Hello Guyana! This week we will share with you the Role of a Member of Parliament (MP).

ROLES OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT (MP)      

In Guyana, a person elected to the National Assembly under the provisions of the Guyana Constitution and the Laws of Guyana is referred to as a Member of Parliament. In a broader context, a Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a Parliament.

Once elected, Members of Parliament represent all Guyanese and not only the electorate who voted for them. As such, Members of Parliament are vested with several rights and privileges, to enable them to discharge their duties effectively.

1. MPs are expected to attend all Sittings of the National Assembly and all Parliamentary Committees of which they are members. If an elected Member is absent for more than six consecutive Sittings of the National Assembly without obtaining leave from the Speaker he will lose his seat in the National Assembly.
2. Article 65(1) of the Constitution provides for MPs to make laws for the peace, order and good government of Guyana.
3. Standing Order 53 states that any Member may move for leave to introduce a bill of which he/she has given notice. It must be noted that except on the recommendation or with the consent of the Cabinet, signified by a Minister, the Assembly shall not proceed upon any bill (including any amendment to a bill) which, in the opinion of the person presiding, makes provision for any of the following purposes:

• for imposing or increasing any tax;
• for imposing any charge upon the Consolidated Fund or any other public fund of Guyana or for altering any such charge other than reducing it;
• for the payment, issue of withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund or any other public fund of Guyana or any monies not charged thereon or any increase in the amount of such a payment, issue or withdrawal; and
• for compounding or remitting any debt due to Guyana.

1. In accordance with Article 171 (1) of the Constitution, MPs have the power to present petitions on behalf of citizens and private bodies. A petition is a formal request submitted by an individual or by a group of persons for the attention of MPs requesting relief or remedial action by the National Assembly.
2. MPs have the power to increase or decrease the funds allocated to a specific item or program in the National Budget.
3. MPs can table motions in the National Assembly.
4. Through Parliamentary Committees, namely the Appointive Committee, Members of Parliament have the duty to be involved in the appointment of members of Constitutional Commissions, for example the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).
5. MPs scrutinise the work of the Government and ensure transparency and accountability by asking questions of Ministers on Government Programmes and administration.
6. MPs may highlight the grievances of their constituents to the relevant authorities.
7. MPs debate bills and other matters of topical interest.
8. MPs can table amendments to any bill or motion tabled in the Assembly.

In next week’s edition of the Parliament Corner, we will introduce the Members of the present Parliament, the Eleventh Parliament to you.

more info coming soon

Hello Readers! In this week’s edition of the Parliament Corner we have decided to share with you some information concerning the pre Independence Legislature.

The pre Independence Legislature.

The Parliament of Guyana was created by the 1966 Constitution of Guyana, embodied in the Schedule of the Guyana Independence Order, made pursuant to the Guyana Independence Act, 1966. The Guyana Independence Act was passed on 12th May, 1966 and came into force on 26th May, 1966.

The First sitting of the National Assembly of the First Parliament of Guyana was held on the 26th May, 1966.

While the law establishing Guyana’s Parliament came into force on 26th May, 1966, it would be misleading to conclude that Guyana’s Parliamentary system was created at Independence.

From the years 1831 to 1928 the Law Making Body of British Guiana was the Court of Policy which consisted of the Governor, seven official members and eight elected members.

In 1928 a new Constitution was introduced and British Guiana became a British Crown Colony. A Legislative Council was established and replaced the Dutch created Court of Policy.

In 1953 a new Constitution was promulgated and a bicameral legislature, consisting of a State Council and a House of Assembly was introduced. The State Council consisted of nine members. The House of Assembly consisted of a Speaker, three ex officio Members and twenty four Elected Members. The Speaker was appointed by the Governor. A new and separate Department, which was called the Office of the Legislature, was established with a Clerk of the Legislature as its head, to serve the new bicameral Legislature. Also in 1953 a Ministerial system of Government and universal adult suffrage were introduced.

This new system of Government was short-lived. In October, 1953 the British suspended the Constitution and an Interim Government was established by the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council, 1953. A Legislative council consisting of a Speaker, three ex officio Members and not more than twenty four Nominated Members was created by this Order on the 22nd December, 1953. The Speaker, who was not an ex officio member or a Nominated member of the Legislative Council, was appointed by the Governor.

In 1956 the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was amended. The Legislative Council appointed under the British Guiana (Constitution) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was dissolved with effect from 29th June, 1957.
A second Legislative Council constituted under the (British Guiana (Constitution) Temporary Provisions) Orders in Council 1953 and 1956 was appointed. The Legislative Council consisted of the Speaker, three ex – offcio members, fourteen elected members andselevenanominatedamembers.

In 1961 a new Constitution was established and a bicameral legislature consisting of a Legislative Assembly and a Senate was created. The Senate consisted of thirteen members, who were appointed by the Governor. The Legislative Assembly consisted of thirty five (35) members elected under the electoral system of First Past the Post.

Hello Readers! This week we have decided to share with you the National Assembly’s Prayer which is read by the Clerk at every sitting of the National Assembly.

The Prayer was adopted from the British in the year 1928 when British Guiana became a Crown Colony, and was said by the Bishop of British Guiana in the Legislative Assembly. From 1953, it was said by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and from 1996 was said by the Clerk of the National Assembly.

When Guyana gained Independence in the year 1966 it was decided that the Prayer should be continued however, given our ethnic and religious diversity, a decision was made that one religion should not be pre-eminent. That decision resulted in the creation of the Prayer which is in use today.

National Assembly’s Prayer

Almighty God, we, who are here gathered together, do most humbly beseech Thee, to guide us in all our consultations, so that we may together build a land where knowledge is free, where the mind is without fear, and the head is held high, and where words come from the depth of truth.

Grant us, O God, Thine aid and guidance, so that we may deal justly, with the several causes that come before us, laying aside all private interests, prejudices and personal preferences, so that the result of our counsels may be to the glory of thy Blessed Name, the maintenance of true religion, the preservation of justice, the safety, honour and happiness of the President, and the peace and prosperity of Guyana.

Grant us, O God, the vision so to lead, that all the people of this fair land may enter into that state of brotherhood and unity, where the mind is led forward by thee into everwidening thought and action.

Introduction

Fifty-three countries, including Guyana, will today, Monday, March 12, 2018 celebrate Commonwealth Day under the theme ‘Towards a common Future’. In recognition of this observance, we decided to share with you an explanation of what the Commonwealth is and its relevance.

Characteristics of the Commonwealth

The most striking characteristic of the Commonwealth is its diversity. The total population of the Commonwealth countries is over 2.3 billion. Sixteen Commonwealth countries recognise Her Majesty the Queen of England as their Head of State. Five members of the Commonwealth have Heads of State who are Monarchs. Thirty three are republics and each has its own Head of State who is usually a President.

The Commonwealth is not a political union or an economic union, but a union built on a shared history and shared values. Membership is voluntary and comprises of Countries large and small, rich and poor, all of which have equal voices in the Commonwealth. All decisions are taken by consensus. Most Commonwealth Countries were formerly part of the British Empire, but two countries without such links, Mozambique and Rwanda, have joined the Commonwealth and several others are actively pursuing membership.

Values of the Commonwealth

The values of the Commonwealth have evolved from its history, the period of decolonisation, the experience of dictatorship and military rule in a number of Commonwealth countries in the 1960s and 1970s, the Commonwealth’s many wars and ethnic conflicts, and the fight against governments based on racial discrimination.

The Commonwealth Family

Supporting the work of the governments of the Commonwealth is the “Commonwealth Family”, over one hundred international associations that bring together individuals from Commonwealth countries to promote exchanges of experience, knowledge and ideas. One such association is the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association which was founded in 1911. It is an association of Commonwealth Parliamentarians who, irrespective of race, religion or culture, are united by community of interest, respect for the rule of law and human rights and freedoms, and the pursuit of the positive ideals of parliamentary democracy. Each Country has its own branch of this Association in which the Speaker of the particular Legislative body is Chairman, and the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition both serve as vice-chairmen.

The Guyana Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, in recognition of

Commonwealth Day 2018 will join with the rest of the Commonwealth in celebrating by hosting an exhibition and a short programme on this year’s theme “Towards a Common Future” at the Umana Yana on Monday, 12^th March, 2018, at 4.00 p.m. The Parliament Office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the University of Guyana, has invited schools from the eleven education districts in Guyana and the University of Guyana to create and exhibit projects that will encourage citizens to protect the environment and to combat climate change. Some other activities will take place after Commonwealth Day 2018. There will be a distribution of Prizes for the Poster and Essay Competitions for Commonwealth Day 2017 which will be held on Tuesday, 13^th March, 2018 and the Presentation of the Commonwealth Tree which was planted in observance of Commonwealth Day 2013 in the compound of the Public Buildings on Thursday, 15^th March, 2018.

We wish all Guyana Happy Commonwealth Day 2018!

“Today the Parliament Buildings stand as a proud reminder of the nation's heritage, a reminder of the enslaved Africans who were the masons and carpenters, a testimony to those who were hung for their cry for justice and a symbol of the country's colonial and national legacy where the national assembly sits.”…Lloyd F. Kandasammy

The Fence

The handsome flowered picket cast iron fence, surrounding the Public Buildings, was erected in 1873.

During the1800s, the courtyard of the Public Buildings was used as the location for the public execution of criminals. It was here that Damon: an enslaved African was executed on 13 October 1834 for his role in the Essequibo Rebellion. He had led a rebellion against the system of apprenticeship which had been implemented by the British after the enslaved population was legally freed in 1834 to bind them to the estates, while the planters sought an alternative source of cheap labour to keep the wheels of the sugar industry running.

The Cannons

The forecourt of the Public Buildings is adorned with a pair of eighteen (18) pound, seven (7) inch Russian cannons. These cannons were captured from Russian Army by the British Army in 1855 at Sebastopol during fierce fighting in the Crimean War of 1853-1856. They were presented to the colony of British Guiana on 10^th May, 1959.

Mortars

The main entrance of the Public Buildings is flanked by a pair of eight inch German Trench Mortars which were taken as trophies by the British Army during the first World War, 1914-1918.

Statue of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow

Almost every Guyanese know the history of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow who pioneered Trade Unionism in Guyana and the Commonwealth. His statue stands in the compound of the Public Buildings as a proud tribute to him and the workers of Guyana.

The Statue was unveiled on December 2, 1964.

Hi there Guyana, for those of you who are interested in visiting the Parliament Chamber, but for one reason or the other is unable to, here is a brief guide of what the Chamber looks like.

