Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694871037031.pdf (Guyana)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE 113TH SITTING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FIRST SESSION (2015-2019) OF THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA HELD AT 2.00 P.M. ON FRIDAY, 26TH APRIL 2019, IN THE PARLIAMENT CHAMBER, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, BRICKDAM, GEORGETOWN.

MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (69) Speaker (1) *Hon Dr. Barton U.A.
Scotland, O.R., C.C.H., M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT (36) (i) A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change (36) First Vice-President and Prime Minister (1) + Hon.

Moses V. Nagamootoo, J.P., M.P., First Vice-President and Prime Minister Other Vice-Presidents (2) +Hon.

Khemraj Ramjattan, M.P., Vice-President and Minister of Public Security +*Hon.

Sydney Allicock, M.S., M.P., Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Senior Ministers (15) + Hon.
Amna Ally, M.P., Minister of Social Protection and Government Chief Whip + Hon.

Basil Williams, S.C., M.P., Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs + Hon.

Ronald A. Bulkan, M.P., Minister of Communities + Hon.

Dr. George A. Norton, M.P., Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibilities for Culture, Youth and Sports + Hon.

Winston D. Jordan, M.P., Minister of Finance (Absent – on leave) /…2 + Cabinet Member *Non-Elected Member 2.

+ Hon.

Raphael G.C.


Trotman, M.P., Minister of Natural Resources + Hon.

Volda A. Lawrence, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister of Public Health + Hon.

David A. Patterson, M.P., Minister of Public Infrastructure +*Hon.

Winston G. Felix, D.S.M., M.P., Minister of Citizenship + Hon.

Catherine A. Hughes, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister of Public Telecommunications +Hon.

Noel L. Holder, M.P., Minister of Agriculture +Hon.

Dawn Hastings-Williams, M.P.

(Region No.


7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Minister of State +Hon.

Dr. Nicolette O. Henry, M.P., Minister of Education +Hon.

Haimraj Rajkumar, M.P.

(Region No.

2 – Pomeroon/Supenaam), Minister of Business +Hon.

Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, M.P., Minister of the Public Service Junior Ministers (7) *Hon.

Keith Scott, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Hon.

Annette N. Ferguson, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing Hon.
Valerie Garrido-Lowe, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Hon.

Jaipaul Sharma, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister within the Ministry of Finance Hon.

Dr. Karen Cummings, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Hon.

Simona Charles-Broomes, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibility for Youth Affairs Hon.

Valarie Patterson, M.P.

(Region No.


10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture with responsibility for Rural Affairs + Cabinet Member *Non-Elected Member /…3 Other Members (9) 3.

Ms. Jennifer J.

Wade, M.P.

(Region No.

5 – Mahaica/Berbice) Ms. Rajcoomarie Bancroft, M.P.

(Region No.

8 –Potaro/Siparuni) Mr. John Adams, M.P.

(Region No.

3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) Mr. Richard Allen, M.P.

(Region No.
(Region No.

1 – Barima/Waini) Mr. Mervyn Williams, M.P Mr. Michael Carrington, M.P.

Mr. Jermaine Figueira, M.P.

(Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Mr. Audwin Rutherford, M.P.

Ms. Barbara P. Pilgrim, M.P.

(Region No.

6 – East Berbice/ Corentyne) Ms. Donna Mathoo, M.P.

Mr. Reynard Ward, M.P.

MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITION (29) (i) People’s Progressive Party/Civic -PPP/C (29) Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, M.P., Leader of the Opposition (Absent) Mr. Clement J. Rohee, M.P.
(Absent) Mr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, M.P.

(Region No.

3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) (Absent) Mr. Mohabir A. Nandlall, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) (Absent) Ms. Priya D. Manickchand, M.P.

(Region No.

5 – Mahaica/Berbice) (Absent) Dr. Frank C.S.

Anthony, M.P.

(Absent) Ms. Pauline Campbell-Sukhai, M.P.

(Absent) Bishop Juan A. Edghill, M.S., J.P., M.P.

(Absent) Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, M.P.

(Absent) Dr. Vindhya V. Persaud, M.S., M.P.

(Absent) Ms. Indranie Chandarpal, M.P.


