Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698074505886.pdf (Guyana)
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FIRST SESSION (2020-2021) OF THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE CO-OPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA HELD IN THE DOME OF THE ARTHUR CHUNG CONFERENCE CENTRE, LILIENDAAL, GREATER GEORGETOWN 27TH Sitting Thursday, 4TH March, 2021 The Assembly convened at 10.34 a.m. Prayers [Mr. Speaker in the Chair] MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (71) Speaker (1) *Hon.
Manzoor Nadir, M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly, Parliament Office, Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown.

MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT (38) (i) MEMBERS OF THE PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY/CIVIC (PPP/C) (38) Prime Minister (1) + Hon.

Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips, M.S.S., M.P., Prime Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Colgrain House, 205 Camp Street, Georgetown.

Vice-President (1) + Hon.

Bharrat Jagdeo, M.P., [Absent] Vice-President, Office of the President, New Garden Street, Georgetown.
+ Cabinet Member * Non-Elected Speaker Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs (1) + Hon.

Mohabir Anil Nandlall, M.P., Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Legal Affairs, Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Senior Ministers (17) + Hon.

Gail Teixeira, M.P., (Region No.

7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance.

Government Chief Whip, Office of the Presidency, New Garden Street, Georgetown.

+ Hon.
+ Hon.

Hugh H. Todd, M.P., (Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lot 254 South Road, Georgetown.

+*Hon.

Dr. Ashni K. Singh, M.P., Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Ministry of Finance, Main & Urquhart Streets, Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Bishop Juan A. Edghill, M.S., J.P., M.P., Minister of Public Works, Ministry of Public Works, Wight’s Lane, Kingston, Georgetown.

+ Hon.
+ Hon.

Dr. Frank C. S. Anthony, M.P., Minister of Health, Ministry of Health, Brickdam, Georgetown.

+ Cabinet Member * Non-Elected Minister + Hon.

Priya D. Manickchand, M.P., (Region No.

3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Minister of Education, Ministry of Education, Lot 26 Brickdam, Georgetown.

+ *Hon.

Brindley H.R.

Benn, M.P., Minister of Home Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Brickdam, Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P., Region No.


6 – East Berbice/Corentyne), Minister of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Regent and Vlissengen Road, Bourda, Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Pauline R.A. Campbell-Sukhai, M.P., Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Lot 251-252 Thomas & Quamina Streets, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Joseph L.F. Hamilton, M.P., Minister of Labour, Ministry of Labour, Brickdam, Georgetown.

+ Cabinet Member * Non-Elected Minister + Hon.


Vickram Outar Bharrat, M.P., Minister of Natural Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources, Lot 96 Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

+*Hon.

Oneidge Walrond, M.P., Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Lot 229 South Road, Bourda, Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Nigel D. Dharamlall, M.P., (Region No.


2 – Pomeroon/Supenaam), Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, DeWinkle Building, Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Collin D. Croal, M.P., (Region No.

1 – BarimaWaini), Minister of Housing and Water, Ministry of Housing and Water, Brickdam, Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Vindhya V. H. Persaud, M.S., M.P., (Region No.


4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Lot 357 East and Lamaha Streets Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Charles S. Ramson, M.P., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Main Street, Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Sonia Savitri Parag, M.P., Minister of the Public Service, Ministry of the Public Service, 164 Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown.
+ Cabinet Member * Non-Elected Minister Junior Ministers (4) Hon.

Warren Kwame E. McCoy, M.P., Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Office of the Prime Minister, c/o Colgrain House, 205 Camp Street, Georgetown.

Hon.

Deodat Indar, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Public Works, Wight’s Lane, Kingston, Georgetown.

Hon.
Hon.

Anand Persaud, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

Hon.

Susan M. Rodrigues, M.P., (Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Ministry of Housing and Water, Lot 41 Brickdam & United Place, Stabroek, Georgetown.

Other Members (14) Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, M.P., Lot 71 BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara.
Mr. Alister S. Charlie, M.P., (Region No.

9 – Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), 148 Lethem, Central Rupununi, c/o Freedom House, 41 Robb Street, Georgetown.

Dr. Vishwa D.B.

Mahadeo, M.P., Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne), Lot 4 Public Road, No.

66 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Mr. Sanjeev J. Datadin, M.P., Lot 60 Section ‘K’, John Street, Campbellville, Georgetown.

Mr. Seepaul Narine, M.P., Lot 321 BB Seventh Street, Eccles, East Bank Demerara.
Mrs. Yvonne Pearson-Fredericks, M.P., Mainstay Lake/Whyaka Village, Mainstay Lake, Essequibo Coast, c/o Freedom House, 41 Robb Street, Georgetown.

Dr. Bheri S. Ramsaran, M.P., Lot 340 East Street, South Cummingsburg, c/o Freedom House, 41 Robb Street, Georgetown.

Dr. Jennifer R.A. Westford, M.P., 55 AA Victoria Avenue, Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Mr. Faizal M. Jaffarally, M.P., (Region No.

5 – Mahaica/Berbice), Lot 16-30 New Street, New Amsterdam.

c/o Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown.


Dr. Tandika S. Smith, M.P., (Region No.

3 - Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Lot 290 Area ‘J’, Tuschen, North, East Bank Essequibo.

Mr. Lee G.H.

Williams, M.P., Paruima Upper Mazaruni, c/o Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown.

*Ms. Sarah Browne, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Lot 251-252 Thomas & Quamina Streets, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown.
*Mr. Vikash Ramkissoon, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Regent and Vlissengen Road, Bourda, Georgetown.

Ms. Bhagmattie Veerasammy, M.P., Lot 32 Crown Dam, Industry, East Coast Demerara.

MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITION (32) (i) A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) (31) Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph F. Harmon, M.S.M., M.P., Leader of the Opposition, Lot 99 Mazaruni Street, Guyhoc Park, Georgetown.
Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, M.P., Lot 10 Delph Street, Campbelville, Georgetown.

Mr. Roysdale A. Forde, S.C., M.P., Lot 410 Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Mr. Raphael G.C.

Trotman, M.P., [Virtual Participation] Lot 3202 Pricese 3, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Ms.

Dawn Hastings-Williams, M.P., Lot 933 Block 1, Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Dr. Nicolette O. Henry, M.P., Lot 2227 Ozama Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Dr. Karen R.V.
Dr. Karen R.V.

Cummings, M.P., Lot 2 Belfield Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara.

Ms. Tabitha J. Sarabo-Halley, M.P., Lot 3382 Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown.

Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond, M.P., Lot 48 Atlantic Ville, Georgetown.

Mr. Christopher A. Jones, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip, Lot 609 Conciliation Street, Tucville, Georgetown.

Ms. Annette N. Ferguson, M.P., Lot 842 Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Mr. David A. Patterson, M.P., Lot 151 Durbana Square, Lamaha Gardens, Georgetown.
Ms. Coretta A. McDonald, A.A., M.P., Lot 202 N, Fourth Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown.

Ms. Catherine A. Hughes, M.P., (Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Lot 13 A, New Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Mr. Haimraj B. Rajkumar, M.P., Lot 18 Public Road, Johanna Cecilia, (Region # 2 Essequibo Coast).

Ms. Amanza O.R.

Walton-Desir, M.P., Lot 1285 EE Eccles Sugarcane Field, East Bank Demerara.

Ms. Natasha Singh-Lewis, M.P., Lot 1110 Plot ‘B’, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara.
Mr. Sherod A. Duncan, M.P., Lot 590 Good Hope, East Coast Demerara.

Ms. Juretha V. Fernandes, M.P., Lot 1282 Block EE, Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Mr. Vincent P. Henry, M.P., (Region No.

9 – Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), Shulidnab Village, South Central, Rupununi.

(Culvert City Lethem) Mr. Ronald Cox, M.P., (Region No.

1 – Barima Waini), Mabaruma Compound.

Mr. Shurwayne F.K.

Holder, M.P., (Region No.

2 – Pomeroon/Supenaam), Lot 55 Henrietta, Essequibo Coast.
Mr. Ganesh A. Mahipaul, M.P., Lot 14 Plantain Walk, West Bank Demerara.

Ms. Nima N. Flue-Bess, M.P., (Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Lot 88 Nelson Street, Mocha Village, East Bank Demerara.

Ms. Maureen A. Philadelphia, M.P., (Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Lot 17 Block 1, Section F, Plantation Belfield, East Coast Demerara.

Mr. Deonarine Ramsaroop, M.P., (Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Lot 40 Block 3 Craig Milne, Cove & John, East Coast Demerara.

