Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694870992755.pdf (Guyana)
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FIRST SESSION (2020-2025) OF THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE CO-OPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA HELD IN THE DOME OF THE ARTHUR CHUNG CONFERENCE CENTRE, LILIENDAAL, GREATER GEORGETOWN 1ST Sitting Tuesday, 1ST September, 2020 The Assembly convened at 10.00 a.m. Prayers [Mr. Speaker in the Chair] MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (68) Speaker (1) *Hon.
Manzoor Nadir, M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly, Parliament Office, Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown.

MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT (35) (i) MEMBERS OF THE PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY/CIVIC (PPP/C) (35) Prime Minister (1) + Hon.

Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips, M.S.S., M.P., Prime Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Colgrain House, 205 Camp Street, Georgetown.

Vice-President (1) + Hon.

Bharrat Jagdeo, M.P., Vice-President, Office of the President, New Garden Street, Georgetown.
+ Cabinet Member * Non-Elected Speaker Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs (1) + Hon.

Mohabir Anil Nandlall, M.P., Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Legal Affairs, Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Senior Ministers (16) + Hon.

Gail Teixeira, M.P., (Region No.

7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance.

Government Chief Whip, Office of the Presidency, New Garden Street, Georgetown.

+ Hon.
+ Hon.

Hugh H. Todd, M.P., (Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lot 254 South Road, Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Bishop Juan A. Edghill, M.S., J.P., M.P., Minister of Public Works, Ministry of Public Works, Wight’s Lane, Kingston, Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Dr. Frank C. S. Anthony, M.P., Minister of Health, Ministry of Health, Brickdam, Georgetown.

+ Cabinet Member + Hon.

Priya D. Manickchand, M.P., (Region No.


3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Minister of Education, Ministry of Education, Lot 26 Brickdam, Georgetown.

+ *Hon.

Brindley H.R.

Benn, M.P., Minister of Home Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Brickdam, Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P., Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne), Minister of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Regent and Vlissengen Road, Bourda, Georgetown.

+ Hon.
+ Hon.

Pauline R.A. Campbell-Sukhai, M.P., Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Lot 251-252 Thomas & Quamina Streets, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Joseph L.F. Hamilton, M.P., Minister of Labour, Ministry of Labour, Brickdam, Georgetown.

+ Cabinet Member * Non-Elected Minister + Hon.

Vickram Outar Bharrat, M.P., Minister of Natural Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources, Lot 96 Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

+*Hon.
+*Hon.

Oneidge Walrond, M.P., Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Lot 229 South Road, Bourda, Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Nigel D. Dharamlall, M.P., (Region No.

2 – Pomeroon/Supenaam), Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, DeWinkle Building, Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Collin D. Croal, M.P., (Region No.


1 – BarimaWaini), Minister of Housing and Water, Ministry of Housing and Water, Brickdam, Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Vindhya V. H. Persaud, M.S., M.P., (Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Lot 357 East and Lamaha Streets Georgetown.

+ Hon.

Charles S. Ramson, M.P., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Main Street, Georgetown.

+ Hon.
+ Hon.

Sonia Savitri Parag, M.P., Minister of the Public Service, Ministry of the Public Service, 164 Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown.

+ Cabinet Member * Non-Elected Minister Junior Ministers (4) Hon.

Warren Kwame E. McCoy, M.P., Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Office of the Prime Minister, c/o Colgrain House, 205 Camp Street, Georgetown.

Hon.

Deodat Indar, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Public Works, Wight’s Lane, Kingston, Georgetown.
Hon.

Anand Persaud, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

Hon.

Susan M. Rodrigues, M.P., (Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Ministry of Housing and Water, Lot 41 Brickdam & United Place, Stabroek, Georgetown.

Other Members (12) Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, M.P., Lot 71 BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara.
Mr. Alister S. Charlie, M.P., (Region No.

9 – Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), 148 Lethem, Central Rupununi, c/o Freedom House, 41 Robb Street, Georgetown.

Dr. Vishwa D.B.

Mahadeo, M.P., Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne), Lot 4 Public Road, No.

66 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Mr. Sanjeev J. Datadin, M.P., Lot 60 Section ‘K’, John Street, Campbellville, Georgetown.

Mr. Seepaul Narine, M.P., Lot 321 BB Seventh Street, Eccles, East Bank Demerara.
Mrs. Yvonne Pearson-Fredericks, M.P., Mainstay Lake/Whyaka Village, Mainstay Lake, Essequibo Coast, c/o Freedom House, 41 Robb Street, Georgetown.

Dr. Bheri S. Ramsaran, M.P., Lot 340 East Street, South Cummingsburg, c/o Freedom House, 41 Robb Street, Georgetown.

Dr. Jennifer R.A. Westford, M.P., 55 AA Victoria Avenue, Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Mr. Faizal M. Jaffarally, M.P., (Region No.

5 – Mahaica/Berbice), Lot 16-30 New Street, New Amsterdam.

c/o Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown.


Dr. Tandika S. Smith, M.P., (Region No.

3 - Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Lot 290 Area ‘J’, Tuschen, North, East Bank Essequibo.

Mr. Lee G.H.

Williams, M.P., Paruima Upper Mazaruni, c/o Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown.

Ms. Bhagmattie Veerasammy, M.P., Lot 32 Crown Dam, Industry, East Coast Demerara.
MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITION (32) (i) A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) (31) Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph F. Harmon, M.S.M., M.P., Leader of the Opposition, Lot 99 Mazaruni Street, Guyhoc Park, Georgetown.

Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, M.P., Lot 10 Delph Street, Campbelville, Georgetown.

Mr. Roysdale A. Forde, M.P., Lot 410 Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Mr. Raphael G.C.

Trotman, M.P., Lot 3202 Pricese 3, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Ms.
Ms.

Dawn Hastings-Williams, M.P., Lot 933 Block 1, Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Dr. Nicolette O. Henry, M.P., Lot 2227 Ozama Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Dr. Karen R.V.

Cummings, M.P., Lot 2 Belfield Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara.

Ms. Tabitha J. Sarabo-Halley, M.P., Lot 3382 Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown.

Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond, M.P., Lot 48 Atlantic Ville, Georgetown.

Mr. Christopher A. Jones, M.P., Chief Whip, Lot 609 Conciliation Street, Tucville, Georgetown.
Ms. Annette N. Ferguson, M.P., Lot 842 Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Mr. David A. Patterson, M.P., Lot 151 Durbana Square, Lamaha Gardens, Georgetown.

Ms. Coretta A. McDonald, M.P., Lot 202 N, Fourth Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown.

Ms. Catherine A. Hughes, M.P., (Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Lot 13 A, New Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Mr. Haimraj B. Rajkumar, M.P., Lot 18 Public Road, Johanna Cecilia, (Region # 2 Essequibo Coast).

Ms. Amanza O.R.
Ms. Amanza O.R.

Walton-Desir, M.P., Lot 1285 EE Eccles Sugarcane Field, East Bank Demerara.

Ms. Natasha Singh-Lewis, M.P., Lot 1110 Plot ‘B’, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara.

Mr. Sherod A. Duncan, M.P., Lot 590 Good Hope, East Coast Demerara.

Ms. Juretha V. Fernandes, M.P., Lot 1282 Block EE, Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Mr. Vincent P. Henry, M.P., (Region No.

9 – Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), Shulidnab Village, South Central, Rupununi.

(Culvert City Lethem) Mr. Ronald Cox, M.P., (Region No.
1 – Barima Waini), Mabaruma Compound.

Mr. Shurwayne F.K.

Holder, M.P., (Region No.

2 – Pomeroon/Supenaam), Lot 55 Henrietta, Essequibo Coast.

Mr. Ganesh A. Mahipaul, M.P., Lot 14 Plantain Walk, West Bank Demerara.

Ms. Nima N. Flue-Bess, M.P., (Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Lot 88 Nelson Street, Mocha Village, East Bank Demerara.

Ms. Maureen A. Philadelphia, M.P., (Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Lot 17 Block 1, Section F, Plantation Belfield, East Coast Demerara.
Mr. Deonarine Ramsaroop, M.P., (Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Lot 40 Block 3 Craig Milne, Cove & John, East Coast Demerara.

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

5 – Mahaica/Berbice), Lot 214 Lovely Lass Village, West Coast Berbice.

C/o Christopher Jones Mr. Dineshwar N. Jaiprashad, M.P., Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne), Lot 80 Babu John Road, Haswell, Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice.

Mr. Richard E. Sinclair, M.P., (Region No.

8 –Potaro/Siparuni) Church Street Mahdia.


Lot 4 Public Road, Stewartville, West Coast Demerara.

Mr. Jermaine Figueira, M.P., (Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), Lot 136 2nd Street, Silvertown, Wismar, Linden.

Mr. Devin L. Sears, M.P., (Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), Lot 90, Section C, Wismar, Linden.
A New and United Guyana, Liberty and Justice Party and The New Movement (ANUG, LJP & TNM) (1) Mr. Lenox R. O’Dell Shuman, M.P., Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Soesdyke Linden Highway.

Officers (3) Mr. Sherlock E. Isaacs, A.A., Clerk of the National Assembly, Parliament Office, Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown.

Ms. Hermina Gilgeours, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Parliament Office, Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown.
Ms. Deslyn West, Assistant Clerk of the National Assembly, Parliament Office, Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown.
Hansard Division Officers (20) Reporter Reporter Ms. Bianca Cummings, Mr. Rohan Ramjas, Reporter Ms. Nadeila Allen, Ms. Eyoka Gibson, Reporter Ms. Lushonn Bess, Ms. Allison Connelly, Chief Editor Ms. Marlyn Jeffers-Morrison, Senior Editor Ms. Shawnel Cudjoe, Senior Editor (ag) Ms. Latoiah Joseph, Senior Editor (ag) Ms. Carol Bess, Editor Ms. Shevona Telford, Editor (ag) Reporter Ms. Christina Ramroop, Mr. Parmanand Singh, Editor (ag) Ms. Tesia Ellis, Reporter Audio Technician Ms. Indranie Persaud, Mr. Daison Horsham, Reporter Ms. Roseina Singh, Reporter Ms. Somna Karen-Muridall, Reporter Pre –Press Technician Mr. Saeed Umrao, Reporter Ms. Celisa DeFlorimonte, Audio Technician TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents Page 106TH Sitting 1ST Sitting Monday, 10TH December, 2018 Tuesday, 1ST September, 2020 Proclamation ............................................................................................................................................................................... 25 Roll Call ................................................................................................................................................................................ 26-28 Election of Speaker ..................................................................................................................................................................... 29 Election of Deputy Speaker ........................................................................................................................................................ 30 Division .................................................................................................................................................................................. 31-32 Oath Administered - To Members ......................................................................................................................................... 33-35 Prayer ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 36 Remarks by the Speaker ......................................................................................................................................................... 37-38 Announcements by the Speaker ............................................................................................................................................. 39-40 Presentation of Papers and Reports ……………………………………………………………………………………….... 41-42 Motions Relating To – The Business Or Sittings Of The Assembly ..................................................................................... 43-45 Public Business - Government’s Busines……….……………………………………………………………..…………..... 46-49 Motion - Approval Of The 2020 - Current & Captial Estimates Of Constitutional Agencies ............................................... 47-48 Adjournment - ......................................................................................................................................................................... 50-52 25 Proclamation 1st September, 2020 Roll Call 26 PROCLAMATION SUMMONING SESSION The Clerk read the President’s Proclamation summoning the session.
GUYANA Proclamation No.

1 of 2020 Seal No.