The largest room in the Public Buildings is the Parliament Chamber. It is the room in which debates of the National Assembly take place. The Chamber is arranged according to the Westminster tradition, with government and opposition members facing each other across wooden tables.

Members of the party obtaining the most votes in a general election form the Government and sit to the right of the Speaker. Members of the opposition parties sit to the left of the Speaker. Members of Parliament sit in assigned seats.

There are some items of special importance in the Parliament Chamber.

The Speaker’s Chair

The Speaker’s Chair is an elaborately carved chair made of teak. This was a gift from the Government of India in 1966 when Guyana gained her Independence.

The Clerk’s Table

Another Independence gift is this table and three chairs, one each for the Clerk of the National Assembly and one for his. These were gifts from the British House of Commons.

The ceiling of the Chamber

One of the most striking features of the Chamber, however, is the highly decorative, sunken panelled ceiling. This ceiling was designed, coffered and painted in 1875 by an Italian artist who migrated to British Guiana in 1860 with a group of Italian priests. His name was Cesar Castellani.

The Mace

A Mace is a ceremonial symbol of authority and it is used in Commonwealth Parliaments.

In Guyana, a Mace was used for the first time on 10th September, 1957. It was made of silver gilt and depicted British Royal Arms.

When Guyana became a Republic on 23rd February, 1970, the head of the Mace was replaced with one of Guyana's symbols of nationhood the Coat of Arms. The head of the present mace was designed by a team from the Guyana Ministry of Information and Culture. The original stem, which is one hundred and forty-five and a half centimetres in length, depicts a Victoria Regia Lily, one of the largest water lilies in the world, first discovered in British Guiana during the reign of Queen Victoria, and our National Flower, hence the name given to it. The stem also includes representation of a rice stalk in full bearing and a sugar cane stalk in blossom, representing two of Guyana's principal products.

The Mace is the most significant symbol in the National Assembly. It represents the authority of Parliament. When he enters or leaves the Chamber, the Speaker is preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms bearing the Mace on his right shoulder.

When the National Assembly is in session, the Mace is placed on the Clerk's table, with its head pointing towards the Government side of the Chamber.

When the Assembly is sitting as a Committee of the Whole Assembly, the Mace is placed below the Clerk's table.

The chair of the Serjeant-at-Arms

The chair of the Serjeant-at-Arms sits at the end of the space between the Members of the Parties in Government and the Members of the Opposition. This chair is made of mahogany from then British Honduras, now known as Belize,  and was presented as an Independence gift on October 22, 1968 from the British House of Commons.

The Public Gallery

You can visit the public gallery of the Parliament Chamber in the Public Buildings at any time when the House is sitting. Please come to Parliament’s main entrance, speak with Security, and ask for directions to the public gallery.

Hello Readers! Now that we have completed our discussion on the Order Paper, let’s continue to look at documents which form a regular part of the work of Parliament.

Documents Laid in the National Assembly Part 1

Standing Orders: The National Assembly is empowered by the Constitution to make rules to regulate its procedure. These rules are called Standing Orders.

Minutes: In accordance with the Standing Order, Minutes of the proceedings of each Sitting of the National Assembly are prepared by the Clerk of the National Assembly and authenticated by the signature of the Speaker.

Hansard: This is the official report of the proceedings of the National Assembly including a verbatim record of the speeches made in the Assembly.

Bills: A Bill is a proposed law which is brought to the National Assembly for consideration. After Bills are passed by the National Assembly, they are submitted by the Clerk of the National Assembly to the President for his Assent.

Acts: When a Bill, duly passed by the National Assembly, is assented to by the President, it becomes a law—an Act of Parliament.

Now that we have completed consideration of documents laid in the National Assembly, let’s take a moment to examine the difference between a Motion and a Resolution

Motion vs. Resolution

‘Motion’ and ‘resolution’ are words that are commonly heard and used in meetings of parliamentary proceedings. They may sometimes seem confusing, maybe because of their overlapping similarities. There are many who think that these words are synonymous as they use them interchangeably. However, the two words have different meanings and the difference between these two will become clear after reading the following.

What is a Motion?

A Motion is a proposal put forward by a member of the National Assembly with the aim of getting the Assembly to deliberate the particular issue. There are many different types of Motions from members, such as budgetary motions, legislative motions and so on, but the basic aim of a parliamentary motion is always to make the assembly take note of the issue and start deliberating on it. A Motion by a member must be seconded by another member.

What is a Resolution?

In the case of Parliament or any other Legislative body, a Motion takes the shape of an Act or law once it has been passed and adopted by the National Assembly.

What is the difference between a Motion and a Resolution?

• A Motion is a resolution in the state of a proposal; in other words, a resolution is a motion that has been approved.

• When a motion has been passed and adopted by a majority of the members present and voting, it becomes a resolution.

As a recap: Motions are proposals put forward by a member and seconded by another member. There may be some members favouring and some opposing the motion, but, if the majority passes it, the motion becomes a resolution. In a legislative body, the formal manner in which a member presents an issue for the consideration of the assembly is referred to as a motion.    

Hello Readers! This week we will continue our discussion on the various items on the Order Paper.

Documents Laid in the National Assembly Part 2

REQUESTS FOR LEAVE TO MOVE THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE ASSEMBLY ON DEFINITE MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE-

MOTION FOR THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE ASSEMBLY ON A

DEFINITE MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

A motion for the adjournment of the Assembly under this head gives a Private Member the opportunity to raise and have discussed in the Assembly at the same Sitting a matter which is definite, urgent and of public importance.

A Member has to first commit to writing the matter which he/she wishes to raise. He/she must submit his/her request to the Speaker to reach him not later than 11.00 a.m. on the day of the Sitting at which the matter is to be raised. When this head is reached on the Order Paper, the Member must rise in his or her place and, when called upon by the Speaker, will ask leave to move the adjournment of the Assembly for the purpose of discussing the matter.

At this stage the member will, be allowed to refer only briefly to the matter. The Speaker has the power to allow or to refuse a claim when made. If the matter does not satisfy all three requirements, i.e. if it is not definite (clear and distinct), if it is not urgent and if it is not of public importance, it will not qualify and the claim will not be allowed by the Speaker.

The following are some guidelines (taken from May’s Parliamentary Practice) which the Speaker may employ, to assist him in making decisions on claims made by Members:-

A matter raised must be a single specific one: It must not be couched in general terms or cover a great number of cases; It must not be offered when facts are in dispute or before they are available.                          

It must not be one involving hypothetical issues (not necessarily real or true); It must not import an argument; It must be prima facie urgent; It must be of recent occurrence and raised without delay; The fact that a grievance is continuing is not sufficient if it is not of recent occurrence.

The fact that new information has been received regarding a matter that has  been continuing for some time does not in itself make that matter one of urgency;

If the facts have only been recently revealed, that does not in itself make the occurrence recent.               

If the matter is not raised at the earliest opportunity, it fails in urgency. A motion could be refused if to discuss the very matter an ordinary parliamentary opportunity will occur shortly.

Motions have been disallowed because the matters sought to be raised involved no more than the ordinary administration of the law. A matter must involve the administrative responsibility of the Government. A matter must not be sub judice.

If the Speaker is satisfied, he will to put the matter to the Assembly, as leave must also be given by the Assembly. If leave is given, the matter will not be discussed at that time, but will stand over until 5 p.m. that day.

At 5 p.m., the matter for discussion will take precedence over all other business before the Assembly. Such discussion may continue until 9 p.m. when the ordinary business of the Assembly resumes. The Member who has been allowed to raise the matter will speak on it, when called upon by the Speaker. Any Member may speak on the Motion.

MOTIONS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS OR SITTINGS OF THE ASSEMBLY AND MOVED BY A MINISTER-

These are motions which are moved by a Minister of Government and relate to the business of the day.  Such as, motions for the Suspension of Standing Orders to deal with matters on the same day.  For example, the reading of the Budget Speech and first, second and third readings of Bills.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS-

Under this Head, Bills are introduced and read a first time.

PUBLIC BUSINESS

• GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

Under this Head, Government motions and Bills are considered.

• PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BUSINESS

Under this Head, Private Members’ motions and Bills are considered.

• COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Under this Head, motions for the adoption of Reports of Committees are moved and discussed.

This concludes our discussion on the Order Paper

Hello Readers! This week we will continue our discussion on Branches of Government and introduce you to Documents of the National Assembly.

Branches of Government Part 2

National Assembly

Establishment: The National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana is established by the Constitution of Guyana.

Composition: The National Assembly consists of 65 elected Members, 40 are elected from the National Top up List and 25 are elected from the 10 Geographical Constituencies

There may also have non-elected Members of Parliament.

Currently in the National Assembly there are 69 members which include 65 elected members, three non-elected members (technocrats) and the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Functions: The functions of the National Assembly can be grouped under three main heads as follows:

          The Legislative Function

          The Financial Function

          The Critical Function

The Legislative function of the National Assembly is to approve bills submitted to the National Assembly for debate and the Financial Function is to keep the various ministries operational and within the budget allocated to them. The critical Function of the National Assembly is to ensure that the Government is kept transparent and accountable.

Sittings of the National Assembly: A sitting of the National Assembly is the period during which the Assembly meets on any one day without adjournment.

Documents of the National Assembly:

Order Paper

The Order Paper is the name given to the parliamentary document which contains the business for a Sitting of the National Assembly.

Also included in the Order Paper are the Sitting number and the date and time of the Sitting. The Clerk of the National Assembly is responsible for preparing and circulating to Members of the Assembly, before the commencement of each Sitting, the Order Paper setting out the business for that Sitting.

The Order Paper, by a decision of the Parliamentary Management Committee, is circulated to Members six days before a Sitting.

Matters for the Order Paper must be sent by Ministers/Ministries, Parliamentary Secretaries and Private Members to the Clerk of the National Assembly. Matters received after the Order Paper has been prepared and circulated may be placed on a Supplementary Order Paper, which will be circulated at the Sitting.

The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs is in constant contact with the Clerk of the National Assembly concerning Government’s business for Sittings of the Assembly.

Government is responsible for the arrangement of Government’s Business on the Order Paper.

Private Members Business is set out on the Order Paper by the Clerk in the order in which they qualify.

The following is the order in which the business for a Sitting of the National Assembly is set out in an Order Paper:

          (i)      Prayers

                   (Read by the Clerk)

          (ii)     Oath of a New Member

                   (Administered by the Clerk)

          (iii)    Messages from the President

The President may send messages to the National Assembly through a Minister of the Government. He can also attend and address the National Assembly at any time.

