Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694870604651.pdf (Guyana)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE 46TH SITTING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FIRST SESSION (2020-2022) OF THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA HELD AT 2.00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, 13TH APRIL, 2022 IN THE DOME OF THE ARTHUR CHUNG CONFERENCE CENTRE, LILIENDAAL, GREATER GEORGETOWN MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (71) Speaker (1) *Hon.

Manzoor Nadir, M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT (38) Peoples Progressive Party Civic (38) Prime Minister (1) Hon.
Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark A. Phillips, M.S.S., M.P., Prime Minister Vice-President (1) Hon.

Bharrat Jagdeo, M.P., Vice-President (Virtual Participation) Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs (1) Hon.

Mohabir A. Nandlall, S.C., M.P., Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Senior Ministers (17) Hon.

Gail Teixeira, M.P.

(Region No.

7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Government Chief Whip Hon.

Hugh H. Todd, M.P.

(Region No.


4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation *Hon.

Dr. Ashni K. Singh, M.P., Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Hon.

Bishop Juan A. Edghill, M.S., J.P., M.P., Minister of Public Works *Non-Elected Member /…2 Hon.

Dr. Frank C. S. Anthony, M.P., Minister of Health 2.

Hon.

Priya D. Manickchand, M.P.

(Region No.

3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Minister of Education *Hon.

Brindley H.R.
Brindley H.R.

Benn, M.P., Minister of Home Affairs Hon.

Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P.

(Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne), Minister of Agriculture Hon.

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

Joseph L.F. Hamilton, M.P., Minister of Labour Hon.

Vickram O. Bharrat, M.P., Minister of Natural Resources *Hon.

Oneidge Walrond, M.P., Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Hon.

Nigel D. Dharamlall, M.P.

(Region No.


2 – Pomeroon/Supenaam), Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Hon.

Collin D. Croal, M.P.

(Region No.

1 – BarimaWaini), Minister of Housing and Water Hon.

Vindhya V. H. Persaud, M.S., M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister of Human Services and Social Security Hon.

Charles S. Ramson, M.P., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Hon.

Sonia S. Parag, M.P., Minister of the Public Service Junior Ministers (4) Hon.

Susan M. Rodrigues, M.P.


(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Hon.

Deodat Indar, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Hon.

Anand Persaud, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Hon.

Warren K.E.

McCoy, M.P., Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister *Non-Elected Member /…3 Other Members (14) Hon.

Dharamkumar Seeraj, M.P.

3.

Hon.

Alister S. Charlie, M.P.

(Region No.


9 – Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) Hon.

Dr. Vishwa D.B.

Mahadeo, M.P.

(Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne) Hon.

Sanjeev J. Datadin, M.P.

Hon.

Seepaul Narine, M.P.

Hon.

Yvonne Pearson-Fredericks, M.P.

Hon.

Dr. Bheri S. Ramsaran, M.P.

Hon.

Dr. Jennifer R.A. Westford, M.P.

Hon.

Faizal M. Jaffarally, M.P.

(Region No.

5 – Mahaica/Berbice) Hon.

Dr. Tandika S. Smith, M.P.

(Region No.

3 - Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) Hon.

Lee G.H.
Lee G.H.

Williams, M.P.

*Hon.

Sarah Browne, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (Absent – on leave) *Hon.

Vikash Ramkissoon, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture (Absent- on leave) Hon.

Bhagmattie Veerasammy, M.P.

(Virtual Participation) MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITION (32) (i) A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) (31) Hon.

Aubrey Norton M.P., Leader of the Opposition Hon.

Khemraj Ramjattan, M.P.

Hon.


Roysdale A. Forde, S.C., M.P.

Hon.

Shurwayne F.K.

Holder, M.P.

(Region No.

2 – Pomeroon/Supenaam) Hon.

Raphael G.C.

Trotman, M.P.

(Virtual Participation) Hon.

Geeta Chandan-Edmond, M.P.

Hon.

David A. Patterson, M.P.

(Absent) Hon.

Volda Lawrence, M.P.

Hon.

Dawn Hastings-Williams, M.P.

(Region No.

7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni) *Non-Elected Member /…4 Hon.

Christopher A. Jones, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip 4.

Hon.

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


5 – Mahaica/Berbice) Hon.

Amanza O.R.

Walton-Desir, M.P.

Hon.

Coretta A. McDonald, A.A., M.P.

Hon.

Catherine A. Hughes, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) (Virtual Participation) Hon.

Vincent P. Henry, M.P.

Hon.

Dr. Karen Cummings, M.P.

Hon.

Tabitha J. Sarabo-Halley, M.P.

Hon.

Natasha Singh-Lewis, M.P.

Hon.

Annette N. Ferguson, M.P.

Hon.

Juretha V. Fernandes, M.P.

Hon.

Sherod A. Duncan, M.P.

(Suspended) Hon.

Ronald Cox, M.P.


(Region No.

1 – BarimaWaini) Hon.

Jermaine A. Figueira, M.P.

(Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Hon.

Ganesh A. Mahipaul, M.P.

(Region No.

3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) Hon.

Haimraj B. Rajkumar, M.P.

Hon.

Nima N. Flue-Bess, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Hon.

Dineshwar N. Jaiprashad, M.P.

(Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne) Hon.

Maureen A. Philadelphia, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Hon.

Deonarine Ramsaroop, M.P.


(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Hon.

Richard E. Sinclair, M.P.

(Region No.

8 –Potaro/Siparuni) Hon.

Devin L. Sears, M.P.

(Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) A New and United Guyana, Liberty and Justice Party and The New Movement (ANUG, LJP & TNM) (1) Hon.
Lenox R. O’Dell Shuman, M.P., Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly (Virtual- Participation) /…5 Officers (2) Mr. Sherlock E. Isaacs, A.A., Clerk of the National Assembly Ms. Hermina Gilgeours, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly 5.

COMMENCEMENT OF SITTING The Sitting commenced at 2.10 p.m. PRAYERS The Clerk led in Prayers.

OATH OF A NEW MEMBER- Mr. Aubrey Norton “Hon.


Members, following the resignation of Mr. Joseph Harmon on 15th March, 2022, and my call upon the Representative of the List from the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) List of Candidates, I have been informed that the name of Mr. Aubrey Norton was extracted from the List and that Mr. Aubrey Norton was, on 6th April, 2022, declared by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to be an elected Member of the National Assembly.
Before Mr. Norton can take part in the proceedings of the National Assembly, he will have to make and subscribe the Oath of Office before the National Assembly, as required by Article 167 of the Constitution”.

As Mr. Norton was present, the oath was administered to him by the Clerk.

Ms. Volda Lawrence “Hon.


Members, following the resignation of Dr. Nicolette Odella Henry on 30th March, 2022, and my call upon the Representative of the List from the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) List of Candidates, I have been informed that the name of Ms. Volda Lawrence was extracted from the List and that Ms. Lawrence was, on 6th April, 2022, declared by the Guyana Elections Commission, be an elected Member of the National Assembly.

6.
6.

Before Ms. Lawrence can take part in the proceedings of the National Assembly, she will have to make and subscribe the Oath of Office before the National Assembly, as required by Article 167 of the Constitution”.

