Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698076310224.pdf (Guyana)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH SITTING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SECOND SESSION (2002-2003) OF THE EIGHTH PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA HELD AT 2.00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, 9Th APRIL 2003 IN THE CONVENTION CENTRE, OCEAN VIEW INTERNATIONAL HOTEL, LILIENDAAL, GREATER GEORGETOWN MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (68) Speaker (1) The Hon.
Hari N. Ramkarran, S.C., M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly Members of the Government (37) (i) People's Progressive Party/Civic (341 (ii) Non-elected Ministers (2) (iii) The United Force (1) Pa- The Hon.

Samuel A.A. Hinds, M.P., Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works and Communications The Hon.

Reepu Daman Persaud, O.R., J.P., M.P., Minister of Parliamentary Affairs The Hon.

Clement J. Rohee, M.P., Minister of Foreign Trade and International Co-operation The Hon.
Harripersaud Nokta, M.P., Minister of Local Government and Regional Development The Hon.

Gail Teixeira, M.P., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport The Hon.

Dr. Henry B. Jeffrey, M.P., Minister of Education A The Hon.

Saisnarine Kowlessar, M.P., Minister of Finance The Hon.

Shaik K.Z.

Baksh, M.P., Minister of Housing and Water The Hon.

Navindranauth 0.

Chandarpal, M.P., Minister of Agriculture (Region No.

4 - Demerara/Mahaica) The Hon.


J. Ronald Gajraj, M.P., Minister of Home Affairs (Region No.

3 -Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) The Hon.

Rev.

Dr. Ramnauth D.A.

Bisnauth, M.P., Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security (Absent - on leave) The Hon.

Clinton C. Collymore, M.P., Minister in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development /...2 • 2.

The Hon.

Satyadeow Sawh, M.P., Minister of Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock (Region No.

5 - Mahaica/Berbice) * The Hon.


S. Rudolph Insanally, O.R., C.C.H., M.P., Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Foreign Affairs * The Hon.

Doodnauth Singh, S.C., M.P., Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs The Hon.

Dr. Jennifer R.A. Westford, M.P., Minister of the Public Service The Hon.

C. Anthony Xavier, M.P., Minister of Transport and Hydraulics The Hon.

Bibi S. Shadick, M.P., Minister in the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security (Region No.
3 - Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) ** The Hon.

Manzoor Nadir, M.P., Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce The Hon.

Carolyn Rodrigues, M.P., Minister of Amerindian Affairs The Hon.

Dr. Leslie S. Ramsarnmy, M.P., Minister of Health Mr. S. Feroze Mohamed, M.P., Chief Whip Mr. Cyril C.L.

Belgrave, C.C.H., J.P., M.P.

(Region No.

4 - Demerara/Mahaica) Mr. Donald R. Ramotar, M.P.

Mr. Husman Alli, J.P., M.P.

(Region No.

7 - Cuyuni/Mazaruni) Mr. Kornai Chand, C.C.H., J.P., M.P.
*- Mrs. Indranie Chandarpal, M.P.

Mr. Bernard C. DeSantos, S.C., M.P.

(Region No.

4 - Demerara/Mahaica) (Absent) Mrs. Shirley V. Edwards, J.P., M.P.

(Absent) Mr. Odinga N. Lumumba, M.P.

Mr. Heeralall Mohan, J.P., M.P.

(Region No.

2 - Pomeroon/Supenaam) Mr. Ramesh C. Rajkumar, M.P.

(Region No.

6 - East Berbice/Corentyne) Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, M.P.

(Region No.

6 - East Berbice/Corentyne) Dr. Bheri S. Ramsaran, M.D., M.P.
Mrs. Philomena Sahoye-Shury, C.C.H., J.P., M.P., Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Water Mrs. Pauline R. Sukhai, M.P.

(Region No.

1 - Barima/Wairii) Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P.

*Non-Elected Minister **Elected Member from The United Force • Members of the Opposition (30) (i) People's National Congress/Reform (271 Mr. Robert H.O.

Corbin, M.P.

(Absent) Mr. Winston S. Murray, C.C.H., M.P.


(Absent) Mrs. Clarissa S. Riehl, M.P., Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly (Absent) Mr. E. Lance Carberry, M.P., Chief Whip (Absent) Mr. Ivor Allen, M.P.

(Region No.

2 - Pomeroon/Supenaam) (Absent) Mrs. Deborah J.

Backer, M.P.

(Absent) Mr. Deryck M.A.

Bernard, M.P.

(Absent) Mr. C. Stanley Ming, M.P.

(Absent) Mr. Raphael G.C.