Mr. Vinceroy H. Jordan, M.P., (Region No.


5 – Mahaica/Berbice), Lot 214 Lovely Lass Village, West Coast Berbice.

C/o Christopher Jones Mr. Dineshwar N. Jaiprashad, M.P., Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne), Lot 80 Babu John Road, Haswell, Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice.

Mr. Richard E. Sinclair, M.P., (Region No.

8 –Potaro/Siparuni) Church Street Mahdia.

Lot 4 Public Road, Stewartville, West Coast Demerara.

Mr. Jermaine Figueira, M.P., (Region No.


10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), Lot 136 2nd Street, Silvertown, Wismar, Linden.

Mr. Devin L. Sears, M.P., (Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), Lot 90, Section C, Wismar, Linden.

(ii) A New and United Guyana, Liberty and Justice Party and The New Movement (ANUG, LJP & TNM) (1) Mr. Lenox R. O’Dell Shuman, M.P., Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Soesdyke Linden Highway.
Officers (2) Mr. Sherlock E. Isaacs, A.A., Clerk of the National Assembly, Parliament Office, Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown.

Ms. Hermina Gilgeours, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Parliament Office, Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown.
Hansard Division Officers (20) Reporter Reporter Ms. Bianca Cummings, Mr. Rohan Ramjas, Reporter Ms. Nadeila Allen, Ms. Eyoka Gibson, Reporter Ms. Lushonn Bess, Ms. Allison Connelly, Chief Editor Ms. Marlyn Jeffers-Morrison, Senior Editor Ms. Shawnel Cudjoe, Senior Editor (ag) Ms. Latoiah Joseph, Senior Editor (ag) Ms. Carol Bess, Editor Ms. Shevona Telford, Editor (ag) Reporter Ms. Christina Ramroop, Mr. Parmanand Singh, Editor (ag) Ms. Tesia Ellis, Reporter Audio Technician Ms. Indranie Persaud, Mr. Daison Horsham, Reporter Ms. Roseina Singh, Reporter Ms. Somna Karen-Muridall, Reporter Pre –Press Technician Mr. Saeed Umrao, Reporter Ms. Celisa DeFlorimonte, Audio Technician TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents Page 27TH Sitting Thursday, 4TH March, 2021 Announcements by the Speaker ............................................................................................................................................ 3545 Oral Questions Without Notice ............................................................................................................................................. 3546 Public Business – Government Business ……….………………………...……..…………...…………………........ 3547-3580 Appropriation Bill - Budget Debate ............................................................................................................................. 3549-3581 Introduction of Bills & 1st Reading ………………………………………………………………………………...……… 3582 Bills – 2nd & 3rd Readings - Capital Gains Tax (Amt) Bill 2021 – Bill No.
5/2021 .................................................... 3583-3585 MOTION - Confirmation of the Customs - (Amt of 1st Schedule) Order 2021 – No.
5/2021 ..................................... 3586-3587 Public Business – Committee Business ................................................................................................................................. 3588 MOTION – Adoption 1st Report – Standing COA – Appointment – Member to the JSC .................................................... 3589 Adjournment - ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3590 3545 Announcements by the Speaker 4th March, 2021 Oral Questions Without Notice 3546 ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER Change in Seating Arrangements Mr. Speaker: Hon.
Members, you would see a change, from today, in the seating arrangement on the Government side.

The Hon.

Member, Minister Susan Rodrigues and the Hon.

Member, Minister Kwame Mc Coy, have exchanged seats.

You would see them in new positions as of today.

PRESENTATION OF PAPERS AND REPORTS The following Papers were laid: (1) The Civil Aviation (Health – Safety Measures for the Airports and Aircrafts during a Public Health Pandemic) Regulations 2021 – No.

3 of 2021.
3 of 2021.

[Minister of Public Works] (2) The Value -Added Tax (Amendment of Schedules I and II) Order 2021 -No.

6 of 2021.

[Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance] ORAL QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Member Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, you have the floor.


in view of Mr. Ramjattan: Mr. Speaker, the ugly developments concerning the Venezuelan fighter jets flying over the Essequibo, other developments in Venezuela and the public rejection by the Venezuelan Government (inaudible), is the Government of Guyana, via the Prime Minister or the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, going to update the Parliament on this very important national matter?

Mr. Speaker: Hon.
Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, you have the floor.

(i) (ii) (iii) and of Foreign Affairs International Minister Cooperation [Mr. Todd]: Mr. Speaker, in responding to the Hon.

Member, I wish to read a statement that was issued yesterday.

Following the statement, I also summoned the in Venezuelan Ambassador, who Georgetown, and I communicated to him the actions of the Venezuelan military.

I would also give him a protest note to transmit to Caracas.
For the House, I will proceed with reading the statement which was issued yesterday: resident here is “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana wishes to inform that on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at approximately 13:20 hrs., two Venezuelan army Sukhoi SU 30 fighter jets, overflew the community of Eteringbang and the air strip at a very low altitude of 1500 feet.

The fighter jets circled the location once before proceeding in an easterly direction.
The Government of Guyana condemns this latest act of aggression by the Venezuelan armed forces as a violation of the sovereignty of Guyana over the air above its territory.
The Government wishes to remind that this latest hostility follows closely on the heels of: a Decree recently issued by President Nicolas Maduro which purports to establish maritime territory for Venezuela which encompasses Guyana’s territorial waters, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, as well as its land territory west of the Essequibo River; illegal interception and detention of the two Guyanese fishing vessels and their crew in Guyana’s waters; and the resolutions of the Special Commission for the Defence of the “Guyana Esequiba” and Territorial Sovereignty which recommended the convening a session of this Special Commission with Essequibo with the assistance of the Venezuelan armed forces.
to The incursion of our territory of the two Venezuelan fighter jets is a clear indication that the Government of Venezuela is prepared to use aggression and intimidation cannot be accomplished by legal means – the surrender by Guyana of its patrimony.

The Government of Guyana exhorts the Government of Venezuela, and its agents, to behave in a manner consistent with international law and good neighbourly behaviour and relations.
accomplish what The international community will be kept informed of all actions undertaken by Venezuela to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana and threaten the peace and security of the region”.

Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Hon.

Minister.

Hon.

Member Mr. Ramjattan, you have the floor.

3547 Public Business 4th March, 2021 Government Business 3548 Mr. Ramjattan: In view of the fact that the statement is about 12 hours old and new developments would have occurred, would the Hon.
Minister be coming to Parliament with a motion, which the Opposition would also support, in relation to this extremely important national issue?

Mr. Todd: Mr. Speaker, the Government will pursue all avenues that are consistent with good governance practices.

As such, as is necessary, we will be coming back to Parliament.

Mr. Speaker: Thank you very much, Hon.

Minister.

[Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance] Mr. Speaker: Hon.
Members, the House will now resolve itself into Committee... Opposition Chief Whip [Mr. Jones]: Mr. Speaker… Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Member, Mr. Jones, proceed.

Mr. Jones: Thank you, Sir.

I do not know if the Item ‘Personal Explanations’ would be appropriate, but I would be so guided.

Cde.
Speaker, in light of the incident… PUBLIC BUSINESS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Motion BUDGET FOR 2021 - MOTION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR 2021 WHEREAS the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana requires the Revenue and that Estimates of Expenditure of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana for any financial year should be laid before the National Assembly; AND WHEREAS the Constitution also provides that when the Estimates of Expenditure have been approved by the Assembly an Appropriation Bill shall be introduced in the Assembly providing for the issue from the Consolidated Fund of the sums necessary to meet that expenditure; AND WHEREAS the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana for the financial year 2021 have been prepared and laid before the Assembly on 2021-02-12.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly approves the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2021, of a total sum of three hundred and fifty three billion, eight hundred and thirty three million, six hundred and twelve thousand dollars ($353,833,612,000), excluding twenty nine billion, two hundred and forty seven million, and seven hundred and forty six thousand dollars ($29,247,746,000) which is chargeable by the undermentioned schedule, and agree that it is expedient to amend the law and to make further provision in respect of finance.
therein and summarised law, as detailed in Mr. Speaker: Just one second, Hon.

Member.

[Mr. Speaker in aside with the Clerk.]

Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Members, we have passed that, but I would allow the Hon.

Member to take the floor on ‘Personal Explanations’.

Mr. Jones: Sir, I stood at that time, but you did not notice me.

Mr. Speaker: Sorry.

I did not notice you.

Mr. Jones: Thank you.


