Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698069899566.pdf (Guyana)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE 68TH SITTING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FIRST SESSION (2012-2014) OF THE TENTH PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA HELD AT 2.00 P.M. ON THURSDAY, 23RD JANUARY, 2014 IN THE PARLIAMENT CHAMBER, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, BRICKDAM, GEORGETOWN.

MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (68) Speaker (1) The Hon Raphael G.C.

Trotman, M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly (Absent – on leave) MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT (34) (i) People’s Progressive Party/Civic (34) Hon.
Samuel A.A. Hinds, O.E., M.P., Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Hon.

Clement J. Rohee, M.P., Minister of Home Affairs Hon.

Dr. Leslie S. Ramsammy, M.P., Minister of Agriculture Hon.

Mohabir A. Nandlall, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Hon.

Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, M.P.

(Region No.

9 – Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon.

Dr. Ashni K. Singh, M.P., Minister of Finance Hon.

Robert M. Persaud, M.P.


(Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne), Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Hon.

Dr. Jennifer Westford, M.P.

(Region No.

7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Minister of the Public Service /…2 2.

Hon.

Dr. Bheri S. Ramsarran, M.P., Minister of Health Hon.

Mohamed I. Alli, M.P., Minister of Housing and Water Hon.

Dr. Frank C.S.

Anthony, M.P., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Hon.

Brindley H.R.

Benn, M.P., Minister of Public Works Hon.

Priya D. Manickchand, M.P.


(Region No.

5 – Mahaica/Berbice), Minister of Education Hon.

Ganga Persaud, M.P., Minister of Local Government and Regional Development (Absent) Hon.

Jennifer I.M.

Webster, M.P., Minister of Human Services and Social Security Hon.

Pauline Campbell-Sukhai, M.P., Minister of Amerindian Affairs *Hon.

Dr. Nanda K. Gopaul, M.P., Minister of Labour Hon.

Alli Baksh, M.P.

(Region No.

2 – Pomeroon/Supernaam), Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture Hon.
Norman A. Whittaker, J.P., M.P.

(Region No.

1 – Barima/Waini), Minister in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Hon.

Bishop Juan A. Edghill, M.S., J.P., M.P., Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ms Gail Teixeira, M.P., Government Chief Whip Mr. Manzoor Nadir, M.P.

Mrs. Indranie Chandarpal, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Bibi S. Shadick, M.P.

(Region No.

3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) *Non-Elected Minister /…3 3.

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

(Region No.


3 – Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara) Mr. Odinga Lumumba, M.P.

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

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, M.P.

Dr. Vishwa D.B.

Mahadeo, M.P.

Rev.

Dr. Kwame A. Gilbert, M.P.

**Mr. Joseph Hamilton, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud, M.S., M.P.

Mr. Cornel Damon, M.P.

(Region No.

2 – Pomeroon/Supernaam) Mr. Faizal M. Jafarally, M.P.

(Region No.
(Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne) Members of the Opposition (33) (ii) Members of A Partnership for National Unity(26) Brigadier (Ret’d) David A. Granger, M.S.S., M.P., Leader of the Opposition Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, M.P.

Ms Amna Ally, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip Mr.

Basil Williams, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Mrs. Volda Lawrence, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Dr. George Norton, M.P.


Mrs. Deborah Backer, M.P., Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly (Absent – on leave) **Non-Elected Member /…4 4.

Mr. Carl B. Greenidge, M.P.

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Joseph F. Harmon, M.S.M., M.P.

Mr. Keith Scott, M.P.

Ms Dawn Hastings-Williams, M.P.

(Region No.

7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni) Mr. Winston Felix, D.S.M., M.P.

Ms Jennifer J.

Wade, M.P.

(Region No.

5 – Mahaica/Berbice) Mr. Sydney Allicock, M.S., M.P.

Ms Africo Selman, M.P.

(Region No.


4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Mr. Desmond Trotman, M.P.

Ms Vanessa Kissoon, M.P.

(Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Mr. James A.

Bond, M.P.

Mr. Ronald A. Bulkan, M.P.

Mr. Jaipaul Sharma, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Mrs. Mabel Baveghems, M.P.

Mr. John Adams, M.P.

(Region No.

3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) Mr. Christopher A. Jones, M.P.

Ms Rennita L. Williams, M.P.

(Region No.

