important our work is. Working together, we need to address the very real and terrifying challenges posed by the use of our financial systems by money launderers and terrorists. We all have a part to play in reducing financial crimes and we must play our part well. Reducing financial crime will in turn help to reduce crime overall. For our efforts to be successful, they must be built on a solid foundation. That is why good Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing practice and good record-keeping make such a positive contribution to the fight against crime and terror.
Our Government has placed the combating and prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, very high on her social agenda. These matters are of the highest importance for maintaining the reputation of the Netherlands Antilles as an internationally respected financial center, as well as for the protection of our (international) community. The Netherlands Antilles are currently in the process of being dismantled. Upon the dismantlement, the island territories of Curaçao and Sint Maarten will become separate autonomous countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and will most likely establish their own FIU.
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba will become special municipalities of the Netherlands, while their reporting entities will most probably be reporting to the FIU of the Netherlands. With our islands due to go their separate ways in October of next year, the question might arise over how Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing will be effectively detected and combated after the Curaçao-based Netherlands-Antilles government has been dissolved. Let me assure you that our government is committed to the global fight against Money Laundering an Terrorism Financing and that upon dismantlement of the Netherlands Antilles, each of the islands will continue, each in their respective constitutional situation, to maintain its reputation of pursuing high standards and integrity!!!! But we can not do this job on our own. That is why we will always need to work with partners in Government, law enforcement and the industry. We all have to rise to the challenge the criminal have set us. Let us work to fight financial crime together and beat them. I want to say, on behalf of the island territory of Curaçao, that it is a pleasure to see so many of you here, thank you and I know for sure that it will be a very fruitful meeting!!!.
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