220 of 2020 PROCLAMATION By the President of the shall so remain until notification is issued by the Speaker that the COVID-19 pandemic has been abated after which there shall be a resumption of the sittings in the Parliament Chamber, Public Buildings.
the Seal of the GIVEN under my hand and Cooperative Republic of Guyana, at the Office of the President, Georgetown, Guyana, this 28th day of August, Two Thousand and Twenty, in the Fifty-First year of the Republic.
By the President’s Command Co-operative Republic of Guyana Ms. Gail Teixeira Mohamed I. Ali PRESIDENT WHEREAS by Proclamation dated 27th day of December 2019, issued under Article 70 (2) of the Constitution, the Eleventh Parliament of Guyana was dissolved on the 13th day of December, 2019, and General and Regional Elections held; AND WHEREAS there was a prolonged and undue delay in the declaration of the results of those elections beyond and outside of my control which resulted in the declaration of the final results of those elections being made on the 2nd day of August 2020, and as a consequence thereof, there could have been no session of Parliament held within the timeframe prescribed in and by Article 69 (1) of the Constitution; AND WHEREAS it is provided by Article 69 (1) of the Constitution that each session of Parliament shall be held at the place within Guyana and shall begin at the time, that the President shall appoint by Proclamation; AND WHEREAS in view of the negative impact the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic shall have on sittings in the Parliament Chamber, Public Buildings, Georgetown, due to the limited space available in the Chamber, it shall be unsafe to hold sittings in the Parliament Chamber; NOW THEREFORE, in pursuance of the powers conferred upon me by Article 69 of the Constitution, I do hereby appoint as the place where a session of the Twelfth Parliament shall be held, the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, Guyana, or any other place a Member may choose to participate in the deliberations of the National Assembly remotely by electronic means, and 10 o’clock in the morning of the 1st day of September 2020 as the time when the session shall begin, and the named venue Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance ROLL CALL The Clerk: Hon.
Members, I will now call, in the order declared by the Elections Commission (GECOM), the names of those persons who have, to date, become Members of the National Assembly following the elections held on the 2nd March, 2020.

Will Members kindly answer as their names are called?

Roll call taken as follows: Declared elected on 20th day of August, 2020.
People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Mr. Collin D. Croal Mr. Nigel D. Dharamlall Ms. Priya D. Manickchand Dr. Tandika S. Smith Dr. Vindhya V. H. Persaud Ms. Susan M. Rodrigues Mr. Hugh H. Todd Mr. Faizal M. Jaffarally Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha Dr. Vishwa D.B.

Mahadeo Ms. Gail Teixeira Mr. Alister S. Charlie 27 Roll Call 1st September, 2020 Roll Call 28 Dr. Frank C.S.
Anthony Mr. Vickram O. Bharrat Mr. Sanjeev J. Datadin Bishop Juan A. Edghill Ms. Yvonne Pearson-Fredericks Mr. Joseph L.F. Hamilton Mr. Deodat Indar Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo Mr. Kwame W.E.

McCoy Mr. Mohabir A. Nandlall Mr. Seepaul Narine Ms. Sonia S. Parag Mr. Anand Persaud Mr. Roysdale A. Forde Ms. Nima N. Flue-Bess Ms.

Dawn Hastings-Williams Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph F. Harmon Dr. Nicolette O. Henry Mr. Vincent P. Henry Mr. Shurwayne F.K.
Holder Ms. Catherine A. Hughes Mr. Dineshwar N. Jaiprashad Mr. Christopher Jones Mr. Vinceroy H. Jordan Mr. Ganesh A. Mahipaul Ms. Coretta A. McDonald Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark A. Phillips Mr. David Patterson (Participated virtually) Dr. Bheri S. Ramsaran Mr. Charles S. Ramson Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj Ms. Maureen A. Philadelphia Mr. Haimraj B. Rajkumar Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan Ms. Pauline R.A. Campbell-Sukhai Mr. Deonarine Ramsaroop Ms. Bhagmattie Veerasammy Ms. Tabitha J. Sarabo-Halley Dr. Jennifer R.A. Westford Mr. Lee G.H.
Williams A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond Mr. Ronald Cox (Participated virtually) Dr. Karen R.V.

Cummings Mr. Sherod A. Duncan Ms. Annette N. Ferguson Ms. Juretha V. Fernandes Mr. Jermaine Figueira Mr. Devin L. Sears Mr. Richard E. Sinclair Ms. Natasha Singh-Lewis Mr. Raphael G. C. Trotman Ms. Amanza O.R.
Walton-Desir A New and United Guyana, Liberty and Justice Party and The New Movement (ANUG, LPJ, & TNM) Mr. Lenox R. O. Shuman ELECTION OF SPEAKER The Clerk: Hon.

Members, my first duty is in accordance with article 56(1) of the Constitution and Standing Order No.
2 of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly of the 29 Election Of Speaker 1st September, 2020 Election Of Deputy Speaker 30 Parliament of Guyana, to elect a person to be the Speaker of the National Assembly, and I accordingly invite nominations.

The floor is open.

Prime Minister [Brigadier (Ret’d) Phillips]: Mr.

Clerk, I propose Mr. Manzoor Nadir, no stranger to the National Assembly as a long-standing Member, to be the Speaker for the Twelfth Parliament.

The Clerk: Thank you, Sir.


I need a seconder.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance [Ms. Teixeira]: I would like to second the nomination of the Prime Minister to have Mr. Manzoor Nadir as the Speaker of the Twelfth Parliament.

The Clerk: Thank you, Ms. Teixeira.

Are there any further nominations for the position of Speaker?

There being no further nominations, I therefore declare Mr. Manzoor Nadir duly elected Speaker of the National Assembly of the Twelfth Parliament of Guyana.
I will invite Mr. Nadir to come forward and take the Oath.

The Clerk administered the Oath of Office to the Speaker.

The Clerk: Mr. Nadir, congratulations and best wishes.

We cannot shake hands.

The practice is that I invite the proposer and the seconder to escort Mr. Nadir.

In light of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), I will move away from the practice and I will escort Mr. Nadir to his Chair.

I do not know whether I should continue the practice.

Are there any objections?


Ms. Teixeira: We have no objections.

The Speaker was escorted to and assumed the Chair.

The Clerk: Hon.

Members, my job is over.

Mr. Nadir will now conduct the election of a Deputy Speaker.

Thank you for your co-operation.

10.18 a.m. ELECTION OF DEPUTY SPEAKER Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Hon.

