Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694252992685.pdf (Guyana)
SECOND PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA ..11.0.1••••••• FIRST SESSION 1969 al MINUTES of the Proceedings of the 54th Sitting of the Nationthe Assembly under the Constitution of Guyana, held in Parliament Chamber at the Public Buildings, Georgetown, Demerara, AT 2.00 P.M. on THURSDAY, 18TH DECEMBER, 1969 PRESENT: His Honour the Speaker, Mr. R.B.

Gajraj, C.B.E., J.P. Members of the Government (a) (i) Ministers The Honourable L.F.S.

Burnham, Q.C., Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable P.A.
Reid, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance The Honourable R.J. Jordan, Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources The Honourable M. Kasim, Minister of Communications The Honourable H.D.

Hoyte, Minister of Home Affairs The Honourable W.G.

Carrington, Minister of Labour and Social Security Mrs. the Honourable S.M.

Patterson, Minister of Education The Honourable B. Ramsarcop, Minister of Housing and Reconstruction The Honourable 5.5.
Ramphal, C.M.G., Q.C., Attorney- General and Minister of State The Honourable M.W.

Carter, Minister of Information Parliamentary Secretaries (ii) Mr. J.G.
Joaquin, O.B.E., J.P., Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Finance Mr. P. Duncan, Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister Mr. W. Haynes, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Works and Hydraulics Mr. A. Salim, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Mr. J.R. Thomas, Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister 2.

(iii) Other Members Mr. O.E.

Clarke, Deputy Speaker Mr. J.N.

Aaron Miss M.M.

Ackman Mr. K. Bancroft Mr. J. Budhoo, J.P. Mr. L.I.
Chan-A-Sue Mr. E.F. Correia Mr. M. Corrica Mr. E.H.A.

Fowler Mrs. P.A.

Limerick Mr. S.M.

Saffee Mr. D.A.

Singh Mr. R.C.

Van Sluytman Mr. C.E.

Wrights Mr. M. Zaheeruddeen, J.P. (b) Members of the Opposition Mr. Ram Karran Mr. R. Chandisingh Dr. F.H.W.

Ramsahoye Mr. D.C. Jagan Mr. E.M.G.

Wilson Mr. G.H.

Lall Mr. M.Y.

Ally Mr. R.D.

Persaud, J.P. Mr. E.M. Stoby Mr. R. Ally Mr. E.L. Ambrose Mrs. L.M.

Branco Mr. Balchand Persaud Mr. Bhola Persaud Mr. I.R.

Remington, J.P. Mrs. R.P.


Sahoye Mr. V. Teekah Mrs. E. DaSilva Mr. M.F.

Singh Mr. J.A.

Sutton Mr. R.E.

Cheeks Clerk of the National Assembly Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly - Mr. F.A.

Narain - Mr. M.B.

Henry Absent: The Honourable N.J. Bissember, Minister of Trade and Parliamentary Affairs The Honourable H 2 O. Jack, Minister without Portfolio The Honourable H. Green, Minister of Works and Hydraulics Dr. the Honourable Sylvia Talbot, Minister of Health - on leave Dr. C.B.
Jagan, Leader of the Opposition - on leave on leave Mr.

A.M. Hamid, J.P. PRAYERS The Clerk read Prayers.

3, ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER Leave His Honour the Speaker announced that leave had been granted to — (a) Mr. Bissember from 17th to 24th December, and that his duties as Leader of the House would be carried out by the Minister of Education; and (b) Mr. Lall for two weeks from the 11th of December, 1.969.

PRESENTATION OF PAPERS AND REPORTS ETC.


(1) By the Minister of Finance: (a) Customs Duties (Amendment)(No.

7) Order, 1969 (No.

54), made under section 8 of the Customs Ordinance, Chapter 309, on the 27th of November, 1969, and published in the Gazette on the 6th of December, 1969.

(b) Report on the operation of the Guyana Credit Corporation for the years ended 30th June, 1966, and 30th June, 1967.
(G. 359/54)(Circulated) (2) By the ELlittpsRfligagliIture and Natural Resources: Fisheries (Amendment) Regulations, 1969 (No.

31), made under section33 of the Fisheries Ordinance, 1956 (No.

30), on the 2nd of December, 1969, and published in the Gazette on the 6th of December, 1969.
(AGR: 201/17/1 )(Circulated) II (3) 1iy the Minister of Education on behalf of the Wnister of Labour and Socigl SecurAty: (a) National Insurance and Social Security (Benefit) Regulations, 1969, made under sections 14, 20, 21, 39 and 51 of the National Insurance and Social Security Act, 1969 (No.

15), on the 15th of December, 1969.


( 68/5 III) (b) National Insurance and Social Security (industrial Benefit) Regulations, 1969, made under sections 12, 14, 20, 21, 23, 24, 39 and 51 of the National Insurance and Social Security Act, 1969 (No.

15), on the 15th of December, 1969.