          (iv)    Announcements by the Speaker

Under this head, the Speaker will announce matters such as Cabinet changes, illness of a Member, greetings from other Parliaments, give his rulings etc. NB. Rulings by the Speaker can be given at any time.

Questions

• The proper object of a Question is to obtain information on a question of fact within the official cognisance of the Minister to whom it is addressed or to ask for official action.
• There are several rules in the Standing Orders of the National Assembly regarding the contents of questions.
• The right to ask a Question is subject to these rules, as to the interpretation of which the Speaker is the sole judge.
• A Notice of a Question must be signed by the Member and sent to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

 (ix) Statements by Ministers

Under this Head, a Minister may make a short announcement or statement relating to Government’s policy or  report on a matter of current importance.

(x)     Personal Explanations

According to Standing Order No. 23 (2), with the leave of the Speaker, a Member may make a personal explanation at the time appointed under the Standing Order No. 13 [Order of Business] although there be no question before the Assembly; but no controversial matter may be brought forward nor any debates arise upon the explanation.

Next week we will complete our discussion on the Order Paper by looking at the following headings:

(v)        Presentation of Petitions

(vi)       Presentation of Papers, and Reports

(vii)     Reports from Committees

(viii)     Questions to Ministers

(ix)      Statements by Ministers

 (xi)      Requests for Leave to Move the Adjournment of the Assembly on Definite                        Matters of Urgent Public Importance

(xii)      Motions Relating to the Business or Sittings of the Assembly and Moved by a                   Minister.

(xiii)     Introduction of Bills

(xiv)     Public Business

(xv)      Government’s Business

(xvi)     Committee’s Business

Hello Readers! This week we will continue our discussion on Branches of Government and introduce you to Documents of the National Assembly.

Branches of Government Part 3

National Assembly

Establishment: The National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana is established by the Constitution of Guyana.

Composition: The National Assembly consists of 65 elected Members, 40 are elected from the Top up List and 25 are elected from the 10 Geographical Constituencies

It may also have non-elected Members.

Currently in the National Assembly there are 69 members which include 65 elected members, three non-elected members (technocrats) and the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Functions: The functions of the National Assembly can be grouped under three main heads as follows:

          The Legislative function

          The Financial Function

          The Critical Function

The legislative role is to approve bills; the financial role is to keep the various ministries operational and within a budget; and the critical role is to ensure that the Government is kept transparent and accountable.

Sittings of the National Assembly: A sitting of the National Assembly is the period during which the Assembly meets on any one day without adjournment.

Documents of the National Assembly:

This week we will tell you about the documents of the National Assembly starting with the Order Paper

Order Paper

The Order Paper is the name given to the parliamentary document which contains the business for a Sitting of the National Assembly.

This is the only notice Members are given to attend a Sitting of the National Assembly. Also included in the Order Paper are the Sitting number and the date and time of the Sitting. The Clerk of the National Assembly is responsible for preparing and circulating to Members of the Assembly, before the commencement of each Sitting, the Order Paper setting out the business for that Sitting.

The Order Paper, by a decision of the Parliamentary Management Committee, is circulated to Members six days before a Sitting.

Matters for the Order Paper must be sent by Ministers/Ministries, Parliamentary Secretaries and Private Members to the Clerk of the National Assembly. Matters received after the Order Paper has been prepared and circulated may be placed on a Supplementary Order Paper, which will be circulated at the Sitting.

The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs is in constant contact with the Clerk of the National Assembly concerning Government’s business for Sittings of the Assembly.

Government is responsible for the arrangement of Government’s Business on the Order Paper.

Private Members Business is set on the Order Paper by the Clerk in the order in which they qualify.

The following is the order in which the business for a Sitting of the Assembly is set out in           an Order Paper:

          (i)      Prayers

                   (Read by the Clerk)

          (ii)     Oath of a New Member

                   (Administered by the Clerk)

          (iii)    Messages from the President

The President may send messages to the National Assembly through a Minister of the Government. He can also attend and address the National Assembly at any time.

          (iv)    Announcements by the Speaker

Under this head, the Speaker will announce matters such as Cabinet changes, illness of a Member, greetings from other Parliaments, give his rulings etc. NB. Rulings by the Speaker can be given at any time.

• The proper object of a Question is to obtain information on a question of fact within the official cognisance of the Minister to whom it is addressed or to ask for official action.
• There are several rules in the Standing Orders of the National Assembly regarding the contents of questions.
• The right to ask a Question is subject to these rules, as to the interpretation of which the Speaker is the sole judge.
• A Notice of a Question MUST BE SIGNED by the Member and sent to the Clerk of the National Assembly.
• A Member who desires an oral answer to a Question must mark his/her notice with an asterisk.

(ix) Statements by Ministers

Under this Head, a Minister may make a short announcement or statement of Government’s policy or  report on a matter of current importance.

(x)     Personal Explanations

According to Standing Order No. 23 (2), with the permission of the Speaker, a Member may make a personal explanation at the time appointed under the Standing Order No. 13 [Order of Business] although there may be no question before the National Assembly; but no controversial matter may be brought forward nor anydebates arise upon the explanation. In a case where a Member wishes to clarify a matter, where he/she may have, not deliberately, given incorrect information in his/her speech and need to correct same.

Next week we will complete our discussion on the Order Paper by looking at the following headings:

(v)        Presentation of Petitions

(vi)       Presentation of Papers, and Reports

(vii)     Reports from Committees

(viii)     Questions to Ministers

(ix) Statements by Ministers

(x)        Personal Explanations

(xi)       Requests for Leave to Move the Adjournment of the Assembly on Definite Matters of Urgent Public Importance

(xii)      Motions Relating to the Business or Sittings of the Assembly and Moved by a Minister.

(xiii)     Introduction of Bills

(xiv)     Public Business

(xv)      Government’s Business

(xvi)     Committee’s Business

Hello Guyana! This week we will tell you about our branches of government. The Government is made up of three separate branches. They are the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature. The management of the country is divided among these three branches of Government. This creates system of checks and balances.
 

The Executive

The Executive branch governs Guyana. It comprises the President, the Prime Minister and all other Ministers of Government and the members of the Public Service who execute the policies set out by the Ministers in their respective Ministries. The President is the Head of State, the supreme executive authority and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Guyana. The President appoints the Prime Minister, Members of the Cabinet and other Ministers and assigns responsibilities to them. The Cabinet consists of the President, the Prime Minister and other Ministers appointed to it by the President. It aids and advises the President in the general direction and control of the Government. Policies are developed and implemented by the Executive.

The Members of the Public Service also referred to as Public Servants or Civil Servants. They are the permanent workers of Government. They provide advice and support to their respective members and execute the policies set out. In performing his/her duties, the Public Servant must be professional  and reliable in giving advice and must do so without any bias or overt show of political preference.

The Judiciary

The Judiciary is that Branch of Government which enforces and interprets the Laws of Guyana. The authority of the Judiciary is enforced through the courts. The three levels of courts are the Magistrates Court, the High Court or Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. Decisions made by the Court of Appeal may be further appealed to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) which is the Court of Final Resort for cases in Guyana. The Caribbean Court of Justice, of which Guyana is a Party to the Statue establishing the Court, is located in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and has been sitting since 2005. Two Judges from Guyana, Former Chancellor, Madame Justice Desiree Bernard and Professor Justice Duke E. Pollard have been members of the Caribbean Court of justice.

The Chancellor of the Judiciary is the Head of the Judicial Authority of Guyana and the President of the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal consists the Chancellor and four other Judges. The High Court or Supreme Court Consists the Chief Justice and thirteen other Judges and the Land Court consists three Judges.

 The courts are independent and impartial and subject only to the Constitution and the law.

Legislature

Parliament

Establishment: The Parliament of Guyana is established by the Constitution of Guyana.

Composition: In accordance with article 51 of the Constitution. The Parliament consists

of the President of Guyana and the National Assembly. Only when the President is present should we say that Parliament is in session. At other times the National Assembly is sitting.

Powers: By article 65 of the Constitution, the Parliament of Guyana is empowered to make laws for the peace, order and good government of Guyana.

Life:  The life of the Parliament of Guyana is five (5) years.

Sessions: A session of Parliament is the period which commences with the first sitting of the National Assembly held after a general election or after a prorogation of Parliament and which ends when Parliament is prorogued or dissolved.

Summoning: The President, by Proclamation, appoints the place where a session of Parliament shall be held and the time at which such session shall begin.

Prorogation: The President is empowered to prorogue Parliament at any time, by Proclamation. A prorogation does not end the life of a Parliament. It terminates a session of Parliament and brings to a close all proceedings pending at the time.

Dissolution: The President has the power, by Proclamation, to dissolve Parliament at any time. When Parliament is dissolved, its life and all outstanding business come to an end and persons who were Members of the National Assembly cease to be such Members.

We will continue our discussion on Branches of Government in next week’s edition

Hello Readers! This week we will conclude our presentation of Departments within the Parliament Office. These Departments act as the cornerstone of the National Assembly, providing indispensable administrative support.

The Information Technology Department

The Information Technology Department provides technological support to all members of staff and Members of Parliament. It is mainly responsible for management of information systems, inventory management, data management and communication.

Accounts Department

The Accounts Department is responsible for the day to day running of the financial aspects of the Office.This includes the payment of salaries and allowances to all the Members of Parliament and the staff of the Parliament Office.It also assists with the annual preparation of the Estimates of Expenditure and Revenue for the Parliament Office.

Personnel Department

The Personnel Section carries out the processes of recruitment, dismissal, performance appraisal, rules and regulations, leave, records management, preparation of record of service and computation of Members of Parliament (MPs) superannuation benefits, staff welfare and, training and development for the staff of the Parliament Office.

It is also charged with functions relating to staff compensation/benefits and industrial relations matters. Its main objective is to meet the organizational needs and the needs of the individuals employed to work at the Parliament Office.

The Department is managed by the Senior Personnel Officer who plays an important role in the implementation of Personnel policies and practices.

Public Relations Department

The purpose of this Department is to disseminate accurate information and educate the public on the operations and functions of Parliament.

Its main duties are:

• To facilitate the daily media coverage of Parliament's plenary sitting and committee meetings

• Conducting tours

• Development of public outreach programs e.g. school outreach

• To stream proceedings (live streaming of Sittings of the National Assembly)

• Preparation of publications and educational material

• To update information on the Parliament website

• To manage the interface between the Parliament of Guyana and other Parliaments

• To manage the interface between the Parliament of Guyana and the wider public

Registry Department

This Department is responsible for providing services to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker (THERE IS NO DEPUTY SPEAKER IN THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT) of the National Assembly, Members of Parliament, Parliament staff and members of the public. The staff of this department are required to be present during sittings of the National Assembly.

