Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698074287714.pdf (Guyana)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE 79th SITTING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FIRST SESSION (2015-2017) OF THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA HELD AT 10.00 A.M., ON MONDAY, 11TH DECEMBER, 2017, IN THE PARLIAMENT CHAMBER, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, BRICKDAM, GEORGETOWN.

MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (69) Speaker (1) *Hon Dr. Barton U.A.
Scotland, O.R., C.C.H., M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT (36) (i) A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change (36) First Vice-President and Prime Minister (1) + Hon.

Moses V. Nagamootoo, J.P., M.P., First Vice-President and Prime Minister Other Vice-Presidents (3) + Hon.

Carl B. Greenidge, M.P., Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs +Hon.

Khemraj Ramjattan, M.P., Vice-President and Minister of Public Security +*Hon.
Sydney Allicock, M.S., M.P., Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs (1) + Hon.

Basil Williams, S.C., M.P., Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Senior Ministers (15) + Hon.

Amna Ally, M.P., Minister of Social Protection and Government Chief Whip + Hon.

Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph F. Harmon, M.S.M., M.P., Minister of State /…2 + Cabinet Member *Non-Elected Member 2.

+ Hon.
+ Hon.

Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, M.P., Minister of the Public Service + Hon.

Ronald A. Bulkan, M.P., Minister of Communities + Hon.

Dr. George A. Norton, M.P., Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport + Hon.

Winston D. Jordan, M.P., Minister of Finance + Hon.

Raphael G.C.

Trotman, M.P., Minister of Natural Resources + Hon.

Volda A. Lawrence, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister of Public Health + Hon.
David A. Patterson, M.P., Minister of Public Infrastructure + Hon.

Catherine A. Hughes, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister of Public Telecommunications +*Hon.

Winston G. Felix, D.S.M., M.P., Minister of Citizenship + Hon.

Hans Dominic Gaskin, M.P., Minister of Business +Hon.

Noel L. Holder, M.P., Minister of Agriculture +Hon.

Dawn Hastings-Williams, M.P.

(Region No.

7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Minister of Public Affairs +Hon.
Nicolette O. Henry, M.P., Minister of Education Ministers (7) *Hon.

Keith Scott, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Hon.

Annette N. Ferguson, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Hon.

Valerie Garrido-Lowe, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Hon.

Jaipaul Sharma, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister within the Ministry of Finance + Cabinet Member *Non-Elected Member /…3 Hon.

Dr. Karen Cummings, M.P.

(Region No.


4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister within the Ministry of Public Health 3.

Hon.

Simona Charles-Broomes, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Hon.

Valarie Patterson-Yearwood, M.P.

(Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), Minister within the Ministry of Communities Other Members (9) Ms. Jennifer J.

Wade, M.P.

(Region No.

5 – Mahaica/Berbice) Ms. Rajcoomarie Bancroft, M.P.

(Region No.

8 –Potaro/Siparuni) Mr. John Adams, M.P.

(Region No.
(Region No.

3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) Mr. Richard Allen, M.P.

(Region No.

1 – Barima/Waini) Mr. Michael Carrington, M.P.

Mr. Jermaine Figueira, M.P.

(Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Mr. Charrandas Persaud, M.P.

(Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne) Mr. Haimraj Rajkumar, M.P.

(Region No.

2 – Pomeroon/Supenaam) Mr. Audwin Rutherford, M.P.


MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITION (32) (i) People’s Progressive Party (32) Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, M.P., Leader of the Opposition Mr. Clement J. Rohee, M.P.

Ms. Gail Teixeira, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip /…4 4.

Mr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, M.P.

(Region No.

3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) Mr. Mohabir A. Nandlall, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Ms. Priya D. Manickchand, M.P.

(Region No.

5 – Mahaica/Berbice) Dr. Frank C.S.

Anthony, M.P.


Ms. Pauline Campbell-Sukhai, M.P.

Mr. Odinga Lumumba, M.P.

Bishop Juan A. Edghill, M.S., J.P., M.P., (Suspended for 4(four) Sittings from Monday 11th to Friday 15th, December, 2017) Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, M.P.

