Antiguan starts laundering debate

The Antigua and Barbuda parliament has started debating legislation aimed at strengthening local anti-money laundering laws.



The debate comes two days after the US State Department declared the country one of six major money laundering centers in the Caribbean.



The opposition Antigua Labour Party walked out of the debate, to protest against what a spokesman said was the rejection of a request for a postponement.



Last month, the Financial Action Task Force, a Paris-based watchdog, said Antigua had more work to do to meet international standards on financial regulation.