As Ms. Lawrence was present, the oath was administered to her by the Clerk.
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER The Speaker made the following announcements: (1) Welcome to New Members The Speaker, on behalf of the Assembly and himself, welcomed Mr. Aubrey Norton and Ms. Volda Lawrence to the Assembly and extended best wishes to them for a long and successful stay.

(2) Virtual Participation and Get Well Wishes The Speaker informed members that Hon.

Lenox Shuman, M.P., Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, would be joining the Sitting virtually.
The Speaker also offered prayers and asked the House to do same, since most of the family of the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly are stricken with the Covid-19, but they are in good spirits.

PRESENTATION OF PAPERS AND REPORTS- (1) By the Speaker of the National Assembly (Chairperson of the Committee of Selection): Minutes of Proceedings of the 6th Meeting of the Committee of Selection held on Tuesday, 1st March, 2022.
(2) By the Prime Minister: (Circulated) Annual Report of the Public Utilities Commission for the year 2020.

(Circulated) /…7 7.

(3) By the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance: (i) Annual Report of the Supreme Court of Judicature for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018.

(Circulated) (ii) Women and Gender Equality Commission Five Year Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026.
(Circulated) (4) By the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance: Treasury Memorandum Pursuant to Resolution No.

25/2021 dated December 13, 2021, of the National Assembly on the Public Accounts of Guyana for the year 2015.

(Circulated) (5) By the Minister of Public Works: Audited Financial Statements of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation for the year ended 31st December, 2020.
(Circulated) (6) By the Minister of Health: The Public Health (Coronavirus) (No.

3) Regulations 2022 – No.

8 of 2022.

(Circulated) (7) By the Minister of Housing and Water: Audited Financial Statements of the Central Housing and Planning Authority for the year ended 31st December, 2019.

(Circulated) /…8 REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES- 8.


(1) By Mr. Jermaine Figueira, M.P., (Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee): Report of the Public Accounts Committee in relation to the Appointment of Members to the Public Procurement Commission.

(Circulated) (2) By the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance (Chairperson of the Committee on Appointments): Fourth Report of the Committee on Appointments in relation to the Appointment of Members to the Women & Gender Equality Commission.
(Circulated) (3) By the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance (Chairperson of the Committee on Appointments): Fifth Report of the Committee on Appointments in relation to the Appointment of a Director to the Board of the Natural Resource Fund and a Member to the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee in keeping with the Natural Resource Fund Act No.

19 of 2021.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE- For Written Replies (Circulated) 1.
FIRE AT THE BRICKDAM POLICE STATION Member Asking: Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond, M.P.

Minister Answering: The Minister of Home Affairs It was widely reported at a Press Conference on the 3rd October, 2021, hosted by the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs along with members of the Disciplined Forces, that at least 80 % of the Brickdam Police Station was destroyed by fire”.

1.

Can the Hon.
1.

Can the Hon.

Minister indicate the causes, conditions and circumstances surrounding the aforementioned fire and how did the government manage the situation as it unfolded and its aftermath?

/…9 9.

2.

Can the Minister provide a detailed explanation as to why the fire at the Brickdam Station was not contained, having regard to the fact that the Central Fire Station is located a mere two minutes away from the Brickdam Police Station?

(Notice Paper No.
(Notice Paper No.

159 (Q124 Opp.124) published on 2022-01-19) ANSWERS 1.

“The Brickdam Police Station Fire was an act of arson, this was conclusive after the Guyana Fire Service would have carefully scrutinized the fire scene and meticulously analyzed all data, which was collected from the fire scene.

2.
2.

Among some of the reasons why the Guyana Fire Service was unable to contain the fire to the building of origin includes: • Gaining access to the compound which was due to rapid evacuation of occupants (ranks and personnel).

• Vehicles and equipment being removed from the compound, impeding access because there was only one entrance and exit.

(An exit needs to be provided) • Age, configuration, and figure load of the building.

• The wind allowance.


• Initially, failing to access open source of water”.

2.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AT THE BRICKDAM POLICE STATION Member Asking: Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond, M.P.

Minister Answering: The Minister of Home Affairs “It was widely reported at a Press Conference on the 3rd October, 2021, hosted by the Hon Minister of Home Affairs along with members of the Disciplined Forces, that at least 80 % of the Brickdam Police Station was destroyed by fire”.
Can the Minister state the number of working fire extinguishers that were in place at the Brickdam Police Station prior to the 3rd October, 2021, and the location of each fire extinguisher?

(Notice Paper No.

160 (Q125 Opp.125) published on 2022-01-19) /…10 ANSWER 10.

“There were a few Fire Extinguishers which were operable at the Brickdam Police Station, however a few needed servicing.
There was sufficient Fire Extinguishers on the premises, which could have extinguished fires in their incipient stages”.

3.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS TO BE EQUIPPED WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Member Asking: Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond, M.P.

Minister Answering: The Minister of Home Affairs “It was widely reported at a Press Conference on the 3rd October, 2021, hosted by the Hon Minister of Home Affairs along with members of the Disciplined Forces, that at least 80 % of the Brickdam Police Station was destroyed by fire”.
A.

Can the Minister indicate whether an advisory has been issued under his hand or under his directives to ensure that all Public Buildings are fully equipped with fire extinguishers, an identified area to serve as muster point, regular fire drills, the installation of sprinkler systems?

If yes, can the Minister indicate the date such advisory was issued and provide to the house a copy of any such advisory.

B.
B.

Can the Minister indicate whether consideration has been given to establishing a mechanism to examine all aspects related to fire safety, review of existing systems inclusive of building codes, an immediate assessment of all response mechanisms, remedial actions as well as a review of the available equipment and the human resource capacity?
C. If yes, can the Minister indicate the findings made thus far, the composition of any such team, the criteria used in selecting the members of the review team, the date of commencement of the assessment and the timeline for the submission of any report on the aforesaid?

(Notice Paper No.

161 (Q126 Opp.126) published on 2022-01-19) /…11 ANSWERS 11.

A.

“Fire Prevention inspections are being conducted throughout the country by the Guyana Fire Service.
These inspections would target both Public and private occupancies.

However, during such inspections recommendations are penned to the occupants of the buildings to install Smoke Detectors, Fire Extinguishers, construct Fire emergency plans and designate an appropriate area, away from the respective premises (Building) upwind as assembly points.

B.

Standards were developed for the establishing and enforcement as it relates to building construction in Guyana.
Such standards for buildings are to ensure that buildings are safe and have means of escape and ample fire emergency systems in place.

The rational is to have building practitioners, consultants, and homeowners to keep within the framework of the mentioned regulations.

However, we do not have a standardized building codes in Guyana, but a proposal was prepared and sent to the Office of the President last year for perusal and approval.
C. The National Fire Advisory Board, which comprise nine (9) appointed members, was given the responsibility to review and further implement standards and regulations to suit our local conditions.

The board convened April last and has been active ever since.

The composition of the Fire Advisory Board saw members coming from the Guyana Fire Service, Central Housing and Planning Authority, Human Service and Social Security, Mayor and City Council, Guyana Water Inc., and the Environmental Protection Agency”.
4.