(Absent) 3 vacant seats in the PPP/C /…4 4.

Mr. Joseph L.F. Hamilton, M.P.

(Absent) Mr. Collin D. Croal, M.P.

(Region No.

1 – Barima/Waini) (Absent) Ms. Gillian R. Burton-Persaud, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) (Absent) Dr. Bheri S. Ramsaran, M.P.

(Absent) Dr. Jennifer Westford, M.P.

(Region No.

7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni) (Absent) Ms. Africo Selman, M.P.

(Absent) Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P.

(Region No.


6 – East Berbice/Corentyne) (Absent) Mr. Ganga Persaud, M.P.

(Absent) Ms. Yvonne Pearson- Fredericks, M.P.

(Absent) Mr. Neendkumar, J.P., M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) (Absent) Mr. Komal Chand, C.C.H., J.P., M.P.

(Region No.3 – Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara) (Absent) Dr. Vishwa D.B.

Mahadeo, M.P.

(Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne) (Absent) Mr. Cornel Damon, M.P.

(Region No.
(Region No.

2 – Pomeroon/Supenaam) (Absent) Mr. Alister S. Charlie, M.P.

(Region No.

9 – Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) (Absent) Mr. Nigel D. Dharamlall, M.P.

(Absent) Mr. Harry Gill, M.P.

(Absent) Ms. Bhagmattie Veerasammy, M.P.

(Absent) Mr. Vickram O. Bharrat, M.P.

(Absent) Officers (2) Mr. Sherlock E. Isaacs, A.A., Clerk of the National Assembly Ms. Hermina Gilgeours, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly /…5 5.
COMMENCEMENT OF SITTING The Sitting commenced at 2.11 p.m. PRAYERS The Clerk read Prayers.

RESIGNATION AND OATH OF A NEW MEMBER- (1) Resignation of Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph Harmon, M.S.M.

The Speaker informed Members that by way of letter dated 25th April, 2019, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph Harmon, M.S.M., resigned his seat as a Member of Parliament with effect from that date.

With Mr. Harmon’s resignation, a seat in the National Assembly became vacant.
The vacancy was, in accordance with section 99A of the Representation of the People’s Act, Chapter 1:03, to be filled by a person whose name is to be extracted from the list of candidates from which Mr. Harmon’s name was extracted.
As Mr. Harmon’s name was extracted from A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change List of Candidates, the Speaker in accordance with section 99A of the said Act, called upon the Representative of the said list to further extract from that list the name of a person who was willing to become a Member of the National Assembly, to fill the vacancy in the Assembly.

/…6 6.
/…6 6.

Mr. Mervyn Williams The Speaker stated that, following the resignation of Lt. Col. ( Ret’d) Joseph Harmon, M.S.M., and his call upon the representative of the List of A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change List of Candidates, he was informed that the name of Mr. Mervyn Williams was extracted from the list and that Mr. Mervyn Williams was on the 25th April, 2019, declared by the Chief Elections Officer to be an elected Member of the National Assembly.
The Speaker also stated that before Mr. Williams can take part in the proceedings of the Assembly, he will have to make and subscribe the oath of Office before the Assembly as required by article 167 of the Constitution.

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

(2) Resignation of Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine The Speaker informed Members that by way of letter dated 4th April, 2019, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, resigned his seat as a Member of Parliament with effect from that date.
With Dr. Roopnaraine’s resignation, a seat in the National Assembly became vacant.

The vacancy was, in accordance with section 99A of the Representation of the People’s Act, Chapter 1:03, to be filled by a person whose name is to be extracted from the list of candidates from which Dr. Roopnaraine’s name was extracted.
As Dr. Roopnaraine’s name was extracted from A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change List of Candidates, the Speaker in accordance with section 99A of the said Act, called upon the Representative of the said list to further extract from that list the name of a person who was willing to become a Member of the National Assembly, to fill the vacancy in the Assembly.

/…7 Mrs. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley 7.