1 – Barima/Waini) Mr. Renis Morian, M.P.

(Region No.
(Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Miss Annette N. Ferguson, M.P.

/…5 5.

(iii)Members of The Alliance For Change (7) Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, M.P.

Mr. Moses Nagamootoo, J.P., M.P.

Mrs. Catherine Hughes, M.P.

Mrs. Valerie Garrido-Lowe, M.P.

Dr. Veersammy Ramayya, M.P.

(Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne) Ms June Eula Marcello, M.P.

(Region No.

8 – Potaro/Siparuni) Mr. Trevor Williams, M.P.


OFFICERS Mr. Sherlock E. Isaacs, Clerk of the National Assembly Ms Hermina Gilgeours, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly (a.g.) ELECTION OF A SPEAKER The Clerk of the National Assembly informed Members that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker were both unavoidably absent from that day’s sitting, therefore, in accordance with Standing Order No.
4(1), the Assembly was required to elect a member who was not a Minister of the Government or a Parliamentary Secretary to preside at that sitting.

The Clerk accordingly invited nominations.

The Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs nominated Hon.

Member Bibi S. Shadick, M.P.

and Ms Amna Ally, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip, seconded the nomination.

/…6 6.
/…6 6.

There being no further nomination, the Clerk announced that Bibi S. Shadick, M.P., was duly elected to preside at that day’s sitting of the Assembly.

COMMENCEMENT OF SITTING The Sitting commenced at 2.14 p.m. PRAYERS The Clerk read the prayers.

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER The Speaker made the following announcements:- Thanks to Members of the Assembly “Hon.
Members, I would like say thank you for reposing confidence in me to preside at today’s sitting in the absence of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker who, by the way, I think you should all pray for a speedy recovery from her illnesses.

I hope that the Sitting will be an uneventful one where heckling will be used as an art rather than harassment and that we can get through the business for the day with due respect to each and every one of the persons who are speaking.
I need to remind the House that heckling is an art.

Thank you very much.” /…7 7.

Ruling No.

1 of 2014 made by the Speaker of the National Assembly “Hon.

Members, I wish to draw your attention to a ruling, Ruling No.

1 of 2014, by the Speaker, Hon.

Raphael Trotman, M.P., which was circulated at today’s sitting with respect to the admissibility of the two motions by Hon.

Member, Mr. Trevor Williams, M.P.” Wild Life Import and Export Bill 2013- Bill No.

20/2013 “Hon.
20/2013 “Hon.

Members, I was informed by the Hon.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment that the Wild Life Import and Export Bill 2013, Bill No.

20/2013, standing in his name will not be proceeded with at this Sitting.” Sharad and Gita Puja Ceremony “Hon.

Members, you have been invited by Hon.

Member, Dr. V. Ramayya, M.P., to attend a one year Sharad and Gita Puja in memory of his late wife.
The function will be held on Sunday, 16th February, 2014 at 10.00 a.m. at Dr. Ramayya’s residence, Whim Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Members of the National Assembly are invited to attend.

Thank you.” PRESENTATION OF PAPERS AND REPORTS- By the Minister of Labour: The Occupational Safety and Health (HIV and AIDS) Regulations 2013 – No.

9 of 2013.

(Circulated) QUESTIONS ON NOTICE- For Written Reply 1.

PAYMENT OF 5% INCREASE IN WAGES AND SALARIES TO PUBLIC OFFICERS Member Asking: Mr.

Basil Williams, M.P.


Minister Answering: The Minister of Finance /…8 8.

Could the Hon.

Minister provide, with particulars, the specific amounts utilised in relation to the following components of the $4.4 billion allocated under the head “Revision of Wages and Salaries” in the 2013 Budget?

These are: (1) Increase in wages and salaries; (2) New employment; and (3) Promotions.

(Notice Paper No.

274 (Q 180 Opp.

178) published on 2013-12-31) Answer: “Further to Parliamentary question (Notice Paper No.
274 – Q180 Opp.178) on expenditure incurred in 2013 under line time 6141 – Revision in Wages and Salaries, please find details below:- 1.

Payment of 5 percent increase in wages and salaries - $1.6 billion 2.

Employment cost shortfalls arising from new recruits - $1.3 billion 3.

Employment cost shortfalls arising from promotions - $0.3 billion 4.