The functions of the Department are:-

• Typing of correspondences for the Office;

• Compiling and filing of all general and personal files for the Office;

• Photocopying of documents for the Office;

• Receiving all incoming and dispatching all outgoing correspondences;

• The Office Assistants perform the role of Parliamentary Attendants during Sittings of the National Assembly and Meetings of Parliamentary Committees;

• Provides transportation for use by the staff of the office.

Security and Maintenance Department

The Security and Maintenance Section is responsible for the maintenance, cleaning and internal security of the Public Buildings. This Section is managed by the Sergeant-at-Arms who is responsible for performing ceremonial duties during Sittings of the National Assembly and plays an important role in the general maintenance, cleaning and internal security of the Parliament Office.

The Sergeant-at-Arms is responsible for:

• The Preparation of the Parliament Chamber, Lobby and Committee Room for Sittings of the National Assembly and for Official Visits.

• Preceding the Speaker, bearing the Mace; announcing the Speaker to the Members of Parliament and performing the related procedural functions during Sittings of the National Assembly.

• Taking full responsibility for all security measures.

• Keeping a record of visitors to the Parliament Office.

• Arranging with the Clerk/Deputy Clerk for maintenance works to be carried out on furniture, building and compound.

Hello Readers! This week we will tell you about The Parliament office by introducing you to the Departments in Parliament.

The Parliament Office provides administrative and clerical support for the efficient conduct of business of the National Assembly, Parliamentary Committees and Sub-Committees. It  also provides local secretarial services in respect of matters pertaining to those international organisations with which the Parliament of Guyana holds membership. The office is headed by the Clerk of the National Assembly and he is assisted by the Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly. In this week’s edition, we will let you know about the other Departments in Parliament.

The Legislative Department

This Department comprises a Supervisor and two (2) Legislative Clerks.

The functions of the Department are:-

• To Advise the Speaker of the National Assembly on the admissibility of Bills, Motions, Questions and Amendments;

• To coordinate Private Member’s Business: including Petitions, Motions to adjourn the Assembly on Definite matters of Urgent Public Importance, Questions, Motions, Bills, Notices of Motions and Private Bills.

• To provide advice on Parliamentary Procedure to Members of Parliament, public servants, academics and parliamentary officials from other countries, and also provide advice on Parliamentary Practice and precedents to Members of Parliament.

• To assist in the preparation of the Order Paper and Minutes of the National Assembly.

• To answer queries about the business of the National Assembly.

• To coordinate the external activities of the Parliament of Guyana.

• To receive, number and proof read Bills for grammatical and other errors.

• To ensure all Acts of Parliament are conveyed in a timely manner to the Head of the Presidential Secretariat for His Excellency’s assent, and to convey all Acts and Bills of Parliament to the Guyana National Printers for publication and reproduction of copies.

• To keep accurate records of all Bills received by the Parliament Office, Acts passed by the National Assembly , and the sale and distribution of legislation.

• To manage the sale of legislation at the Parliament Office.

The Committes Division

The  Committees  Division  which  was  established  in  May  2003  provides secretarial, administrative support and procedural advice to all the Committees of the National Assembly. Each Committee is provided with a Clerk and an Assistant Clerk of Committee and, where necessary a researcher.

The Division is managed by the Head of Committees Division who plays an important role in the coordination of resources between the other departments and in the dissemination of information to and from the Committees Division.

Hansard Division

Hansard is the name of the edited and printed record of what was said in Parliament. It is named after Thomas Curson Hansard, an early printer and publisher of transcripts of parliamentary debates in the Westminster system of governance. The Hansard also includes ministerial statements and written answers to parliamentary questions.

The Hansard Division within the Guyana Parliament was re-established on July 13, 2009 and is responsible for the verbatim reports of both the National Assembly and Parliamentary Committees. Instead of the court reporting system, the staff of this Division makes use of computer aided technology to aid in the transcription process.

Library Department

The Parliamentary library which comprises the research unit of the Parliament Office is the heart of the Parliament as it has the capacity to provide knowledgeable, timely, non-partisan information services to all Members of Parliament, staff and the general public.

Responsibilities of the Librarian:

• Ensuring that books, journals and other printed materials are available to Members of Parliament in support of their legislative functions;

• Responding efficiently to requests from Members of Parliament and Parliament staff, for documents that are considered necessary for the performance of Parliamentary duties.

• Maintaining a definitive collection of sessional papers and other documents related to the business of proceedings of the National Assembly and their Committees.

• Ensures that all materials housed in library are catalogued for easy retrieval.

The Library also offers services to Members of Parliament, staff and the general public. These services include:

• Information

• Reference and Research (only Members of Parliament)

• Library Services

• Publications

• Technical

• Photocopying

Expenditure, Planning & Management

The Finance Department comprises the Expenditure Planning & Management Unit (EPMU). The EPMU deals with budgetary and strategic issues, and advises management on matters relating to financial data of programmes to facilitate informed decision-making.

The key outputs of the Unit are:

• Multi Year Plans

• Strategic Plans and Analysis

• Business Plans and Programme forecasting

• Timely collection and analysis of programme financial data

• Monthly analysis of programme and production of financial reports

• Agency Revised Programme Activity Structure

• Analysis of Economic and Financial Data

• Resource planning and allocation

To be continued in next week’s edition

For more information, please visit our website at http://parliament.gov.gy/

The declaration of the results of the 1968 elections ushered in the second Parliament which was convened on January 3, 1969, amidst a crisis of very grave proportions. On the day before, January 2, 1969; the new government was forced to contend with an armed uprising that broke out in the border town of Lethem. The insurrection was instigated by a group of influential ranch owners in the Rupununi Region, who apparently felt that their landholdings and way of life were under threat from the Government. These ranchers decided to declare the Rupununi independent after they attacked the police station at Lethem and killed several officers. The whole affair was considered "the single most serious threat to the national security and territorial integrity of Guyana. Occurring only thirty-two months after Guyana's independence from Great Britain, it also constituted the country's earliest and severest test of statehood and social solidarity.” (David Granger, The Rupununi Uprising, 1969 (Stabroek News, January 18, 2009).

In the days and months that followed after order was restored, it became apparent that the then Government of Venezuela had had a hand in the incident by providing training and materiel to the insurrectionists. This served to further heighten tensions and strain relations between Guyana and Venezuela. It was against this background that the second Parliament got underway. Almost immediately after settling into Government, efforts began in earnest to sever the ties and vestiges of Guyana's colonial past. In the House of Assembly, preparations were being made for the inevitable attainment of republican status. A Parliamentary Committee was established immediately after the Parliament was convened to examine ways in which the transition from Independence into full republican statehood could be accomplished in a comprehensive manner. Interestingly, among the approved recommendations made in April, 1969 were:-

• a change of dress for Male members to introduce the shirt-jac as the official form of dress for Members;
• The discontinuance of the full-bottom wigs and gowns for the Speaker and, the bob wigs for the Clerks.8°

With respect to the transition towards Guyana becoming a Republic, it must be noted that the 1966 Constitution provided a mechanism for the nation to move, almost seamlessly, into declaring Guyana a Republic by placing in the Constitution, the following Article 73:-

(5) If the National Assembly, upon a Motion introduced by the Prime Minister and supported by the votes of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly, resolves that, on such day after the passing of the resolution as may be specified therein, Guyana shall become a Republic and accordingly cease to be a part of Her Majesty's dominions and that for that purpose the alteration of this Constitution set out in the Second Schedule to this Constitution shall have effect, the provisions of this Constitution mentioned in the first column of Part 1 of that Schedule shall, on the day so specified, be altered in the manner mentioned in the second column of that Part:

Provided that —

a)         Notice of a motion under this paragraph shall be given not less than three months before the National Assembly proceeds upon the Motion; and

b)         Notice of such a Motion shall not be given before the 1st January, 1969.

The above mechanism obviated the need for the Government to return to the British Government for its approval. This was credited to the assiduousness of the Attorney-General at that time, Mr.Shridath S. Ramphal, Q.C." Accordingly, On August 29, 1969, the National Assembly adopted Resolution No. XXVI, which paved the way for the nation to move without further constitutional changes, into becoming a Republic.

The second schedule in Article 73 provided for the substitution of the Governor-General for a President who would be elected every six years so as to straddle Governments, and for appeals to be heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council instead of Her Majesty in Council. Guyana, by previous consent of the other nations of the Commonwealth would remain a member of the Commonwealth despite its Republican status. February 23, 1970 was identified as the date when Guyana would officially assume republican status.

As plans were proceeding apace towards the February 1970 deadline, a setback occurred when the Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, met his untimely death on November 10, 1969. This unfortunate incident was as a result of a freak accident, which occurred when scaffolding from a construction site at Whitehall, London, fell on the car in which he was travelling.

Ironically, Sir David Rose was in England to formally relinquish his instruments of authority as Governor-General, in preparation for the advent of Guyana declaring itself a Republic. Anecdotal reports indicate that the Government of Guyana had intended to name him as the first President of the Republic of Guyana.

On February 23, 1970, Guyana became a Republic and was officially known as the Republic of Guyana. The office of Governor-General was replaced by that of President. Supreme Court Judge, Hon. Arthur Raymond Chung, was appointed the first President of the Republic.

Source:

Trotman, Raphael. Parliament in the Republic of Guyana. Georgetown: Isaiah Publications, 2014.

The Speaker of the National Assembly and the Parliament Office extend to you our fellow Guyanese, Republic Day greetings.

Dear readers, this year we have decided to refresh your memories on some of the topics we covered previously. Our intention is to produce information to our new readers and refresh the minds of our old readers. We will begin by telling you what is Parliament, the difference between the National Assembly and Parliament, and bring to your attention, the work of the National Assembly.

What is Parliament?

Guyana is governed by three separate branches of Government: the Legislature (Parlilament), the Executive and the Judiciary. The power to govern the country is divided among the three branches to create a system of checks and balances

The National Assembly of the Parliament of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana meets in the Parliament Chamber of the Public Buildings. This is the place where laws are made and where issues of national importance are debated and dealt with. It's where government is formed and where government is held accountable for its actions.

In Guyana, the Parliament is made up of the President and the National Assembly (Article 51 of the Constitution). At election time, Guyanese vote to send persons from their Geographic Constituency (local region)and persons from the National Top Up List, to represent them in Parliament.