( 68/5 III) (c) National Insurance and Social Security (Industrial Benefit Medical Care) Regulations, 1969, made under sections 19, 20, 21, 24 and 51 of the National Insurance and Social Security Act, 1969 (No.
51), on the 15th of ( 6e/5 III) December, 1969.

 .

• 4.

(d) National Insurance and Social Security (Medical Certification) Regulations, 1969, made under section 51 of the National Insurance and Social Security Act, 1969 (No.

15), on the 15th of December, 1969.

( 68/5 III) (e) National Insurance and Social Security (Collection of Contributions), (Amendment) Regulations, 1969, made under sections 13, 16, 17, 18 and 51 of the National Insurance and Social Security Act, 1969 (No.
15), on the 15th of December, 1969.

( 68/5 III) REQUESTS FOR LEAVE TO MOVE THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE ASS MBLY ON MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE Trial of Gu anese students charged Dr. Ramsahoye sought leave to move the adjournment of the Assembly to discuss the question of a speedy trial for the Guyanese students who were charged criminally in Canada in connection with student unrest arising out of allegations of racial discrimination at Sir George' Williams University.
The Speaker refused to allow the claim as he was satisfied that the matter was not definite, urgent and of public importance to be properly raised on a motion for the adjournment of the Assembly.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS GEORGETOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (AMENDMENT) BILL, 1969 - (Bill No.
29/,969 published 29.11.69, 6.12.69 & 13.12.69) Leave having been granted by the Assembly on the 20th of November, 1969, for the Promoters to proceed with the Private Bill intituled AN ACT FURTHER TO AMEND THE GEORGETOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ORDINANCE, Mr. D.A.

Singh formally presented the Bill to the Assembly.

The question that the Bill be read the first time was put and carried.
PUBLIC BUSINESS BILL - Second Reading ITEM 1 - PENSIONS (GOVERNOR-GENERAL PARLIAMENTARY AND SPECIAL OFFICES) BILL 1969 - Bill No, 31969 published 11.12.69 In accordance with article 80(2) of the Constitution, the Minister of Finance signified the Cabinet's recommendation and moved the second reading of the following Bill: A BILL intituled AN ACT TO MAKE PROVISION FOR THE PAYMENT OF SUPERANNUATION BENEFITS IN RESPECT OF SERVICE IN THE OFFICES OF GOVERNOR- GENERAL AND PRIME MINISTER AND IN OTHER PARLIAMENTARY AND SPECIAL OFFICES.
5.

Mr. Ram Karran, Mr. Lall, Mr. Wilson, Mr. M.F.

Singh, Mr. M.Y.

Ally, Dr, Ramsahoye and the Attorney-General and Minister of State spoke to the motion.

Thereafter, the motion was put and carried.

The Bill was then read a second time.

Further consideration was deferred.
MOTIONS ITEM 2 - MOTION TO APPROVE OF RA SING OF LOAN FROM GOVERNMENT OF CANADA In accordance with article 80(2) of the Constitution, the Minister of Finance signified the Cabinet's recommendation and moved the following motion: WHEREAS for the purposes of the Development Programme of Guyana for the period 1966 to 1972, as amended, the sum of $1,700,000 (Canada) is required for the acquisition of two aircraft, together with certain services, materials and equipment, for the Guyana Airways Corporation; AND WHEREAS it is necessary to raise a loan in the sum of $1,700,000 (Canada) for the purpose aforesaid; AND WHEREAS the Government of Canada is willing to make available a loan forthe purpose aforesaid in the sum of $1,700,000 (Canada) equivalent approximately to $3,100,000 (Guyana) free from interest and repayable in eighty semi-annual instalments of $21,250 (Canada) each due and payable on the last day of March and September in each year commencing on 31st March, 1980 and ending on 30th September, 2019: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly in pursuance of section 4 of the Public Loan Ordinance, 1966, as it has effect by virtue of section 5 of the Guyana Independence Order 1966, approve of the raising, from the Government of Canada, for the acquisition of two aircraft together with certain services, materials, and equipment for the Guyana Airways Corporation, of a loan in the sum of $1,700,000 (Canada) free from interest, commit- ment or service charges and repayable in eighty semi-annual
 instalments of $21,250 (Canada) each due and payable on the last day of March and September in each year commencing on 31st March, 1980, and ending on 30th September, 2019.
Mr. Balchand Persaud spoke to the motion.

Thereafter the motion was put and carried.

6.

ITEM 3 - MOTION TO AMEND THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE PERIOD 1966 to 1972 The Minister of Finance moved the following motion: WHEREAS the Development Programme of Guyana for the period 1966 to 1972 was approved by Resolution No.

LXXIV of the House of Assembly of 25th April, 1966; AND WHEREAS it is provided by sect:..

