Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694870989217.pdf (Guyana)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE 99th SITTING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FIRST SESSION (2015-2018) OF THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA HELD AT 2.00 P.M. ON MONDAY, 19th NOVEMBER, 2018, 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 (3) + Hon.

Carl B. Greenidge, M.P., Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs +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 Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs (1) + Hon.

Basil Williams, S.C., M.P., Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Senior Ministers (15) + Hon.

Amna Ally, M.P., Minister of Social Protection and Government Chief Whip + Hon.

Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph F. Harmon, M.S.M., M.P., Minister of State + Cabinet Member *Non-Elected Member /…2 2.

+ Hon.
+ Hon.

Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, M.P., Minister of the Public Service + Hon.

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

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

Winston D. Jordan, M.P., Minister of Finance + 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.

Catherine A. Hughes, M.P.

(Region No.

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

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

Hans Dominic Gaskin, M.P., Minister of Business +Hon.

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

Dawn Hastings-Williams, M.P.

(Region No.

7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Minister of Public Affairs +Hon.
Dr. Nicolette O. Henry, M.P., Minister of Education 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 Public Infrastructure 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 + Cabinet Member *Non-Elected Member /…3 Hon.

Dr. Karen Cummings, M.P.

(Region No.


4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister within the Ministry of Public Health 3.

Hon.

Simona Charles-Broomes, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Hon.

Valarie Patterson-Yearwood, M.P.

(Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), Minister within the Ministry of Communities Other Members (9) 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.
(Region No.

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

(Region No.

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

Mr. Jermaine Figueira, M.P.

(Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Mr. Charrandas Persaud, M.P.

(Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne) Mr. Haimraj Rajkumar, M.P.

(Region No.

2 – Pomeroon/Supenaam) Mr. Audwin Rutherford, M.P.


MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITION (32) (i) People’s Progressive Party (32) Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, M.P., Leader of the Opposition Mr. Clement J. Rohee, M.P.

Ms. Gail Teixeira, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip Mr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, M.P.

(Region No.

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

(Region No.

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

(Region No.

5 – Mahaica/Berbice) /…4 4.

Dr. Frank C.S.

Anthony, M.P.


Ms. Pauline Campbell-Sukhai, M.P.

Mr. Odinga Lumumba, M.P.

Bishop Juan A. Edghill, M.S., J.P., M.P.

Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, M.P.

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

Ms. Indranie Chandarpal, M.P.

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

Mr. Collin D. Croal, M.P.

(Region No.

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

(Region No.

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

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

(Region No.


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

Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P.

(Region No.

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

Ms. Yvonne Pearson- Fredericks, M.P.

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

(Region No.

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

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

Mahadeo, M.P.

(Region No.

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

(Region No.
(Region No.

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

(Region No.

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

/…5 5.

Mr. Adrian V. Anamayah, M.P.

Mr. Harry Gill, M.P.

Ms. Bhagmattie Veerasammy, M.P.

Mr. Vickram O. Bharrat, M.P.

Officers (2) Mr. Sherlock E. Isaacs, A.A., Clerk of the National Assembly Ms. Hermina Gilgeours, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly COMMENCEMENT OF SITTING The Sitting commenced at 2.03 p.m. PRAYERS The Clerk read Prayers.
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER The Speaker made the following announcements: Welcome of Honourable Members “Honourable Members, I welcome you to this 99th Sitting of the National Assembly.

We would be entering, if I may say so, the financial phase of our work and I hope that by working together we will achieve our objectives within the time allotted”.
PRESENTATION OF PAPERS AND REPORTS- (1) By the Speaker of the National Assembly: (i) Seventh Annual Report of the Women and Gender Equality Commission for the period 2017-2018.

(Circulated) /…6 6.

(ii) Report of the Auditor General on the Compliance Audit on the Procurement of Textbooks at the Ministry of Education for the year ended 31st December, 2016.

(Circulated) (2) By the Minister of Finance: (i) Public Debt Annual Report for the year 2017.
(Circulated) (ii) Government Concessional Loan Agreement Number GCL NO.

(2018) 26 TOTAL NO.

(668) dated October 26, 2018 between the Export-Import Bank of China and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana for an amount of Renminbi Yuan 249,043,600 to finance the Guyana National Broadband Project.