Sixty five Members are elected to the National Assembly: 40 from the National Top Up List and 25 from the 10 Geographical Constituencies.

The political party with the most members in the National Assembly/House forms the government.

One of the most important things Parliament does is to make new laws or to change or amend existing ones.

The actions of government are carefully examined by the Parliament through processes such as Question Time, Private Member’s Day and through the work of parliamentary committees.

So let's sum up.

Parliament represents the people of Guyana, and it makes and changes laws, and examines the work of the government.

Private Members

A Private Member is a Member of Parliament who does not hold office in the government. All Opposition Members and those members who are not Ministers are referred to as Private Members.

Parliamentary Secretary

Parliamentary Secretaries are appointed by the President to assist Cabinet Ministers. They table documents or answers questions for a Minister, participate in debates on bills, speak to the committees on government policies and proposals, and serve as a link between parliamentarians and Ministers.

There are no Parliamentary Secretaries, to date, in the Eleventh Parliament.

The Parliament Office

The Office of the Parliament provides the administrative and apolitical support services to the Parliament of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. The Office functions under the leadership of the Clerk of the National Assembly assisted by the Deputy Clerk. The Parliament Office also ensures the proper functioning of the Parliament Chamber and offers relevant services to citizens of Guyana.

Clerk of the National Assembly

MR. Sherlock Isaacs, A.A., Clerk of the National Assembly

The Parliament Office is headed by the Clerk of the National Assembly. He is the chief administrative officer of the National Assembly and works under the control of the Speaker. The Office of the Clerk is a constitutional office. The Clerk has expert knowledge in parliamentary procedures and practice and is the custodian of all documents and records pertaining to the Assembly. He advises the Speaker on matters of procedure. He sits at the Table below the Speaker. The Clerk ensures that every Member receives a copy of the Order Paper in advance of a Sitting.

In the performance of his duties, the Clerk is assisted by the Deputy Clerk and other senior parliamentary officers.

Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly

Ms. Hermina Gilgeours, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly

The Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly is also a Constitutional Office Holder. The Deputy Clerk attends Sittings of the National Assembly and assists the Clerk in the execution of his administrative and procedural duties.

The Deputy Clerk, in addition, is the Accounting Officer of the Parliament Office and co-ordinates all human resources and the physical maintenance of the Public Buildings

Serjeant-at-arms

Before the start of each Sitting the Serjeant-at-Arms leads the Speaker into the House. He/she carries the Mace into the Chamber, announces the presence of the Speaker of the House, and then places the Mace on the Table of the House.

While the House is sitting, the Serjeant-at-Arms is seated by the door of the Chamber opposite the Speaker. If an MP becomes unruly or interrupts the debate too often, the Speaker can ask the Serjeant-at-Arms to remove the MP from the Chamber if necessary. The Serjeant-at-Arms can also remove visitors in the gallery who have disrupted the proceedings and are disorderly.

As we continue talking about how the National Assembly examines the work of the Government, it is important to know exactly who make up the National Assembly. This week, we will look at Who’s Who in the National Assembly.

Who’s who in the National Assembly Part 1

Speaker

After every general election, the Members of Parliament elect a Speaker, from among Members who are not Ministers or Parliamentary Secretaries, or any other suitable person, to preside over the proceedings of the House. The Speaker oversees the administration of the House and chairs several committees, including the Parliamentary Management Committee. The Speaker is also the spokesperson and representative of the National Assembly in its relations with the Executive and other bodies outside of the House.

To ensure the orderly flow of business, Members of the National Assembly are required to observe parliamentary rules, procedures and traditions, both written and unwritten. It is the Speaker's duty to interpret these rules and procedures impartially, to maintain order, and to defend the rights and privileges of Members, including the right to freedom of speech.

The Speaker must at all times act impartially. To preserve his impartiality, the Speaker does not participate in debate and works to balance the right of the Government to transact its business in an orderly manner with the right of all other Members to be heard in debate.

Hon. Dr. Barton U.A. Scotland, O.R., C.C.H, MP, Speaker of the National Assembly

Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker is elected in a similar manner to the Speaker, except that the Speaker, if present, presides over the elections. The Deputy Speaker acts for the Speaker when the latter is unavoidably absent.

There is no Deputy Speaker, to date, in the Eleventh Parliament.

Prime Minister

The Prime Minister is usually the Leader of the party having the greatest number of seats in the National Assembly. In the present configuration of seats in the National Assembly, the Prime Minister is the Leader of the Coalition of Parties which comprise the Government. He is appointed by the President, and is the Leader of Government’s business in the National Assembly.

Hon. Moses Nagamootoo, MP, Prime Minister and First Vice President

Cabinet Members

The Cabinet is the team of senior ministers in the Government who are chosen by the President to lead on specific policy areas and head Government Departments such as Health, Transport, or Defence. Article 106 of the Constitution states: “there shall be a Cabinet for Guyana, which shall consist of the President, the Prime Minister, the Vice – Presidents and such other Ministers as may be appointed to it by the President.” The Cabinet aids and advises the President in the general direction and control of the Government of Guyana and is collectively responsible to Parliament.

The Opposition

After a General Election, the largest non-government party in the Assembly becomes the Official Opposition. The Leader of the Opposition takes the lead role in questioning the Prime Minister.

A team– known as the Shadow Cabinet – takes the lead in questioning Government ministers. The Shadow Cabinet is the team of senior spokespersons chosen to mirror the Cabinet in Government.

Each member of the Shadow Cabinet is appointed to lead on a specific policy area for his/her party and to question and challenge their counterpart in the Cabinet. In this way, the Official Opposition in Parliament can present itself as an alternative government.

Opposition Leader

The Leader of the Opposition is elected by and from Opposition Members at a meeting held under the chair of the Speaker. The Speaker does not vote.

Hon. Bharrat Jagdeo, MP, Leader of the Opposition

Chief Whips

The Chief Whip is responsible for administering the “whipping system” which ensures that members of the party attend and vote in the National Assembly as the party leadership desires.

Whips are MPs appointed by each party in Parliament to help organise their parties’ contribution to parliamentary business. One of their responsibilities is making sure the maximum number of their parties’ members vote, and vote the way their parties desire.

Hon. Amna Ally, MP, Government Chief Whip

Hon. Gail Teixeira, MP, Opposition Chief Whip

Private Members

A Private Member is a Member of Parliament who does not hold office in the government. All Opposition Members and those other members who are not Ministers are referred to as Private Members.

Parliamentary Secretary

Parliamentary Secretaries are appointed by the President to assist Cabinet Ministers. They table documents or answer questions on behalf of a Minister, participate in debates on bills, address meetings of committees concerning government policies and proposals, and serve as a link between parliamentarians and Ministers.

There are no Parliamentary Secretaries, to date, in the Eleventh Parliament.

Website www.parliament.gov.gy

For regular updates and more info on the National Assembly, like our Facebook Page Parliament of Guyana.

Parliament and the Government are different. They have different roles and do different things.

What is the Government?

The Government is made up of the people who have been elected to govern the country. The political party which wins the most seats at a General Election takes charge of the Government for five years, until the next General Election.

The Leader of the party with the greatest number of seats is usually appointed President and the President chooses other party members to work in the Government - as Cabinet Ministers and junior Ministers.

What is Parliament?

Parliament is there to represent our interests and make sure they are taken into account by the Government. The Government cannot make new laws or raise new taxes without Parliament’s agreement.

Parliament is made up of the President and the National Assembly. The National Assembly is made up of people we have elected and people who have been appointed; this includes people in other political parties, as well as those in the winning party who were not chosen to be ministers.

What does the Government do?

The Government is responsible for deciding how the country is to be run and for managing things, day to day. They set taxes, choose what to spend public money on and decide how best to deliver public services, which include:

• the National Health Service
• the police and armed forces
• welfare benefits such as “Old Age Pension”
• Public Service Wage increases

More about the day to day work of the Government can be found on the Government website www.motp.gov.gy

What does Parliament do?

Parliament’s job is to look closely at the Government’s plans and to monitor the way Government is running things.

Parliament works on our behalf to try to make sure that Government decisions are:

• open and transparent – by questioning Ministers and requesting information
• workable and efficient – by examining new proposals closely and suggesting improvements, checking how public money is being spent and tracking how new laws are working out in practice
• fair and non-discriminatory – by checking that they comply with equalities and human rights laws and by speaking up on behalf of affected individuals

Members of Parliament can speak up for us if a government department or agency treats us unfairly.

Government Ministers are required to come to Parliament regularly to answer questions, respond to issues raised in debates and keep both Members informed of any important decisions they take. In this way, Parliament can hold the Government to account for its actions.

Find out more about how Parliament checks on the work of Government in next week’s edition.

Dear readers, this year we have decided to refresh your memories on some of the topics we covered previously. Our intention is to produce information to our new readers and refresh the minds of our old readers. We will begin by telling you what is Parliament, the difference between the National Assembly and Parliament, and bring to your attention, the work of the National Assembly.

What is Parliament?

Guyana is governed by three separate branches of Government: the Legislature (Parlilament), the Executive and the Judiciary. The power to govern the country is divided among the three branches to create a system of checks and balances

The National Assembly of the Parliament of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana meets in the Parliament Chamber of the Public Buildings. This is the place where laws are made and where issues of national importance are debated and dealt with. It's where government is formed and where government is held accountable for its actions.

In Guyana, the Parliament is made up of the President and the National Assembly (Article 51 of the Constitution). At election time, Guyanese vote to send persons from their Geographic Constituency (local region)and persons from the National Top Up List, to represent them in Parliament.

Sixty five Members are elected to the National Assembly: 40 from the National Top Up List and 25 from the 10 Geographical Constituencies.

The political party with the most members in the National Assembly/House forms the government.

One of the most important things Parliament does is to make new laws or to change or amend existing ones.

The actions of government are carefully examined by the Parliament through processes such as Question Time, Private Member’s Day and through the work of parliamentary committees.

So let's sum up.

Parliament represents the people of Guyana, and it makes and changes laws, and examines the work of the government.

Committee Meetings

Friday, January 26, 2018

• 14:00 hrs Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services

            (Committee Room 1)

Hello Guyana! We decided to start off the New Year with the History of Parliament.

The Parliament of Guyana was created by the 1966 Constitution of Guyana, embodied in the Schedule of the Guyana Independence Order, made pursuant to the Guyana Independence Act, 1966. The Guyana Independence Act was passed on 12th May, 1966 and came into force on 26th May, 1966. The First sitting of the National Assembly of the First Parliament of Guyana was held on the 26th May, 1966.