TRAINING RECEIVED BY MEMBERS OF THE GUYANA POLICE FORCE AS FIRE RESPONDERS Member Asking: Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond, M.P.

Minister Answering: The Minister of Home Affairs “It was widely reported at a Press Conference on the 3rd October, 2021, hosted by the Hon Minister of Home Affairs along with members of the Disciplined Forces, that at least 80 % of the Brickdam Police Station was destroyed by fire”.

/…12 12.
/…12 12.

Can the Minister detail the training received by all ranks of the Guyana Police Force in relation to their duties and the established protocols as fire responders in cases of a fire at their locations?

Can the Minister indicate the areas of training received and the length of any such training?

(Notice Paper No.
(Notice Paper No.

162 (Q127 Opp.127) published on 2022-01-19) ANSWER “The Guyana Police Force as part of their basic training are trained in respect of emergency responses including those for the occurrence of fire”.

5.

ASSESSMENT AND STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP) OF THE GUYANA POLICE FORCE Member Asking: Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond, M.P.
Minister Answering: The Minister of Home Affairs It was widely reported at a Press Conference on the 3rd October, 2021, hosted by the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs along with members of the Disciplined Forces, that at least 80 % of the Brickdam Police Station was destroyed by fire”.

1.

Can the Minister indicate what assessment has been done to determine the critical departments of the Brickdam Police Station that have been more significantly affected?
Further, can the Minister advise on the government's short, medium and long-term plans to address the needs of the critical departments?

2.

Can the Minister indicate if the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were activated on the 3rd October, 2021, at the scene of the fire?

If yes, can the Minister also indicate whether the Guyana Fire Service was the first responder?

3.

Can the Minister indicate if the correct Alert Code was given as detailed in the protocols to the Disciplined forces?
Further, at what stage and what Alert Code was given?

/…13 13.

4.

Can the Minister indicate how many Senior Ranks within the Guyana Fire Service were on duty on the 3rd October, 2021, and the ranks of all senior officers who were on duty on the said date?

5.

Can the Hon.

Minister state whether the conduct of the staff of the Guyana Fire Service who were on duty was in conformity with the Standard Operating Procedures of the Guyana Fire Service?
If no, can the Minister advise what actions have been taken to address those officers who have breached their SOPS?

(Notice Paper No.

163 (Q128 Opp.128) published on 2022-01-19) ANSWERS 1.

“A new eight story Police Station is to be constructed at Brickdam.

Departments are now mainly housed in the historical barracks building which was saved from the fire.

2.

Fire response was from the Guyana Police Force Officers on route followed by the Guyana Fire Service.

3.
3.

The alerts in respect of the fire were followed and required ‘General Alert’ was issued.

4.

There were twelve (12) Senior Officers and forty-four other firefighting ranks on duty on 3rd October, 2021.

5.

This matter is under review”.

For Oral Reply *6.

ELECTIONS FOR CHAIRMEN, DEPUTY CHAIRMEN, MAYORS, DEPUTY MAYORS OF THE SEVENTY (70) NEIGHBOURHOOD DEMOCRATIC COUNCILS AND TEN (10) MUNICIPALITIES Mr. Ganesh Mahipaul, M.P.
asked the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development the following question: “In keeping with the Laws of Guyana Chapter 28:02 section 28 (1) and (2) and the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Act 2018 (Act No.

10 of 2018) which state: 28:02 section 28 (1) and (2) and the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Act 2018 (Act No.

10 of 2018) which state: /…14 Chapter 28:02 - Section 28 14.

1.
1.

The Councillors of every Council, after hereinafter provided in this section, elect out of their number a Chairman and Deputy Chairman, of the Council.

2.

The Overseer shall not later than the 16th of December of each year summon a meeting of the Councillors for the ensuing year for the purpose of electing a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman for the ensuing year and not less than three days notice of the meeting shall be given.
Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Act 2018 (Act 10 of 2018) Section 12 (1) Subject to paragraph b and c, the Town Clerk shall in every year no later than the 16th day of December call a meeting of the City Councillors for the purpose of electing the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the ensuing year.

*Can the Hon.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Nigel Dharamlall, M.P.
explain to this Honourable House why were no elections for Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen, Mayors and Deputy Mayors, of the 70 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and 10 Municipalities respectively, held on or before December 16, 2021 for the ensuing, year 2022?

Notice Paper No.

168 (Q130 Opp.130) published on 2022-01-31) Thereafter, the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development replied.
Mr. Ganesh Mahipaul, M.P., asked the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development supplementary questions.

Thereafter, the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development replied.

/…15 15.

MOTIONS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS OR SITTINGS OF THE ASSEMBLY AND MOVED BY A MINISTER- SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER NO.
13 (Order of Business) The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance moved the following motion: WHEREAS very important Committees Business (Motions) has been on the Order Paper since December, 2021 to date; AND WHEREAS some of the aforementioned motions await the approval of the National Assembly in order to proceed with the nomination and appointment of three Constitutional Commissions as well as Statutory Bodies; AND WHEREAS it is the intention of Government to have the motions adopted in order to allow for some of these Commissions and Statutory Bodies to commence their work.
BE IT RESOLVED: That Standing Order No.

13 (Order of Business) be suspended to allow the Assembly to consider the Committees Business after consideration of Government’s Business at its Sitting on 13th April, 2022.

(Notice Paper No.

174 (M42 Govt 23) published on 2022-04-06) The motion was then put and carried.

/…16 16.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS- Presentation and First Readings 1 - EVIDENCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 2022 – Bill No.
3/2022 The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, on behalf of the Government, presented the following Bill, which was read the first time: A BILL intituled AN ACT to amend the Evidence Act.

2 - CONDOMINIUM BILL 2022 – Bill No.


4/2022 The Minister of Housing and Water, on behalf of the Government, presented the following Bill, which was read the first time: A BILL intituled AN ACT to make provision for the horizontal and vertical subdivision of land and buildings into units for individual ownership and to make provision for the use and management of condominiums and matters connected thereto.

3 - JUVENILE JUSTICE (AMENDMENT) BILL 2022 – Bill No.
5/2022 The Minister of Home Affairs, on behalf of the Government, presented the following Bill, which was read the first time: A BILL intituled AN ACT to amend the Juvenile Justice Act.

/…17 4 - THE NURSES AND MIDWIVES BILL 2022 – Bill No.

6/2022 17.
6/2022 17.

The Minister of Health, on behalf of the Government, presented the following Bill, which was read the first time: A BILL intituled AN ACT to make provision for the registration and regulation of nurses, midwives, nursing assistants and specialist nurses, and for related matters.

5 - MENTAL HEALTH PROTECTION AND PROMOTION BILL 2022 – Bill No.
7/2022 The Minister of Health, on behalf of the Government, presented the following Bill, which was read the first time: A BILL intituled AN ACT to provide mental health care and treatment for persons with mental illness and to protect, promote and fulfil the human rights of those persons during the delivery of mental health care; to provide for the establishment of the Mental Health Board; to repeal the Mental Hospital Ordinance and for related matters.
6 - THE RADIATION SAFETY AND SECURITY BILL 2022 – Bill No.