Trotman, M.P.

(Absent) Mr. Vincent L. Alexander, M.P.

(Region No.

4 - Demerara/Mahaica) (Absent) Mr. Andy Goveia, M.P.
(Absent) Mrs. Volda A. Lawrence, M.P.

(Absent) 4- Dr. Dalgleish Joseph, M.D., M.P.

(Absent) Miss Arum Ally, M.P.

(Region No.

5 - Mahaica/Berbice) (Absent) Miss Sandra M. Adams, M.P.

(Region No.

10 - Upper Demerara/Berbice) (Absent) Mr. Jerome Khan, M.P.

(Absent) Dr. George A. Norton, M.P.

(Absent) Miss Myrna E.N.

Peterkin, M.P.

(Region No.

4 - Demerara/Mahaica) (Absent) Mr. James K. McAllister, M.P.

(Region No.

3 - Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) (Absent) Miss Lurlene A. Nestor, M.P.
(Region No.

4 - Demerara/Mahaica) (Absent) Mr. Abdul Kadir, J.P., M.P.

(Region No.

10 - Upper Demerara/Berbice) (Absent) Mr. Ricky Khan, M.P.

(Region No.

1 - Barima/Waini) (Absent) Mrs. Rajcoomarie Bancroft, M.P.

(Region No.

8 - Potaro/Siparuni) (Absent) Mr. Nasir Ally, J.P., M.P.

(Region No.

6 - East Berbice/Corentyne) (Absent) Miss Judith David, M.P.

(Region No.

7 - Cuyuni/Mazaruni) (Absent) Miss Genevieve Allen, M.P.

(Region No.
(Region No.

4 - Demerara/Mahaica) (Absent) (There is one vacancy) /...4 sfc • 4.

(ii) Guyana Action Party/Working People's Alliance (2) Mrs. Sheila V.A.

Holder, M.P.

Mrs. Shirley J. Melville, M.P.

(Region No.

9 - Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) (iii) Rise, Organise and Rebuild Party (1) Mr. Ravindra Dev, M.P.
(Absent - on leave) Mr. Sherlock E. Isaacs, Clerk of the National Assembly Mrs. Lilawtie Coonjah, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly OFFICERS COMMENCEMENT OF SITTING The Sitting commenced at 2.10 p.m. PRAYERS The Clerk read Prayers.

PRESENTATION OF PAPERS AND REPORTS, ETC.

By the Speaker (Chairman of the Committee of Selection): Minutes of the Proceedings of the 2'd Meeting of the Committee of Selection of the Second Session held on 4th April, 2003.

(Circulated) • A 5.
(Circulated) • A 5.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS - Presentation and First Reading DEMERARA HARBOUR BRIDGE CORPORATION BILL 2003 - Bill No.

2/2003 The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, on behalf of the Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, on behalf of the Government, presented the following Bill which was read the first time: A BILL intituled AN ACT to establish the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation.
PUBLIC BUSINESS MOTION MOTION FOR THE APPROVAL OF I RE ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR 2003 (2003 BUDGET) Assembly resumed the debate on the motion for the approval of the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2003.
The following Members spoke to the motion: The Minister of Education The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport The Minister in the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security Minister of Agriculture The Minister of Foreign Trade and International Co-operation Minister of Parliamentary Affairs • 6.
Following the conclusion of the general debate on the motion for the approval of the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2003, Assembly resolved itself into Committee of Supply to consider and dispose of the Report of the Business Sub-Committee of the Committee of Supply.
In Committee of Supply The Speaker reported that the Business Sub-Committee of the Committee of Supply met on 7th April, 2003, considered the allocation of time for the consideration of the 2003 Estimates of Expenditure in the Committee of Supply, and passed a Resolution on the matter.

Copies of the Sub-Committee's Minutes, Resolution and Time Table had been circulated to Members at the Sitting on 7th April, 2003.
On a motion by the Minister of Finance, the Committee of Supply agreed with the Business Sub-Committee in its Resolution.

The Speaker stated that in accordance with the Resolution, the Committee of Supply would commence consideration of the 2003 Estimates of Expenditure immediately upon the conclusion of the general debate on the motion for the approval of the Estimates of Expenditure for 2003.

SUSPENSION OF SITTING At 5.34 p.m., the sitting was suspended for refreshments.
RESUMPTION OF SITTING At 6.17 p.m., the sitting was resumed.

• Assembly resolved itself into Committee of Supply to consider the Estimates of Expenditure 7. for the financial year 2003.
In Committee of Supply The following Agencies, Programmes and Divisions in the Estimates were considered and were approved by the Committee as presented with the respective amounts allocated thereto- 01 - OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 1 Head Office Administration 2 Presidential Advisory (Cabinet and Other Services) 4 Amerindian Development 5 Public Policy and Planning Div.