The Speaker stated that, following the resignation of Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, and his call upon the representative of the List of A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change List of Candidates, he was informed that the name of Mrs. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley was extracted from the list and that Mrs.Tabitha Sarabo-Halley was on the 25th April, 2019, declared by the Chief Elections Officer to be an elected Member of the National Assembly.
The Speaker also stated that before Mrs. Sarabo-Halley can take part in the proceedings of the Assembly, she will have to make and subscribe the oath of Office before the Assembly as required by article 167 of the Constitution.

As Mrs. Sarabo-Halley was present, the oath was administered to her by the Clerk.
(3) Resignation of Mr. Carl Greenidge The Speaker informed Members that by way of letter dated 25th April, 2019, Mr. Carl Greenidge, resigned his seat as a Member of Parliament with effect from that date.

With Mr. Greenidge’s resignation, a seat in the National Assembly became vacant.
The vacancy was, in accordance with section 99A of the Representation of the People’s Act, Chapter 1:03, to be filled by a person whose name is to be extracted from the list of candidates from which Mr. Greenidge’s name was extracted.
As Mr. Greenidge’s name was extracted from A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change List of Candidates, the Speaker in accordance with section 99A of the said Act, called upon the Representative of the said list to further extract from that list the name of a person who was willing to become a Member of the National Assembly, to fill the vacancy in the Assembly.

/…8 Ms. Donna Mathoo 8.


The Speaker stated that, following the resignation of Mr. Carl Greenidge and his call upon the representative of the List of A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change List of Candidates, he was informed that the name of Ms. Donna Mathoo was extracted from the list and that Ms. Donna Mathoo was on the 25th April, 2019, declared by the Chief Elections Officer to be an elected Member of the National Assembly.
The Speaker also stated that before Ms. Mathoo can take part in the proceedings of the Assembly, she will have to make and subscribe the oath of Office before the Assembly as required by article 167 of the Constitution.

As Ms. Mathoo was present, the oath was administered to her by the Clerk.

(4) Resignation of Mr. Hans Dominic Gaskin The Speaker informed Members that by way of letter dated 25th April, 2019, Mr. Hans Dominic Gaskin, resigned his seat as a Member of Parliament with effect from that date.
With Mr. Gaskin’s resignation, a seat in the National Assembly became vacant.

The vacancy was, in accordance with section 99A of the Representation of the People’s Act, Chapter 1:03, to be filled by a person whose name is to be extracted from the list of candidates from which Mr. Gaskin’s name was extracted.
As Mr. Gaskin’s name was extracted from A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change List of Candidates, the Speaker in accordance with section 99A of the said Act, called upon the Representative of the said list to further extract from that list the name of a person who was willing to become a Member of the National Assembly, to fill the vacancy in the Assembly.

/…9 Mr. Reynard Ward 9.


The Speaker stated that, following the resignation of Mr. Hans Dominic Gaskin, and his call upon the representative of the List of A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change List of Candidates, he was informed that the name of Mr. Reynard Ward was extracted from the list and that Mr. Reynard Ward was on the 25th April, 2019, declared by the Chief Elections Officer to be an elected Member of the National Assembly.
The Speaker also stated that before Mr. Ward can take part in the proceedings of the Assembly, he will have to make and subscribe the oath of Office before the Assembly as required by article 167 of the Constitution.

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

(5) Resignation of Ms. Gail Teixeira The Speaker informed Members that by way of letter dated 16th April, 2019, Ms. Gail Teixeira, resigned her seat as a Member of Parliament with effect from that date.
With Ms. Teixeira’s resignation, a seat in the National Assembly became vacant.

The vacancy was, in accordance with section 99A of the Representation of the People’s Act, Chapter 1:03, to be filled by a person whose name is to be extracted from the list of candidates from which Ms. Teixeira’s name was extracted.
As Ms. Teixeira’s name was extracted from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic List of Candidates, the Speaker in accordance with section 99A of the said Act, called upon the Representative of the said list to further extract from that list the name of a person who was willing to become a Member of the National Assembly, to fill the vacancy in the Assembly.

/…10 10.
/…10 10.

(6) Resignation of Mr. Odinga Lumumba The Speaker informed Members that by way of letter dated 17th April, 2019, Mr. Odinga Lumumba, resigned his seat as a Member of Parliament with effect from that date.

