Imbert: We did all we can

Imbert made this declaration as he began debate on a motion in the House of Representatives to approve a joint select committee (JSC) report to approve the legislation.

He also revealed that the Republican- led Congress in the US, already rejected moves to repeal FATCA in 2015. Opposition Leader Kamla Persad- Bissessar wrote US President Donald Trump in January to ask whether FATCA would be repealed by his administration.

Imbert said that since debate on the bill began last September, “the Government was presented with actual draft amendments in writing by the Opposition for the first time.” Imbert said Government “satisfactorily addressed” the four proposed amendments in a professional and systematic manner. Government MPs thumped their desks as Imbert declared, “As far I am concerned, although it has been a moving target...

We have met every single request from the Opposition!” He recalled receiving requests for amendments in “the dead of night” and Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi would “rise to the occasion” and respond swiftly to each of those requests.

Recalling his 25 years as a parliamentarian, in which he served on and chaired many JSCs, Imbert said this was the first time that any government responded so comprehensively to requests for amendments from any opposition.