Sir, in light of the incident that occurred yesterday, which involved Members of Parliament, Ms. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and Mr. Kwame Mc Coy, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) is requesting that Mr. Kwame Mc Coy be removed from the precincts of the National Assembly in order for us to proceed with these Estimates.

Sir, might I add that, in the consideration of these Estimates, the Hon.
Member, Mr. Kwame Mc Coy, is not listed as a Minister to represent any of the Ministries or the Government agencies to come.

Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Hon.

Mr. Jones.

Hon.

Member Ms. Teixeira, you have the floor.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Government Chief Whip [Ms. Teixeira]: Mr. Speaker, this is not a personal explanation and, therefore, it is totally out of order.
If the Members wish to bring a motion, they could at an appropriate time and in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

This should be totally rejected.

The other side cannot ask for the removal of a Member, especially when there is a lot of doubt or questions about what happened investigation yesterday.

You announced ongoing.

there was an 3549 Appropriation Bill 4th March, 2021 Budget Debate 3550 Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Hon.

Minister.

Hon.
Minister.

Hon.

Opposition Chief Whip, personal explanations would be a matter to which one of the Members wants to offer an explanation.

Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Opposition Chief Whip, I am recognising you.

Do you have a special request on the issue of 18 or more Hon.

Members standing?

Mr. Jones: I am so guided… 10.49 a.m. Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Chief Whip, we spoke about Hon.

Members standing while the Speaker is speaking.

You are standing while the Speaker is speaking.


Do you want to hold the Speaker to a Point of Order?

Mr. Jones: No, Sir.

So… Mr. Speaker: Okay.

Under Personal Explanations, it is quite explicit in terms of the rules, including the fact that we should at least inform the Speaker, through a note to the Clerk of the National Assembly at a required time before, that a Member would want to make a personal explanation.
We are all still being challenged by the times and so we would have to continue examining how we operate, including the examinations of the Standing Orders, which I promised earlier during this debate.

I agree with the Hon.

Minister that what you are asking would require a debate and an appropriate motion could come to the House.

Thank you.

Hon.

Member Mr. Jones, proceed.

Mr. Jones: Cde.

Speaker, so noted.


As I mentioned before and just to reinforce the point, the APNU/AFC’s female Members of Parliament (MPs) are uncomfortable with Mr. Kwame Mc Coy’s presence.

As I mentioned before, we will not proceed with the consideration of these Estimates unless Mr. Mc Coy is removed from the precincts of the Parliament.

Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Opposition Chief Whip, I cannot order or tell any Member how to conduct him or herself within the confines of the Standing Order.
We are all here representing the people and if some persons feel that it is an appropriate response that they would like to engage in, then they could.

However, Hon.

Member, your point is noted.

Hon.

Members, we shall revert to the Committee of Supply, unless the Hon.

Member wants to… [Interruption] [Members of the APNU/AFC hammered on the desks and chanted, “Kwame must go!”] [Mr. Speaker hit the gavel.]

[Members of the APNU/AFC stood in their place.]

Mr. Jones: Sir, the 18 Hon.


Members standing is just to reinforce our point that we made earlier that we will not continue with the consideration of these Estimates unless Mr. the National Kwame McCoy Assembly.

the precincts of leaves Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Members, the Standing Orders provide… [Members of the APNU/AFC stood in their place and hammered on the desks.]

Hon.

Members, could you please have your seats so I could offer a ruling?

Again, I ask for Hon.

Members to have their seats.


The Opposition can bring a motion, for which I am going to set a time later today to be heard.

[Interruption by Members of the APNU/AFC] Mr. Speaker: The Assembly is suspended.

Sitting suspended at 10.55 a.m.

Sitting resumed at 1.03 p.m. Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Members, we shall resume as Committee of Supply.

Assembly in Committee of Supply.

Mr. Chairman: Hon.

Chief Whip, you have the floor.


Mr. Jones: Mr. Chairman, in keeping with our position as mentioned earlier, this is just to inform you that our position remains the same.

We are requesting the Hon.

Member, Mr. McCoy, to leave the precincts of the National Assembly in order for us to proceed with the consideration of these Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: Hon.

Member, I had mentioned to you that you could bring a proper motion, in line with the Standing Orders, for that to be considered.

Hon.
Hon.

Member, we shall return to the Committee of Supply.

Are we in the Committee of Supply?

An Hon.

Member: Yes.

Mr. Chairman: Thank you very much.

3551 Public Business 4th March, 2021 Government Business 3552 [Members of the APNU/AFC stood in their places and hammered on the desks.]

Hon.

Member Mr. Jones, I am once again calling on you and your Hon.

Members to please be seated.

Hon.

Member Mr. Henry, we have some Standing Orders with respect to Hon.
Members videotaping the proceedings of the House.

Any other Hon.

Member who I see videotaping will also be cited.

Hon.

Member Mr. Jones, I am asking, once again, that you and all the other Hon.

Members who are standing please be seated.

Hon.

Minister Teixeira, we shall continue with consideration of the Estimates of Expenditure for the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).

Yesterday, when we ended, we were about to consider the capital expenditure, on page 671, for the Ethnic Relations Commission.
[Members of the APNU/AFC continued to stand in their places while hammering on their desks and chanting “Kwame must go!”] Hon.

Member Mr. Jones, I have called on you three times to take your seat along with the Hon.

Members who are standing.

At this point, Hon.

Member Mr. Jones, you are going to be suspended for the rest of the sitting.

You are now suspended.

Hon.

Minister, are you ready?

Ms. Teixeira: Yes.


Agency: 59 Ethnic Relations Commission Current Expenditure Programme: 591 – Ethnic Relations Commission – $227,526,000 Programme: 591 – Ethnic Relations Commission – $227,526,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Capital Expenditure Programme: 591 – Ethnic Relations Commission – $10,000,000 Programme: 591 – Ethnic Relations Commission – $10,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: Hon.
Mr. Chairman: Hon.

Members, let me thank the Hon.

Member and her staff of the Ethnic Relations Commission for taking us through that agency.

Hon.

Minister, we could now turn to the Judicial Service Commission.

We are on pages 434 and 435.

Agency: 60 Judicial Service Commission Current Expenditure Programme: 601 – Judicial Service Commission – $10,020,000 Mr. Chairman: Hon.

Member, Mr. Duncan, I see your microphone is on, but if you need to make a contribution… Are you ready Hon.
Member, Ms. Teixeira?

Ms. Teixeira: Yes.

Programme: 601 – Judicial Service Commission – $10,020,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Agency: 61 – Rights Commission of Guyana Current Expenditure Programme: 611 – Rights Commissions of Guyana – $164,689,000 Programme: 611 – Rights Commissions of Guyana – $164,689,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Capital Expenditure Programme: 611 – Rights Commissions of Guyana – $6,712,000 Programme: 611 – Rights Commissions of Guyana – $6,712,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Agency: 62 – Public Procurement Commission Current Expenditure Programme: 621 – Public Procurement Commission – $196,443,000 Programme: 621 – Public Procurement Commission – $196,443,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
3553 Appropriation Bill 4th March, 2021 Budget Debate 3554 Capital Expenditure Programme: 621 – Public Procurement Commission – $3,500,000 Programme: 621 – Public Procurement Commission – $3,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: Hon.

Members, let us turn to pages 170 and 172.

Let me invite the Hon.

Member, of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and her staff to take their seats.

Hon.

Mr. Duncan, I have already stated that filming in the House is not permitted.
I would now have to suspend you for the rest of the sitting.

Could you please turn your recording device off?

Hon.

Member Mr. Duncan, your recording device… Natasha Singh-Lewis and the Hon.

Member Ms. Walton- Desir, you are all suspended for the rest of the sitting.

Capital Expenditure Programme: 162 – Community Development and Empowerment – $1,542,750,000 162 Programme: and Empowerment – $1,542,750,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

– Community Development Mr. Chairman: Hon.


Members, let me thank the Hon.

Minister and her staff for taking us through that agency.

I now invite the Hon.

Member and Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha and his team to take their station.
Agency: 21 – Ministry of Agriculture Agency 16: Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Current Expenditure Current Expenditure Programme: Administration – $605,356,000 161 – Policy Development and Programme: $917,037,000 211 – Ministry Administration – Programme: 211 – Ministry Administration – $917,037,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 161 – Policy Development and Administration – $605,356,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
1.16 p.m. Capital Expenditure Capital Expenditure Programme: $674,624,000 211 – Ministry Administration – Programme: 211 – Ministry Administration – $674,624,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: Administration – $33,816,000 161 – Policy Development and Current Expenditure Programme: 161 – Policy Development and Administration – $33,816,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Current Expenditure Programme: 212 – Agriculture Development and Support Services – $9,677,117,000 Programme: 212 – Agriculture Development and Support Services – $9,677,117,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 162 – Community Development and Empowerment – $515,052,000 Capital Expenditure 162 Programme: and Empowerment – $515,052,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
– Community Development Mr. Chairman: I note, also, a number of other Members have turned on their recording devices.