.
:' of the Public Loan Ordinance, 1966; as it has effect by virtue of section 5 of the Guyana Independence Order 1966, that any modification, amendment, or extension of, and substitution for, the said Development Programme may be approved by the National Assembly; AND WHEREAS it is necessary to amend the said Develop- ment Programme so as to provide for additional capital expenditure as detailed as follows: $8.3 million to implement a programme of aid to Civil Aviation in Guyana: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly in pursuance of section 3 of the, Public Loan Ordinance, 1966, approve of the amendment of the Development Programme for the period 1966 to 1972 as afore- said.
Mr. Ram Karran spoke to the motion.

Thereafter the Minister of Finance replied.

The motion was then put and carried.

ITEM 4 - MOTION TO CONFIRM CUSTOMS DUTIES AMENDMENT) (NO.

7) ORDER 1969 (NO.
7) ORDER 1969 (NO.

54) In accordance with article 80(2) of the Constitution, the Minister of Finance signified the Cabinet's recommendation and moved the following motion, which was put and carried: BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly, in terms of section 9 of the Customs Ordinance, Chapter 309, confirm Customs Duties (Amendment)(No.

7) Order, 1969 (No.

54), which was made on the 27th of November, 1969, and published in the Gazette on the 6th of December, 1969.
SUSPENSION OF SITTING At 4.03 p.m. the sitting was suspended for tea.

RESUMPTION OF SITTING At 4.39 p.m. the sitting was resumed.

7.

ITEM 5 - MOTION TO CONFIRM FISHERIES AMENDMENT REGULATIONS, 1969 No.

31) The following motion by the Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources was put and carried: BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly in terms of section 33(3) of the Fisheries Ordinance, 1956, (No.

30), confirm the Fisheries (Amendment) Regulations, 1969 (No.
31), which were made an the 2nd of December, 1969, and published in the Gazette on the 6th of December, 1969.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER NO.

23(1) On a motion by the Minister of Education, Standing Order No.

23(1) was suspended to enable the Assembly to consider the motions published that day on Notice Papers Nos.

80, 81 and 82.

ITEM 6 - MOTION TO AUTHORISE THE GOVERNMENT TO GUARANTEE OVER- DRAFT FACILITIES OF $2M.
FOR THE GUYANA ELECTRICITY CORPORATION In accordance with article 80(2) of the Constitution, the Minister of Finance signified the Cabinet's recommendation and moved the following motion: WHEREAS the Guyana Electricity Corporation, the Commonwealth Development Corporation, and the Govern- ment have agreed that the present Management Agree- ment between the Guyana Electricity Corporation and the Commonwealth Development Corporation, should come to an end; AND WHEREAS it is necessary, as a preliminary, to pay off the existing loan of aplroximately $2 m. owed by the G.E.C.
to the C.D.C.

: AND WHEREAS it is projected to do this with funds provided by Barclays Bank D.C.O., subject to a Govern- ment guarantee of repayment: BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly do authorise the Government to guarantee overdraft facilities up to a limit of $2 m. to be provided by Barclays Bank for the Guyana Electricity Corporation.

Mr. Ram Karran spoke to the motion.

Thereafter, the Minister of Finance replied.

The motion was then put and carried.

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.

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8.
ITEM - MOTION TO AUTHORISE THE GOVERNMENT TO EXTEND ITS GUARANTEE OF OVERDRAFT OF 1.5M IN RELATION TO THE TRADES UNION COUNCIL CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING SOCIETY LIMITED The Minister of Finance moved the following motion: WHEREAS by Resolution XI of 11th October, 1966, this National Assembly approved that Government should guarantee overdraft facilities to a limit of 1 million dollars for the purpose of interim financing of the housing project undertaken by the Trades Union Council Co-operative Housing Society Limited, for a period of two years frOm the first advance to the Society; AND WHEREAS by Resolution XLII of 12th July, 1968, this Assembly authorised an increase in the overdraft limit to 1.5 million dollars; AND WHEREAS the guarantee period has expired; AND WHEREAS the Bank is prepared to continue the existing overdraft facilities until completion of the project, provided that Government extends its guarantee for a like period: BE IT RESOLVED: That this Assembly do authorise the Government to extend its guarantee of overdraft facilities to a limit of 1.5 million dollars in relation to the aofrementioned housing project until such time as the project is completed.
Mr. Chandisingh and Mr. Lall spoke to the motion: Thereafter, the Minister of Finance replied.

The motion was then put and carried.

ITEM 8 - MOTION TO EXTEND THE NEW AMSTERDAM ELECTRIC LIGHTING ORDER 1900 The Minister of Finance moved the following motion: BE IT RESOLVED: That the New Amsterdam Electric Lighting Order, 1900, as amended from time to time be extended for a period of one (1) year up to and including 31st December, 1970.

Mr. Lall spoke to the motion.


Thereafter, the motion was put and carried.

9.

ADJOURNMENT At 5.35 p.m., on a motion by the Minister of Education, to 2.00 p.m. on Monday� 22nd December, was adjourned the Assembly 1969.

Speaker OFFICE, PARLIAMENT Public Buildings, Georgetown.

1969.

19th December,