501 Office of the President 09 - PUBLIC AND POLICE SERVICE COMMISSIONS 1 Public and Police Service Commissions Div.
505 - Code 25002 Public Service Commission 10 - TEACHING SERVICE COMMISSION 1 Teaching Service Commission Div.

505 - Code 25008 Teaching Service Commission 11 - ELECTIONS COMMISSION 1 Elections Commission Div.

505 - Code 25010 Guyana Elections Commission 53 - GUYANA DEFENCE FORCE 1 Defence Headquarters /...8 • 8.

57 - OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN 1 Ombudsman Div.

505 - Code 25005 Office of the Ombudsman 58 - PUBLIC SERVICE APPELLATE TRIBUNAL 1 Public Service Appellate Tribunal Div.
505 - Code 25009 Public Service Appellate Tribunal 02 - OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER 1 Prime Minister's Secretariat 31- MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND COMMUNICATIONS 1 Ministry Administration 2 Public Works 3 Communications and Transport Div.

517 - Ministry of Public Works and Communications - Air Transport Reform Programme Div.

519 - Ministry of Public Works and Communications - Sea Defences Div.

520 - Ministry of Public Works and Communications Div.
548 - Ministry of Public Works and Communications - Bridges/Roads 07 - PARLIAMENT OFFICE 1 National Assembly Div.

505 - Code 25003 Parliament Building Div.

505 - Code 25011 Land Transport 15 - MINISTRY OF FOREIGN TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION 1 Foreign Trade and International Co-operation Div.

550 - Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Co-operation • 9.

04 - MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 1 Ministry Administration 2 Foreign Relations 3 Foreign Trade & International Co-operation Div.
506 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 44 - MINISTRY OF .

CULTURE YOUTH AND SPORT 1 Ministry Administration 2 Culture 3 Youth 4 Sports 5 Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Div.

541 - Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport 41 - MINISTRY OF EDUCATION 1 Main Office 2 National Education Policy - Implementation and Supervision 3 Ministry Administration 4 Training and Development 5 Education Delivery Div.

543 Ministry of Education Div.

544 Ministry of Education - Secondary School Reform Project Div.
547 Guyana Education Access Project Div.

553 Basic Education Access and Management Support Programme 13 - MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT 1 Main Office 2 Ministry Administration 3 Regional Development Div.

527 Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development /...10 i 4 10.

71 - REGION 1: BARINIA/WAINI 1 Regional Administration and Finance 3 Public Works 4 Education Delivery 5 Health Services Div.
531 Region 1: BarirnaAVaini 72 - REGION 2: POMEROON/SUPENAAM I Regional Administration and Finance 2 Agriculture 3 Public Works 4 Education Delivery 5 Health Services Div.

532 Region 2: Pomeroon/Supenaam 73 - REGION 3: ESSEQUIBO ISLANDS/WEST DEMERARA 1 Regional Administration and Finance 2 Agriculture 3 Public Works 4 Education Delivery 5 Health Services Div.
533 Region 3: Essequibo Islands/West Demerara 74 - REGION 4:DEMERARA/MAHAICA 1 Regional Administration and Finance 2 Agriculture 3 Public Works 4 Education Delivery 5 Health Services Div.

534 Region 4: Demerara/Mahaica 11- • 4 11.

75 - REGION 5: MAHAICA/BERBICE 1 Regional Administration and Finance 2 Agriculture 3 Public Works 4 Education Delivery 5 Health Services Div.
535 Region 5: Mahaica/Berbic,e 76 - REGION 6: EAST BERBICE/CORENTYNE 1 Regional Administration and Finance 2 Agriculture 3 Public Works 4 Education Delivery 5 Health Services 4r.

Div.

536 Region 6: East Berbice/Corentyne 77 - REGION 7: CUYUNI/MAZARUNI 1 Regional Administration and Finance 3 Public Works 4 Education Delivery 5 Health Services Div.

537 Region 7: Cuyuni/Mazaruni 78 - REGION 8: POTARO/SIPARUNI 1 Regional Administration and Finance 2 Public Works 3 Education Delivery 4 Health Services Div.
538 Region 8: Potaro/Siparuni /...12 • 12.

79 - REGION 9: UPPER TAKUTU/UPPER ESSEOUIBO 1 Regional Administration and Finance 2 Agriculture 3 Public Works 4 Education Delivery 5 Health Services Div.