In 1831, the three Colonies, Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice were united and the Colony of British Guiana was formed. Between the year 1831 and 1928 the Law-Making Body of British Guiana was the Court of Policy. The Court of Policy consisted of the Governor, seven official members and eight elected members. The Governor presided in the Court of Policy as its President.

In 1928, a new Constitution was introduced and British Guiana became a British Crown Colony. A Legislative Council was established and replaced the Dutch created Court of Policy.

In 1953, a new Constitution was promulgated and a bicameral legislature, consisting of a State Council and a House of Assembly was introduced. The State Council consisted of nine members. The House of Assembly consisted of a Speaker, three ex officio Members and twenty four Elected Members. The Speaker was appointed by the governor. A new and separate Department, which was called the Office of the Legislature, (now known as the Parliament Office) was established with a Clerk of the Legislature as its head, to serve the new bicameral Legislature. Also, in 1953 a Ministerial system of Government and universal adult suffrage were introduced.

The Legislature that came into effect in May, 1953, was short-lived as in October, 1953 the British Government (all the elected members of the May 1953 legislature were removed from office) suspended the Constitution and an Interim Government was established by the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council, 1953. A Legislative council consisting of a Speaker, three ex officio Members and not more than twenty four Nominated Members was created by this Order on the 22nd December, 1953. The Speaker, who was not an ex officio member or Nominated member of the Legislative Council, was appointed by the Governor.

In 1956, the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was amended. The Legislative Council appointed under the British Guiana (Constitution) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council, that is the interim Government,  was dissolved with effect from 29th June, 1957.

In 1957, a second Legislative Council constituted under the (British Guiana (Constitution) Temporary Provisions) Orders in Council 1953 and 1956 was appointed. The Legislative Council consisted of the Speaker, three ex – offcio members, fourteen Elected members and eleven nominated members.

In 1961 a new Constitution was established and a bicameral legislature consisting of a Legislative Assembly and a Senate was created. The Senate consisted of thirteen members, who were appointed by the Governor. Of the thirteen members, eight were appointed by the Governor in accordance with advice of the Premier, three were appointed by the Governor acting in consultation with such persons as, in his discretion, he considered could have spoken for the political points of view of groups represented in the Legislative Assembly by members constituting the minority and two were appointed by the Governor acting in his discretion. The Legislative Assembly consisted of thirty five (35) members elected under the electoral system of First Past the Post. Elections were held in May 1961 and the Peoples Progressive Party won 21 of the 35 seats in the Legislative Assembly. A Council of Ministers consisting of a Premier and nine other Ministers was also created. The Council of Ministers had general direction and control of the country and was collectively responsible to the Legislature .The Council of Ministers and the Premier were all elected members of the Legislative Assembly.

Today, under the current electoral system in Guyana the National Assembly consists of 65 elected members of which, forty are elected from the National “Top - Up”list of candidates and twenty five (25) are elected from the ten (10) geographical constituencies under the system of Proportional Representation (PR). The Constitution also makes provision for four technocrat Ministers of Government, and two Parliamentary Secretaries, to be appointed by the President; all of whom automatically become Members of Parliament, but without the right to vote. The Speaker is also considered a Member of Parliament who may be elected from within, or outside, of the body of elected members of Parliament. If Technocrats are appointed, then there may be as many as seventy two Members of Parliament at one time.

Sources

http://parliament.gov.gy/about-parliament/about-parliamant-history/

Trotman, Raphael, G.C.,(2014). Parliament in the Republic of Guyana. Georgetown, Guyana, Isaiah Publications

Hey there readers! Here’s hoping you had a wonderful holiday weekend and will have a productive year ahead. This week we will remind you of the laws which were made by the Eleventh Parliament during the year 2017.

                              ACTS FOR THE YEAR 2017

Hello Readers, we hope you have been following the consideration of the Budget Estimates very carefully. As we told you in our last publication, the consideration of estimates provides an opportunity to consider the entire range of a government’s administration and expenditure.

Recently, the Parliament Office has been receiving messages and queries about how members of the public can gain access to the Public Buildings. As such , we decided to share with you or guidelines regarding this matter.

Access to the Public Buildings

Parliament Building

The Public Buildings belong to all Guyanese; it is part of our national heritage and the centre of our democracy. Visitors are welcome, and are expected to cooperate with our security measures at all times.

Access to the Gallery                    

You can visit the public gallery of the Parliament Chamber in the Public Buildings at any time when the House is sitting. Please come to Parliament’s main entrance, check in with Security, and ask for directions to the public gallery. The public gallery opens 30 minutes before each sitting.

Please note a visit to the public gallery is not part of a standard guided tour of Parliament.

• Only accredited members of the press may sit in the press gallery.

• Official guest of members of Parliament have preference for seating in the Public Gallery.

To ensure that Parliament remains accessible to the public, we have implemented some simple security guidelines. Please take note of them before and during your visit.

• Searches, similar to those used in airports, will be conducted on entry.

• Mobile phones must be turned off.

• Cameras cannot be used, except by accredited Media personnel.

Dress code in the Chamber and while conducting official business

Visitors’ to the public gallery or Chamber must dress in a manner which will not detract from the respect for the dignity of Parliament and must comply with the general standards of dress for Members of Parliament. In particular:

• Do not wear revealing, brightly coloured and/or denim-material clothing;

• Do not wear Jerseys/tee shirts, short pants, track pants, sandals and slippers;

• Do not engage in conversations while the Clerk of the National Assembly is reading the prayers;

• Do not engage in loud conversations when the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Clerk of the National or any other Member of Parliament is speaking;

• Do not seek to engage or speak to Members of Parliament;

• Do not use mobile phones; and

• Do not heckle, laugh loudly or cheer during or after a Member’s speech;

As far as possible, try to restrict your movements while Members are speaking.

Access for guided tours

It is possible on some days for groups to tour the Public Buildings and receive a brief orientation on the history of the Parliament as well as the work of the Parliament. It is imperative that these sessions are pre-arranged in order to ensure that there is no conflict with the schedule of the Parliament. Here are the general rules for visits to the Parliament Chamber.

1. Persons interested in visiting the Public Buildings are asked to contact the Public Relations Officer, Ms.OniekaAlphonso, on Tele No. 226-8457 or via email onieka.walton@parliament.gov.gy or proparliament@gmail.com.

2. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 01:30 pm to 03:30 pm are the days and times scheduled for visits to the Parliament Chamber on non-meeting days. Please note that these days are subject to change in the event that there is a sitting of the National Assembly.

3. A maximum of 120 students, accompanied by teachers, are allowed at any one time on non-meeting days.

4. On meeting days a maximum of thirty students, accompanied by two or three teachers, are allowed at any one sitting of the National Assembly, and students are to be seated at least fifteen (15) minutes before the start of the sitting.

5. There is to be no eating or drinking in the Chamber at any time.

6. Persons visiting Parliament are kindly asked to dress appropriately.

N.B. Visits to the Parliament Chamber are privileges extended by the Clerk on behalf of the Speaker of the National Assembly. These privileges can be curtailed at any time if the above-mentioned rules are not strictly adhered to.

Disabled access

If you need special help to enjoy your visit to Parliament because of a disability, please let us know. We’re here to help you.

Please note in particular:

• Disabled visitors to Parliament may be set down on the forecourt to Parliament House.

Observe a select committee hearing

The Public is advised to consult the select committee meeting schedule to find out when select committees are hearing evidence in public. The schedule shows which committees are due to meet in the coming week and which meetings are open to the public. (This information is subject to change at short notice.)

Parking

There is no parking in Parliament grounds, but disabled visitors may be set down on the forecourt.

Barricades on Sitting Days

Though cognizant of the inconvenience that the barricades cause on sitting days, it would be a failure on the part of the National Assembly if it were not to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of its members. The Guyana Police Force, following consultations with the  Parliamentary Management Committee, has designed a structure of erecting barricades in the immediate environs of the Public Buildings to ensure the members are secured on sitting days.

It is the practice of several Parliaments to prorogue each Session of Parliament, i.e. end each Session annually. Further, the Parliament of Guyana follows the Westminster system which allows for the prorogation of each Session of Parliament. His Honour the Speaker of the National Assembly has proposed that at the end of each Parliamentary year there should be an end of a Session.

Henceforth each Session comes to an end at the beginning of the Parliamentary Recess period.

The Eleventh Parliament is expected to be prorogued with effect from August 10, 2016 to October 10, 2016 (the Parliamentary Recess Period).

Prorogation

Prorogation of a Parliament results in the termination of a Session. Parliament then stands prorogued until the opening of the next Session. Like the summoning and dissolution of Parliament, prorogation is a prerogative act of the President. Parliament is actually prorogued by Proclamation published in the OfficialGazette. When Parliament stands prorogued to a certain day, if matters of the state require it, a subsequent Proclamation (s) may be issued to advance or defer the date.

Effects of Prorogation

The principal effect of ending a Session by prorogation is to terminate the business of the National Assembly. Members are released from their parliamentary duties until Parliament is next reconvened. All unfinished business lapse from or “dies” on the Order Paper and all Committees cease to operate, providing a fresh start for the next Session. No Committee can sit during a prorogation.

Bills which have not received Presidential Assent before prorogation are “entirely terminated” and, in order to be proceeded with in the new Session, must be reintroduced.Notwithstanding, on occasions,bills have been reinstated by motion, at the commencement of a new Session, at the same stage they had reached at the end of the previous Session; Committee work has similarly been revived. This has been accomplished in various ways:

• The House has given unanimous consent to a motion to reinstate a Bill in a new Session at the same stage it had reached before prorogation.
• The House has adopted amendments to its Standing Orders to carry over legislation to the next Session, following a prorogation.

There is also a provision in Standing Order 80 (2) which states that the business and proceedings before a Standing Committee shall not lapse by any reason of prorogation and shall be proceeded with in the next ensuing Session of the same Assembly.

Prorogation in Practice

At the beginning of a new Session, the Assembly is addressed by the President who may outline the government’s legislative agenda or work programme for the ensuing year

The Finance Minister presented his Annual Financial Statement (Budget Speech), to mixed reaction from Guyanese both at home and in the diaspora. Today, Monday, December 5, the National Assembly will commence the debate on the Minister’s presentation. As we told you before, this debate will last for five days and ever Memberwill have the opportunity to speak. Members must confine their arguments to the financial and economic state of the country and the general principles of Government policy and administration as indicated by the Budget Speech and the Estimates. 

