Dominica Finance Minister Still Suspended Pending Money Laundering Investigation

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

20 December 2001

It was revealed on Tuesday that Dominica's Finance Minister, Ambrose George, has been sent on further leave pending an investigation into alleged links with Julien Giraud, a Dominican businessman currently facing money laundering charges in the United States.

Mr George, who has been attending the current session of parliament in his capacity as representative for the Roseau South constituency, was sent on leave by the Prime Minister last month after it was discovered that he was travelling with Mr Giraud at the time of his arrest. Pierre Charles said at the time that this was simply to allow an unbiased investigation into events.

The Finance Minister was due to return to his position on the 18th December, but as a result of delays in hearing Giraud's case in the States, Mr George's leave has been extended until the 24th December. It was expected that the Prime Minister would make a statement on the 10th December, but because of the aforementioned delays, no official statement has yet been made.

According to reports in the Caribbean media, Ambrose George has come under increasing pressure to resign in the weeks following his travelling companion's arrest on money laundering charges. However, he has maintained his innocence throughout, and has expressed his desire to take up the Finance and Planning Portfolio as soon as possible.

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