By OBSERVER News - Monday, May 30th, 2011

http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=59307

Antigua & Barbuda is now one of the few Caribbean countries qualified as a venue for hosting examinations for candidates aspiring to become Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (CAMS).

The achievement is due in no small measure to the efforts of KAW Management Services Limited, whose Managing Director Kem Warner has been training professionals from the financial services sector, law enforcement officers and regulators in preparation for the exam, a release said.

“In this connection, the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), together with KAW, will arrange and facilitate a pre seminar and exam on the 13th and 14th August, respectively, just prior to KAW’s 3rd annual Anti-Money Laundering, Combating of Terrorism, Anti-Fraud and Financial Crimes Conference, slated for 15th and 16th August at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa,” the statement said.

Registration for the seminar and exam is currently taking place, and is being handled by the office of KAW located at the Bryson’s Complex on Friar’s Hill Road.

Warner noted that the achievement was a major accomplishment for Antigua & Barbuda and was extremely timely taking into account the recent challenges facing the jurisdiction.

“Further, what’s important is that institutions stand to benefit significantly. More of their employees have the chance to become certified and at significantly less a cost since they would not have to travel abroad to take the exam,” the ACAMS consultant and trainer said.

“Antiguans and Barbudans have been doing well at the sittings. So far, at KAW, we have managed a perfect pass record and we are hopeful the trend continues this August when more individuals attempt to gain the CAMS designation.”

As a backdrop to the examinations, the Anti-Money Laundering Conference will attract delegates from across the globe, with prestigious speakers coming from the Caribbean, USA, Canada, Latin America and Australia.

These include ACAMS Senior Vice President John Byrne, the Wachovia Whistleblower Martin Woods, a representative from the US Department of Homeland Security and Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Deputy Director, Ernesto Lopez Villegas.