Lee: UNC unafraid of FATCA

The Opposition collectively left the House last Friday after Speaker Bridgid Annisette- George declined their call to debate crime on the heels of the recent murder of bank clerk, Shannon Banfield, but instead debated FATCA the latter which the Opposition deemed to be less important.

Lee yesterday bemoaned that Finance Minister, Colm Imbert, has been on his legs, currently winding up the FATCA debate. Lee said, “There’s no longer a debate”. He said things now depend on whether Imbert accedes to the Opposition’s long-standing call to send the Bill to a joint select committee (JSC) for a lengthier treatment than merely by the House sitting in committee on the Bill.

“We hope good sense prevails. The JSC is a win-win for Government and Opposition, and for the country and the stakeholders.” Saying a JSC allows for input from consultations and Independent Senators, Lee asked Imbert to state his concerns about a JSC.

He said the Government needs Opposition votes, the bill can only be passed by a special majority. The Bill contains some draconian measures and so it first needs stakeholder input.