The House agreed that, for the duration of the Budget debate, the Assembly will convene at 10:00 hrs (10:00am) and end at the normal 22:00hrs (10p.m). This is through suspension of Standing Order Ten (10) which determines the hours of meetings of the Assembly.

As is customary, the two chief whips, Minister Amna Ally, M.P for the Government and Ms. Gail Teixeira, MP. For the Opposition, meet and agree on the length of time for speeches during the debate. This agreement is submitted to the Speaker for his approval.

The Budget Debate will follow the general rules of the debate as set out in Standing Orders 38 through 45. These Standing Orders can be accessed via the National Assembly’s website: parliament.gov.gy.

Consideration of the Estimates

We told you in a previous publication that, after the debate has been concluded; the Assembly will resolve itself into Committee of Supply, without question put, to consider the Estimates- this will last for seven days.

Main Estimates

The main estimates provide a breakdown, by department and program, of planned government spending for the upcoming fiscal year. The estimates are expressed as a series of “votes”, or resolutions, which summarize the estimated financial requirements in a particular expenditure category, such as operations, capital or grants. The votes are expressed in dollar amounts, the total of which, once agreed to, should satisfy all the budgetary requirements of a department or agency in that category, with the exception of any expenditures provided for under other statutory authority. Each budgetary item, or vote, has two essential components: an amount of money and a destination (a description of what the money will be used for). Should the government wish to change the approved amount or destination of a vote, it must do so either by way of a “supplementary” estimate or by way of new or amending legislation.

Supplementary Estimates

Should the amounts voted under the main estimates prove insufficient, or should new funding or a reallocation of funds between already authorized budgetary items be required during a fiscal year, the government may ask Parliament to approve additional expenditures or the reallocations, that it sets out in supplementary estimates. The government may introduce as many sets of supplementary estimates in a year as it deems necessary.

Procedure in Committee of Supply (Standing Order

• On consideration of the Estimates of Expenditure in Committee of Supply, each Head of Expenditure is considered with the appropriate details, and any reference in these Standing Orders to a Sub-head or an item means a Sub-Head or an item in the Estimates for the Head then under discussion.
• On the consideration of the Estimates the Chairperson calls the title of each Head of Expenditure in turn, and proposes the question “That the sum of $.......... for Head …………….. stand part of the Estimates” and unless an amendment is proposed under the provisions of the nextStanding Order, a debate may take place on that question.If a debate does take place, it is confined to the policy of the service for which the money is to be provided and does not deal with the details of any item or Sub-Head but may refer to the details of revenues or funds for which that service is responsible.
• When the question upon every Head of the Estimates has been decided, the Chairperson puts the question to the Committee that the Estimates (or the Estimates as amended) be reported to the Assembly. This question shall be decided without amendment or debate.Upon such question being agreed to, the Assembly shall resume, and the Minister in charge of the Estimates shall report it to the Assembly.

Amendments to Heads of Estimates of Committee of Supply

• An amendment to any Head of Expenditure to increase the sum allotted in respect of any item or Sub-Head or of the Head itself may only be moved by a Minister who signifies to the Committee the recommendation or the consent of the Cabinet to the increase.Every such amendment takes the form of a motion “That Head ……………… be increased by $............... in respect of Sub-Head ……………… Item ………………..”.
• An amendment to increase a Head whether in respect of any item or Sub-Head or of the Head itself takes precedence over an amendment to reduce the Head in the same respect, and if it is carried no amendment to reduce the Head in that respect, can be called.
• An amendment to any Head of Expenditure to reduce the sum allotted
• In respect of any item therein may be moved by any Member, and shall take the form of a motion.

“That Head ………………. be reduced by $..................... in respect of (or by leaving out) Sub-Head ………………, Item ………………”.

Any amendment to reduce a head in respect of any Sub-Head or by leaving a Sub-Head can only be in order if the Sub-Head is not itemized.

• An amendment to reduce a Head without reference to a Sub-Head therein shall only be in order if the Head is not divided into Sub-Heads.
• In case of each Head, amendments in respect to items or Sub-Heads in that Head is be placed upon the Notice Paper and considered in the order in which the items or Sub-Heads to which they refer stand in the Head in the Estimates.
• When notice has been given of two or more amendments to reduce the same item, Sub-Head, or Head they shall be placed upon the Notice Paper and considered in the order of the magnitude of the reductions proposed, the amendment proposing the largest reduction being placed first in each case.
• Debate on every amendment is confined to the item, Sub-Head or Head to which the amendment refers, and after an amendment to an item or Sub-Head has been disposed of, no amendment or debate on a previous item or Sub-Head of that Head is permitted.
• When all amendments standing on the Notice Paper in respect to any particular Head of Expenditure have been disposed of, the Chairperson again proposes the question: “That the sum of $........ for Head …… stand part of the Estimates” (or shall propose the amended question “that the (increased) (reduced) sum of $......... for Head ……. stand part of the Estimates”) as the case may require.

Hello Guyana! As we eagerly await the Finance Minister’s Budget presentation on November 28, we decided to change the usual subject of our conversations and tell you about the National Assembly’s School Outreach Programme which is designed to increase awareness of its work.

The Parliamentary School Outreach Programmeis in keeping with the objective of Bringing Parliament to life for Young People. The concept of Bringing Parliament to Life for Young People was conceived to engage with and bring on board the ordinary Guyanese. It is through such programmes that the National Assembly is able to reconnect, get in touch with our people, and help to shape the minds of our young people in a positive way.

This initiative was started in the 10^th Parliament by, then Speaker of the House, Hon. Raphael Trotman, M.P., The idea was simple: visiting delegations from National Assemble would visit schools in the Ten Administrative Regions where they would have the opportunity to share their experiences in the National Assembly while educating the students on the work and role of parliament, and the job of an MP.

To date the Parliamentarians have visited almost all ten Regions in Guyana, with the only exception being Region Seven-this is expected to be done in early 2017. A parliamentary delegation, led by the Speaker of the Nastional Assembly, Hon Dr. Barton UA Scotland, O.R C.C.H MP., recently visited Region One (Mabaruma). In addition to sharing information on parliamentary related work and activities, students have the opportunity to team up with an MP and role play a parliamentary debate, which they are encouraged to use Parliamentary expressions and terms. The MP’s would alsotake tours ofclassrooms and laboratories and in some instances, even the farms of the agricultural department within respective compounds.In some cases students are treated to a virtual tour of the Public Buildings after which they would engage in a participative discussion about Members of Parliament and the National Assembly.

Students usually demonstrate great interest in Parliament and utilize the opportunity to field questions to all members of the delegation. Some frequently questions asked include:

• What is Parliament really?
• What is the work of a Member of Parliament and
• How does a person go about becoming one?
• How can a person go about getting Members of Parliament to raise a particular concern in the National Assembly?

At almost every school visited, pupils expressed the need for more initiatives of a similar nature, since most of them had never met an MP before and were overjoyed at this opportunity. Schools also use the opportunity to highlight their needs the

Bringing Parliament to Life for Young People serves as a platform to recommit MPs into a partnership with all Guyanese especially the school age youths to build a better life for all. It further serves to help build trust and confidence between the parliamentary parties,the people and the legislature, and more generally, in the institutions of governance.

If you wish to have Parliament visit a School in your Region, contact us via telephone number 227-1719 or email us at prpparliament@gmail.com.

News

A parliamentary team comprising Mr. John Adams, M.P., Mr. Adrian Anamayah, M.P., and Ms. Candacy Girard, Assistant Clerk of Committees will be in London from Monday 21-25 November 2016 to represent the National Assemble at the 65th Westminster Seminar on Parliamentary Practice and Procedure for first term-parliamentarians and newly appointed procedural/committee Clerks from across the Commonwealth. The annual Westminster Seminar is hosted by the CPA UK, and is its flagship capacity-building programme.

This week we will continue our conversation on the Financial Procedures of the National Assembly. Remember the Finance Minister is expected to present the National Budget later this month!

As the Executive, the Government is responsible for managing all the revenues of the State, including all payments for the public service. The Government, on the advice of its Ministers, makes the financial requirements of the country known to the National Assembly which, in return, authorises the necessary “aids” (taxes) and “supplies” (grants of money). No tax may be imposed or any money spent without the approval of Parliament.

The direct control of national finance is exercised at two levels. Firstly, Parliament must assent to all legislative measures which implement public policy and the National Assemblyauthorises both the amounts and objects or destination of all public expenditures. Secondly, through its review of the annual departmental performance reports, the Public Accounts and the reports of the Auditor General, the House ascertains that no expenditure was made other than those it had authorised. 

The practices and procedures which govern how Parliament deals with the nation’s finances are set out principally in the Article 216 Constitution, the Fiscal Management And Accountability Act 2003 Act, the rules of the National Assembly, and unwritten conventions.

The Financial Cycle

The fiscal year of Guyana runs from January 1 to December 31, annually.However, the planning for the fiscal year begins much earlier with the preparation of departmental expenditure plans, which are developed in accordance with the Government’s policies and budgetary priorities, and pre-budget consultations. The expenditure plans are submitted to the Assembly in their consolidated form as the “Main Estimates”. At the same time, the Ministryof Finance compiles the information received during the pre-budget consultations and preparing its economic forecasts. The Government’s efforts to reconcile its spending obligations and revenue projections are reflected in the Budget.

The Budget outlines the Government’s fiscal, social and economic policies and priorities, while the Estimates set out, in detail, its projected expenditure for the upcoming fiscal year.Under normal circumstances, the Main Estimates are tabled in the House within ninety days after the commencement of a year and submitted for concurrence by the House.

Should the Government require funds while waiting for, or in the absence of, income from taxes and other revenue sources, it will seek authority to borrow. Should there be a change in the Government’s requirements as set out in the Main Estimates, Parliament will be asked to approve “Supplementary” Estimates.

The tabling of the Public Accounts of Guyana and the Annual Report of the Auditor General and their review by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts completes the Government’s annual cycle of financial transactions.

Basic Financial Terms used in the National Assembly

Consolidated Fund: The account into which the deposits, taxes, tariffs, excises and other revenues are deposited by the Government,  once collected, and from which it withdraws the money it requires to cover its expenditures.

Supply: The process by which the Executive submits its projected annual expenditures (the Estimates) for parliamentary approval.

Borrowing Authority: The authorization required by the Executive to make up any shortfall between revenues and expenditure.

Ways and Means:The process by which Government sets out its economic policy (the Budget) and obtains necessary authority to raise revenues through taxation.

Public Accounts: The annual statement and review of the Government’s expenditure.

