Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698069836188.pdf (Guyana)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE 70TH 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, 27TH FEBRUARY, 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 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 (Absent – on leave) 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) Mr. Ganga Persaud, M.P.

*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.

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), Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mrs. Volda Lawrence, M.P.

(Region No.

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

**Non-Elected Member /…4 4.


Mr. Carl B. Greenidge, M.P.

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

Mr. Ronald A. Bulkan, 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.

Dr. Karen Cummings, 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.

Mr. James A.

Bond, M.P.


Mr. Jaipaul Sharma, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Ms Vanessa Kissoon, M.P.

(Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Mrs. Mabel Baveghems, M.P.

Mr. John Adams, M.P.

(Region No.

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

Mr. Renis Morian, M.P.

(Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Ms Rennita L. Williams, M.P.

(Region No.

1 – Barima/Waini) Miss Annette N. Ferguson, M.P.

/…5 5.
/…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.) COMMENCEMENT OF SITTING The Sitting commenced at 2.08 p.m. PRAYERS The Clerk read the prayers.

/…6 6.

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER The Speaker made the following announcements: (1) Death of Mr. Kayman Sankar, Former Member of Parliament “Hon.
Members, I was informed, as all of you would have been, or would have heard of, that former Member of this House, Mr. Kayman Sankar, who held the Golden Arrow of Achievement, died on the 11th February, 2014, at his residence at Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast, after a prolonged period of illness.

Mr. Sankar was 87 years of age and entered the House in 1986 in the Fifth Parliament, as a Member of the People’s National Congress, for the first time, filling the vacancy of Mrs. Bissoondai Benny Prashad Raymond.
Mr. Sankar continued in the Fifth Parliament as an ordinary Member until the Parliament was dissolved on the 29th August, 1992.

As a mark of respect for his service, life and contribution he made, not only to this House, but to the Nation in general, I ask that we stand and observe a minute of silence.

Thank you.” A minute of silence observed.

(2) Writ of Summons from the Guyana Cricket Board “Hon.
Members, this morning I received this voluminous document which appears to be a writ of summons, number 29 on a motion of 2014, filed on behalf of the Guyana Cricket Board and ten (10) other plaintiffs.

An action brought against the Hon.

Attorney General of Guyana, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Speaker of the National Assembly seeking Declarations and Orders by the Court regarding the House’s ability to pass the much touted cricket legislation.
I have not had a chance to read this document and I hold the view that the Court cannot injunct this House from proceeding with the debate on this Bill.

For my own part, I would like a chance, /…7 7. however, to read what is being stated here.

It looks as if it is about 300 or more pages or at least a ream of paper.

I do not know whether we will need legal counsel or whether or not the matter really is of no moment.

Nevertheless, I do believe that some time should be taken.
I did confer with Members of both Government and Opposition on the matter and it is believed that we could adjourn or defer today’s reading, of course, subjected to the wish of the Members.

I certainly being named as a respondent unfortunately, once again, have not had a chance to go through these 300 plus pages that were served on me this morning.
I have urged the Members to consider a deferral of the second reading of this Bill, so that we all could be advised, but that is not to say, and I am reiterating and restating, that this motion is in anyway a bar on this House and its ability to proceed.

I take it that there is consensus that we will defer the second reading of this Bill.” (3) New furnishing for the Chamber “Hon.
Members, I wish as well to announce, as Members would have observed, that the Clerk and I, after conferring with the Parliamentary Management Committee, have sought to make the Chamber more comfortable for Members by having new chairs put in.

I know that there were some discomfort for some and I hope that we would appreciate the effort made by the Parliament Office.

Hopefully, the desks will also be refurbished to make the Chamber appear more stately, in terms of the furnishing.
We know there are some concerns and some complains, but we will address them.

The overall intent, as I said, is to lift the standard and we hope at some time to improve the seating for members of the public and press.

Even though they offend the rules, from time to time, we will be making sure that they are properly seated.” (4) Speaker’s Ruling “Hon.

Members, on or about the 23rd December, 2013, I did receive, at the hand of the Clerk, a motion filed by Mr. Carl Greenidge, M.P., regarding the Hon.
Minister of Finance.

The Clerk and I have been conferring and also I sought advice of a senior counsel.

My ruling is in fact /…8 8. ready and will be circulated, but suffice it to say, for now, I have found that for one part I will refer the matter to the Committee of Privileges and for another part I will not.