539 Region 9: Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo 80 - REGION 10: UPPER DEMERARA/BERBICE 1 Regional Administration and Finance 3 Public Works 4 Education Delivery 5 Health Services Div.
540 Region 10: Upper Demerara/Berbice 03 - MINISTRY OF FINANCE 1 Ministry Administration 2 Accountant General's Department Div.

526 Ministry of Finance 08 - OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL 1 Office of the Auditor General Div.

505 - Codes 12001,24001, 25001, 44001 Auditor General 90 - PUBLIC DEBT 1 Public Debt 4 • 4 13.

45 - MINISTRY OF HOUSING_AND WATER 1 Housing and Water Div.

523 Ministry of Housing and Water Div.

524 Ministry of Housing and Water - Water Supply Improvement Project Div.
530 Ministry of Housing and Water - Housing Div.

552 Ministry of Housing and Water - Guyana Water Incorporated 21 - MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE 1 Ministry Administration 2 Crops and Livestock Support Services 3 Fisheries 4 Hydrometeorological Services Div.

508 Ministry of Agriculture Div.

509 Ministry of Agriculture - Rural Support Project Div.

510 Ministry of Agriculture -MMA III Div.


512 Ministry of Agriculture - Artisanal Fisheries 51 - MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS 1 Secretariat Services 2 Guyana Police Force 3 Guyana Prison Service 4 Police Complaints Authority 5 Guyana Fire Service 7 General Register Office Div.

507 Ministry of Home Affairs I.. .14 • Ak.

14.

48 - MINISTRY OF LABOUR, HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY 1 Ministry Administration 2 Social Services 3 Labour Administration Div.
545 Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security Div.

546 Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security - SIMAP 52 - MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS 1 Main Office 2 Ministry Administration 3 Attorney General's Chambers 4 Office of the State Solicitor 5 Deeds Registry Div.

514 Ministry of Legal Affairs 55 - SUPREME COURT 1 Supreme Court of Judicature 2 Magistrates' Department 56 - PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS 1 Public Prosecutions Div.
505 Constitutional Agencies (Code 25007) 14 - PUBLIC SERVICE MINISTRY 1 Public Service Management Div.

549 - Public Service Ministry /...15 • 4 23 - MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE 15.

1 Main Office 2 Ministry Administration 3 Tourism, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Div.

529 Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce 16 - MINISTRY OF AMERINDIAN AFFAIRS 1 Amerindian Development Div.
551 - Ministry of Amerindian Affairs 46 - GEORGETOWN PUBLIC HOSPITAL CORPORATION 1 Public Hospital 4 47 - MINISTRY OF HEALTH 1 Ministry Administration 2 Diseases Control 3 Primary Health Care Services 4 5 Regional and Clinical Services Health Sciences Education 6 Standards and Technical Services 7 Rehabilitation Services Div.

516 Ministry of Health Assembly resumed.


The Minister of Finance reported to the Assembly that the Committee of Supply had completed consideration of the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2003 and had approved of them as printed.

The motion for the approval of the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2003 was then mit and carried.

/...16 • 4 16.

BILL - First, Second and Third Readings APPROPRIATION BILL 2003 - Bill No.
1/2003 On a motion by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Standing Orders Nos.

12 and 46 were suspended to enable the Appropriation Bill 2003 to be introduced at this stage and to be further proceeded with at that Sitting.
On motions by the Minister of Finance, the following Bill was introduced and was read the first, second and third times and passed as printed:- A BILL intituled AN ACT to provide for the issue from the Consolidate Fund of the sums necessary to meet the expenditure (not otherwise lawfully charged on the Consolidated Fund) of Guyana for the financial year ending 31' December, 2003, estimates whereof have been approved by the National Assembly, and for the appropriation of those sums for specified purposes, in conformity with the Constitution.
THANKS TO THE CLERK OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY The Speaker of the National Assembly expressed thanks to the Clerk of the National Assembly and his staff for suitably arranging the Convention Centre for the sittings of the National Assembly for the Budget Debate and the consideration of the Estimates.

He also expressed thanks to the Media and all those persons who assisted in making the 2003 Budget debate and consideration of the Estimates successful.
The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, on behalf of the Members and himself, thanked the Speaker for ably preceding over the sittings of the Assembly during the Budget Debate and the consideration of the Estimates.

/...17 • • • 4 17.

ADJOURNMENT At 7.16 p.m., on a motion by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, the Assembly was adjourned to 2.00 p.m., on Monday, 14th April, 2003.

HARI N. RAMKARRAN Speaker of the National Assembly PARLIAMENT OFFICE, Public Buildings, Georgetown.

9th April, 2003.