By OBSERVER News - Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011.

http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=63409

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Several individuals have been designated certified anti-money laundering specialists after successfully taking the examination, which followed a one-day crash course recently held at Jolly Beach Resort.

According to a release, it was the first time ever the exam and prep seminar, facilitated by the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), were held in Antigua.

Participants were trained in the four key components of the exam — Anti-Money Laundering Risk and Methods, International Standards on Money Laundering, Anti-Money Laundering Programmes and Conducting and Supporting the investigative process.

“Of the individuals who passed and now hold the designation of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, one is an attorney at law, a police officer, an immigration officer, six from the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC), two offshore banking employees and one domestic bank employee,” the communiqué noted.

“Jules Williams, financial examiner, Financial Services Regulatory Commission, secured the highest mark.

“Other noticeable achievement was the first-ever police officer in Antigua to hold the designation and the first-ever immigration officer.  They are Franklyn Taylor, Corporal, Royal Police Force of Antigua & Barbuda and Akilaio Camacho, prosecutor, Immigration Department.”

Kem Warner, ACAMS consultant and Managing Director of KAW Management Services Ltd, worked with the group for six months prior to the prep seminar. He expressed pride in having trained these individuals.

“They really worked hard and wanted it and although it was a new exam format with more content, it shows that hard work pays off,” said Warner, who is also a certified fraud examiner.

“These individuals now earn the prestigious designation CAMS. That is respected around the world.”

The Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists is the leading organisation in the world for anti-money laundering certification.