My ruling, I am told, is currently being reproduced and will be made available for Members to peruse.
Those are my announcements.” PRESENTATION OF PAPERS AND REPORTS- By the Speaker of the National Assembly (Chairman of the Committee of Selection): Minutes of Proceedings of the 14th Meeting of the Committee of Selection held on Thursday, 20th February, 2014.
(Circulated) ORAL QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Reports in the Stabroek Newspapers dated 24th and 25th February, 2014, on a two (2) vehicle accident between the Minister of Finance and a civilian A request by Mr. Winston Felix, M.P., to ask the Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs a question on the abovementioned subject, was disallowed by the Speaker.
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS, INCLUDING POLICY STATEMENTS- The Development of a Hydropower Project in the Mazaruni within the context of the programme of cooperation with the Government of Brazil on the development of Infrastructure Projects in Guyana The Minister of Foreign Affairs made a statement on the progress of discussions between the Governments of the Republic of Guyana and the Federative Republic of Brazil on the development of key infrastructure projects in Guyana under the rubric of Guyana-Brazil Cooperation.
/…9 9.

PUBLIC BUSINESS (i) GOVERNMENT’S BUSINESS BILLS – Second Readings ITEM 1 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 2014 – Bill No.

4/2014 published on 2014-01-29 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 amend the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act.

(Read a first time on 2014-02-10) ITEM 2 - CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (FREE ENTRY OF SKILLED NATIONALS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 2014 – Bill No.
5/2014 published on 2014-02-05 The Minister of Foreign Affairs moved the second reading of the following Bill: A Bill intituled AN ACT to amend the Caribbean Community (Free Entry of Skilled Nationals) Act.

(Read a first time on 2014-02-10) The following Members spoke to the motion: Ms Africo Selman Mrs. Catherine Hughes The Minister of Labour Thereafter, the Minister of Foreign Affairs replied.

The Bill was then read a second time.

/…10 10.


Assembly resolved itself into Committee to consider the Bill clause by clause.

In Committee Clauses 1 to 4 were passed as printed.

Assembly resumed On a motion by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Caribbean Community (Free Entry of Skilled Nationals) (Amendment) Bill 2014 was read a third time and passed as printed.

ITEM 3 - GUYANA CRICKET ADMINISTRATION BILL 2012 – Bill No.
31/2012 published on 2012-12-20 At the request of the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the second reading of the following Bill, was deferred: A BILL intituled AN ACT to make provisions for the incorporation of autonomous national cricket administrative organizations in Guyana and to provide for other matters connected therewith.
(Read a first time and committed to the Special Select Committee on 2012-12-20) Please note that the abovementioned Report was laid in the National Assembly on 7th August, 2013.

ITEM 4 - 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: /…11 11.
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) (ii) PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BUSINESS MOTIONS ITEM 5 - REINTRODUCTION OF THE BERBICE RIVER FERRY SERVICE FROM NEW AMSTERDAM T0 KWAKWANI Mr. Trevor Williams, M.P.
moved the following motion: 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; /…12 12.
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) The following Members spoke to the motion: The Minister of Public Works Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph Harmon Mr. Renis Morian The Minister in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Thereafter, Mr. Trevor Williams replied.

The motion was then put and carried.

/…13 13.

SUSPENSION OF SITTING At 3.58 p.m., the sitting was suspended for refreshments.

RESUMPTION OF SITTING At 5.04 p.m., the sitting was resumed.
ITEM 6 - RESTORATION OF THE ANNUAL SUBVENTION/GRANT TO THE CRITCHLOW LABOUR COLLEGE Mr. Trevor Williams, M.P.
moved the following motion: 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; /…14 14.
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; 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) The following Members spoke to the motion: The Minister of Labour Dr. Rupert Roopnarine Mr. Manzoor Nadir Mr. Moses Nagamootoo Mr.

Basil Williams SUSPENSION OF SITTING At 7.27 p.m., the sitting was suspended for refreshments.

/…15 15.

RESUMPTION OF SITTING At 7.55 p.m., the sitting was resumed.

Thereafter, Mr. Trevor Williams replied.

The Minister of Labour, in accordance with Standing Order 39(2), concluded the debate on the motion.
Mr. Trevor Williams, M.P., seconded by Mr. Moses Nagamootoo, M.P., moved the following amendments which were put and carried: “Delete the existing BE IT RESOLVED CLAUSE and replace it with the following: BE IT RESOLVED: That the National Assembly calls on the Government of Guyana to restore the subvention to the Critchlow Labour College.
That as a precondition to the provision of the subvention that the Board of Directors of the Critchlow Labour College be comprised of four (4) Representatives of FITUG and four (4) Representatives of the TUC.” The amended motion was put and carried on the following division: FOR Mr. Trevor Williams Ms Marcello Dr. Ramayaa Mrs. Garrido-Lowe Mrs. Hughes Mr. Nagamootoo Mr. Jafarally Mr. Damon Dr. Persaud Rev.
Gilbert Dr. Mahadeo Mr. Seeraj /…16 Mr. Neendkumar Mr. Lumumba Mr. Chand Mr. G. Persaud Bibi Shadick Mrs. Chandarpal Mr. Nadir Ms Teixeira Bishop Edghill Mr. Whittaker Mr. Baksh Ms Webster Mr. Benn Dr. Anthony Mr. Ali Dr. Ramsarran Dr. Westford Dr. Singh Mrs. Rodrigues-Birkett Mr. Nandlall Dr. Ramsammy Mr. Rohee 16.