The Hon.

Member Figueira, the Hon.

Member Jordan, the Hon.

Member Programme: 212 – Agriculture Development and Support Services – $7,374,000,000 Programme: 212 – Agriculture Development and Support Services – $7,374,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Current Expenditure 3555 Public Business 4th March, 2021 Government Business 3556 Programme: 213 – Fisheries – $229,968,000 Programme: 213 – Fisheries – $229,968,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 231 – Policy Development and Administration – $22,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Capital Expenditure Programme: 213 – Fisheries – $62,412,000 Programme: 213 – Fisheries – $62,412,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Current Expenditure Programme: 214 – Hydrometeorological Services – $489,001,000 Programme: 214 – Hydrometeorological Services – $489,001,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Capital Expenditure Programme: 214 – Hydrometeorological Services – $66,000,000 Programme: 214 – Hydrometeorological Services – $66,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: Thank you very much, Hon.

Minister and your staff, for expeditiously those Estimates.
taking us through Could we now call on the Hon.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and her staff to join us for her agency?

Agency: 23 Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Current Expenditure Programme: 232 – Business Development, Support and Promotion – $795,002,000 Programme: 232 – Business Development, Support and Promotion – $795,002,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Capital Expenditure Programme: 232 – Business Development, Support and Promotion – $882,725,000 Programme: 232 – Business Development, Support and Promotion – $882,725,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: Hon.

Member, Mr. Shurwayne Holder, could you please take your seat?

Hon.

Member, Mr. Shurwayne Holder, could you please take your seat?

Hon.

Member Mr. Holder, I will have to suspend you for the rest of the sitting.
Current Expenditure Programme: 233 – Consumer Protection – $130,190,000 Programme: 233 – Consumer Protection – $130,190,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: Hon.

Members, I will be putting all remaining sub-heads.

Current Expenditure Programme: Administration – $310,173,000 231 – Policy Development 1.31 p.m. and Capital Expenditure Programme: 231 – Policy Development and Administration – $310,173,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Capital Expenditure Programme: 233 – Consumer Protection – $1,000,000 Programme: 233 – Consumer Protection – $1,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Current Expenditure Programme: Administration – $22,000,000 231 – Policy Development and Programme: 234 – Tourism Development and Promotion – $588,545,000 Programme: 234 – Tourism Development and Promotion – $588,545,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
3557 Appropriation Bill 4th March, 2021 Budget Debate 3558 Capital Expenditure Programme: 234 – Tourism Development and Promotion – $14,500,000 Programme: 234 – Tourism Development and Promotion – $14,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: Minister, I thank you for taking us through that agency – Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
Agency: 26 Ministry of Natural Resources Current Expenditure Programme: Administration – $321,629,000 261 – Policy Development Programme: 264 – Petroleum Management – $154,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: Thank you very much Hon.

Minister for taking us through the Estimates.

Let me invite the Minister of Public Works to take us through his Estimates.
Agency: 31 Ministry of Public Works Current Expenditure Programme: Administration – $1,597,743,000 311 – Policy Development and Programme: 311 – Policy Development and Administration – $1,597,743,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

and Programme: 261 – Policy Development and Administration – $321,629,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 262 – Natural Resource Management – $521,371,000 Programme: 262 – Natural Resource Management – $521,371,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: $435,361,000 264 – Petroleum Management – Programme: 264 – Petroleum Management – $435,361,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 312 – Public Works – $4,980,231,000 Programme: 312 – Public Works – $4,980,231,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 313 – Transport – $87,287,000 Programme: 313 – Transport – $87,287,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Capital Expenditure Programme: Administration – $117,500,000 311 – Policy Development and Programme: 311 – Policy Development and Administration – $117,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Capital Expenditure Programme: Administration – $15,920,000 261 – Policy Development Programme: 312 – Public Works – $28,261,987,000 and Programme: 312 – Public Works – $28,261,987,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 261 – Policy Development and Administration – $15,920,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 262 – Natural Resource Management – $17,543,000 Programme: 262 – Natural Resource Management – $17,543,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 313 – Transport – $4,619,634,000 Programme: 313 – Transport – $4,619,634,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of Estimates Mr. Chairman: Thank you very much Hon.

Minister for taking us through the Estimates.

I now invite the Hon.

Minister of Education.


Agency: 40 Ministry of Education Programme: $154,000,000 264 – Petroleum Management – Current Expenditure 3559 Public Business 4th March, 2021 Government Business 3560 Programme: Administration – $1,625,869,000 401 – Policy Development and Programme: 403 – Nursery Education – $196,740,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 401 – Policy Development and Administration – $1,625,869,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 402 – Training and Development – $1,421,838,000 Programme: 402 – Training and Development – $1,421,838,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 403 – Nursery Education – $1,968,230,000 Programme: 403 – Nursery Education – $1,968,230,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 404 – Primary Education – $4,592,352,000 Programme: 404 – Primary Education – $4,592,352,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 405 – Secondary Education – $5,346,718,000 Programme: 405 – Secondary Education – $5,346,718,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 406 – Post-Secondary/Tertiary Education – $4,834,268,000 Programme: 406 – Post-Secondary/Tertiary Education – $4,834,268,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 404 – Primary Education – $140,000,000 Programme: 404 – Primary Education – $140,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 405 – Secondary Education – $1,292,719,000 Programme: 405 – Secondary Education – $1,292,719,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 406 – Post-Secondary/Tertiary Education – $1,285,056,000 Programme: 406 – Post-Secondary/Tertiary Education – $1,285,056,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you very much Hon.

Minister.

I now invite the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Agency: 44 Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Current Expenditure Programme: Administration – $293,943,000 441 – Policy Development and Programme: 441 – Policy Development and Administration – $293,943,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 442 – Culture – $996,396,000 Capital Expenditure Programme: Administration – $1,775,921,000 401 – Policy Development Programme: 442 – Culture – $996,396,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

and Programme: 443 – Youth – $819,928,000 Programme: 401 – Policy Development and Administration – $1,775,921,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 443 – Youth – $819,928,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Current Expenditure Programme: 402 – Training and Development – $765,517,000 Programme: 444 – Sports – $617,807,000 Programme: 402 – Training and Development – $765,517,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 403 – Nursery Education – $196,740,000 Programme: 444 – Sports – $617,807,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Capital Expenditure Programme: Administration – $33,442,000 441 –Policy Development and 3561 Appropriation Bill 4th March, 2021 Budget Debate 3562 Programme: 441 –Policy Development and Administration – $33,442,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 131 – Policy Development and Administration – $58,393,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 442 – Culture – $194,608,000 Programme: 133 – Regional Development – $101,919,000 Programme: 442 – Culture – $194,608,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 133 – Regional Development – $101,919,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 443 – Youth – $73,078,000 Programme: 443 – Youth – $73,078,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 444 – Sports – $915,500,000 Programme: 134 – Local Government Development – $2,519,854,000 Programme: 134 – Local Government Development – $2,519,854,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 444 – Sports – $915,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Hon.

Minister for taking us through the Estimates for your agency.

Mr. Chairman: Hon.

Members, it is stated that if we save time, we can continue with the Estimates.
I now invite the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development and his staff.