Members.

My first task is to preside over the election of the Deputy Speaker.

Hon.
Hon.

Members, I am being advised that, normally, the Deputy Speaker would come from among the Opposition Members.

I invite nominations for the position of Deputy Speaker.

Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Member, Mr. Trotman was nominated.

Is there a seconder?

Mr. Jones: I second the nomination.

Brigadier (Ret’d) Phillips: I would like to nominate Mr. Lenox Shuman as the Deputy Speaker of the Twelfth Parliament.

Ms. Teixeira: I second the nomination for Mr. Shuman to be the Deputy Speaker of the Twelfth Parliament.
Mr. Speaker: We have another nominee.

The Hon.

Member Mr. Lenox Shuman was proposed by the Hon.

Prime Minister and seconded by the Hon.

Minister Gail Teixeira.

Are there any other nominations?

Thank you very much.

We have two nominees for the position of Deputy Speaker.

Firstly, I would like to put the second nomination, that of the Hon.

Member, Mr. Lenox Shuman, as the Deputy Speaker.

Question put.

Hon.

Members: Aye.

Mr. Speaker: The ayes have it.

[Mr. Speaker in aside with the Clerk.]


I am being advised that because we heard ‘ayes’ coming from both sides of the House, we should go for a division.

I will invite the Clerk to take the roll call with respect to the division.

Assembly divided: Noes 31, Ayes 34, as follows: Noes Mr. Sears Mr. Figueira Mr. Sinclair Mr. Jaiprashad Mr. Jordan Mr. Ramsaroop Ms. Philadelphia Ms. Hughes: I would like to nominate Mr. Raphael Trotman, former Speaker of this honourable House, to the position of Deputy Speaker.
Ms. Flue-Bess Mr. Mahipaul 31 Division 1st September, 2020 Division 32 Mr. Holder Mr. Cox (Participated virtually) Mr. Henry Ms. Fernandes Mr. Duncan Ms. Singh-Lewis Ms. Walton-Desir Mr. Rajkumar Ms. Hughes Ms. McDonald Mr. Patterson (Participated virtually) Ms. Ferguson Mr. Jones Ms. Chandan-Edmond Ms. Sarabo-Halley Dr. Cummings Dr. Henry Ms. Hastings-Williams Mr. Trotman Mr. Forde Mr. Ramjattan Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Harmon 31 Ayes Mr. Shuman Ms. Veerasammy Mr. Williams Dr. Smith Mr. Jaffarally Dr. Westford Dr. Ramsaran Ms. Pearson-Fredericks Mr. Narine Mr. Datadin Dr. Mahadeo Mr. Charlie Mr. Seeraj Ms. Rodrigues Mr. Persaud Mr. Indar Mr. McCoy Ms. Parag Mr. Ramson Dr. Persaud Mr. Croal Mr. Dharamlall Mr. Bharrat Mr. Hamilton Ms. Campbell-Sukhai Mr. Mustapha Ms. Manickchand Dr. Anthony 33 Oath Administered 1st September, 2020 To Members 34 Bishop Edghill Mr. Todd Ms. Teixeira Mr. Nandlall Mr. Jagdeo Mr. Phillips 34 Mr. Speaker: Thank you, Mr.
Clerk.

I now declare that the Hon.

Member, Mr. Lenox Shuman, has been elected to the position of Deputy Speaker.

[Applause] OATHS Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Members, the oath will now be administered to Members of the House by the Clerk of the National Assembly.

In order to save time, it is my intention to move away from the normal practice of having the Clerk of the National Assembly move from one Hon.

Member to another to administer the oath.


If I am given your consent, the Clerk will call your names and, as your name is called, you will stand up, hold the religious book in your right hand, if you so wish, read your oath form, then sit and sign the form.

As you are signing, the Member beside you will stand and read his oath form.

Do I have your consent in order to save time and comply with some of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) protocols?

Thank you, very much.


Bishop Juan A. Edghill, M.S., J.P., M.P., Minister of Public Works Dr. Frank C. S. Anthony, M.P., Minister of Health Ms. Priya D. Manickchand, M.P., Minister of Education 10.33 a.m. Mr. Brindley H.R.
Benn, M.P., Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P., Minister of Agriculture Ms. Pauline R.A. Campbell-Sukhai, M.P., Minister of Amerindian Affairs Mr. Joseph L.F. Hamilton, M.P., Minister of Labour Mr. Vickram O. Bharrat, M.P., Minister of Natural Resources Ms. Oneidge Walrond, M.P., Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Mr. Nigel D. Dharamlall, M.P., Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Mr. Collin D. Croal, M.P., Minister of Housing and Water Dr. Vindhya V.H.
Persaud, M.S., M.P., Minister of Human Services and Social Security Mr. Charles S. Ramson, M.P., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Ms. Sonia S. Parag, M.P., Minister of the Public Service Mr. Kwame W.E.
McCoy, M.P., Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister The Oath of Office was administered to and subscribed by the following Members: Mr. Deodat Indar, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark A. Phillips, M.S.S., M.P., Prime Minister Mr. Anand Persaud, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, M.P., Vice-President Mr. Mohabir A. Nandlall, M.P., Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mr. Gail Teixeira, M.P., Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Mr. Hugh H. Todd, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Ms. Susan M. Rodrigues, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, M.P.
Mr. Alister S. Charlie, M.P.

Dr. Vishwa D.B.

Mahadeo, M.P.

Mr. Sanjeev J. Datadin, M.P.

35 Oath Administered 1st September, 2020 Prayer 36 Mr. Seepaul Narine, M.P.

Mr. Vincent P. Henry, M.P.

Ms. Yvonne Pearson-Fredericks, M.P.

Mr. Ronald Cox, M.P.

(Participated virtually) Dr. Bheri S. Ramsaran, M.P.

Mr. Shurwayne F.K.

Holder, M.P.

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

Mr. Ganesh A. Mahipaul, M.P.

10.48 a.m. Ms. Nima N. Flue-Bess, M.P.

Mr. Faizal M. Jaffarally, M.P.


