Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698076040453.pdf (Guyana)
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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE 31' SITTING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SECOND SESSION (2002-2004) OF THE EIGHTH PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA HELD AT 2.00 P.M. ON FRIDAY, 16Th APRIL, 2004 IN THE CONVENTION CENTRE, OCEAN VIEW INTERNATIONAL HOTEL, LILIENDAAL, GREATER GEORGETOWN MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (681 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 (34) (ii) Non-elected Ministers (2) (iii) The United Force (1) 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 (Absent) 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 The Hon.

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

Shaik K.Z.

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

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

The Hon.

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

5 - Mahaica/Berbice) (Absent - on leave) * 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. Ramsammy, 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.

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) (Absent) 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.

l - Barima/Waini) Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P.

Mr. Neendkumar, M.P.

(Region No.

4 - Demerara/Mahaica) *Non-Elected Minister **Elected Member from The United Force • 3.

Members pf the Opposition (30) (i) People's National Congress/Reform (271 Mr. Robert H.O.

Corbin, M.P.

(Absent - on leave) Mr. Winston S. Murray, C.C.H., M.P.
(Absent - on leave) Mrs. Clarissa S. Riehl, M.P., Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly (Absent - on leave) Mr. E. Lance Carberry, M.P., Chief Whip (Absent - on leave) Mr. Ivor Allen, M.P.

(Region No.

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

Backer, M.P.

(Absent - on leave) Mr. Deryck M.A.

Bernard, M.P.

(Absent - on leave) Mr. C. Stanley Ming, M.P.

(Absent - on leave) Mr. Vincent L. Alexander, M.P.

(Region No.

4 - Demerara/Mahaica) (Absent - on leave) Mr. Raphael G.C.
Trotman, M.P.

(Absent - on leave) Mr.

Basil Williams, M.P.

(Absent - on leave) Mrs. Volda A. Lawrence, M.P.

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

(Absent - on leave) Miss Amna Ally, M.P.

(Region No.

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

(Region No.

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

(Absent - on leave) Dr. George A. Norton, M.P.

(Absent - on leave) Miss Myrna E.N.

Peterkin, M.P.

(Region No.


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

(Region No.

3 - Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) (Absent - on leave) Dr. Carl Max Hanoman, M.P.

(Absent - on leave) Miss Lurlene A. Nestor, M.P.

(Region No.

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

(Region No.

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

(Region No.

1 - Barima/Waini) (Absent - on leave) Mrs. Rajcoomarie Bancroft, M.P.
(Region No.

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

(Region No.

6 - East BerbiceJCorentyne) (Absent - on leave) Miss Judith David, M.P.

(Region No.

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

(Region No.

4 - Demerara/Mahaica) (Absent - on leave) • (ii) Guyana Action Party/Working People's Alliance (2) Mrs. Sheila V.A.

Holder, M.P.

(Absent - on leave) 4.

4 Mrs. Shirley J. Melville, M.P.

(Region No.
(Region No.

9 - Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) (iii) Rise, Organise and Rebuild Party (1) Mr. Ravindra Dev, M.P.

OFFICERS Mr. Sherlock E. Isaacs, Clerk of the National Assembly Mrs. Lilawtie Coonjah, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly COMMENCEMENT OF SITTING The Sitting commenced at 2.17 p.m. PRAYERS The Clerk read Prayers.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS PUBLIC BUSINESS MOTION BUDGET FOR 2004 Assembly resumed the debate on the motion for the approval of the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2004.
S The following Members spoke to the motion: The Minister of the Public Service The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport The Minister of Health The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Following the conclusion of the general debate on the motion for the approval of the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2004, 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 ofthe Committee of Supply met on 13th April, 2004, considered the allocation of time for the consideration of the 2004 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 14th April, 2004.
On a motion by the Minister of Finance, the Committee of Supply agreed with the Business 4 Sub-Committee in its Resolution.

The Speaker stated that in accordance with the Resolution, the Committee of Supply would commence consideration ofthe 2004 Estimates of Expenditure immediately upon the conclusion ofthe general debate on the motion for the approval of the Estimates of Expenditure for 2004.
Assembly resolved itself into Committee of Supply to consider the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2004.

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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 011 Head Office Administration 012 Presidential Advisory (Cabinet andOther Services) 013 Amerindian Development 014 Public Policy Div.501 Office of the President 09 - PUBLIC AND POLICE SERVICE COMMISSIONS 091 Public and Police Service Commissions Div.
505 - Code 25002 Public Service Commission 10 - TEACHING SERVICE COMMISSION 101 Teaching Service Commission Div 505 - Code 25008 Teaching Service Commission 11 - ELECTIQNS COMMISSION 111 Elections Commission Div.

505 - Code 25010 Guyana Elections Commission 53 - GUYANA DEFENCE FORCE 531 Defence Head Quarters Div.

501 - Code 12001 Guyana Defence Force )r- 4 .1r /...7 • Jr- 7.

57 - OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN 571 Ombudsman 58 - PUBLIC SERVICE APPELLATE 581 Public Service Appellate Tribunal Div.
505 - Code 25009 Public Service Appellate Tribunal ar 02 - OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER 021 Prime Minister's Secretariat 31 - MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND COMMUNICATIONS 311 Ministry Administration 312 Public Works 313 Communications and Transport Div.

517 - Ministry of Public Works and Communications - Air 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 071 National Assembly .4 Div.

505 - Code 25003 Parliament Building 15 - MINISTRY OF FOREIGN TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION 151 Foreign Trade and International Co-operation Div.

550 - Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Co-operation fi /...8 • • 8.

04 - MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 041 Ministry Administration 042 Foreign Relations 043 Foreign Trade and International Co-operation Div.
506 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 44 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE,YOUTH AND SPORT 441 Ministry Administration 442 Culture 443 Youth 444 Sport 445 Youth, Entrepreneurial Skills Training Div.