Agency: 13 Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Current Expenditure Programme: Administration – $393,541,000 131 – Policy Development and Programme: 131 – Policy Development and Administration – $393,541,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 133 – Regional Development – $106,990,000 Programme: 133 – Regional Development – $106,990,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 134 – Local Government Development – $1,350,348,000 Programme: 134 – Local Government Development – $1,350,348,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
[Members of the Opposition withdrew from the Dome at 1.36 p.m.] Agency: 71 Region 1: Barima/Waini Current Expenditure Programme: 711 – Regional Administration and Finance – $254,344,000 Programme: 711 – Regional Administration and Finance – $254,344,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 712 – Public Works – $388,562,000 Programme: 712 – Public Works – $388,562,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 713 – Education Delivery – $1,695,308,000 Programme: 713 – Education Delivery – $1,695,308,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 714 – Health Services – $1,235,071,000 Programme: 714 – Health Services – $1,235,071,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 715 – Agriculture – $21,764,000 Capital Expenditure Programme: Administration – $58,393,000 131 – Policy Development Programme: 715 – Agriculture – $21,764,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

and Capital Expenditure 3563 Public Business 4th March, 2021 Government Business 3564 Programme: 711 – Regional Administration and Finance – $26,993,000 Programme: 725 – Health Services – $1,216,616,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 711 – Regional Administration and Finance – $26,993,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 712 – Public Works – $197,667,000 Programme: 712 – Public Works – $197,667,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Capital Expenditure Programme: 721 – Regional Administration and Finance – $14,000,000 Programme: 721 – Regional Administration and Finance – $14,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 713 – Education Delivery – $190,794,000 Programme: 722 – Agriculture – $81,200,000 Programme: 713 – Education Delivery – $190,794,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 722 – Agriculture – $81,200,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 714 – Health Services – $307,880,000 Programme: 723 – Public Works – $103,230,000 Programme: 714 – Health Services – $307,880,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 723 – Public Works – $103,230,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 715 – Agriculture – $15,244,000 Programme: 724 – Education Delivery – $278,329,000 Programme: 715 – Agriculture – $15,244,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates Programme: 724 – Education Delivery – $278,329,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Agency: 72 Region 2: Pomeroon/Supenaam Programme: 725 – Health Services – $176,820,000 Current Expenditure Programme: 721 – Regional Administration and Finance – $251,663,000 Programme: 721 – Regional Administration and Finance – $251,663,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 722 – Agriculture – $402,222,000 Programme: 722 – Agriculture – $402,222,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 725 – Health Services – $176,820,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Agency: 73 Region 3: Essequibo Islands/West Demerara Current Expenditure Programme: 731 – Regional Administration and Finance – $226,092,000 Programme: 731 Regional Administration and Finance – $226,092,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates Programme: 723 – Public Works – $143,662,000 Programme: 732 – Agriculture – $402,916,000 Programme: 723 – Public Works – $143,662,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 732 – Agriculture – $402,916,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 724 – Education Delivery – $ 2,679,392,000 Programme: 733 – Public Works – $203,383,000 Programme: 724 – Education Delivery – $ 2,679,392,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 733 – Public Works – $203,383,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 725 – Health Services – $1,216,616,000 Programme: 734 – Education Delivery – $4,073,475,000 3565 Appropriation Bill 4th March, 2021 Budget Debate 3566 Programme: 734 – Education Delivery – $4,073,475,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 743 – Public Works – $168,153,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 735 – Health Services – $2,056,562,000 Programme: 744 – Education Delivery – $5,664,151,000 Programme: 735 – Health Services – $2,056,562,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 744 – Education Delivery – $5,664,151,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Capital Expenditure Programme: 745 – Health Services – $1,708,792,000 Programme: 731 – Regional Administration and Finance – $33,450,000 Programme: 745 – Health Services – $1,708,792,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 731 – Regional Administration and Finance – $33,450,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 732 – Agriculture – $123,000,000 Programme: 732 – Agriculture – $123,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Capital Expenditure Programme: 741 – Regional Administration and Finance – $19,603,000 Programme: 741 – Regional Administration and Finance – $19,603,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 733 – Public Works – $229,000,000 Programme: 742 – Agriculture – $27,600,000 Programme: 733 – Public Works – $229,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 742 – Agriculture – $27,600,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 734 – Education Delivery – $201,000,000 Programme: 743 – Public Works – $156,000,000 Programme: 734 – Education Delivery – $201,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 743 – Public Works – $156,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 735 – Health Services – $196,500,000 Programme: 744 – Education Delivery – $336,000,000 Programme: 735 – Health Services – $196,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 744 – Education Delivery – $336,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Agency: 74 Region 4: Demerara/Mahaica Programme: 745 – Health Services – $197,295,000 Current Expenditure Programme: 741 – Regional Administration and Finance – $252,714,000 Programme: 741 Regional Administration and Finance – $252,714,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 742 – Agriculture – $380,986,000 Programme: 742 – Agriculture – $380,986,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 745 – Health Services – $197,295,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Agency: 75 Region 5: Mahaica/Berbice Current Expenditure Programme: 751 – Regional Administration and Finance – $217,308,000 Programme: 751 Regional Administration and Finance – $217,308,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 743 – Public Works – $168,153,000 Programme: 752 – Agriculture – $211,206,000 3567 Public Business 4th March, 2021 Government Business 3568 Programme: 752 – Agriculture – $211,206,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 762 – Agriculture – $1,035,402,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 753 – Public Works – $184,607,000 Programme: 763 – Public Works – $397,723,000 Programme: 753 – Public Works – $184,607,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 763 – Public Works – $397,723,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 754 – Education Delivery – $2,108,186,000 Programme: 764 – Education Delivery – $4,451,084,000 Programme: 754 – Education Delivery – $2,108,186,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 764 – Education Delivery – $4,451,084,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 755 – Health Services – $993,954,000 Programme: 765 – Health Services – $2,282,889,000 Programme: 755 – Health Services – $993,954,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 765 – Health Services – $2,282,889,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Capital Expenditure Capital Expenditure Programme: 751 – Regional Administration and Finance – $16,000,000 Programme: 761 – Regional Administration and Finance – $32,500,000 Programme: 741 – Regional Administration and Finance – $16,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 761 – Regional Administration and Finance – $32,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 752 – Agriculture – $75,500,000 Programme: 762 – Agriculture – $66,000,000 Programme: 752 – Agriculture – $75,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 762 – Agriculture – $66,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 753 – Public Works – $122,816,000 Programme: 763 – Public Works – $293,500,000 Programme: 753 – Public Works – $122,816,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 763 – Public Works – $293,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 754 – Education Delivery – $136,000,000 Programme: 764 – Education Delivery – $237,654,000 Programme: 754 – Education Delivery – $136,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 764 – Education Delivery – $237,654,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Agency: 76 Region 6: East Berbice/Corentyne Programme: 765 – Health Services – $235,000,000 Current Expenditure Programme: 761 – Regional Administration and Finance – $188,985,000 Programme: 761 Regional Administration and Finance – $188,985,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 762 – Agriculture – $1,035,402,000 Programme: 765 – Health Services – $235,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Agency: 77 Region 7: Cuyuni/Mazaruni Current Expenditure Programme: 771 – Regional Administration and Finance – $352,274,000 3569 Appropriation Bill 4th March, 2021 Budget Debate 3570 Programme: 771 Regional Administration and Finance – $352,274,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 772 – Public Works – $197,429,000 Mr. Chairman: With the enthusiastic support of Members of the House, we moved rapidly.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports [Mr. Ramson]: It shows [Inaudible] when you are working together.

Programme: 772 – Public Works – $197,429,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: Thank you very much Hon.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Programme: 773 – Education Delivery – $1,487,779,000 Mr. Shuman: [Inaudible] Programme: 773 – Education Delivery – $1,487,779,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 774 – Health Services – $862,385,000 Programme: 774 – Health Services – $862,385,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Capital Expenditure Programme: 771 – Regional Administration and Finance – $35,500,000 Programme: 771 – Regional Administration and Finance – $35,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 772 – Public Works – $95,174,000 Programme: 772 – Public Works – $95,174,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 773 – Education Delivery – $212,000,000 Programme: 773 – Education Delivery – $212,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: Hon.

Deputy Speaker, we did put it.

Agency: 78 Region 8: Potaro/Siparuni Current Expenditure Programme: 781 – Regional Administration and Finance – $170,888,000 Programme: 781 – Regional Administration and Finance – $170,888,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 782 – Public Works – $183,311,000 Programme: 782 – Public Works – $183,311,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 783 – Education Delivery – $1,135,109,000 Programme: 783 – Education Delivery – $1,135,109,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 784 – Health Services – $394,929,000 Programme: 784 – Health Services – $394,929,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 774 – Health Services – $168,845,000 Programme: 785 – Agriculture – $24,311,000 Programme: 774 – Health Services – $168,845,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 785 – Agriculture – $24,311,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 775 – Agriculture – $4,500,000 Capital Expenditure Programme: 775 – Agriculture – $4,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 781 – Regional Administration and Finance – $11,000,000 Mr. Chairman: Hon.

Members, this concludes our business for the fourth day, but we will continue since we have saved time.

Hon.

Deputy Speaker... Programme: 781 – Regional Administration and Finance – $11,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Deputy Speaker [Mr. Shuman]: Hon.