One month bonus paid to Disciplined Services - $0.5 billion 5.

Payment of employment cost shortfalls at subvention agencies - $0.7 billion 6.
Other employment cost shortfalls arising from, payment of salary in Lieu of Leave, etc.

- $0.1 billion Note, that some agencies met part of the 5 percent increase in wages and salaries from their own voted provision, where available.” For Oral Replies 2.

CLIFF ANDERSON SPORTS HALL Mr. Christopher Jones, M.P., asked the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport the following questions: /…9 9.

(i) *Could the Hon.
(i) *Could the Hon.

Minister inform this House whether in addition to sports the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall can also be used to slaughter goats and other meat products?

(ii) *Could the Hon.

Minister inform this House who granted permission for goats to be slaughtered at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall?

(iii) *What fees are charge to clubs/groups to utilise the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and what criteria is use to determine those fees?

(Notice Paper No.

268 (Q 177 Opp.


175) published on 2013-11-29) Thereafter, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport replied.

Mr. Christopher Jones, M.P., asked the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport a supplementary question.

Thereafter, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport replied.

3.

BASKETBALL COURT AT THE GYMNASIUM Mr. Christopher Jones, M.P., asked the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport the following questions: (i) *Could the Hon.
Minister inform this House when would the lights on the basketball court at the Gymnasium be replaced?

(ii) *Could the Hon.

Minister inform this House why and under whose instruction the lights on the basketball court at the Gymnasium were removed?

(Notice Paper No.

269 (Q 178 Opp.

176) published on 2013-11-29) /…10 10.

Thereafter, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport replied.

Mr. Christopher Jones, M.P., asked the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport a supplementary question.
Thereafter, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport replied.

PUBLIC BUSINESS (i) PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BUSINESS BILLS – Second Reading ITEM 1 - THE MARRIED PERSONS (PROPERTY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 2013 – Bill No.

9 of 2013 published on 2013-06-14 At the request of Ms Amna Ally, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip, on behalf of Mrs. Deborah Backer, M.P., the second reading of the following Bill was deferred: A Bill intituled AN ACT to amend the Married Persons (Property) Act.
(Read a first time on 2013-06-13) MOTIONS ITEM 2 - REINTRODUCTION OF THE BERBICE RIVER FERRY SERVICE FROM NEW AMSTERDAM T0 KWAKWANI At the request of Mr. Trevor Williams, M.P., consideration of the following motion was deferred: /…11 11.
WHEREAS the Berbice River Ferry previously served a number of Communities from New Amsterdam to Kwakwani, providing critical and affordable transportation to hundreds of Guyanese families and their goods to and from the Berbice Coast; AND WHEREAS the Government of Guyana with no explanation unilaterally removed this critical service which linked the hinterland with the Coast; AND WHEREAS individuals, families, organizations and institutions from Communities of the Berbice River benefitted from this service in the past and now have to severely alter their way of life to the extent of relocating and abandoning their primary economic activity; AND WHEREAS many of these communities have now become abandoned and deserted due to lack of significant economic activities; AND WHEREAS many young people can no longer embrace a future in Agricultural activities to further develop themselves; AND WHEREAS this Ferry service remains a critical component to the development of the Berbice Riverain Communities; AND WHEREAS other far flung areas in Guyana which remain accessible by river mainly Northwest, Bartica and Essequibo Coast have had the ferry services maintained, thereby providing critical support to residents and facilitating the transport of large scale commodities, BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly immediately calls on the Government of Guyana to restore this service thereby reviving those communities and giving hope and stability to the many Guyanese who wish to venture into Agricultural entrepreneurship.
(Notice Paper No.