Ms. Maureen A. Philadelphia, M.P.

Dr. Tandika S. Smith, M.P.

Mr. Deonarine Ramsaroop, M.P.

Mr. Lee G.H.

Williams, M.P.

Mr. Vinceroy H. Jordan, M.P.

Ms. Bhagmattie Veerasammy, M.P.

Mr. Dineshwar N. Jaiprashad, M.P.

Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph F. Harmon, M.S.M., M.P.

Mr. Richard E. Sinclair, M.P.

Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, M.P.

Mr. Jermaine Figueira, M.P.

Mr. Roysdale A. Forde, M.P.

Mr. Devin L. Sears, M.P.

Mr. Raphael G.C.

Trotman, M.P.

Mr. Lenox R. O. Shuman, M.P.


Ms.

Dawn Hastings-Williams, M.P.

Dr. Nicolette O. Henry, M.P.

Dr. Karen R.V.

Cummings, M.P.

Ms. Tabitha J. Sarabo-Halley, M.P.

Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond, M.P.

Mr. Christopher A. Jones, M.P.

Ms. Annette N. Ferguson, M.P.

Mr. David A. Patterson, M.P.

(Participated virtually) Ms. Coretta A. McDonald, M.P.

Ms. Catherine A. Hughes, M.P.

Mr. Haimraj B. Rajkumar, M.P.

Ms. Amanza O.R.

Walton-Desir, M.P.

Ms. Natasha Singh-Lewis, M.P.


Mr. Sherod A. Duncan, M.P.

11.03 a.m. Ms. Juretha Fernandes, M.P.

Mr. Speaker: We did see the Hon Member, Mr. Cox, stand and take the Oath.

We did not hear.

There is a connection issue and we will take that as being the Oath taken by the Hon.

Member, Mr. Ronald Cox.


PRAYER The Clerk read the following prayer: “Almighty God, we, who are here gathered together, do most humbly beseech Thee to guide us in all our consultations, so that we may together build a land where knowledge is free, where the mind is without fear and the head is held high, and where words come from the depth of truth.
Grant us, O God, Thine aid and guidance, so that we may deal justly with the several causes that come before us, laying aside all private interests, prejudices and personal preferences, so that the result of our counsels may be to the glory of Thy Blessed Name, the maintenance of true religion, the preservation of justice, the safety, honour and happiness of the President and the peace and prosperity of Guyana.
Grant us, O God, the vision so to lead, that all the people of this fair land may enter into that state of brotherhood and unity, where the mind is led forward by Thee into ever widening thought and action.” 37 Remarks 1st September, 2020 By The Speaker 38 Members of A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change withdrew from the Dome REMARKS BY THE SPEAKER Mr. Speaker: Hon Members, it is with immense humility and gratitude that I accept your nomination to this esteemed position of Speaker of the National Assembly for this Twelfth Parliament of Guyana.
My sincerest thanks to the Almighty, to the Hon.

Members, to His Excellency the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, to my wife and children, to my extended family and to all friends and colleagues who have been a part of my public life for the past 40 years.

Yes, it looks as if it was only yesterday that I stood at the corner of Cross and Third Streets, Alexander Village, some four decades ago, and made my first appearance on a public platform.
Those 40 years have seen our dear land transformed from the cast net to the internet, and have also witnessed our struggles to build a society, powered by the rule of law and democracy, being tested but taking root.

As Guyana continues to transition into a vibrant and even stronger democracy, within an emerging oil economy, it is of utmost importance that this Twelfth Parliament be effective, successful and exemplary.
11.18 a.m. it was for me, as a first The Twelfth Parliament, unlike others convened, is occurring in a COVID-19 environment, which prevents us from sitting within the illustrious halls of the Parliament Chamber.

What a time feeling of majesty Parliamentarian, to enter those hallowed halls of Parliament, the feeling that I hope the first-time Parliamentarians of this Twelfth Parliament will experience one day soon.

The Coronavirus disease has thrown the world into a state of re- evaluation.
We are now forced to compromise on what was the normal course of business.

But, rest assured, I am committed to the safety and wellbeing of the Members and employees of the National Assembly.

There will have to be changes for us to comply with being our brothers’ keepers.

I trust that Hon.

Members will unite to uphold the safety of all and to ensure that the business of the Assembly progresses.

While we have differences that divide us, Guyanese are united in our love and patriotism for our country.
Like you, I have a passionate love for this land.

I remember sitting on a not-so-honourable seat a few decades ago.

I was reading a torn page from the Guyana Chronicle newspaper and it said the words of my favourite national song: My Native Land.
The first line goes: “Oh I care not that others rave over fair lands afar, Where silvern lakes and placid streams mirror the evening star; I care not though their wealth be great, their scenery be grand, For none so fair as can compare with my own native land.” These words were my catalyst to get involved in the struggle for democracy.

I have carried that piece of paper in my wallet since then – a daily reminder of the reason for an endearing commitment to public service for these last 40 years.
integrity this honourable House To the new Parliamentarians: firstly, I congratulate you for your respective appointments.

The responsibilities that come with membership of require dedication, unbiased dialogues, and, most importantly, acting in the best interest of the people of Guyana, without whom we all would not have been here today.
When an individual is nominated from a list of electors the on Nominations Day, he or she does so with understanding that his or her constituent is entrusting him or her with their lives, their future and they rely on you to represent them by speaking on their behalf.

As you took your oaths today, I urge you, therefore, to always be accessible to your constituents and to uphold your vows to the people of Guyana.
To those who have returned to continue your sterling contributions to your country, I say welcome back and let us continue in our resolve to make betterment for all people.

As we embark on the commencement of the agenda of this Assembly, I am enthused and dedicated to making this Twelfth Parliament one that would positively impact on the pertinent issues, such as constitutional reform, legislative reform and the implementation of new laws that cater for our changing realities.
I am committed to working with all sides of the House to ensure that this Twelfth Parliament be inscribed in the history of our country as being one of the most successful ever.