Chair [Inaudible].
Chair [Inaudible].

Programme: 782 – Public Works – $79,925,000 3571 Public Business 4th March, 2021 Government Business 3572 Programme: 782 – Public Works – $79,925,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 783 – Education Delivery – $201,500,000 Programme: 783 – Education Delivery – $201,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 784 – Health Services – $172,000,000 Programme: 784 – Health Services – $172,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 785 – Agriculture – $5,000,000 Programme: 785 – Agriculture – $5,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Agency: 79 Region 9: Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo Current Expenditure Programme: 791 – Regional Administration and Finance – $254,144,000 Programme: 791 Regional Administration and Finance – $254,144,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 792 – Agriculture – $70,482,000 Programme: 792 – Agriculture – $70,482,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 793 – Public Works – $241,870,000 Programme: 793 – Public Works – $241,870,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 794 – Education Delivery – $1,570,875,000 Programme: 794 – Education Delivery – $1,570,875,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 795 – Health Services – $819,943,000 Programme: 795 – Health Services – $819,943,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 791 – Regional Administration and Finance – $56,200,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 792 – Agriculture – $40,800,000 Programme: 792 – Agriculture – $40,800,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 793 – Public Works – $209,500,000 Programme: 793 – Public Works – $209,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 794 – Education Delivery – $210,500,000 Programme: 794 – Education Delivery – 210,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 795 – Health Services – $166,000,000 Programme: 795 – Health Services – $166,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Agency: 80 Region 10: Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice Current Expenditure Programme: 801 – Regional Administration and Finance – $249,170,000 Programme: 801 – Regional Administration and Finance – $249,170,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 802 – Public Works – $205,177,000 Programme: 802 – Public Works – $205,177,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 803 – Education Delivery – $2,734,763,000 Programme: 803 – Education Delivery – $2,734,763,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 804 – Health Services – $875,488,000 Programme: 804 – Health Services – $875,488,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Capital Expenditure Programme: 805 – Agriculture – $30,843,000 Programme: 791 – Regional Administration and Finance – $56,200,000 Programme: 805 – Agriculture – $30,843,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Capital Expenditure 3573 Appropriation Bill 4th March, 2021 Budget Debate 3574 Programme: 801 – Regional Administration and Finance – $15,600,000 Programme: 801 – Regional Administration and Finance – $15,600,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 802 – Public Works – $156,940,000 Programme: 802 – Public Works – $156,940,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 803 – Education Delivery – $312,762,000 Programme: 803 – Education Delivery – $312,762,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 804 – Health Services – $161,600,000 Programme: 804 – Health Services – $161,600,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 805 – Agriculture – $38,348,000 Programme: 805 – Agriculture – $38,348,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: Let me thank the Hon.

Ministers and their support staff for taking us through all of those agencies.

Hon.

Members, I now invite the Minister of Housing and Water, the Minister in the Ministry of Housing Water and their staff to take us through the next agency.

Thank you, Hon.

Ministers.


Agency: 45 Ministry of Housing and Water Current Expenditure Programme: 453 – Water Service Expansion and Management – $2,415,200,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Capital Expenditure Programme: Administration – $14,500,000 451 – Policy Development and Programme: 451 – Policy Development and Administration – $14,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 452 – Housing Development – $7,500,000,000 Programme: 452 – Housing Development – $7,500,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 453 – Water Service Expansion and Management – $1,403,430,000 – Water and Programme:453 Management – $1,403,430,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Service Expansion 1.46 p.m. Mr. Chairman: I now invite the Hon.

Minister of Health and his staff.

[Mr. Chairman hit the gavel.]

Mr. Chairman: Order Hon.

Members.


Let us get the Minister settled.

Thank you very much.

Agency: 47 Ministry of Health Current Expenditure Programme: Administration – $172,935,000 451 – Policy Development and Programme: Administration – $1,811,707,000 471 – Policy Development and Programme: 451 – Policy Development and Administration – $172,935,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 452 – Housing Development – $1,274,537,000 Programme: 452 – Housing Development – $1,274,537,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 453 – Water Service Expansion and Management – $2,415,200,000 Programme: 471 – Policy Development and Administration – $1,811,707,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 472 – Disease Control- Communicable Diseases – $5,620,653,000 Programme: 472 – Disease Control - Communicable Diseases – $5,620,653,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 473 – Family and Primary Health Care Services – $2,130,683,000 3575 Public Business 4th March, 2021 Government Business 3576 Programme: 473 – Family and Primary Health Care Services – $2,130,683,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 474 – Regional and Clinical Services – $21,030,459,000 Programme: 474 – Regional and Clinical Services – $21,030,459,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 475 – Health Sciences Education – $737,979,000 Programme: 475 – Health Sciences Education – $737,979,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 476 – Standards and Technical Services – $1,542,803,000 Programme: 476 – Standards and Technical Services – $1,542,803,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 477 – Disability and Rehabilitation Services – $553,691,000 Programme: 477 – Disability and Rehabilitation Services – $$553,691,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 478 – Disease Control - Non-Communicable Diseases – $368,702,000 Programme: 478 – Disease Control- Non- Communicable Diseases – $368,702,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Capital Expenditure Programme: Administration – $329,500,000 471 – Policy Development and Programme: 471 Policy Development and Administration – $329,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 472 – Disease Control - Communicable Diseases – $2,127,696,000 Programme: 472 Disease Control - Communicable Diseases – $2,127,696,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 473 – Family and Primary Health Care Services – $420,848,000 Programme: 473 Family and Primary Health Care Services – $420,848,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 474 – Regional and Clinical Services – $1,877,500,000 Programme: 474 – Regional and Clinical Services – $1,877,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 475 – Health Sciences Education – $132,800,000 Programme: 475 – Health Sciences Education – $132,800,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 476 – Standards and Technical Services – $322,500,000 Programme: 476 – Standards and Technical Services – $322,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 477 – Disability and Rehabilitation Services – $27,090,000 Programme: 477 – Disability and Rehabilitation Services – $27,090,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 478 – Disease Control - Non-Communicable Diseases – $53,100,000 Programme: 478 – Disease Control- Non- Communicable Diseases – $53,100,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: I thank the Hon.

Minister for taking us through his Agency.

I now invite the Hon.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security and her staff to take us through Agency 39.

While the Hon.
While the Hon.

Minister is getting settled, and I know that she is eager to represent her Ministry, let me just draw your attention to the Standing Orders which give the Chairman the power to put all the Heads.
It is Standing Order 75 (1): “On consideration of the Estimates of Expenditure in Committee of Supply, each Head of Expenditure 3577 Appropriation Bill 4th March, 2021 Budget Debate 3578 shall be 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.” Programme: 393 – Child Care and Protection – $62,000,000 Programme: 393 – Child Care and Protection – $62,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Standing Orders 75 (2): the consideration of “On the Chairperson shall call the title of each Head of Expenditure in turn, and shall propose the question… unless an amendment is proposed…” the Estimates Mr. Chairman: Thank you very much.

Hon.

Minister, for taking us through that Head.

I now invite the Hon.

Minister of Labour and his staff to take us though his Agency.

In the meanwhile, Hon.

Members, you could turn to pages 264, 265 and all the way to page 648.
And Standing Order 75 (3) gives us the power to put all the Agency Heads together.

Thank you very much.

For those who want to go and reread, it is Standing Order 75.

Agency: 38 Ministry of Labour Current Expenditure Agency: 39 Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Current Expenditure Programme: Administration – $320,033,000 391– Policy Development and Programme: 391– Policy Development and Administration – $320,033,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 392– Social Services – $25,067,002,000 Programme: 392– Social Services – $25,067,002,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 393 – Child Care and Protection – $830,653,000 Programme: 393 – Child Care and Protection – $830,653,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Capital Expenditure Programme: Policy Administration – $3,171,194,000 391– Development and Programme: 391– Policy Development and Administration – $3,171,194,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 392– Social Services – $74,000,000 Programme: 392– Social Services – $74,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: Administration – $591,602,000 381 – Policy Development and Programme: 381 – Policy Development and Administration – $591,602,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 382 – Labour Administration Services – $227,011,000 Programme: 382 – Labour Administration Services – $227,011,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Capital Expenditure Programme: Administration – $38,325,000 381 – Policy Development and Programme: 381 – Policy Development and Administration – $38,325,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 382 – Labour Administration Services – $16,520,000 Programme: 382 – Labour Administration Services – $16,520,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: Thank you very much Hon.

