ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, April 17th, 2012  –  Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime was evaluated. The report clearly identified, that there was no dedicated register of NPOs/NGOs in the Territory and no oversight authority with the mandate to supervise NPOs/NGOs for AML/CFT compliance, both of which are considered critical elements of the standard.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 26 at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall at 6:00 p.m. - The Deputy Governor’s Office is inviting members of Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) and Non-Financial Gain Organisations (NGOs) in the Territory to attend a second stakeholders meeting to further discuss the mandatory legislation that will affect all charitable organisations.

Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office Mr. David Archer explaining to the Department of Information and Public Relations the importance of the legislation said, “The Territory was assessed as “partially compliant” by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) when the BVI’s Anti-Money Laundering Mr. Archer added, “In order to bring the Territory up to standard and rated as compliant, measures have to be taken to ensure that NPOs/NGOs are registered in the Territory and an oversight body is in place. This is why the legislation is important as it will govern NPOs/NGOs on the steps they will have to take to ensure that they are operating a legal organisation in Territory.”

NPOs/NGOs are encouraged to review the draft legislation before attending the meeting in order to be informed on the content of the draft legislation so that they will be prepared to share their views. Electronic copies will be available from Friday, April 20 and persons are asked to e-mail Aisha Hill at aihill@gov.vg to obtain an electronic copy. Limited hard copies of the legislation can also be collected from the Deputy Governor’s Office from April 20. The office is located in the West Wing of the Central Administration Building on the second floor.

NPOs/NGOs are defined as not-for-profit/non-financial gain organisations that have a board, and have members that collect donations and membership fees, or that trade goods or services in exchange for money, goods or services. Examples of these organisations are service organisations such as the Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs and Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR); country organisations such as the Jamaica and St. Kitts/Nevis associations; churches, church organisations such as the Girls’ and Boys’ Brigades and sporting and athletic organisations such as the BVI Football and Basketball associations.

This legislation affects the existence of all NPOs/NGOs in the Territory; therefore NPOs/NGOs are strongly encouraged to obtain a copy of the draft legislation, attend the meeting and provide feedback.

For additional information, please contact Mrs. Franka Potter at the Deputy Governor’s Office at 468-3701 ext. 3927.

 
 

 
 
 
 

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