39 Announcements 1 st September, 2020 By The Speaker 40 Having sat in this House for some 23 years plus, as a Member on both the Opposition and the Government sides, I understand the importance of this position.
I promise to be impartial, fair and just by upholding the rules, laws and procedures in the execution of my responsibilities as Speaker of this honourable House.

The veracity of this noble institution must and will be upheld at all times during my tenure.

Let us all unite in making Guyana a great and powerful nation, with citizens who live together as one people, one nation with one destiny.
In this regard, it is a fitting commencement, as we meet on the 1st September, the first day of Amerindian Heritage Month.

The first Amerindian Member of the House, Mr. Stephen Campbell, entered this House on 10th September.

I take this opportunity to wish our Amerindian people well and all Guyanese, as a matter of fact, a glorious Amerindian Heritage Month.
On their behalf, on behalf of the Members of the Eleventh Parliament, on behalf of the staff and on my own behalf, I now offer appreciative and sincerest thanks to the former Speaker, the Hon.

Dr. Barton Scotland, for his service to the last Parliament and to the people of our country.

His stewardship leaves a rich legacy whence we can build a brighter tomorrow.

I, also, take this opportunity in congratulating the Hon.

Lenox Shuman on his election as Deputy Speaker.

Thank you very much.


Brigadier (Ret’d) Phillips: Mr. Manzoor Nadir, I rise to extend our congratulations to you on your election as Speaker of the Twelfth Parliament.

Likewise, I extend similar congratulations to Mr. Lenox Shuman on his election as Deputy Speaker.

To the Amerindian Members of the House, this being the first day of Amerindian Heritage Month, I extend special congratulations to you and all Amerindians throughout Guyana.

Thank you.

Bernard DeSantos, the Hon.

Isahak Basir, the Hon.


Cyril Belgrave, the Hon.

Komal Chand and the Hon.

Feroze Mohamed.

I think that there are about three other Members who have passed on.

We will circulate those names shortly.

Persons appointed by the President to be Ministers Hon.

Members, I wish, for the record, to inform you of the names of persons who were appointed by the President to be Ministers of the Government.
They are: - Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips, MSS, MP – Prime Minister - Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo – Vice-President - Ms. Gail Teixeira – Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance - Mr. Mohabir Anil Nandlall – Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs - Dr. Frank Christopher Stanislaus Anthony – Minister of Health - Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha – Minister of Agriculture - Bishop Juan Anthony Edghill – Minister of Public Works - Mr. Deodat Indar – Minister within the Ministry of Public Works - Mr. Vickram Outar Bharrat – Minister of Natural Resources - Ms. Pauline Rose Anne Campbell-Sukhai – Minister of Amerindian Affairs - Mr. Brindley Horatio Robeson Benn – Minister of Home Affairs - Mr. Joseph Linden Fitzclarence Hamilton – Minister of Labour - Mr. Kwame McCoy – Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister - Mr. Hugh Hilton Todd – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation - Mr. Collin David Croal – Minister of Housing and Water - Ms. Susan Margaret Rodrigues – Minister within the Mr. Speaker: Thank you very much, Hon.
Prime Minister.

Ministry of Housing and Water - Ms. Sonia Savitri Parag – Minister of the Public ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER Service Death of former Members of Parliament (MPs) Mr. Speaker: Since 2018, a number of former Members of the National Assembly have departed from this life and, during the course of this Parliament, a number of condolence messages will be laid on their behalf.

The names of those who have passed on, for your information, are: the Hon.
- Mr. Nigel Deonarine Dharamlall – Minister of Local Government and Regional Development - Mr. Anand Persaud – Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development - Mr. Charles Shiva Ramson – Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport - Ms. Priya Devi Manickchand – Minister of Education 41 Presentation Of 1st September, 2020 Papers and Reports 42 - Dr. Vindhya Vasini Harskumarie Persaud – Minister (12) - of Human Services and Social Security Ms. Oneidge Waldron – Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce PRESENTATION OF PAPERS AND REPORTS The following papers and report were laid: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) Parliament Office – Current and Capital Estimates totaling $1,799,248,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.
Office of the Auditor General – Current and Capital Estimates the period totaling $908,636,000 for ending 31st December, 2020.

Public and Police Service Commission – Current and Capital Estimates totaling $150,636,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

Teaching Service Commission – Current and Capital Estimates the period totaling $117,075,000 for ending 31st December, 2020.
Guyana Elections Commission – Current and Capital Estimates totaling $4,943,052,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

Supreme Court of Judicature – Current and Capital Estimates totaling $2,443,164,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

Chamber of the Director of Public Prosecution – Current and Capital Estimates totaling $229,412,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

Office of the Ombudsman – Current Estimate totaling $70,001,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.
Public Service Appellate Tribunal – Current Estimate totaling $40,911,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

(10) Ethnic Relations Commission – Current and Capital the period totaling $220,802,000 for Estimates ending 31st December, 2020.

11.33 a.m. (11) Judicial Service Commission – Current Estimate totaling $10,020,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

Indigenous People’s Commission – Current Estimate totaling $24,392,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.
(13) Human Rights Commission – Current Estimate totaling $25,958,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

(14) Rights of the Child Commission – Current Estimate totaling $46,095,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

(15) Women and Gender Equality Commission – Current and Capital Estimates totaling $49,945,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

(16) Public Procurement Commission – Current and Capital Estimates totaling $206,460,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.
(17) In accordance with section 3B (2) of the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act 2015 – Act No.

4 of 2015, present the recommendations and comments of the Minister of Finance on the Annual Budget Proposals of Constitutional Agencies for 2020.

(18) Report of the Auditor General to the National Assembly on the Public Accounts of Guyana and on the accounts of the Ministries’ Departments for the period that ended 31st December, 2018.

[Speaker of the National Assembly] Mr. Speaker: Hon.
Members, we will suspend the sitting at this time for two things: a short break and to give the cleaning protocol an opportunity to be executed.

We will reconvene in half of an hour.

Thank you very much.

The Clerk: I am kindly requesting Hon.

Members to leave the Chamber in order for the Cleaners to sanitise the desks and chairs.