With Mr. Lumumba’s resignation, a seat in the National Assembly became vacant.
The vacancy was, in accordance with section 99A of the Representation of the People’s Act, Chapter 1:03, to be filled by a person whose name is to be extracted from the list of candidates from which Mr. Lumumba’s name was extracted.
As Mr. Lumumba’s name was extracted from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic List of Candidates, the Speaker in accordance with section 99A of the said Act, called upon the Representative of the said list to further extract from that list the name of a person who was willing to become a Member of the National Assembly, to fill the vacancy in the Assembly.
(7) Resignation of Mr. Adrian Anamayah The Speaker informed Members that by way of letter dated 12th April, 2019, Mr. Adrian Anamayah, resigned his seat as a Member of Parliament with effect from that date.

With Mr. Anamayah’s resignation, a seat in the National Assembly became vacant.
The vacancy was, in accordance with section 99A of the Representation of the People’s Act, Chapter 1:03, to be filled by a person whose name is to be extracted from the list of candidates from which Mr. Anamayah’s name was extracted.
As Mr. Anamayah’s name was extracted from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic List of Candidates, the Speaker in accordance with section 99A of the said Act, called upon the Representative of the said list to further extract from that list the name of a person who was willing to become a Member of the National Assembly, to fill the vacancy in the Assembly.

/…11 11.
/…11 11.

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 the New Members of Parliament to the Assembly and extended best wishes for a long and successful stay.

(2) Leave: “Honourable Members, leave has been granted to Hon.
Winston Jordan, for today’s Sitting.” (3) Events that occurred and impacted the Assembly “Honourable Members, I hold it useful and helpful to relate in this House the events which have occurred, and which have impacted on us.

You will recall that your Speaker, at the 111th Sitting of this House, on 21st December, 2018, declared passed a No-Confidence Motion which was moved by the Opposition.
In the interim between the declaration of the Speaker and the date named for the next Sitting, which was the 3rd January 2019, several issues arose which, in the opinion of the Speaker, required definitive settlement by a duly constituted and fully mandated body outside of the National Assembly.

Those issues which arose related to interpretation of certain provisions of the Constitution.
The Bodies fully charged with the authority to render full and binding interpretation of provisions of the Constitution of Guyana are the High Court of Guyana, the Court of Appeal of Guyana and the Caribbean Court of Justice which is the highest and Final Court to which Guyana must turn for the resolution of any legal issue.

/…12 12.

The present state of things is that the High Court has considered the Constitutional issues.
The findings of the High Court have been Appealed to the Court of Appeal of Guyana and the findings of the Court of Appeal have been Appealed to the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Both the Government and the Opposition have engaged the Appellate Jurisdiction of the Courts.

That Court, known as the CCJ, which is the final Court of Appeal of Guyana, has fixed 9th and 10th May 2019 to hear Arguments in the Appeal.

At the close of the hearing, the CCJ will issue directions as to the next course of action.
Your Speaker, who is named a Respondent in the cases, has appeared with independent Counsel before the Court but in accordance with its notification to each of the Courts, has taken no part in the contentious aspects of the Case.

The practical effects of the findings of the High Court and the Court of Appeal are as follows.
The High Court in its findings confirmed that the vote in favour of the No- Confidence Motion was validly passed and that the Government should resign and within three (3) months call elections.

The findings of the High Court were Appealed to the Court of Appeal.

The Court of Appeal found that the No-Confidence Motion was not validly passed.
It is important to emphasise that the decision of the Court of Appeal was delivered on the very day after which the three (3) months period for the naming of a date for elections would have expired.

The effect of the decision of the Court of Appeal is that the Government is returned to the same position of authority which it possessed before the No- Confidence Motion was debated on the 21st December 2018.
The present position is therefore that the Government continues to exercise its authority to govern the country without limitation.

After the decision of the CCJ is rendered, the Speaker will inform the National Assembly of the consequences of the decision.

One of the effects of the findings of the High Court is that persons who hold dual citizenship cannot lawfully occupy a seat in the National Assembly.
A number of the Members of Parliament, four Ministers and three members of the Opposition, who held dual citizenship, have taken steps to put themselves in order by resignation from the /…13 13.

National Assembly.