256 (M 88 Opp 52) published on 2013-11-13) /…12 12.
ITEM 3 - RESTORATION OF THE ANNUAL SUBVENTION/GRANT TO THE CRITCHLOW LABOUR COLLEGE At the request of Mr. Trevor Williams, M.P., consideration of the following motion was deferred: WHEREAS the Critchlow Labour College through its three Campuses in Georgetown, Linden and Berbice served to educate thousands of Guyanese, both adult and youth, for decades and giving many a second chance at educating themselves; AND WHEREAS the Government of Guyana, both PNC and PPP/C, through the Ministry of Finance, provided a subvention to the Critchlow Labour College thereby subsidising the cost of education to thousands of Guyanese from all walks of life; AND WHEREAS through the benefit of this subvention the Critchlow Labour College successfully entered into partnerships for developing education within Guyana and abroad with reputable institutions; AND WHEREAS through its offering of academic courses hundreds of young Guyanese entered and re-entered the job market and rose through the ranks to become highly skilled and successful professionals; AND WHEREAS parents and guardians alike were able to access affordable education at a convenient time, thereby developing themselves and making their families more stable; /…13 13.
AND WHEREAS after the withdrawal of this subvention the institution eventually collapsed thereby bringing to ruin the hopes and aspirations of thousands of young Guyanese from all walks of life; AND WHEREAS the Critchlow Labour College now offers a significantly reduced curriculum thereby limiting the options of those desiring higher education, BE IT RESOLVED: That the National Assembly calls on the Government of Guyana to restore the full subvention thereby allowing the Critchlow Labour College to be re-opened to its full capacity.
(Notice Paper No.

257 (M 89 Opp 53) published on 2013-11-13) ITEM 4 - THE BROADCASTING (AMENDMENT) BILL 2013 – BILL NO.

19 OF 2013 At the request of Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph Harmon, M.S.M., M.P., consideration of the following motion was deferred: BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly, in accordance with Standing Order No.

52(1), grant leave for the introduction and first reading of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2013 – Bill No.

19 of 2013:- A BILL intituled AN ACT to amend the Broadcasting Act.
(Notice Paper No.

259 (M 91 Opp 54) published on 2013-11-21) /…14 14.

If leave is granted, the Clerk shall read aloud the title of the Bill.
ITEM 5 - BERBICE RIVER BRIDGE At the request of Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph Harmon, M.S.M., M.P., consideration of the following motion was deferred: WHEREAS the Berbice Bridge was built with significant investment by the Government of Guyana on behalf of the People of Guyana; AND WHEREAS the Berbice Bridge is owned and operated by the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI), a company incorporated under the provisions of the Companies Act No.
29 of 1991 of the Laws of Guyana; AND WHEREAS the Government of Guyana through National Industrial & Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL) is a preferential shareholder and a member of the Board of Directors of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc.; AND WHEREAS since it’s commissioning in December, 2008 the Berbice Bridge has facilitated crossing of over 650,000 vehicles (of the Berbice River) resulting in an annual revenue of over $1,500,000,000 (one billion five hundred million dollars) for the Berbice Bridge Company Inc.; AND WHEREAS the toll for vehicles crossing the Berbice Bridge presently is: /…15 15.
Category Motor Cars Mini Buses Motor Cycles Four-wheel drive/ SUVs/Pick-ups Present Rates $2200 $2200 $200 $4000 SUVs and pick-ups pulling a boat for recreational activities $4000 Four-wheel drives, SUVs and pick-ups pulling horse $4000 buggies Four-wheel drives/ SUVs / pick-ups transporting BBQ $4000 Grills, coolers 50-seater bus 30-seater bus Large Trucks $12,800 $7,200 $13,600 AND WHEREAS the toll for crossing the Berbice River is exceedingly high when compared to a similar crossing of the Demerara River by the Demerara Harbour Bridge and represents a significant devolution of wealth from the people of Berbice in particular to the benefit of a private company; AND WHEREAS in recognition that the toll was too high the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. for a specific period over August 1, 2013 to August 12, 2013 reduced the toll for the crossing of the Berbice Bridge to the following rates: /…16 16.
Category Current toll charges/freight Reduced toll charges for the charges month of August/no freight Four-wheel drive/SUVs/Pick- G$4000 ups charge G$3000 SUVs/Pick-ups pulling a boat G$4000 G$3000 and no freight charge for recreational activities for tourism and pleasure activity Four-wheel drive/SUVs/Pick- G$4000 G$3000 and no freight charge ups pulling horse buggies Four-wheel drive/SUVs/Pick- G$4000 G$3000 and no freight charge ups transporting BBQ grills, for tourism and pleasure coolers 50-seater buses 30-seater buses Large trucks G$12,800 G$7,200 G$13,600 activity G$9,000 G$6,000 G$10,000 AND WHEREAS section 3 and section 4 of the Berbice River Bridge Act 2006 - No.
3 of 2006 provides for the Minister responsible for public works to make “Toll Orders”, BE IT RESOLVED: That the National Assembly calls on the Government of Guyana to instruct its representative on the Board of Directors of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. to demand an immediate reduction in tolls charged by the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. for crossing the Berbice River; and /…17 17.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the National Assembly calls upon the Minister responsible for Public Works to make the following Toll Order: Category Motor Cars Mini Buses Motor Cycles Four-wheel drive/ SUVs/Pick-ups Present Rates Proposed Rates $2,200 $2,200 $200 $4,000 $1,000 $1,000 Free $3,000 $3,000 SUVs and pick-ups pulling a boat for $4,000 recreational activities Four-wheel drives, SUVs and pick-ups $4,000 $3,000 pulling horse buggies Four-wheel drives/ SUVs / pick-ups $4,000 $3,000 transporting BBQ Grills, coolers 50-seater bus 30-seater bus Large Trucks $12,800 $7,200 $13,600 $9,000 $6,000 $10,000 (Notice Paper No.
272 (M 93 Opp 56) published on 2013-12-10) /…18 18.