We are sorry about this.

Sitting suspended at 11.36 a.m.


Sitting resumed at 12.18 p.m. MOTIONS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS OR SITTINGS OF THE ASSEMBLY AND MOVED BY A MINISTER Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Members, I have given consent, in accordance with Standing Order No.

28 (2), for the Minister 43 Motions Relating To 1st September, 2020 The Business Or Sittings Of The Assembly 44 of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance to move the following motion: Suspension of Standing Order No.

9.
9.

Ms. Teixeira: Before we get to the two motions that are in my name, I would like to call on you to have us suspend Standing Order No.

71(2), in order to continue and conclude the consideration of the Current and Capital Budgets of the Constitutional Agencies for the year 2020.

Could you guide me on whether I should move the suspension now or wait until the other two motions are concluded?

Mr. Speaker: Hon.
Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Member, let us conclude the two motions standing in your name and then we will proceed with the suspension of that Standing Order.

Suspension of Standing Order No.
9 WHEREAS Standing Order 9 provides that “unless there are special reasons for so doing, no sitting of the National Assembly shall be held between the 10th August and 10th October in any year; AND WHEREAS Standing Order 112 provides that any one or more of the Standing Orders may be suspended, after notice, or with the leave of the Speaker, on a motion by a member at any sitting; AND WHEREAS due to the dissolution of the 11th Parliament on the 30th December, 2019, there has been no sittings of the National Assembly, and, therefore no Annual Budget has been presented and considered for the year 2020; AND WHEREAS the Government of Guyana is desirous of commencing the work of the National Assembly as soon as possible including the urgent presentation and consideration of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the year 2020 in the National Assembly on or before 10th October, 2020; BE IT RESOLVED: “That the National Assembly agrees to suspend Standing Order No.
9 in order to allow the commencement of sittings of the National Assembly to deliberate on urgent parliamentary matters the presentation and consideration of the 2020 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure on or before 10th October, 2020.” including [Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance] Ms. Teixeira: Mr. Speaker, the suspension of Standing Order No.

9 is with regard to us meeting during the period of recess, 10th August to 10th October of this year.
As, I think, the whole Assembly is aware that there was undue and a very prolonged and torturous delay of over five months before we could have had the declaration of the 2020 Elections.

Therefore, we are forced to meet in a period that would normally be recess.

The motion that I have brought to this House is to allow us to suspend Standing Order No.
9 in order for us to commence the sittings of the National Assembly to deliberate on urgent Parliamentary matters, the presentation and including the 2020 Estimates of Revenue and consideration of Expenditure on or before 10th October.

As you are aware, Mr. Speaker, there is no budget for the year 2020 and we are in the last quarter of the year.

This is an urgent matter and I, therefore, ask that the House supports the motion in my name.

Question put and agreed to.

Standing Order suspended.


Suspension of Standing Order No.

10 WHEREAS Standing Order No.

10 (1) provides for every sitting of the National Assembly to begin at 2.00 p.m. and unless previously adjourned, end at 10.00 p.m. on the same day; AND WHEREAS Standing Order No.
10 (2) provides that the Speaker may at any time suspend the sitting for a stated period but, unless the Assembly otherwise resolved, the Speaker shall, at 4.00 p.m., suspend the sitting for one hour, and at 7.00 p.m. suspend the sitting for half an hour; AND WHEREAS Standing Order No.

10 (3) provides for the Assembly at any time by motion made and carried without amendment or debate suspend or vary the provisions of paragraphs one (1) and two (2) of Standing Order No.

10; AND WHEREAS Standing Order No.


10 (4) provides for the Assembly from time to time, alter, by Resolution, the hours provided by Standing Order No.

10 for the beginning and ending of a sitting.

45 Motions Relating To 1st September, 2020 Public Business 46 BE IT RESOLVED: “That Standing Order No.
10 (1) and (2) b suspended to enable the Assembly to sit in the Twelfth Parliament during the following hours due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID – 19) pandemic, to proceed with the work of the National Assembly:  10.00 a.m. - 12.00 noon – Sitting  12.00 noon - 1.00 p.m. – Suspension  1.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. – Sitting  4.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. – Suspension  5.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. – Sitting” Ms. Teixeira: I now, formally, wish to beg that Standing Order No.
71 (2) be suspended in order to continue and conclude the consideration of the Current and Capital Budgets of the Constitutional Agencies for the year 2020.

The circular by the Minister makes it clear that there are no changes to the requests by the Constitutional Agencies, according to the Fiscal Management and Accountability (FMA) Act.

We should be able to move quickly through this issue and, therefore, we would not be required to meet again, as would be normal.
Ms. Teixeira: The second motion in my name is regarding the hours of our sittings.

Question put and agreed to.

Standing Order suspended.

Normally, we would meet from 2.00 p.m. and end at 10.00 p.m., according to Standing Order No.

10 (1).
10 (1).

PUBLIC BUSINESS However, in light of COVID-19 measures and the urgency to conclude a lot of our work, we are proposing that sittings of the Twelfth Parliament commence and continue from 10.00 a.m. with breaks at 12.00 p.m., resuming the sitting at 1.00 p.m., another break at 4.00 p.m. and concluding the sitting at 8.00 p.m. We believe that, particularly during budget, this will be required.
I am advised by the Minister of Health, and it is stated in the COVID-19 measures of 31st August 2020, that Parliament is an essential service and, therefore, we can go pass the curfew to 8.00 p.m., if it is required.

I am asking the House to support the change in hours and the waiver of Standing Order No.

10 (1).

Question put and agreed to.

Standing Order suspended.

Suspension of Standing Order No.