You would have witnessed a ceremony in this regard which took place earlier and would have heard the pronouncements of the Speaker.

As information on this and other related matters take place, I shall ensure that Honorable Members are notified.
Honourable Members I thank you for your kindness and attention.” (4) Death of Mr. Isahak Basir “Honourable Members, I was informed of the death of Mr. Isahak Basir, a former Member of Parliament, who died on the 1st February, 2019 at his residence after a brief illness.

He was 84 years old having been born on the 18th September, 1935.

Mr. Basir came from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.

Elections were held on Monday, 16th July, 1973, under the system of proportional representation.
The Third Parliament of Guyana commenced when the National Assembly first met on the 26th July, 1973.The Ceremonial Opening of the Third Parliament took place at the 11th Sitting of the National Assembly on the 29th October, 1973.

The PPP did not attend and participate in the work of Parliament until the 24th May, 1976.
During the latter part of the Third Parliament and on the 116th Sitting of the National Assembly, Mr. Basir first became a Member of the National Assembly on the 18th January, 1977 and continued working, until the Third Parliament was dissolved on the 25th October, 1980.

Elections were held on Monday, 15th December, 1980 under the system of proportional representation.

The Fourth Parliament of Guyana commenced when the National Assembly first met on the 30th January, 1981.
Mr. Basir was again elected to be a Member of the National Assembly on the 28th December, 1980 and worked in the Fourth Parliament until it was dissolved on the 31st October, 1985.

/…14 14.

Elections were held on Monday, 9th December, 1985.

The Fifth Parliament of Guyana commenced when the National Assembly first met on the 3rd February, 1986.
Mr. Basir was again elected to be a Member of the National Assembly on the 24th December, 1985 and continued working in the Fifth Parliament until on the 3rd of March, 1991, when he ceased to be a Member of the National Assembly on that date.

On the 29th, August, 1992, the Fifth Parliament which life was extended from time to time from the 3rd February, 1986 to 10th June, 1992, was dissolved.

On the 10th December, 1992, Mr. Basir was appointed Chairman of the National Congress of Local Democratic Organs.
Mr. Basir continued to work in that Organ until he ceased to be Chairman on the 31st May, 2001.” (5) Death of Mr. Francis Vibert De Souza “Honourable Members, I was also informed of the death of Mr. Francis Vibert De Souza who died on the 29th December, 2018, at his residence, Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

He was 73 years old having been born on the 31st December, 1944.

Mr. De Souza came from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.
Following the General and Regional Elections which were held on the 5th October, 1992, the Sixth Parliament of Guyana commenced when the National Assembly first met on the 17th December, 1992.

Mr. De Souza first became a Minister of the Government with effect from 20th November, 1992, and was designated Minister in the Ministry of Public Works Communications and Regional Development.
On the said date 20th November, 1992, Minister De Souza was also assigned responsibility for assisting the Prime Minister with specific matters pertaining to Amerindian Affairs.

Mr. De Souza served throughout the Sixth Parliament until the Parliament was dissolved on the 29th October, 1997.

Elections were again held on Monday 15th December, 1997.

/…15 15.

The Seventh Parliament of Guyana commenced when the National Assembly first met on the 26th February, 1998.
Mr. De Souza was again appointed a Minister of the Government with effect from 24th December, 1997 and was designated Minister of Amerindian Affairs.

Mr. De Souza worked in the Seventh Parliament until the Parliament was dissolved on the 15th February, 2001.

Mr. De Souza ceased to be a legislator on the 22nd March, 2001.” A Minute’s Silence A minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect for the late Mr. Isahak Basir and Mr. Francis Vibert De Souza.
PRESENTATION OF PAPERS AND REPORTS- (1) By the Speaker of the National Assembly: 1.

Women and Gender Equality Commission Report “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”.

2.

Final Report of the Ethnic Relations Commission into the Investigation of Employment Practices at the Guyana Elections Commission and the Appointment of Roxanne Myers to the Post of Deputy Chief Election Officer.

(Circulated) (Circulated) (2) By the Minister of Finance: 1.

Loan Contract No.
Loan Contract No.

4698/BL-GY dated December 10, 2018 between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for an amount of US$11,640,000 to finance the Strengthening of the Energy Sector Program.