8/2022 The Minister of Health, on behalf of the Government, presented the following Bill, which was referred to a Special Select Committee: A BILL intituled AN ACT to provide for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of ionizing radiation, protect persons and the environment against the harmful effects of radioactive waste, establish the Radiation Safety and Security Board and for connected matters.

/…18 18.

7 - TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL 2022 – Bill No.


9/2022 The Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Government, presented the following Bill, which was read the first time: A BILL intituled AN ACT to amend the Tax Act.
PUBLIC BUSINESS (i) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MOTIONS ITEM 1- APPROVAL OF GUYANA’S MEMBERSHIP TO THE COMMONWEALTH ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEES Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Government Chief Whip moved the following motion: WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Association of Public Accounts Committees (CAPAC) was founded in June 2015 with the aim of sustaining and promoting the highest principles of public finance in all Commonwealth Parliaments and thus ensuring that the citizens they serve benefit from strong and independent Public Accounts or equivalent committees; AND WHEREAS, as decided by the Parliamentary Management Committee, the Parliament of Guyana made application on 27th January, 2020 to become a Member of CAPAC; AND WHEREAS, for membership to any international organization or resolution of the Parliament of Guyana is required, /…19 19.
BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly approves of Guyana becoming a Member of the Commonwealth Association of Public Accounts Committees.

(Notice Paper No.

166 (M 35 Govt 22) published on 2022-01-21) Hon.

Jermaine Figueira, M.P., spoke to the motion.

The motion was then put and carried.

ITEM 2 - AMENDMENT OF STANDING ORDER NO.

82 (Public Accounts Committee) The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance moved the following motion: WHEREAS Standing Order No.
82 provides for the establishment of the Public Accounts Committee and defines its role and functions; AND WHEREAS Standing Order No.

95(6) states that three (3) Members is the quorum on any Standing or Select Committee including the Chairperson “unless the Assembly otherwise direct”; AND WHEREAS Standing Order No.
83(5) provides in the Parliamentary Management Committee for a quorum of five (5) Members, of which two (2) must represent the Government, and, two (2) must represent the Opposition, one (1) of whom shall be the representative of the main Opposition party, and the Speaker and or the Deputy Speaker as the Chairperson of the said Committee; AND WHEREAS due to the role and functions of the Public Accounts Committee, it would be appropriate to amend Standing Order 82 to provide for a similar quorum formulation as in the Parliamentary Management Committee, /…20 20.
BE IT RESOLVED: That Standing Order No.

82 be amended as follows: - Standing Order HOW AMENDED Public Accounts Committee 82 By inserting immediately after paragraph (3), the following paragraph – “(4) A quorum shall be five (5) Members, two (2) representing the Government, two (2) representing the Opposition and the Chairperson.” (Notice Paper No.

175 (M43 Govt 24) published on 2022-04-06) The following Members spoke to the motion: Hon.

Jermaine Figueira, M.P.

Hon.


Bishop Juan A. Edghill, M.S., J.P., M.P., Minister of Public Works SUSPENSION OF SITTING At 4.00 p.m. the Sitting was suspended for refreshments.

RESUMPTION OF SITTING At 5.20 p.m. the Sitting was resumed.

Assembly resumed the debate on the motion.

Hon.

Ganesh Mahipaul, M.P.

also spoke to the motion.

/…21 21.

SUSPENSION OF SITTING At 5.57 p.m. the Speaker suspended the Sitting to enable Muslim Brothers and Sisters to break their Fast.
RESUMPTION OF SITTING At 6.45 p.m. the Sitting was resumed.

Assembly resumed the debate on the motion.

The following Members also spoke the motion: Hon.

Sanjeev Datadin, M.P.

Hon Khemraj Ramjattan, M.P.

Hon.

Dharamkumar Seeraj, M.P.

Hon.

Volda Lawrence, M.P.

Hon.

Mohabir Nandlall, S.C., M.P., Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mr. Aubrey Norton, M.P., Leader of the Opposition Thereafter, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Government Chief Whip replied.
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS NO.

10(1) At 9.55 p.m., the Prime Minister moved that Standing Order No.

10(1) be suspended to enable the Assembly to continue beyond 10:00 p.m., to conclude its business.

The motion was then put and carried on the following division: /…22 22.
AGAINST Mr. Sears Mr. Sinclair Mr. Ramsaroop Ms. Philadelphia Mr. Jaiprashad Mrs. Flue-Bess Mr. Mahipaul Mr. Figueira Mr. Cox Ms. Fernandes Ms. Ferguson Mrs. Singh-Lewis Mrs. Sarabo-Halley Dr. Cummings Mr. Henry Mrs. Hughes Ms. Mc Donald Mrs. Walton-Desir Mr. Jordan Mr. Jones Mrs. Hastings-Williams Mrs. Lawrence Mrs. Chandan-Edmond Mr. Trotman Mr. Holder FOR Mr. Shuman Ms. Veerasammy Mr. Williams Dr. Smith Mr. Jaffarally Dr. Westford Dr. Ramsaran Mrs. Pearson-Federicks Mr. Narine Mr. Datadin Dr. Mahadeo Mr. Charlie Mr. Seeraj Mr. McCoy Mr. A. Persaud Mr. Indar Ms. Rodrigues Ms. Parag Mr. Ramson Dr. V. Persaud Mr. Croal Mr. Dharamlall Mr. Bharrat Mr. Hamilton Ms. Sukhai /…23 Mr. Forde Mr. Ramjattan Mr. Norton 23.
Mr. Mustapha Ms. Manichchand Dr. Anthony Bishop Edghill Mr. Todd Ms. Teixeira Mr. Nandlall Mr. Jadgeo Mr. Phillips _____________ _____________ 29 _____________ _____________ _____________ 34 (ii) COMMITTEES BUSINESS MOTIONS ITEM 3 - APPROVAL OF LIST OF ENTITIES TO NOMINATE MEMBERS TO THE ETHNIC RELATIONS COMMISSION The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance (Chairperson of the Committee on Appointments) moved the following motion: 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 – /…24 24.
(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 twothirds 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, Resolution No.
62 of 2000, and Resolution No.

68 of 2014 which increased the composition from 7 to 10 with regard to the number of members on the said Commission; BE IT 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 Number of Members Christian Religion Hindu Religion Muslim Religion Labour Movement Private Sector Organisations Youth Organisations Women Organisations One Member One Member One Member One Member One Member One Member One Member .
Cultural/Ethnic Organisations - Indo-Guyanese - Afro-Guyanese - Indigenous/Amerindian One Member One Member One Member 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.
(Notice Paper No.