Dr. Vindhya V. Persaud, M.S., M.P.

Ms. Indranie Chandarpal, M.P.

Mr. Joseph L.F. Hamilton, M.P.

Mr. Collin D. Croal, M.P.

(Region No.

1 – Barima/Waini) Ms. Gillian R. Burton-Persaud, M.P.

(Region No.
(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Dr. Bheri S. Ramsaran, M.P.

Dr. Jennifer Westford, M.P.

(Region No.

7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni) Ms. Africo Selman, M.P.

Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P.

(Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne) Mr. Ganga Persaud, M.P.

Ms. Yvonne Pearson- Fredericks, M.P.

Mr. Neendkumar, J.P., M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) /…5 5.

Mr. Komal Chand, C.C.H., J.P., M.P.

(Region No.3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) Dr. Vishwa D.B.

Mahadeo, M.P.

(Region No.


6 – East Berbice/Corentyne) Mr. Cornel Damon, M.P.

(Region No.

2 – Pomeroon/Supenaam) Mr. Alister S. Charlie, M.P.

(Region No.

9 – Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) Mr. Nigel D. Dharamlall, M.P.

Mr. Adrian V. Anamayah, M.P.

Mr. Harry Gill, M.P.

Ms. Bhagmattie Veerasammy, M.P.

Mr. Vickram O. Bharrat, M.P.


Officers (2) Mr. Sherlock E. Isaacs, A.A., Clerk of the National Assembly Ms. Hermina Gilgeours, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly COMMENCEMENT OF SITTING The Sitting commenced at 10.12 a.m. PRAYERS The Clerk read Prayers.
PUBLIC BUSINESS - (i) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MOTION BUDGET SPEECH 2018 – MOTION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR 2018 The Assembly resolved itself into Committee of Supply to consider the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2018.

(Moved by the Minister of Finance on 2017-11-27) In Committee of Supply 6.
The following Agencies and Programmes in the Estimates of Expenditure were considered and approved by the Committee as presented with the respective amounts allocated thereto: 05 – MINISTRY OF THE PRESIDENCY Current Expenditure 051 Policy Development and Administration 052 Defence and National Security 053 Public Service Management 055 Citizenship and Immigration Services 056 Social Cohesion 057 Environmental Management and Compliance 058 Cultural Perseveration and Conservation 059 Youth 05A Sport SUSPENSION OF SITTING At 12.30 p.m., the Speaker suspended the Sitting due to grave misconduct by Bishop Juan Edghill.
RESUMPTION OF SITTING At 10.43 a.m. on Tuesday, 12th December, 2017, the 79th Sitting of the Assembly was resumed.

Assembly resumed Motion For The Suspension Of Bishop Juan Edghill From The Service Of The Assembly The Speaker informed Members that due to grave misconduct by Bishop Juan Edghill the Assembly was unable to continue with its business for the remainder of yesterday.

Thereafter, in accordance with Standing Order No.


47 (3), the Speaker called on a Minister to move a motion for the suspension of Bishop Juan Edghill from the service of the Assembly.

/…7 7.

The Minister of Social Protection and Government Chief Whip, in accordance with Standing Order No.

47 (2) and (3), moved a motion for the suspension of Bishop Juan Edghill from the service of the Assembly for four (4) consecutive Sittings for disregarding the authority of the Chair.
The motion was then put and carried.

The Assembly resolved itself into Committee of Supply to consider the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2018.