Under this Loan Contract, the IDB will finance a policy-based reform program that will contribute to the development of the Oil and Gas Sector and cleaner energy sources for electricity generation through: /…16 16.
(i) developing a management and planning framework for the Oil and Gas Sector; and (ii) contributing towards the development of the policy framework to diversify the electricity generation matrix.

(Circulated) 2.

Annual Report of the National Insurance Scheme for the year 2016.

(Circulated) 3.

The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) (Tax Laws) (Tullow Guyana B.V., Eco (Atlantic) Guyana Inc. and Total E&P Guyana BV) Order 2019 – No.

2 of 2019.

4.

End of Year Outcome Statement for 2018.


(Circulated) (Circulated) 5.

(i) Loan Contract No.

4676/BL-GY dated February 11, 2019 between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for an amount of US$21,160,000 to finance expenditures related to the Energy Matrix Diversification and Institutional Strengthening of the Department of Energy (EMISDE).

(Circulated) (ii) Loan Contract No.


4659/BL-GY dated February 11, 2019 between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for an amount of US$6,000,000 to finance expenditures related to establishing an Electronic Single Window for Trade (ESW) Project.

(Circulated) /…17 17.


(iii) Bilateral Debt Settlement Agreement signed on March 18, 2019 between the Kuwait Investment Authority, State of Kuwait and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana for US$64,860,594.15.

(3) By the Minister of State: (Circulated) Audited Financial Statements of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology for the year ended 31st December, 2014.
(Circulated) (4) By the Minister of Public Infrastructure: Audited Financial Statements of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation for the year ended 31st December, 2016.

(Circulated) (5) By the Minister of Business: 1.

Annual Report of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) for the year 2016.

2.

Annual Report of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards for the years 2012 and (Circulated) 2013.

3.
3.

Annual Report of the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission for the years 2012 and 2013.

4.

Annual Report of the Guyana National Printers Limited for the year 2015.

(Circulated) (Circulated) (Circulated) REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES – By the Minister of Agriculture (Chairperson of the Special Select Committee on the Food Safety Bill 2016 – Bill No.

22/2016): Report of the Special Select Committee on the Food Safety Bill 2016 – Bill No.

22/2016.
22/2016.

(Circulated) /…18 INTRODUCTION OF BILLS- Introduction and First Readings 18.

ITEM 1 - INTERCEPTION OF COMMUNICATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 2019 – Bill No.

1/2019 The Minister of Public Telecommunications, on behalf of the Government, presented the following Bill, which was read the first time: A BILL intituled AN ACT to amend the Interception of Communications Act.

ITEM 2 - PROCUREMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 2019 – BILL No.
2/2019 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 Procurement Act.

ITEM 3 - CUSTOMS AND TRADE SINGLE WINDOW SYSTEM BILL 2019 – Bill No.

3/2019 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 establish the Customs and Trade Single Window System to facilitate trade and for connected matters.
ITEM 4 - CUSTOMS (AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULES) BILL 2019 – Bill No.

4/2019 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 Customs Act.

/…19 19.

ITEM 5 - NATIONAL ACCREDITATION COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 2019 – Bill No.
5/2019 The Minister of Education, on behalf of the Government, presented the following Bill, which was read the first time: A BILL intituled AN ACT to amend the National Accreditation Council Act 2004.

ITEM 6 - NATIONAL ACCREDITATION COUNCIL ACT 2004 (VALIDATION) BILL 2019 – Bill No.
6/2019 The Minister of Education, on behalf of the Government, presented the following Bill, which was read the first time: A BILL intituled AN ACT to validate the commencement of and all acts and things done under the National Accreditation Council Act 2004.
PUBLIC BUSINESS (i) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MOTION SYMPATHY ON THE DEATH OF MR. ABDUL KADIR, FORMER MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT The Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture moved the following motion: BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly records its deep regret on the death of Mr. Abdul Kadir, on 28th June, 2018, and pays tribute to his dedicated service to the Parliament of Guyana as a Member of Parliament where he served in the Eighth Parliament, from 17th April, 2001 to 2nd May, 2006, and to the people of Guyana; /…20 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: 20.
That the National Assembly directs that an expression of its sympathy be conveyed to his sorrowing widow, children and relatives.