141 (M29 Committees 6) published on 2021-12-06) Groups and Entities within each Group to Nominate Members of the Ethnic FIRST SCHEDULE Relations Commission RELIGIOUS BODIES: - Islamic Bodies Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat /…26 26.
Anjuman Ilifazutal Islam Essequibo Ahmadiyya Organisation Lahore Guyana Islamic Forum Guyana Islamic Trust Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman Hijatul Ulamaa The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana Hindu Bodies Brahma Kumaris Gandhi Youth Organisation Guyana Central Arya Samaj Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Guyana Maha Kali All Religious Organisation Guyana Pandits Council Guyana Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha Guyana Sevashram Sangha, Cove and John Ashram Hare Krishna Iskcon Movement Guyana Sri Sathya Sai Baba Organisation of Guyana Viraat Sabha Christian Bodies Ambassadors for Christ Church of Christ District of the Nazarene Church of Guyana Family Federation for World Peace & Unification Freedom Life Ministries Inc. /…27 27.
Georgetown Ministers Fellowship (Umbrella Body - See Appendix for details) Guyana Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist Guyana Congregational Union Guyana Council of Churches (GCC) (Umbrella Body - See Appendix for details) Guyana Evangelical Fellowship (Umbrella Body - See Appendix for details) Lifespring Ministries The Wesleyan Church The Church of God The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The Guyana United Apostolic Mystical Council The Hareyuya Church aka The Alleluias Church The New Amesterdam/ Canje Christian Council Zadok Ministers Fellowship (Umbrella Body - See Appendix for details) THE LABOUR MOVEMENT BODIES Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union (AT&GWU) Clerical & Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) General Workers Union (GWU) Guyana Agricultural & General Workers' Union (GAWU) Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBSU) Guyana Labour Union (GLU) Guyana Local Government Officers' Union (GLGOU) Guyana Postal and Telecommunication Workers’ Union (GP&TWU) Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) Guyana Taxis Service Association Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) /…28 28.
National Mine Workers’ Union of Guyana National Union of Public Service Employees (NUPSE) Printing Industry and Allied Workers’ Union (PIAWU) The People United and General Workers Union (TPU&GWU) Union of Agricultural & Allied Workers (UAAW) United Minibus Union University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) PRIVATE BUSINESS SECTOR BODIES Bankers' Association of Guyana Bartica Chamber of Commerce and Development Association Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI) Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Guycraft Producers Association Inc. Guyana Forest Products Association Guyana Gold & Diamond Miners Association Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association Guyana Private Sector Commission Guyana Rice Millers and Exporters Development Association Guyana Rice Producers Association Guyana Trawlers and Seafood Processors Association Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development (LCICD) Private Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana /…29 29.
Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) Shipping Association of Guyana The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (UCCI) Region 5 Chamber of Industry and Commerce West Demerara/East Bank Essequibo & Islands’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (WD/EBE)/I) YOUTH BODIES Central Baptist Youth Fellowship Church of Christ Youth Group Diocese of Georgetown (Roman Catholic Youth Office) Dharmic Naujawan (Dharmic Youth) Empowering Queers Using Artistic Learning (EQUAL) Full Gospel Youth Fellowship Generation Next Golden Om Dharmic Youth Organisation Guyana Girl Guides Association Guyana Central Arya Samaj -Youth Organisation Guyana Congregational Young People's Union Guyana Scouts Association Guyana Youth and Student Movement Guyana Youth Development Association Indian Action Committee Youth Group Joshua Generation Junior Chamber International Guyana (JCI Guyana) Leo Association of Guyana /…30 30.
Methodist Youth Club Muslim Youth League of Guyana Muslim Youth Organisation National Youth Council Outreach Ministries International -Youth Arm Presbytery of Guyana Youth Council Progressive Youth Organisation Rotaract Clubs of Guyana President’s Youth Award: Republic of Guyana, MS The Youth Ministries Department of the Guyana Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist The Moravian Church in Guyana, Youth Fellowship University of Guyana Student Society Volunteer Youth Corps Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) Youths for Change (YFC) Youth Ministries Department of the Assemblies of God WOMEN'S BODIES Assemblies of God Women’s Ministry Association of Women Entrepreneurs Guyana Association of Women's Artists Guyana Association of Women's Lawyers Guyana District Conference Women’s Work Committee (Methodist) Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Mahila Mandalee Guyana Nurses Association Guyana Women’s Miners Association /…31 31.
Guyanese Women in Development (GUY WID) Lutheran Church Women National Congress of Women Outreach Ministries International Women’s Group Red Thread Women's Development Project Salvation Army Home League The Mother’s Union Diocese of Guyana The National Committee of Sisters Affairs (NACOSA) The Women’s Ministries Department of the Guyana Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist Women's Advisory Council (WAC) Women Across Differences Women for Change (AFC Women Arm) Women's Progressive Organisation Young Women's Christian Association of Guyana (YWCA) CULTURAL /ETHNIC Indigenous/Amerindian Bodies Amerindian People’s Association Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous Peoples’ National Amerindian Development Foundation National Toshaos Council The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana Afro-Guyanese Bodies African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) All African Guyanese Council /…32 32.
Forum for the Temples of Kamaatic Spirituality Guyana Rastafarian Council House of NyahBinghi International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly - Guyana (IDPADA-G) Pan African Movement (Guyana Branch) Appendix Indo-Guyanese Bodies Indian Action Committee Indian Commemoration Trust Guyana Council of Churches: 1.

AME Church (St. Peter’s) 2.

AME Zion Church 3.

Anglican Diocese 4.

Catholic Diocese 5.

Church of God 6.

Church of the Nazarene 7.

Congregational Union 8.

Ethiopian Orthodox 9.


Evangelical Lutheran 10.

Methodist Church 11.

Moravian Church 12.

Outreach Ministries 13.

Presbyterian Church (Burns Memorial) 14.

Presbyterian Church (St. Andrews Kirk) /…33 33.

15.

Salvation Army 16.

Guyana Missionary Baptist Church Guyana Evangelical Fellowship: 1.

Assemblies of God 2.

Full Gospel Fellowship 3.

Elim Pentecostal Fellowship 4.

Christian Brethren Assemblies 5.

Wesleyan Church 6.

New Testament Church of God 7.


Christian Mission 8.

Church of God of Prophecy 9.

Faith Miracles Ministries 10.

Word of Faith 11.

First Century Gospel Mission Assembly 12.

Intervarsity Fellowship (IS/IVF) 13.

Every Home Crusade 14.

EPAS (Early Pregnancy) Georgetown Ministers’ Fellowship Churches: 1.

Agape Assembly of God 2.

Bethlehem New Testament 3.

Bladen Hall Assembly of God 4.

Bethel Gospel Hall 5.

Christian Mission Gospel Tabernacle 6.

Church of God of Prophecy 7.


Covent Garden Assembly of God /…34 34.

8.

Deliverance Tabernacle Assembly of God 9.

Ruimveldt Life Improvement Centre AOG 10.

Ebenezer Full Gospel Fellowship 11.

Elim Pentecostal Church 12.

Emmanuel’s Tabernacle Kitty Assembly of God 13.

First Assembly of God Wortmanville 14.

From the Heart Church Ministries 15.

Holy Spirit Empowered Church of Lord Jesus Christ 16.

House of Prayer Tucville Assembly 17.

Kingston Assembly of God 18.


Love & Faith World Outreach Ministries 19.

New Life Assembly of God 20.

Newton Assembly of God 21.

Queenstown Moravian 22.

Streams of Power Ministries 23.

South Road Full Gospel Fellowship 24.

Success Assembly of God 25.

Sure Foundation Ministries 26.

Tuschen Assembly of God 27.