(ii) GOVERNMENT’S BUSINESS MOTIONS ITEM 6 - CONSIDERATION OF FINANCIAL PAPER NO.

4/2013 Assembly resolved itself into Committee of Supply.

In Committee of Supply The Minister of Finance signified the recommendation or consent of the Cabinet and moved the following motion: BE IT RESOLVED: Financial Paper No.
4/2013 – Supplementary Estimates (Current and Capital) -Advances made from the Contingencies Fund, totalling $1,062,179,646 for the period 6th November, 2013 to31st December, 2013.

(Notice Paper No.

277 (M 95 Govt 32) published on 2014-01-16) (Paper presented on 2014-01-16) Current Estimates Items 1 to 5 were considered and were approved by the Assembly.

Assembly resumed SUSPENSION OF SITTING At 4.15 p.m., the sitting was suspended for refreshments.

/…19 19.
/…19 19.

RESUMPTION OF SITTING At 5.18 p.m., the sitting was resumed.

Assembly resolved itself into Committee of Supply.

In Committee of Supply Assembly resumed consideration of Financial Paper No.

4/2013.

Current Estimates Items 6 to 9 were considered and were approved by the Assembly.

Capital Estimates Item 1 was considered and was approved by the Assembly.

After consideration of the Schedule, the motion was put and carried.
Assembly resumed On a motion by the Minister of Finance, the Assembly adopted the following Resolution: RESOLVED, That this National Assembly doth agree with the Committee of Supply in the following Resolution: RESOLVED, Financial Paper No.

4/2013 – Supplementary Estimates (Current and Capital) -Advances made from the Contingencies Fund, totalling $1,062,179,646 for the period 6th November, 2013 to31st December, 2013.

/…20 20.

ITEM 7 - CONSIDERATION OF FINANCIAL PAPER NO.


5/2013 Assembly resolved itself into Committee of Supply.

In Committee of Supply The Minister of Finance signified the recommendation or consent of the Cabinet and moved the following motion: BE IT RESOLVED: Financial Paper No.

5/2013 - Supplementary Estimates (Capital) totalling $412,780,808 for the period ended 31st December, 2013.

(Notice Paper No.
(Notice Paper No.

278 (M 96 Govt 33) published on 2014-01-16) (Paper presented on 2014-01-16) After consideration of the Schedule, the motion was put and carried.

Assembly resumed On a motion by the Minister of Finance, the Assembly adopted the following Resolution: RESOLVED, That this National Assembly doth agree with the Committee of Supply in the following Resolution: RESOLVED: Financial Paper No.
5/2013 - Supplementary Estimates (Capital) totalling $412,780,808 for the period ended 31st December, 2013.

/…21 21.

BILL- FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD READINGS ITEM 8 - SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (NO.

2 FOR 2013) BILL 2014 – Bill No.

2/2014 published on 2014-01-16 With the leave of the Speaker, and on a motion by the Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Standing Orders Nos.

13(n) and 54 were suspended to enable the Supplementary Appropriation (No.

2 for 2013) Bill No.


2/2014 to be introduced at that stage.

The Minister of Finance, in accordance with paragraph (2) of Article 171 of the Constitution, signified Cabinet’s recommendation for the Supplementary Appropriation (No.

2 for 2013) Bill No.

