Antigua and Barbuda loses FIU Director

26.JAN.07

Alec Vanderpoole, Director of Antigua and Barbuda’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) (called the Office of National Drug Control Policy – ONDCP) died suddenly on Monday 22nd January, 2006 at his workplace of suspected heart failure. The cause of his death up to press time is still to be determined.

Vanderpoole’s life has been described by Sir Ronald Sanders, a former Caribbean diplomat and now corporate executive, as a ‘promise cut short.’ Sir Ronald stated that as the head of the ONDCP, Vanderpoole had the qualities of courage, competence and leadership and that he was a role model for young Antiguans and Barbudans.{{more}}

The FIU in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has described Vanderpoole’s death as a devastating blow to his FIU family in the region and on the wider international scene. The FIU further described Vanderpoole as a highly efficient, dedicated and effective FIU Director, a valuable member of the extended FIU family and an excellent neighbour and colleague. Vanderpoole had been a driving force in many Caribbean FIU initiatives. St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ FIU has sent condolences to the family and colleagues of Vanderpoole.