Minister.

I now invite the Hon.


Minister of Home Affairs and his staff to take their station.

Hon Member Bishop Edghill, do you have some questions?

You could save that for when the Minister is in place and after I propose the question.
Agency: 51 Ministry of Home Affairs 3579 Public Business 4th March, 2021 Government Business 3580 Current Expenditure Programme: Administration – $965,038,000 511 – Policy Development and Programme: 511 – Policy Development and Administration – $965,038,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 512 – Guyana Police Force – $14,375,927,000 Programme 512 – Guyana Police Force – $14,375,927,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme $2,759,208,000 513 – Guyana Prison Service – Programme 513 – Guyana Prison Service – $2,759,208,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 515 – Guyana Fire Service – $1,560,276,000 Programme: 515 – Guyana Fire Service – $1,560,276,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme 513 – Guyana Prison Service – $2,273,030,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 515 – Guyana Fire Service – $376,100,000 Programme: 515 – Guyana Fire Service – $376,100,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 516 – General Registrar Office – $5,000,000 Programme: 516 – General Registrar Office – $5,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 517 – Customs Anti-Narcotics – $16,685,000 Programme: 517 – Customs Anti-Narcotics – $16,685,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Mr. Chairman: Thank you very much, Minister of Home Affairs.

I now have the honour of inviting the Hon.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Singh and his staff to take their station.

Thank you, Hon.

Minister.

Programme: 516 – General Registrar Office – $215,823,000 Agency: 03 Ministry of Finance Current Expenditure Programme: 516 – General Registrar Office – $215,823,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 031 – Policy and Administration – $21,061,560,000 Programme: $435,469,000 517 – Customs Anti-Narcotics – Programme: 517 – Customs Anti-Narcotics – $435,469,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Capital Expenditure Programme: 031 – Policy and Administration – $21,061,560,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 032 – Public Financial Management Policies and Services – $6,158,906,000 Programme: Administration – $487,500,000 511 – Policy Development and Programme: 032 – Public Financial Management Policies and Services – $6,158,906,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Programme: 511 – Policy Development and Administration – $487,500,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme: 512 – Guyana Police Force – $935,000,000 Programme: 512 – Guyana Police Force – $935,000,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Capital Expenditure Programme: 031 – Policy and Administration – $11,586,139,000 Programme: 031 – Policy and Administration – $11,586,139,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Programme $2,273,030,000 513 – Guyana Prison Service – Programme: 032 – Public Financial Management Policies and Services – $90,950,000 3581 Appropriation Bill 4th March, 2021 Introduction of Bills & 1st Reading 3582 Programme: 032 – Public Financial Management Policies and Services – $90,950,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: I thank the Hon.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance.

Thank you very much.

Hon.


Members, let the Assembly be resumed.

Appropriation Bill Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance [Dr. Singh]: The privilege is mine to report that the Committee of Supply has considered the Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial year 2021 and approved of them as printed.

Mr. Chairman: I will now put the motion which is: Assembly resumed.

Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Members, let us revert to Committee.


I noticed that we have saved a lot of time, so it has brought us quickly to the end of the consideration of the Estimates.

We still have some formalities to go through, which is necessary in order for us to stay within the Standing Orders and our rules.

Thank you, Hon.

Members.

Assembly in Committee.

Mr. Chairman: Hon.

Members, this completes consideration by the Committee of Supply of the Estimates of Expenditure for the year 2021.
I will now ask the Sergeant-at-arms to perform his duties so that the Committee of Supply could resume in the Committee of the Assembly.

Assembly resumed.

Mr. Speaker: Thank you very much, Hon.

Members.

I really want to thank you for your cooperation in getting through these estimates so expeditiously.

Unfortunately, all of our devices, including our carbon unit here do run on energy and we need recharging.

Let us take a short suspension at this time and we would return shortly.
You would hear the bell.

Sitting suspended at 1.54 p.m.

Sitting resumed at 3.00 p.m.

Assembly in Committee of Supply Mr. Chairman: Hon.

Members, we have completed the consideration of the Estimates.

Now, we have to put the Appropriation Bill.

Before I do that, we have some other house-keeping matters to deal with.

Before you, you have a Supplementary Order Paper which I have given permission to be laid to be considered today.

I am just getting my Appropriation Bill.

Assembly resumed.
thousand “That this National Assembly approves the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2021 of a total sum of three hundred and fifty three billion, eight hundred and thirty-three million, six hundred and twelve ($353,833,612,000), dollars excluding twenty nice billion, two hundred and forty seven million, seven hundred and forty six thousand dollars ($29, 247,746,000) which is chargeable by law, as detailed therein and summarised in the is undermentioned schedule, and agree expedient to amend the law and to make further provision in respect of finance.” that it Motion put and agreed to.
Suspension of Standing Orders Nos.

13(n) and 54 BE IT RESOLVED: “That Standing Orders Nos.

13(n) and 54 be suspended to enable the Appropriation Bill 2021, Bill No.

1/2021 to be introduced at this stage.” [Prime Minister] Prime Minister [Brigadier (Ret’d) Phillips]: Mr. Speaker, with your leave, I move that Standing Order Nos.

13(n) and 54 be suspended to enable the Appropriation Bill 2021, Bill No.4 of 2021 to be introduced at this stage.

Question put and agreed to.

Standing Orders suspended.


Dr. Singh: Mr. Speaker, in accordance with paragraph 2 of article 171 of the Constitution, I signify that Cabinet has recommended the Appropriation Bill 2021, Bill No.

4 of 2021 for consideration by the National Assembly.

I now present the Bill to the Assembly and move that it be read for the first time.
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND FIRST READING The following Bill was introduced and read the first time: 3583 Bills – 2nd & 3rd Readings 4th March, 2021 Capital Gains Tax (Amt) Bill 2021 – Bill No.

5/2021 3584 Appropriation Bill, 2021, Bill No.
4/2021 A Bill intituled: the from issue to provide “An act the for Consolidated Fund of the sums necessary to meet the expenditure (not otherwise lawfully changed on the Consolidated Fund) of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana for the fiscal year ending 31st December, 2021, estimates whereof have been approved by the National Assembly, and for the appropriation of those sums for the specified purposes, in conformity with the Constitution.” [Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance] Question put and carried.
Bill read the first time.

Dr. Singh: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Appropriation Bill 2021, Bill No.4/2021 be read a second time.

Bills – Second and Third Readings 3.06 p.m.

Question put and carried.

Bill read a second time.

Assembly in Committee.

Bill considered and approved.

Assembly resumed.

Bill reported without amendments, read the third time and passed.

(1) CAPITAL GAINS TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL 2021 – Bill No.
5/2021 A Bill intituled: “An Act to amend the Capital Gains Tax Act.” [Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance] Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Members, we have the supplementary business for this sitting, which has been approved.

I now call on the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance to move the second reading of the Capital Gains Tax (Amendment) Bill 2020, Bill No.

5/2021.

Dr. Singh: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.


The Capital Gains Tax (Amendment) Bill 2020, Bill No.

5/2021 is, in fact, a very simple Bill.

It is a Bill intended to bring into law one of the many measures announced in Budget 2021, intended to bring relief to the people of Guyana and, in this particular instance, to reverse one of the many draconian measures that have been implemented by the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government while they were in Office.
In particular, the Capital Gains Tax (Amendment) Bill addresses a particular stipulation that had been in place regarding capital gains tax when the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government (PPP/C) demitted Office in 2015.

It was stipulated, at the time, that capital gains tax would not be payable on disposal of assets where the asset or assets concerned had been in the ownership of the person doing the disposal for more than 25 years.
In other words, if someone owned a piece of property, and had owned that property for 25 years or more, then disposed of the property, that transaction would not be subject to capital gains tax.

It could be recalled – having left that situation in place, that legislative provision that exempted ownership beyond 25 years from the imposition of capital gains tax – that during the course of their tenure in office, the APNU/AFC removed that 25-year exemption.
This meant that irrespective of how long someone owned the asset, even if it was for 40 or 50 years, when the asset would be eventually disposed of it, the disposal would be subjected to capital gains tax.