Mr. Ramjattan Ms Ferguson Mrs. Williams Mr. Morian Mr. Jones Mr. Adams Ms Baveghems Ms Kissoon Mr. Sharma Mr.
Bond Mr. Trotman Ms Selman Mr. Allicock Ms Wade Dr. Cummings Mr. Felix Ms Hastings Mr. Scott Mr. Bulkan Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Harmon Mr. Greenidge Dr. Norton Mrs. Lawrence Mr. B. Williams Ms Ally Dr. Roopnarine Brig.

(Ret’) Ganger ______________ 61 ______________ /…17 17.

Presiding by Mr.

Basil Williams, M.P., Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly At 8.15 p.m., the Speaker withdrew from the Chamber and Mr.

Basil Williams, M.P., Deputy Speaker, took the Chair.
ITEM 7 - THE BROADCASTING (AMENDMENT) BILL 2013 – BILL NO.

19 OF 2013 Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph Harmon, M.S.M., M.P., moved the following motion: 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) Ms Gail Teixeira spoke to the motion.
Thereafter, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph Harmon replied.

The motion was then put and carried.

Leave was granted and thereafter the Clerk read aloud the title of the Bill.

/…18 ITEM 8 - BERBICE RIVER BRIDGE 18.


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: 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: 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 /…20 20.
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 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the National Assembly calls upon the Minister responsible for Public Works to make the following Toll Order: Present Rates Proposed Rates Category Motor Cars Mini Buses Motor Cycles Four-wheel drive/ SUVs/Pick-ups $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) 21.

ITEM 9 - APPOINTMENT OF A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY TO INVESTIGATE THE TORTURE OF PERSONS BY THE GUYANA POLICE FORCE BETWEEN 2006 AND 2013 At the request of Brig.
(Ret’d) David Granger, M.S.S., M.P., Leader of the Opposition, consideration of the following motion was deferred: WHEREAS the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana prescribes, at Article 141, that “No person shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading punishment or other treatment;” AND WHEREAS it has been widely reported that persons were tortured by members of the Guyana Police Force between the years 2006 and 2013, inclusive; AND WHEREAS in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03, “The President may issue a commission appointing one or more commissioners and authorising such commissioner or commissioners to inquire into any matter in which an inquiry would, in the opinion of the President, be for the public welfare;” BE IT RESOLVED: That the National Assembly expresses its sympathy with the victims of torture; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the National Assembly calls upon the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03, to appoint a commission of inquiry to inquire into the torture of persons by members of the Guyana Police Force and to make recommendations to prevent a recurrence of such torture.
(Notice Paper No.

281 (M 97 Opp 57) published on 2014-02-05) /…22 22.

ITEM 10 APPOINTMENT OF A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY TO INVESTIGATE THE SHOOTING OF CITIZENS BY THE GUYANA POLICE FORCE ON 6TH DECEMBER, 2011 IN GEORGETOWN At the request of Brig.
(Ret’d) David Granger, M.S.S., M.P., Leader of the Opposition, consideration of the following motion was deferred: WHEREAS the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana prescribes, at Article 141, that “No person shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading punishment or other treatment;” AND WHEREAS it has been widely reported that several persons were shot with pellets by members of the Guyana Police Force at about 10.55 hrs.
on 6th December, 2011 in or near Hadfield Street in the city of Georgetown; AND WHEREAS in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19.03, “The President may issue a commission appointing one or more commissioners and authorising such commissioner or commissioners to inquire into any matter in which an inquiry would, in the opinion of the President, be for the public welfare;” BE IT RESOLVED: That the National Assembly expresses its sympathy with the victims of the shooting which occurred on 6th December, 2011; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the National Assembly calls upon the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03, to appoint a commission of inquiry to inquire into injury of persons by shooting and to make recommendations to prevent a recurrence of such shooting.
(Notice Paper No.

282 (M 98 Opp 58) published on 2014-02-07) /…23 23.

ADJOURNMENT At 8.39 p.m., on a motion by the Minister of Home Affairs, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, the Assembly was adjourned to 2.00 p.m., on Monday, 24th March, 2014.

………………………………………………… HON.

RAPHAEL G.C.

TROTMAN, M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly PARLIAMENT OFFICE, Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown.

27th February, 2014.