Vreed-en-Hoop Wesleyan Church Zadok Ministries Fellowship: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
2.

3.

4.

5.

Outreach Ministries International Ambassadors of Christ Ministries Grace Pentecostal Fellowship Praise Shekinah Worship Centre Jesus Home of Prayer and Deliverance /…35 35.

6.

7.

8.

9.
Jesus Highs Healing and Deliverance Ministry Restoreth Ministry Inc. Pentecostal Family Ministry Word of Life Center Consensual Mechanism for the Nomination by Entities for Members of the Ethnic SECOND SCHEDULE Relations Commission All the Entities in each Group, immediately on the passage of this motion, should be written to by the Clerk of the National Assembly inviting them to meet as a group, to select their nominees and to send a representative/s on an appointed day/date, time to appear before the Parliamentary Standing Committee to Appoint Members of the Commissions, at the Parliament Buildings to present the name/s of their nominee/s for Membership on the Ethnic Relations Commission.
A deadline shall be set by the Clerk of the National Assembly on advice by the Standing Committee, by which time it would be formally notified of the names and other requested particulars of the Nominee/s, the process used for the selection of the Nominee/s by the entity, and a statement to the effect that the Nominee/s is/are supported and accepted by that entity.
The Nominee/s chosen to represent the Group must be a person/s who is competent to contribute positively to the work of the Commission and who are committed to ensuring that it discharges all of its functions.

They should have earned public respect and be of unquestionable honesty and integrity.

/…36 36.

The process used must be demonstrated to be unbiased and transparent.
It is important that the Nominee/s obtain the unquestioned support and acceptance of the Entity nominating them as well as the Entities within the Group.

Where there is a recognized “umbrella organization” in the list of entities for that Group, the Clerk shall write to that organization and copy his letter to each of the “constituent entities” within the Group.

______________________________________________ Hon.
Annette Ferguson, M.P., spoke to the motion Thereafter, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Government Chief Whip replied.

In accordance with Article 212B(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the motion was put and carried on the following division: FOR Mr. Shuman Mr. Sears Mr. Sinclair Mr. Ramsaroop Ms. Philadelphia Mr. Jaiprashad Mrs. Flue-Bess Mr. Mahipaul Mr. Figueira /…37 37.
Mr. Cox Ms. Fernandes Ms. Ferguson Mrs. Singh-Lewis Mrs. Sarabo-Halley Dr. Cummings Mr. Henry Mrs. Hughes Ms. Mc Donald Mrs. Walton-Desir Mr. Jordan Mr. Jones Mrs. Hastings-Williams Mrs. Lawrence Mrs. Chandan-Edmond Mr. Holder Mr. Forde Mr. Ramjattan Mr. Norton Ms. Veerasammy Mr. Williams Dr. Smith Mr. Jaffarally Dr. Westford Dr. Ramsaran Mrs. Pearson-Fredericks Mr. Narine /…38 38.
Mr. Datadin Dr. Mahadeo Mr. Charlie Mr. Seeraj Mr. McCoy Mr. A. Persaud Mr. Indar Ms. Rodrigues Ms. Parag Mr. Ramson Dr. V. Persaud Mr. Croal Mr. Dharamlall Mr. Bharrat Mr. Hamilton Ms. Sukhai Mr. Mustapha Ms. Manickchand Dr. Anthony Bishop Edghill Mr. Todd Ms. Teixeira Mr. Nandlall Mr. Jagdeo Mr. Phillips _________________ 61 _________________ /…39 39.
ITEM 4 - ADOPTION OF THE THIRD REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON APPOINTMENTS IN RELATION TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance (Chairperson of the Committee on Appointments) moved the following motion: BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly adopts the Third Report of the Standing Committee to address matters relating to the Appointment of Members of Commissions established under the Constitution, and signify to the President that the following persons: (i) Mr. Ernesto Choo-a-Fat, Businessman; (ii) Mr. Lloyd Mark Conway, Attorney-at-Law; (iii) Mr. Hakeem Mohamed, A.A., Businessman; and (iv) Mr. Patrick Anthony Findlay, Bishop.
who have been nominated in accordance with article 210(1)(c) of the Constitution, be appointed Members of the Police Service Commission.

(Notice Paper No.

152 (M 32 Committees 7) published on 2021-12-20) Hon.

Khemraj Ramjattan, M.P., spoke to the motion Thereafter, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Government Chief Whip replied.

The motion was put and carried.

/…40 ITEM 5 - ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTSCOMMITTEE 40.
IN RELATION TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT COMMISSION Mr. Jermaine Figueira, M.P., (Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee) moved the following motion: WHEREAS article 212X (2) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana states: “The President shall appoint the members of the Commission after such members have been nominated by the Public Accounts Committee and approved by not less than two- thirds of the elected members of the National Assembly.” AND WHEREAS, in keeping with article 212X (2) the Public Accounts Committee established a Sub-Committee for the purpose of shortlisting applicants to the Public Procurement Commission; AND WHEREAS, the Sub-Committee at its 1st Meeting shortlisted the following applicants: 1) Justice Carl Ashok Singh 2) Mr. Dunstan Barrow, A.A, MBA (Hons.
), BSc.

(Hons.)

3) Mr. Reggie Bhagwandin Jugmohan 4) Mr. Roopnarine Satram 5) Mr. Gavindra Ramnarain 6) Mr. Mark Deen 7) Mr. Dwarka Balkaran 8) Mr. Berkley Wickham 9) Mr. Lelon Saul 10) Mr. Kenneth Michael Jordan 11) Ms. Sharon Patterson /…41 41.
12) Ms. Dianna Rajcumar 13) Ms. Beverly Alert AND WHEREAS, the Sub-Committee at its 2nd Meeting shortlisted the following applicants: 1) Ms. Pauline Ann Cleopatra Chase 2) Mr. Joel Bhagwandin 3) Mr. Rajnarine Singh 4) Mr. Berkley Wickham 5) Mr. Rawle Lucas AND WHEREAS, at its 28th Meeting held on January 17, 2022, the Public Accounts Committee, after deliberations, recommended, from among the applicants shortlisted the following persons as the suitable candidates to be appointed to the Public Procurement Commission.
1) Ms. Pauline Ann Cleopatra Chase 2) Mr. Joel Bhagwandin 3) Mr. Rajnarine Singh 4) Mr. Berkley Wickham 5) Ms. Dianna Rajcumar BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly adopts the Report of the Public Accounts Committee to address matters relating to the appointment of Members to the Public Procurement Commission and signifies to the President that the following persons have been recommended in accordance with article 212X (2) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana: 1) Ms. Pauline Ann Cleopatra Chase 2) Mr. Joel Bhagwandin /…42 42.
3) Mr. Rajnarine Singh 4) Mr. Berkley Wickham 5) Ms. Dianna Rajcumar (Notice Paper No.