The Speaker informed Members that due to the lapse of time during the course of yesterday, the Agencies which were scheduled to be completed on Monday, 11th December, 2018, will be voted on without questions being asked by Members.
In Committee of Supply The following Agencies and Programmes in the Estimates of Expenditure were considered and approved by the Committee as presented with the respective amounts allocated thereto: 05 – MINISTRY OF THE PRESIDENCY Capital Expenditure 051 Policy Development and Administration While the Assembly was considering the budget for Agency - Ministry of the Presidency, the Members of the People’s Progressive Party withdrew from the Chamber.
The following Agencies and Programmes in the Estimates of Expenditure were considered and approved by the Committee as presented with the respective amounts allocated thereto: 05 – MINISTRY OF THE PRESIDENCY Capital Expenditure 052 Defence and National Security 053 Public Service Management /…8 8.
055 Citizenship and Immigration Services 056 Social Cohesion 057 Environmental Management and Compliance 058 Cultural Perseveration and Conservation 059 Youth 05A Sport 53-GUYANA DEFENCE FORCE Current Expenditure 531 Defence and Security Support Capital Expenditure 531 Defence and Security Support 02 – OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER Current Expenditure 021 Prime Minister’s Secretariat Capital Expenditure 021 Prime Minister’s Secretariat 25 – MINISTRY OF BUSINESS Current Expenditure 251 Policy Development and Administration 252 Business Development, Support and Promotion 253 Consumer Protection 254 Tourism Development and Promotion Capital Expenditure 251 Policy Development and Administration 252 Business Development, Support and Promotion 254 Tourism Development and Promotion 21 – MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE Current Expenditure 211 Ministry Administration 213 Fisheries 214 Hydrometeorological Services /…9 9.
Capital Expenditure 211 Ministry Administration 212 Crops and Livestock Support Services 213 Fisheries 214 Hydrometeorological Services 26 – MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES Current Expenditure 261 Policy Development and Administration While the Assembly was considering the budget for Agency – Ministry of Natural Resources, the Members of the Opposition returned to the Chamber.
26 – MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES Current Expenditure 262 Natural Resource Management 264 Petroleum Management Capital Expenditure 261 Policy Development and Administration 17 – MINISTRY OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S AFFAIRS Current Expenditure 171 Policy Development and Administration Capital Expenditure 171 Policy Development and Administration Assembly resumed SUSPENSION OF SITTING At 1.17 p.m., the Sitting was suspended for refreshments.

/…10 10.

RESUMPTION OF SITTING At 2.25 p.m., the Sitting was resumed.
The Assembly resolved itself into Committee of Supply to consider the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2018.
In Committee of Supply The following Agencies and Programmes in the Estimates of Expenditure were considered and approved by the Committee as presented with the respective amounts allocated thereto: 52 – MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS Current Expenditure 521 Main Office 522 Ministry Administration 523 Attorney General’s Chambers 524 State Solicitor Capital Expenditure 521 Main Office 522 Ministry Administration 523 Attorney General’s Chambers 524 State Solicitor 32 – MINISTRY OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE Current Expenditure 321 Policy Development and Administration 322 Public Works 323 Transport Capital Expenditure 321 Policy Development and Administration 322 Public Works 323 Transport Assembly resumed /…11 11.
SUSPENSION OF SITTING At 6.25 p.m., the Sitting was suspended for refreshments.

RESUMPTION OF SITTING At 7.33 p.m., the Sitting was resumed.

The Assembly resolved itself into Committee of Supply to consider the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2018.
In Committee of Supply The following Agencies and Programmes in the Estimates of Expenditure were considered and approved by the Committee as presented with the respective amounts allocated thereto: 42 - MINISTRY OF COMMUNITIES Current Expenditure 421 Sustainable Communities Management 422 Sustainable Communities Development Capital Expenditure 421 Sustainable Communities Management 422 Sustainable Communities Development 71 – REGION NO.
1: BARIMA/WAINI Current Expenditure 711 Regional Administration and Finance SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER NO.

10(1) At 9.58 p.m., the First Vice-President and Prime Minister moved that Standing Order No.

10(1) be suspended to enable the Assembly to continue and conclude consideration of the budget for Region No.

1 – Barima/Waini.

/…12 12.

71 – REGION NO.


1: BARIMA/WAINI Current Expenditure 712 Public Infrastructure 713 Education Delivery 714 Health Services Capital Expenditure 711 Regional Administration and Finance 712 Public Infrastructure 713 Education Delivery 714 Health Services Assembly resumed.

ADJOURNMENT At 10.30 p.m., on a motion by the First Vice-President and Prime Minister, the Assembly was adjourned to 10.00 a.m., on Wednesday, 13th December, 2017.

………………………………………………………………….. HON.


DR. BARTON U.A.

SCOTLAND, O.R., C.C.H., M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly PARLIAMENT OFFICE, Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown.

12th December, 2017