541 - Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport 41- MINISTRY OF EDUCATION 411 Main Office 412 National Education Policy 413 Ministry Administration 414 Training and Development 415 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 /...9 • • Abr- 401 9.

13 - MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT 131 Main Office 132 Ministry Administration 133 Regional Development Div.

527 Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development 71 - REGION 1: BARIMA/WAINI 711 Regional Administration and Finance 712 Public Works 713 Education 714 Health Services Div.
531 Region 1: Barima/Waini 72 - REGION 2: POMEROON/SUPENAAM 721 Regional Administration and Finance 722 Agriculture 723 Public Works 724 Education 725 Health Services Div.

532 Region 2: Pomeroon/Supenaam 73 - REGION 3: ESSEOUIBO ISLANDS/WEST DEMERARA 731 Regional Administration and Finance 732 Agriculture 733 Public Works 734 Education 735 Health Services Div.

533 Region 3: Essequibo Islands/West Demerara /...10 • • 74 - REGION 4: DEMERARA/MAHAICA 741 Regional Administiation and Finance 10.
742 Agriculture 743 Public Works 744 Education 745 Health Services Div.

534 Region 4: Dernerara/Mahaica OP- 75 - REGION 5: MAHAICA/BERBICE 751 Regional Administration and Finance 752 Agriculture 753 Public Works 754 Education 755 Health Services Div.

535 Region 5: Mahaica/Berbice 76- REGION 6: EAST BERBICE/CORENTYNE 761 Regional Administration and Finance 762 Agriculture 763 Public Works 764 Education 765 Health Services Div.
536 Region 6: East Berbice/Corentyne 77 - REGION 7: CUYUNI/MAZARUNI 771 Regional Administration and Finance 772 Public Works 773 Education 774 Health Services Div.

537 Region 7: Cuyuni/Mazaruni • • Jr- kik 74 - REGION 4: DEMERARA/MAHAICA 741 Regional Administration and Finance 10.

742 Agriculture 743 Public Works 744 Education 745 Health Services Div.
534 Region 4: Demerara/Mahaica /1111°- 75 - REGION 5: MAIIAICA/BERBICE 751 Regional Administration and Finance 752 Agriculture 753 Public Works 754 Education 755 Health Services Div.

535 Region 5: Mahaica/Berbice 76- REGION 6: EAST BERBICE/CORENTYNE 761 Regional Administration and Finance 762 Agriculture 763 Public Works 764 Education 765 Health Services Div.
536 Region 6: East Berbice/Corentyne 77 - REGION 7: CUYUNIIMAZARUNI 771 Regional Administration and Finance 772 Public Works 773 Education 774 Health Services Div.

537 Region 7: Cuyuni/Mazaruni • • 11.

78 REGION 8: POTARO/SIPARUNI 781 Regional Administration and Finance 782 Public Works 783 Education 784 Health Services Div.
538 Region 8: Potaro/Siparuni 79 - REGION 9: UPPER TAKUTU/UPPER ESSEQUIBO 791 Regional Administration and Finance 792 Agriculture 793 Public Works 794 Education 795 Health Services Div.

539 Region 9: Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo 80 - REGION 10: UPPER DEMERARA/BERBICE 801 Regional Administration and Finance 802 Public Works 803 Education 804 Health Services Div, 540 Region 10: Upper Demerara/Berbice 03 - MINISTRY OF FINANCE 031 Ministry Administration 032 Accountant General Div.
526 Ministry of Finance Div.

505 Ethnic Relations Commission /...12 *-- 13.

48 - MINISTRY OF LABOUR, HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY 481 Ministry Administration 4 482 Social Services 483 Labour Administration Div.

545 Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security Div.
546 Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security - SIMAP 0-- 52 - MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS 521 Main Office 522 Ministry Administration 523 Attorney General's Chambers 524 Office of the State Solicitor 525 Deeds Registry Div.

514 Ministry of Legal Affairs 1r 55 - SUPREME COURT 551 Supreme Court of Judicature 552 Magistrates' Department Div.

514 Code 12002 Supreme Court Div.

514 Code 25002 Equipment -4 56 - PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS 561 Public Prosecutions Div.
505 Constitutional Agencies (Code 25007) 14- PUBLIC SERVICE MINISTRY 141 Public Service Management Div.

549 Public Service Ministry mr /...14 • 14.

23 - MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE 231 Main Office 232 Ministry Administration 4 233 Commerce, Tourism, Industry and Consumer Affairs Div.

529 Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce 16 - MINISTRY QF AMERINDIAN AFFAIRS 161 Amerindian Development Div.
551 Ministry of Amerindian Affairs 46 - GEORGETOWN PUBLIC HOSPITAL CORPORATION 461 Public Hospital Div.

516 Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation 47 - MINISTRY OF HEALTH 471 Ministry Administration 472 Disease Control 473 Primary Health Care Services 474 Regional and Clinical Services 475 Health Sciences Education 476 Standards and Technical Services 477 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 2004 and had approval of them as 4it printed.

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The motion for the approval of the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2004 was then Rut and carried.

BILL - First, Second and Third Readings APPROPRIATION BILL 2004 - Bill No.
7/2004 On a motion by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Standing Orders Nos.

12 and 46 were suspended to enable the Appropriation Bill 2004 to be introduced at this stage and to be further proceeded with at that sitting.
On a motion 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 Consolidated 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, 2004, estimates whereof have been approved by the National Assembly, and for the appropriation of those sums for specified purposes, in conformity with the Constitution.
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ADJOURNMENT At 6.00 p.m., on a motion by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, the sitting was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

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

16th April, 2004. ig- 4 1- v 4 II