172 (M40 Committees 8) published on 2022-03-09) Hon.
Gail Teixeira, M.P., Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Government Chief Whip, spoke to the motion In accordance with Article 212X(2) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the motion was put and carried on the following division: FOR Mr. Shuman Mr. Sears Mr. Sinclair Mr. Ramsaroop Ms. Philadelphia Mr. Jaiprashad Mrs. Flue-Bess Mr. Mahipaul Mr. Figueira Mr. Cox Ms. Fernandes Ms. Ferguson Mrs. Singh-Lewis Mrs. Sarabo-Halley Dr. Cummings /…43 43.
Mr. Henry Mrs. Hughes Ms. Mc Donald Mrs. Walton-Desir Mr. Jordan Mr. Jones Mrs. Hastings-Williams Mrs. Lawrence Mrs. Chandan-Edmond Mr. Holder Mr. Forde Mr. Ramjattan Mr. Norton Ms. Veerasammy Mr. Williams Dr. Smith Mr. Jaffarally Dr. Westford Dr. Ramsaran Mrs. Pearson-Fredericks Mr. Narine Mr. Datadin Dr. Mahadeo Mr. Charlie Mr. Seeraj Mr. McCoy Mr. A. Persaud Mr. Indar /…44 44.
Ms. Rodrigues Ms. Parag Mr. Ramson Dr. V. Persaud Mr. Croal Mr. Dharamlall Mr. Bharrat Mr. Hamilton Ms. Sukhai Mr. Mustapha Ms. Manickchand Dr. Anthony Bishop Edghill Mr. Todd Ms. Teixeira Mr. Nandlall Mr. Phillips _____________ 60 _____________ ITEM 6 - ADOPTION OF THE FIFTH REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPOINTMENTS IN RELATION TO THE APPOINTMENT OF A DIRECTOR TO THE BOARD OF THE NATURAL RESOURCE FUND AND A MEMBER TO THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY AND OVERSIGNT COMMITTEE The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance (Chairperson of the Committee on Appointments) moved the following motion: /…45 45.
WHEREAS in keeping with the Natural Resource Fund Act No.

19 of 2021, Part III, as follows:- “5.

(1) There shall be a Board of Directors of the Fund which shall comprise of not less than three and not more than five members who shall be appointed by the President, one of whom shall be appointed Chairperson by the President.

(2) The Directors shall be selected from among persons who have wide experience and ability in legal.

Financial.
Financial.

Business, or administrative matters, one of whom shall be nominated by the National Assembly and one of whom shall be a representative of the private sector.” And “6.
(1) There shall be a Committee to be known as the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee which shall comprise the following members appointed by the President and one of whom shall be appointed Chairperson by the President – (a) a nominee of the National Assembly; (b) three representatives of the religious community; (c) two representatives of the private sector; (d) two representatives of organized labour; and (e) one representative of the professions.” AND WHEREAS, the Committee proposed ten (10) nominees for the positions; AND WHEREAS, the Committee on Appointments after deliberations recommended Mr. Dunstan Barrow as the suitable candidate to be appointed a Director on the Board of Directors of the Natural Resource Fund, in accordance with the Natural Resource Fund Act No.
19 of 2021; /…46 46.

AND WHEREAS, the Committee on Appointments after deliberations recommended Mr. Clement Sealey as the suitable candidate to be appointed as a member to the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, in accordance with the Natural Resource Fund Act No.
19 of 2021, BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly adopts the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Appointments to address matters relating to the appointments of a Director on the Board of Directors of the Natural Resource Fund and a member to the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this National Assembly signifies to the Clerk of the National Assembly that Mr. Dunstan Barrow and Mr. Clement Sealey be appointed in accordance Part III, of the Natural Resource Fund Act No.

19 of 2021, Sections 5 & 6.

(Notice Paper No.

173 (M41 Committees 9) published on 2022-03-22) Hon.

Khemraj Ramjattan, M.P., spoke to the motion The motion was put and carried.
ITEM 7 - ADOPTION OF THE FOURTH REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPOINTMENTS AND APPROVAL OF THE LIST OF ENTITIES AND CONSENSUAL MECHANISM TO NOMINATE MEMBERS TO THE WOMEN AND GENDER EQUALITY COMMISSION The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance (Chairperson of the Committee on Appointments) moved the following motion: /…47 WHEREAS, Article 212 Q of the Constitution has established a Women and Gender Equality Commission; 47.
AND WHEREAS, in accordance with Article 212 Q (2) of the Constitution, the Women and Gender Equality Commission shall consist of- (a) “not less than five nor more than fifteen members, with expertise in women’s and gender equality issues, nominated by entities, by a consensual mechanism determined by the National Assembly, after the entities which shall include the Women’s Advisory Committee of the Trade Union Congress, are determined by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all the elected Members of the National Assembly; and (b) the Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau, by whatever name that office is designated; and (c) a member who shall be a nominee, without the right to vote, chosen by and from each of the following Commissions: the Human Rights Commission, Ethnic Relations Commission, Indigenous People’s Commission and Rights of the Child Commission.” AND WHEREAS, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Appointments (COA) examined the list of entities to nominate members to the Women and Gender Equality Commission in accordance with article 212 Q (2)(a) of the Constitution, and Resolution No.
62 of 2000 with regard to the appointment of members to the rights commissions; AND WHEREAS, the Committee having deliberated on the identification of the entities for nomination to the Women & Gender Equality Commission in accordance with art 212 Q (2) (a), unanimously agrees and proposes that the Commission be comprised of nominations from the list of entities in the First Schedule in the following categories: /…48 48.
Women Bodies Regional Representative from 8 GAC TUC Women’s Advisory Council Labour Movement Private Business Sector Bodies Professional Bodies Cultural/Ethnic And (b) Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau 2 5 1 1 1 1 3 1 AND WHEREAS, the Committee also unanimously agreed on the consensual mechanism to guide the process for consultation and nomination of Members to the said Women and Gender Equality Commission herein at the Second Schedule; BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly approves the proposed representation of the above- mentioned categories from the list of entities; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the National Assembly adopts the Committee on Appointments Report on the Women and Gender Equality Commission; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this National Assembly approves the list of entities to nominate Members to the Women and Gender Equality Commission as set out in the First Schedule attached, in accordance with article 212Q (2)(a) of the Constitution; /…49 49.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this National Assembly approves the consensual mechanism, outlined in the Second Schedule attached.