Hello Readers! We hope you had a wonderful weekend, and truly enjoyed the Diwali celebrations.         

Those of you who followed the last Sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday, October 27, would know that the National Assembly approved the estimates of expenditure (budget) for the Constitutional Agencies of Guyana. In this week’s publication, we will attempt to explain the process used in approving these estimates. The Finance Minister is expected to deliver his National Budget proposal later this year, after which the National Assembly will consider and pass it. It is only fitting, then, that we start a discussion with you about the financial procedures of the Parliament.

Estimates of Expenditure

• The Estimates of Revenues and Expenditure for a financial year are laid before the Assembly by a Minister before or within ninety days after the commencement of that year.At the Sitting at which the Estimates are presented to the Assembly or at any later Sitting, a Minister, after signifying the recommendation or the consent of the Cabinet may, without notice, move a motion for the approval of the Estimates of Expenditure.The presentation of this motionis the occasion for the Minister to make the Annual Financial Statement or Budget Speech.
• After the motion has been proposed, the House then hasnot less than two days to start the debate whichlasts for five days. Members are only allowed to speak on the financial and economic state of the country and the general principles of Government policy and administration as indicated by the Budget Speech and the Estimates.
• On conclusion of consideration of the Estimates in the Committee of Supply, the Assembly resumes without question put and the Minister reports to the Assembly.
• The motion for the approval of the Estimates is amended, if necessary, and put, without further debate, as moved or as amended, as the case may be.

 Committee of Supply

When considering financial matters, the House resolves itself into Committee- called the Committee of Supply.  The deliberations of this Committee are always public.

It is the duty of the Committee of Supply to consider the Estimates and Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure and Statements of Excesses presented to the Assembly.

Business Sub-Committee

There is a Sub-Committee of the Committee of Supply, known as the Business Sub-Committee. This Committee consists of the Speaker as Chairperson and not less than six (6) or more than ten (10) Members. It the duty of the Sub-Committee to consider the allocation of time for consideration of the Estimates of Expenditure in the Committee of Supply and to report to that Committee upon:-

• the number of Sittings to be allocated to the consideration of the Estimates;
• the allocation of the proceedings to be taken at each Sitting; and
• the time at which proceedings, if notpreviously brought to aconclusion, shall be concluded.

All resolutions of the Business Sub-Committee are reported to the Committee of Supply at the beginning of the next Sitting of that Committee and are printed and circulated with the Minutes of the Proceedings of the Committee.

The resolution (or resolutions) operates as a resolution of the Assembly, but if negatived the resolution (or resolutions) goes back to the Business Sub-Committee.

Approval of Estimates and Expenditure for Constitutional Agencies

The National Assembly adopted the followingprocedure, put forward by the BusinessSub-Committee, for the consideration of the budget proposalsof the Constitutional Agencies:

• The Assembly resolved itself into Committee of Supply to consider the budget proposals.
• The Speaker (Chairman of the Committee of Supply) proposed the amounts, that is, the total recurrent and capital for each agency.
• The Minister of Finance gave his comments and/or recommendations.
• Members were permitted to ask questions/make comments strictly in relation to the Minister’s proposals.
• The Speaker then proposed that the sum, current and capital, as recommended by the Minister of Finance, be approved for the agency.
• There was no debate on the budget proposals of the Constitutional Agencies.

The House approved, the following, Estimates of Expenditure of the Constitutional Agencies for the year 2017.

The Parliament office                                                             $1,519,506,000

Office of the Auditor General                                                 $754,910,000

Public and Police Service Commission                                  $91,603,000

Teaching Service Commission                                               $123,952,000

Guyana Elections Commission                                               $2,029,932,000

Supreme Court                                                                        $1,766,079,000

Office of the Ombudsman                                                      $48,311,000

Public Service Appellate Tribunal                                          $12,499,000

Ethnic Relations Commission                                                 $84,982,000

Judicial Service Commission                                                  $10,020,000

Indigenous Peoples’ Commission                                           $24’424,000

Human Rights Commission                                                    $34,110,000

Rights of the Child Commission                                             $41,581,000

Women and Gender Equality Commission                             $42,000,000

Public Procurement Commission                                            $76,200,000

Hello Readers! This week you will have the opportunity to know more about the proceedings of Committee Meetings.

Committee Meetings

Committees’ conduct their deliberations and make decisions within the framework of meetings. Meetings of Committees are held in specifically equipped rooms in the Parliament Building, but Committees may hold meetings elsewhere in Guyana. Committee Meetings are ordinarily held in private, however, Sectoral Committees and Public Accounts Committees may sit in Public.

Types of Meetings

The following are various forms meetings of Committees may take:

• Formal presentations by invited Members and officials;
• In camera meetings
• Round table discussions

Place of Meetings

Committees usually meet within the Public Buildings, but, if it becomes necessary, they can meet at any other place within Guyana with the consent of the Speaker.

Convening of Meetings

Meetings of all Committees are convened by the Chairperson except for the first Meeting of every Special Select Committee which is convened by the Speaker for the purpose of electing the Chairperson of the Committee.

Notice of Meetings

A Committee Meeting is convened by a notice sent to Members by the Clerk of the Committee no later than three days before the Meeting, unless the Committee, by agreement, adjourns to a date earlier than three days.

A Committee cannot meet while the National Assembly is sitting, unless leave is granted by the National Assembly to do so. However, a Committee may meet at any time when the Assembly is adjourned.

Quorum

Unless the Assembly otherwise directs, the quorum of a Committee, except the Parliamentary Management Committee and the Public Accounts Committee, is fixed at three. In ascertaining whether there is a quorum present, the Member in the Chair shall not be excluded.

The quorum of the Public Accounts Committee is three except that the Chairperson must be a Member of the main Opposition in the National Assembly.

A quorum for the Parliamentary Management Committee shall be five Members, two representing Government and two representing the Opposition and the Speaker or, in his or her absence the Deputy Speaker. If a Meeting which is convened cannot be held for the lack of a quorum, Members of the Committee shall be given forty eight hours notice of the holding of another Meeting at which other Meeting the Members present shall comprise a quorum provided at least one Member of the Opposition is present.

Conduct of Meetings

The rules of debate in Committees follow the rules for debate in the National Assembly as set out in the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.

• A Member may speak more than once on any question;

• There is no limitation on the length of speech; and
• The seconding of motions in unnecessary

Limiting time

Committees may impose their own limitation of time in order to complete an inquiry within the time line in their mandate.

Decision Making Process

Decisions in Committees are regularly made in an informal manner and by consensus. However, whenever there is disagreement, a division may be called and the Clerk of the Committee records the votes by asking each Member separately how he or she desires to vote. The Chairperson shall not have an original vote but in the event of an equality of votes he or she shall give a casting vote.

Hello Readers, this week we continue to shine a light on Guyana’s female legislators, by acquainting you with those women who served Guyana as Ministers in Government. Under the Guyana’s current electoral system, which was adopted after the amending of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act {Constitution (Amendment) Act No 3 of 2000 and Election Laws (Amendment) Act No. 15, 2000},  one third of the candidates put forward by political parties in National Elections should be women. The we are publishing today will show you that over the years Guyana’s Governments have steadily increased in the number of women Cabinet Ministers. Given that decision making bodies create the rules that affect people’s rights, behaviour and life choices, this has become increasingly important.

Women Government Ministers From 1957 to Present

Join us again next week as we conclude our focus on women in Parliament.

Greetings readers, we are pleased to have been receiving your feedback concerning our publication. In response to several queries we received, we will look, in this issue, at the types of Bills and enlighten you on who your geographical representatives are.

Types of Bills

There are two main categories of bills: public bills and private bills. While public bills deal with questions of national interest, the purpose of private bills is to grant powers, special rights or exemptions to a person or persons, including corporations.

Public Bills

Public bills may be initiated by a Minister, in which case they are referred to as “government bills”. They may also be initiated by private Members, in which case they are called “private Members’ bills”.

Government Bills

A government bill is the text of a legislative initiative that the government submits to Parliament to be approved, and possibly amended, before becoming law. Such bills relate to a matter of public interest and may include financial provisions.

Private Members’ Bills

A private Member’s bill is the text of a legislative initiative that is submitted to Parliament by a Member who is not a Minister or a Parliamentary Secretary to be approved, and possibly amended, before becoming law.

Debate on private Member’s bills usually takes place on the time set aside for “Private Members’ Business” on the Order Paper. Before this kind of bill can be taken up for debate by the House, it must have been placed on the Order Paper at least fourteen (14) days from the date on which written notice was given to the Clerk. 

Private Bills

The purpose of a private bill is to exempt a person or group of persons, including a corporate person, from the application of a statute. It may not be introduced by a Minister, and must be founded on a petition signed by the persons who are interested in promoting it. The distinction between a public bill and a private bill is primarily a function of the purpose of the bill.

Private bills before the House are dealt with as Private Members’ Business, since they are moved by Members who do not hold ministerial office. Private bills must go through the same stages as any other legislative measure.

Now let’s turn our attention to your queries concerning Geographical Representation

Under the current electoral system in Guyana, twenty five (25) Members of Parliament are elected from the ten (10) geographical constituencies.  These Members are referred to as“Geographic”  or  “Regional  MP’s”  that  is,  they  are  elected  as  representatives  of GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES,  which  means  that  they  represent  the  people living in one of the 10 Administrative Regions of Guyana. The distributions of the 25 seats as of the 11th Parliament.

Parliamentary Terms

We have also received several requests from you asking for clarification concerning different parliamentary terms. Because of the technical nature of these terms, and the fact that there was no single work directly related to the context of the Guyana Parliament, a Special Select Committee on the Draft Standing Orders in 2009, decided to draft a glossary to provide basic explanations and definitions in a readily accessible form. Much of the terminology employed in Guyana is based on that used in the Westminster system and is similar to that used in the other Commonwealth countries.Every week we will publish specific terminology which is used in the Assembly.

Adjournment: The period between the break of Assembly and the continuation of its sitting is called an ‘adjournment’.

Assent: When Bills have been finally agreed to (passed) they require the President’s “assent” (approval) to be declared an “Act of Parliament”. It takes the following form: I “assent” (signed) President.

Negative Resolution: In an Act, this expression, when used in relation to any regulation, means that the regulation shall be laid before the House within the prescribed period of time and may be annulled or approved by a resolution of the House introduced and passed in accordance with the Standing Orders.

Suspension: A pause during the course of a Sitting of the House. When the Sitting is suspended, the Speaker leaves the Chair and the Mace is removed from the table.