2/2014 for consideration by the National Assembly.
Thereafter, 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 Consolidated Fund of the sums necessary to meet the expenditure (not otherwise lawfully charged on the Consolidated Fund) of Guyana for the fiscal year ending 31st December, 2013, 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.
BILLS – Second Readings ITEM 9 - LOCAL AUTHORITIES (ELECTIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 2014 – Bill No.

3/2014 published on 2014-01-16 At the request of the Minister in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, on behalf of the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, the second reading of the following Bill was deferred: /…22 22.
A BILL intituled AN ACT to amend the Local Authorities (Elections) Act to provide for the postponement of elections of councilors of local democratic organs.

(Read a first time on 2014-01-16) ITEM 10 - WILDLIFE IMPORT AND EXPORT BILL 2013 –Bill No.
20/2013 published on 2013-11-27 At the request of the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, the second reading of the following Bill was deferred: A BILL intituled AN ACT to regulate international trade of Guyana’s wildlife and to enable Guyana to fulfill its obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, Washington, 1973.

(Read a first time on 2013-12-12) ITEM 11 - RECORDING OF COURT PROCEEDINGS BILL 2014 – Bill No.
1/2014 published on 2014-01-16 At the request of the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the second reading of the following Bill was deferred: A BILL intituled AN ACT to provide for the recording of Court Proceedings and for matters incidental thereto.

(Read a first time on 2014-01-16) /…23 23.

(iii) COMMITTEES BUSINESS MOTION ITEM 12 - APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE ETHNIC RELATIONS COMMISSION At the request of Dr. George Norton, M.P.
(Chairman of the Committee on Appointments), consideration of the following motion was deferred: WHEREAS Article 212A of the Constitution provides for the establishment of an Ethnic Relations Commission; AND WHEREAS in accordance with Article 212 B (1) of the Constitution, the Ethnic Relations Commission shall consist of – (a) “not less than five nor more than fifteen members, nominated by entities, by a consensual mechanism determined by the National Assembly, including entities, representative of religious bodies, the labour movement, the private business sector, youth and women, after the entities are determined by the votes not less than two- thirds of all elected members of the National Assembly; (b) a member who shall be a nominee, without the right to vote, chosen by and from each of the following commissions to be established under this Constitution, Indigenous Peoples’ Commission, Women and Gender Equality Commission, Commission for the Rights of the Child and Human Rights Commission.” AND WHEREAS the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Appointments (COA)examined the list of entities to nominate members to the Ethnic Relations Commission in accordance with article 212 B (1)(a) of the Constitution, and Resolution No.
62 of 2000 with regard to the number of members on the said Commission; /…24 24.
AND WHEREAS the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments recommends that the number of members on the Ethnic Relations Commission be increased to ten (10) and the categories or groups include the representatives of the Christian, Hindu, and Muslim bodies, the labour movement, the private business sector, youth and women and a new category “Cultural/ Ethnic” with one nominee each from the three (3) largest ethnic groups: Indo-Guyanese, Afro- Guyanese and Indigenous/Amerindian.
BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly approves the increase in the number of members on the Ethnic Relations Commission from seven (7) to ten (10) as proposed by the Committee on Appointments; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this National Assembly approves of the inclusion of a new category “Cultural/Ethnic” with the right to have three (3) members, one representative each of the three largest ethnic groups; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this National Assembly approves the list of entities on the attached First Schedule in accordance with Article 212 (B)(1)(a); BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this National Assembly approves that the number of nominees for each group of entities be as follows:- /…25 25.
Groups of Entities Christian Religion Hindu Religion Muslim Religion Labour Movement Private Sector Organisations Youth Organisations Women Organisations Cultural/Ethnic Organisations - Indo-Guyanese - Afro-Guyanese - Indigenous/Amerindian Number of Members One Member One Member One Member One Member One Member One Member One Member One Member One Member One Member AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this National Assembly approves the consensual mechanism for the nomination of the members by the entities as set out in the Second Schedule attached.
(Notice Paper No.

250 (M 82 Committee 6) published on 2013-12-06) /…26 26.

ADJOURNMENT At 6.55 p.m., on a motion by the Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, the Assembly was adjourned to 2.00 p.m., on Monday, 10th February, 2014.

………………………………………… BIBI SAFORA SHADICK, M.P., Acting Speaker of the National Assembly PARLIAMENT OFFICE, Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown.

23rd January, 2014.