71 (2) BE IT RESOLVED: “That Standing Order No.
71(2) be suspended to enable the Assembly to continue and conclude the consideration of the Current and Capital Estimates of the Constitutional Agencies for the year 2020.” [The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance] GOVERNMENT’S BUSINESS MOTION Approval of the 2020 Current and Capital Estimates of Constitutional Agencies In accordance with article 222A of the Constitution, the Assembly is to resolve itself into Committee of Supply to consider the Estimates of Expenditure of the Constitutional Agencies for the year 2020.
The Speaker is to propose that the Estimates of the following Constitutional Agencies form part of the Estimates of the Public Sector for 2020: (1) (2) (3) (4) Parliament Office – Current and Capital Estimates totaling $1,799,248,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

Office of the Auditor General – Current and Capital Estimates the period totaling $908,636,000 for ending 31st December, 2020.
Public and Police Service Commission – Current and Capital Estimates totaling $150,636,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

Teaching Service Commission – Current and Capital Estimates the period totaling $117,075,000 for ending 31st December, 2020.
47 Motion – Approval Of The 2020 1st September, 2020 Current & Captial Estimates Of Constitutional Agencies 48 (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) Guyana Elections Commission – Current and Capital Estimates totaling $4,943,052,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

Supreme Court of Judicature – Current and Capital Estimates totaling $2,443,164,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.
Chamber of the Director of Public Prosecution – Current and Capital Estimates totaling $229,412,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

Office of the Ombudsman – Current Estimate totaling $70,001,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

Public Service Appellate Tribunal – Current Estimate totaling $40,911,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

Ethnic Relations Commission – Current and Capital Estimates the period totaling $220,802,000 for ending 31st December, 2020.
Judicial Service Commission – Current Estimate totaling $10,020,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

Indigenous People’s Commission – Current Estimate totaling $24,392,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

(13) Human Rights Commission – Current Estimate totaling $25,958,000 for the period 31st December, 2020.

(14) Rights of the Child Commission – Current Estimate totaling $46,095,000 for the period ending 31st December 2020.
(15) Women and Gender Equality Commission – Current and Capital Estimates totaling $49,945,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

(16) (17) Public Procurement Commission – Current and Capital Estimates totaling $206,460,000 for the period ending 31st December, 2020.

In accordance with section 3B(2) of the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act the 2015 – Act No.
4 of 2015, present recommendations and comments of the Minister of Finance on Constitutional Agencies for 2020. the Annual Budget Proposals of the Assembly resolve Mr. Speaker: Let into Committee of Supply to consider the Estimates.

After the Committee stage, the Minister presenting these Estimates on behalf of the Government will report to the National Assembly.

itself The House is now in Committee of Supply.

Assembly in Committee of Supply.


Mr. Chairman: We now go to the motion for the approval of the 2020 Current and Capital Estimates of the Constitutional Agencies.

12.31 p.m. Parliament Office – $1,799,248,000 Minister of Public Works [Bishop Edghill]: Mr. Chairman, having received the budget of this agency and the request being examined and reviewed, we recommend that the sums proposed be granted unamended.

Parliament Office – $1,799,248,000, agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Office of the Auditor General – $908,636,000 Bishop Edghill: We are proposing, with your consent that, since none of the proposals that are being made by the Constitutional Agencies have been amended, rather than me rising 19 times to say the same thing, all of the sums proposed be approved unamended and, once we go through that, I can report to the Assembly and the Committee, if that pleases you, Sir.

If not, I would comply with your instructions.

Mr. Chairman: Hon.

Minister, just give me one second.


[Mr. Chairman in aside with the Clerk.]

Hon.

Minister, I would still have to put each proposal and each head.

Office of the Auditor General – $908,636,000, agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Public and Police Service Commission – $150,636,000 Public and Police Service Commission –$150,636,000, agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
49 Public Business - Government’s Business 1st September, 2020 Adjournment 50 Teaching Service Commission –$117,075,000 Teaching Service Commission –$117,075,000, agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Guyana Elections Commission – $4,943,052,000 Guyana Elections Commission – $4,943,052,000, agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Supreme Court of Judicature – $ 2,443,164,000 Supreme Court of Judicature – $2,443,164,000, agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Chamber of the Director of Public Prosecution – $229,412,000 Chamber of the Director of Public Prosecution – $229,412,000, agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Rights of the Child Commission – $46,095,000, agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Women and Gender Equality Commission – $49,945,000 Women and Gender Equality Commission – $49,945,000 agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Public Procurement Commission - $206,460,000 Public Procurement Commission –$206,460,000, agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr. Chairman: Hon.

Members, I now have to put the question for the total for all of the Constitutional Agencies.
Question “That this Committee of Supply approves of the total sums for the Constitutional Agencies and that they the Estimates of Revenue and form part of Expenditure for the Public Sector for 2020.” Office of the Ombudsman – $70,001,000 put and agreed to.

Office of the Ombudsman – $70,001,000, agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Public Service Appellate Tribunal – $40,911,000 Public Service Appellate Tribunal – $40,911,000, agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Ethnic Relations Commission – $220,802,000 Ethnic Relations Commission – $220,802,000, agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Judicial Service Commission - $10,020,000 Judicial Service Commission – $10,020,000, agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Assembly resumed.

Mr. Speaker: Hon.

Minister representing Finance, kindly report to the House.
Bishop Edghill: I am pleased to report to you that the House, having met in Committee of Supply, has considered the various proposals of the Constitutional Agencies and it has approved the sums without any amendments.

I, therefore, ask that sum of $10,652,578,000 representing Current Expenditure and the sum of $633,229,000 representing Capital Expenditure, giving us a total of $11,285,807,000 be approved by this Assembly and form part of the Estimates.
this Assembly doth agree that the Motion put and agreed to.

Indigenous People’s Commission – $24,392,000 12.46 p.m. Indigenous People’s Commission – $24,392,000, agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

ADJOURNMENT BE IT RESOLVED: Human Rights Commission – $25,958,000 Human Rights Commission – $25,958,000, agreed to and ordered to stand part of the Estimates.
Rights of the Child Commission – $46,095,000 “That the Assembly doth now adjourn to a date to be fixed.” [Prime Minister] 51 Adjournment 1st September, 2020 Adjournment 52 Mr. Speaker: The Assembly is adjourned to a date to be fixed.

Adjourned accordingly at 12.49 p.m.