(Notice Paper No.

180 (M 127 Govt 68) published on 2018-12-13) Mr. Audwin Rutherford also spoke to the motion.

The motion was then put and carried.
(iii) COMMITTEES BUSINESS- MOTIONS ITEM 1 - ADOPTION OF THE SEVENTH REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPOINTMENTS IN RELATION TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ COMMISSION The Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibilities for Culture, Youth and Sport (Chairperson of the Committee on Appointments) moved that following motion be deferred: WHEREAS, Article 212S of the Constitution provides for the establishment of an Indigenous Peoples’ Commission; AND WHEREAS, in accordance with Article 212S (2) (a) (b) (c) of the Constitution, the Indigenous People’s Commission shall consist of – .
a) not more than ten members, nominated by entities, by a consensual mechanism determined by the National Assembly, after the entities are determined by the votes of not less than two- thirds of all elected members of the National Assembly; b) three persons, at least one being a woman nominated by the Toushaos Council and two persons including one woman nominated by Amerindian organisations determined by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all elected members of the National Assembly; and 21. 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, Women and Gender Equality Commission and the Rights of the Child Commission unanimously agreed on the following entities to nominate one person each as members of the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission.” AND WHEREAS, in keeping with article 212 (2) (a) of the Constitution, the Committee on Appointments, having deliberated on the identification of the entities for nomination to the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission, unanimously agreed on the following entities to nominate one person each as members of the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission: (i) Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs; (ii) Ministry of Public Health; (iii) Ministry of Social Protection; (iv) Private Sector Commission; (v) Environmental Protection Agency; (vi) Bar Association of Guyana; (vii) Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association; (viii) Forest Products Association; (ix) Inter-Religious Organisation; and (x) National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) AND WHEREAS, the Committee also unanimously agreed on the consensual mechanism to guide the process for consultation and nomination of Members to the said Indigenous Peoples’ Commission with reference to article 212S(a) of the Constitution herein of the First Schedule; AND WHEREAS, the Committee invited the National Toushaos Council and the five (5) Amerindian Organisations namely, the National Amerindian Development Foundation (NADF), the Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG), the Guyana Organisation of /…22 Indigenous Peoples (GOIP), Amerindian Peoples Association, and North Rupununi (NRDDB) to submit their nominees; 22.
AND WHEREAS, the Toushaos Council on March 17, 2017, submitted three (3) nominees to the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission (IPC); AND WHEREAS, only four (4) Amerindian organisations submitted two (2) nominees through a process of selection.
BE IT RESOLVED: That the National Assembly adopts the 7th Report of the Committee on Appointments in relation to the appointment of Members of the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission, which recommends the list of entities proposed in the second “And Whereas” clause, to be consulted to nominate members of the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission in keeping with article 212 S (2) (a) of the Constitution; FURTHER RESOLVED: That this National Assembly approves the consensual mechanism, outlined in the First Schedule attached.
(Notice Paper No.

127 (M 98 Committees 24) published on 2018-03-15) /…23 23.
FIRST SCHEDULE Consensual Mechanism for the Nomination by Entities for Member of the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission Each entity, immediately on the passage of this motion, shall be written to by the Clerk of the National Assembly inviting it to meet and select their nominee and to send a representative/s on an appointed day/date, time to appear before the Parliamentary Standing Committee to appoint Members of Commissions, at the Parliament Buildings to present the name/s of their nominee/s for Membership on the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission.
A deadline shall be set by the Clerk of the National Assembly on the advice for 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.
Where there is recognized “umbrella organisation” 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.

/…23 GREETINGS 23.

The Speaker congratulated the Ministers who were newly promoted and appointed and extended best wishes to them.

The First Vice-President and Prime Minister joined the Speaker in congratulating the New Members of Parliament.
ADJOURNMENT At 3.23 p.m., on a motion by the First Vice-President and Prime Minister, the Assembly was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

………………………………………………………………….. HON.

DR. BARTON U.A.

SCOTLAND, O.R., C.C.H., M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly PARLIAMENT OFFICE, Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown.

26th April, 2019.