It could be recalled, at the time when the APNU/AFC brought that particular provision to remove this 25-year exemption, that grave reservations were expressed by PPP/C Members of Parliament.
In particular, the then Leader of the Opposition, now the Vice-President, had indicated, very clearly, a strong reservation that the removal of the 25-year exemption was going to result in many elderly Guyanese, who had owned their property for a very long time, to have to bear the burden of paying capital gains tax when they eventually disposed of their property.
As we committed, with so many of the other punitive tax measures that the APNU/AFC Government had put in place, to reverse these punitive and draconian measures, we are now delivering, once again, on that promise – our promise to reverse and remove the punitive measures that have been introduced by the APNU/AFC during their time in Office.
3585 Bills – 2nd & 3rd Readings 4th March, 2021 MOTION - Confirmation of the Customs 3586 With those few words, I rise to move that the Capital Gains Tax (Amendment) Bill 2021, Bill No.

5/2021, published on 1st March, 2021, be now read a second time.

Question put and carried.

Bill read a second time.

Assembly in Committee.

Bill considered and approved.

Assembly resumed.

Bill reported without amendments, read the third time and passed.

Mr. Speaker: Hon.
Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Members, there are some procedural issues that we have to address.

I have to recommit the Bill.

Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Prime Minister or Hon.

Mdm.

Teixeira, if we look at Standing Order 54 (2), it states that for a Bill to be read a second time, six days have to pass for its publication in the Official Gazette.

We will have to suspend this to take the Bill through the stages for the second reading.

No.

5/2021, published on 1st March, 2021, be now read a second time.
Question put and carried.

Bill read a second time.

Assembly in Committee.

Bill considered and approved.

Dr. Singh: Mr. Speaker, I rise to report that the Capital Gains Tax (Amendment) Bill 2021, Bill No.

5/2021 was considered in Committee clause by clause and was passed without amendment.

I now move that the said Bill be read a third time and be passed as printed.

Mr. Chairman: Hon.
Mr. Chairman: Hon.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, unfortunately, the mace was in Committee.

We will resume the Assembly and you will have to restate.

Dr. Singh: My apologies, Sir.

Mr. Chairman: My apologies to you too.

Suspension of Standing Order No.

54(2) Assembly resumed.

BE IT RESOLVED: “That the Standing Order No.


54(2) be suspended to allow for the Bill to go through all the stages at today’s Sitting.” [Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Government Chief Whip] Ms. Teixeira: Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask that the Standing Orders be suspended to allow for the Bill to go through all its stages at today’s sitting.

Question put and carried.

Standing Order Suspended.

Mr. Speaker: Hon.


Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, we have to go through the request for the Bill to be read a second time.

Bill recommitted.

Bill reported without amendments, read the third time and passed.

3.21 p.m. MOTION Confirmation of the Customs (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2021 – No.
5/2021 BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly, in accordance with Sections 8 and 9 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01, confirm the Customs (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2021 (No.

5/2021) which was made on 26th February, 2021, under Section 8 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01 and published in the Official Gazette dated 1st March, 2021.

[Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance.]

Dr. Singh: Very well, Sir.


On the assumption that the remarks I made earlier will remain on the record of today’s proceedings, I will not repeat those remarks.

I will simply move that the Capital Gains Tax (Amendment) Bill 2021, Bill Dr. Singh: Mr. Speaker.

I rise now on the matter of the Confirmation of the Customs (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2021, Order No.

5/2021, which is an Order that gives 3587 (Amt of 1st Schedule) Order 2021 – No.
5/2021 4th March, 2021 Public Business – Committee Business 3588 legal effect, that brings into law, two of the critical measures that are announced in the Budget speech.
It could be recalled that, amongst the wide range of measures we announced in the Budget were measures intended to reduce the cost of construction materials, in particular, a measure proposing to reduce the duty on industrial-grade cement from 15% to 5%, with the intention of reducing construction cost in our economy along with several other measures.

It could be recalled that we instituted measures to reduce taxation on other construction materials as well.
Still, on the matter of customs duty, we had also announced the intention to reduce the cost of transportation in the hinterland by removing customs duty on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for use in the hinterland.

The first of those measures is to help with reducing the cost of construction and, therefore, the cost of both doing business and the cost of living broadly.

The second is to reduce the cost of transportation in the hinterland.
Most of those measures are required to be executed by way of amendment of the first schedule to the Customs Act.

That is the background to this Customs (Amendment of Fist Schedule) Order 2021.
Given that this is the last item required to bring into legal force the measures announced in the Budget, it would be remiss of me not to avail myself of the opportunity to place on record the very strong and compelling arguments made by my Colleagues, on this side of the House, throughout the last two weeks, in support of Budget 2021.

They elaborated and articulated how Budget 2021 is going to help to deliver better development outcomes to all of the people of Guyana.
First of all, I would like to place on record, my thanks, to all of my Colleagues on this side of the House.

I believe it would be equally remiss of me if I were not to place on record my grave disappointment that my Colleagues on that side of the House, with the notable and consistent exception of the distinguished Deputy Speaker to whom thanks is also due.

Deputy Speaker, my apologies for not, perhaps, explicitly including you when I thanked Colleagues on this side of the House.
But, indeed, I was thanking Colleagues on this side of the House and your distinguished self as well.

Might I also place on record my grave disappointment at our Colleagues on that side of the House, with the exception of the Deputy Speaker, who chose to absent themselves at this critical stage of the conclusion of consideration of Budget 2021.
They opted not to add their voices of support to these very important legislative initiatives that are so critical to both the cost of doing business and the cost of living in Guyana; that are intended to stimulate economic activity, to contribute to growth in the economy; and that are to contribute to the wellbeing of the people of Guyana.

I thought it would be remiss of me if I did not place that on record.
With those words, I would like to move that this National Assembly, in accordance with sections 8 and 9 of the the Customs Customs Act, Chapter 82:01, confirm (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2021, Order No.

5/2021 which was made on the 26th February, 2021 and which was published in the Official Gazette on 1st March, 2021.

Thank you very much, Sir.

[Applause] Question put and agreed to.

Motion carried.
PUBLIC BUSINESS COMMITTEE BUSINESS MOTION Adoption of the First Report of the Standing Committee on Appointments in Relation to the Appointment of a Member to the Judicial Service Commission BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly adopts the First Report of the Standing Committee on Appointments to address matters relating to the Appointment of Members of Commissions established under the Constitution, and signifies to the President that (Ret’d) has been Justice Beasraj Singh Roy nominated in accordance with Article 198(2)(a) of the Constitution, to be appointed Member of the Judicial Service Commission.
[Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Government Chief Whip] Ms. Teixeira: I would like to call on the House to adopt the first report of the Standing Committee on Appointments to address matters relating to the appointment of members of commissions established under the Constitution, and signify to the President that Justice Beasraj Singh Roy (Ret’d) has been nominated, in accordance with Article 198(2)(a) of the Constitution, to be appointed member of the Judicial Service Commission.
3589 MOTION – Adoption 1st Report – Standing COA – Appointment – Member to the JSC 4th March, 2021 Adjournment 3590 We call on the House to support this so that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which has expired since September, 2017, could be properly appointed by His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali.

ADJOURNMENT Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Members, this concludes our business for today.

I now call on the Hon.

Prime Minister to move the motion for the adjournment.
BE IT RESOLVED: “That the Assembly do now adjourn to a date to be announced.” [Prime Minister] Brigadier (Ret’d) Phillips: Mr. Speaker, I move the adjournment of the Assembly to a date to be announced.

Motion put and agreed to.

Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Members, the Assembly now stands adjourned to a date to be fixed.

Adjourned accordingly at 3.31 p.m.

Question put and agreed to.

Motion carried.
the Second Report of the Standing Adoption of Committee on Appointments the to Appointment of a Member of the Local Government Commission in Relation WHEREAS in keeping with the Local Government Commission Act No.18 of 2013, Section 4 (1) (c); the Committee is responsible for nomination of; “one member, appointed by the President, after the National Assembly upon a approval by Standing nomination Committee on Appointments from persons submitted by Trade Unions within the Local Government System.” the Parliamentary by AND WHEREAS, the Committee agreed that the following list of unions represent Trade Unions within the Local Government System and should be consulted to submit nominees for appointment to the Local Government Commission: Guyana Public Service Union; Guyana Local Government Officers Union; and Guyana Labour Union to appointment of a member of Ms. Teixeira: We call on the House to adopt the second report of the Standing Committee on Appointments in the Local relation Government Commission and to address matters relating to the appointment of members of the Local Government Commission and signify to the President that Mr. Carville Duncan (AA) of the Guyana Labour Union has been nominated the Local Government Commission Act, No.
18/2013, clause 4, sub-clause (1) (c) be appointed to the Local Government Commission.

Thank you, Sir.

in accordance with Question put and agreed to.

Motion carried.