(Notice Paper No.
176 (M44 Committees 10) published on 2022-04-06) FIRST SCHEDULE Group and entities within each Group of Nominate Members of the Women and Gender Equality Commission Women Bodies- 2 Assemblies of God Women’s Ministry Association of Women Entrepreneurs Guyana Association of Women's Artists Guyana Association of Women Lawyers Guyana District Conference Women’s Work Committee (Methodist) Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha- Mahila Mandalee Guyana Women Miners Organisation Guyanese Women in Development (GUYWID) Lutheran Church Women Mothers’ Union Diocese of Guyana National Committee of Sisters Affairs (NACOSA) (CIOG Women’s Arm) National Congress of Women Outreach Ministries International Women’s Group Red Thread Women's Development Project Salvation Army Home League The Women’s Ministries Department of the Guyana Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist Women Across Differences Women for Change (AFC Women Arm) Women’s Home & Overseas Missionary Society Women’s Progressive Organisation Young Women's Christian Association of Guyana (YWCA) /…50 Regional Gender Affairs Committees- (Regions 1-7 & 9) -5 50.
The Labour Movement-1 Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union (AT&GWU) Clerical & Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) General Workers Union (GWU) Guyana Agricultural & General Workers' Union (GAWU) Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBSU) Guyana Labour Union (GLU) Guyana Local Government Officers' Union (GLGOU) Guyana Postal and Telecommunication Workers’ Union (GP&TWU) Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) Guyana Taxis Service Association Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) National Mine Workers’ Union of Guyana National Union of Public Service Employees (NUPSE) Printing Industry and Allied Workers’ Union (PIAWU) The People United and General Workers Union (TPU&GWU) Union of Agricultural & Allied Workers (UAAW) United Minibus Union University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) Private Business Sector Bodies -1 Bankers' Association of Guyana Bartica Chamber of Commerce and Development Association Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCA) Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI) Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Guycraft Producers Association Inc. Guyana Forest Products Association Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association Guyana Private Sector Commission Guyana Rice Millers and Exporters Development Association /…51 51.
Guyana Rice Producers Association Guyana Trawlers and Seafood Processors Association Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development (LCICD) Private Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) Shipping Association of Guyana The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (UCCI) Region 5 Chambers of Industry and Commerce West Demerara/East Bank Essequibo & Islands’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (WD/EBE)/I) Women’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry Guyana (WCCIG) Professional Group-1 Association of Chartered Accountants Guyana Association of Optometrists Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) Guyana Bar Association Guyana Nurses Association Guyana Medical Association Guyana Pharmacists’ Association Medical Technologists Association of Guyana Cultural / Ethnic-3 Indigenous/Amerindian Bodies - 1 Amerindian People’s Association Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous Peoples National Amerindian Development Foundation (NADF) National Toshaos Council (NTC) The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG) Afro-Guyanese Bodies -1 African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) All African Guyanese Council Forum for the Temples of Kamaatic Spirituality Guyana Rastafarian Council /…52 52.
House of NyahBinghi International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly - Guyana (IDPADA-G) Pan African Movement (Guyana Branch) Indo-Guyanese Bodies -1 Indian Action Committee Indian Commemoration Trust SECOND SCHEDULE Consensual Mechanism for the Nomination by Entities of Members of the Women and Gender Equality Commission All the Entities in each Group, immediately on the passage of this motion, shall be written to by the Clerk of the National Assembly inviting them to meet as a group, to select their nominees and to send a representative/s on an appointed day/date, time to appear before the Parliamentary Standing Committee to Appoint Members of the Commissions, at the Parliament Buildings to present the name/s of their nominee/s for Membership on the Women and Gender Equality Commission.
A deadline shall be set by the Clerk of the National Assembly on advice by the Standing Committee, by which time it would be formally notified of the names and other requested particulars of the Nominee/s, the process used for the selection of the Nominee/s by the entity, and a statement to the effect that the Nominee/s is/are supported and accepted by that entity.
The Nominee/s chosen to represent the Group must be person/s who are competent to contribute positively to the work of the Commission and who are committed to ensuring that it discharges all of its functions.

They should have earned public respect and be of unquestionable honesty and integrity.

The process used must be demonstrated to be unbiased and transparent.
It is important that the Nominee/s obtain the unquestioned support and acceptance of the Entity nominating them as well as the Entities within the Group.

Where there is a recognised “umbrella organization” in the list of entities for that Group, the Clerk shall write to that organisation and copy his letter to each of the “constituent entities” within the Group.

/…53 53.

Hon.
/…53 53.

Hon.

Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, M.P., spoke to the motion In accordance with Article 212Q(2)(a) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the motion was put and carried on the following division: FOR Mr. Shuman Mr. Sears Mr. Sinclair Mr. Ramsaroop Ms. Philadelphia Mr. Jaiprashad Mrs. Flue-Bess Mr. Mahipaul Mr. Figueira Mr. Cox Ms. Fernandes Ms. Ferguson Mrs. Singh-Lewis Mrs. Sarabo-Halley Dr. Cummings Mr. Henry Mrs. Hughes Ms. Mc Donald Mrs. Walton-Desir Mr. Jordan Mr. Jones /…54 54.
Mrs. Hastings-Williams Mrs. Lawrence Mrs. Chandan-Edmond Mr. Holder Mr. Forde Mr. Ramjattan Mr. Norton Ms. Veerasammy Mr. Williams Dr. Smith Mr. Jaffarally Dr. Westford Dr. Ramsaran Mrs. Pearson-Fredericks Mr. Narine Mr. Datadin Dr. Mahadeo Mr. Charlie Mr. Seeraj Mr. McCoy Mr. A. Persaud Mr. Indar Ms. Rodrigues Ms. Parag Mr. Ramson Dr. V. Persaud Mr. Croal Mr. Dharamlall /…55 55.
Mr. Bharrat Mr. Hamilton Ms. Sukhai Mr. Mustapha Ms. Manickchand Dr. Anthony Bishop Edghill Mr. Todd Ms. Teixeira Mr. Nandlall Mr. Phillips ________________ 60 ________________ ITEM 8 - EXTENSION OF DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF PRIVILEGES TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance (Member of the Committee of Privileges) moved the following motion: WHEREAS at the 35th Sitting of the National Assembly held on 24th January, 2022, the National Assembly referred the following Members to the Committee of Privileges: • Hon.
Christopher Jones, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip, • Hon.

Ganesh Mahipaul, M.P., • Hon.

Sherod Duncan, M.P., • Hon.

Natasha Singh-Lewis, M.P., • Hon.

Annette Ferguson, M.P., • Hon.

Vinceroy Jordan, M.P., /…56 • Hon.

Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, M.P., and • Hon.

Maureen Philadelphia, M.P; 56.
AND WHEREAS the Committee of Privileges was mandated to enquire whether the named Members committed to the Committee of Privileges, have violated any of the Standing Orders, Customs, Practices, and/or Conventions of the National Assembly and to determine the sanctions available and can be applied by the National Assembly; AND WHEREAS the National Assembly mandated the Committee of Privileges to report to the National Assembly within one (1) month from the date of the moving of the motion, that is, on the 24th February, 2022; AND WHEREAS the Committee commenced its work on 18th February, 2022 and has had three (3) meetings to date; AND WHEREAS owing to intense discussions on the procedure to be followed with respect to the matters before the Committee, the Committee was unable to submit its report to the National Assembly within the required one (1) month; AND WHEREAS the Committee needs additional time to continue and conclude its work, BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly approves of an extension of the deadline for the submission of the Report of the Committee of Privileges from 24th February, 2022 to 1st June, 2022.
(Notice Paper No.

177 (M45 Committees 11) published on 2022-04-07) /…57 57.

The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance moved the amendment as follows: - “delete number ‘1st” and insert number ‘15th’” The amendment was put and carried.

The motion, as amended, was put and carried.

EASTER, RAMADAN, AND NAVRATRI GREETINGS The Speaker extended Easter, Ramadan, and Navratri greetings to the Members of the National Assembly, the staff of the Parliament Office and the Media.
The Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition joined the Speaker in extending greetings.

ADJOURNMENT At 11.00 p.m., on a motion by the Prime Minister, the Assembly was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

…………………………………………………….. HON.

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

13th April, 2022.