(Circulated) REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES – ORAL QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE- QUESTIONS ON NOTICE- For Oral Reply 1.
*EXPENDITURE OF $2.247 BILLION GUYANA DOLLARS ($10.7 MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS) ALLOCATED TO THE AMERINDIAN LAND TITLING PROJECT Mrs. Pauline Campbell-Sukhai, M.P., asked the Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs the following question: *Could the Honourable Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs inform this National Assembly as to how the $2.247 BGD ($10.7MUSD) allocated to the Amerindian Land Titling Project under the PPP/C Low Carbon Development Strategy was expended?
How much of this was spent on demarcations and how much was spent on employment and administrative costs?

(Notice Paper No.

166 (Q 47 Opp46) published on 2018-10-03) /…7 7.

Thereafter, the Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs replied.

Ms Pauline Campbell-Sukhai, M.P., asked supplementary questions.

Thereafter, the Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs replied.

For Written Replies 2.


BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OR INTEREST, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, BY MINISTERS IN ANY MINING OR FORESTRY LICENSE Member Asking: Ms Gail Teixeira, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip Minister Answering: The Minister of Natural Resources Could the Honourable Minister inform this National Assembly whether any Minister has any beneficial ownership or interest, direct or indirect, in any mining or forestry license?
And if so, please provide the name of each Minister and the nature of their beneficial ownership or interest, direct or indirect, in these mining and/or forestry licenses?

(Notice Paper No.

169 (Q 50 Opp49) published on 2018-10-12) ANSWERS: (i) “The Commissioner of Forest, Guyana Forestry Commission informed the Hon.

Minister of Natural Resources that it has not issued any forestry license to any Minister.
Additionally, as far as GFC is aware, no Minister has any beneficial ownership or interest, direct or indirect, in any forestry license.

(ii) The following information was received from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission in respect to Beneficial Ownership or Interest, Direct or Indirect, by Ministers in any Mining License: /…8 8.
Name Dawn Hastings- Williams held jointly with Alton Williams Simona Broomes Suction Dredge # Registration Date Last Payment March 2, 2013 12594 2015 1967 January 16, 1996 2017 Simona Broomes held jointly with Troy Broomes Specified Machinery Simona Broomes held jointly with Troy Broomes Dawn Hastings- Williams Specified Machinery Residential Permission January 21, 2008 2011 March 9, 2010 2011 September 21, 2011 2016 Status No Dredge License was issued.

Transferred to Troy Broomes (Jnr.)


and Simona Troyanner Broomes dated May 9, 2016.

Transferred to Hector Broomes dated March 8, 2011.

No specified Machinery licence was issued.

Licence issued in 2015.

Note: Further, the Minister of Natural Resources was advised by both Ministers that they have relinquished all and any interest and control in the said mining ventures.” 3.

LICENSES ISSUED BY THE GOLD BOARD FOR THE EXPORT OF GOLD Member Asking: Mr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, M.P.
Minister Answering: The Minister of Natural Resources Could the Honourable Minister provide this National Assembly with the number of export licenses issued for the export of gold in the last three (3) years?

Please provide the names of those so granted and the year when the license(s) was/were issued?

(Notice Paper No.

170 (Q 51 Opp50) published on 2018-10-12) Answer: Please see Appendix (I) for answer to the abovementioned question.

/…9 9.
/…9 9.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS, INCLUDING POLICY STATEMENTS- (1) HEALTH CONDITION OF HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER, M.S.S.

The First Vice-President and Hon.

Prime Minister made a statement re.

the health condition of His Excellency President David Granger, M.S.S.

On behalf of the Members and himself, he wished the President a complete and speedy recovery.
Ms Gail Teixeira, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip, joined the First Vice-President and Prime Minister in wishing the His Excellency the President a speedy recovery.

(2) THE GUYANA/VENEZUELA BORDER CONTROVERSY The Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs made a statement re.

Guyana/ Venezuela Border Controversy – Filing of Memorandum in the International Court of Justice.

(3) LANDING ACCIDENT AT THE CHEDDI JAGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT The Minister of Public Infrastructure made a statement re.
the Landing Incident at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport involving a Fly Jamaica Aircraft.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS- Presentation and First Reading NATURAL RESOURCE FUND BILL 2018 – Bill No.
14 of 2018 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 Natural Resource Fund to manage the natural resource wealth of Guyana for the present and future benefit of the people and for the sustainable development of the country, and for connected matters.

/…10 10.

SUSPENSION OF SITTING At 3.20 p.m. the Sitting was suspended to discuss the allocation of time, etc.
in the Business Sub- Committee of Supply re.

Budget Proposals for the Constitutional Agencies.

RESUMPTION OF SITTING At 5.15 p.m. the Sitting was resumed.

SUSPENSION OF SITTING At 5.17 p.m. the Sitting was suspended for refreshments.

RESUMPTION OF SITTING At 6.30 p.m. the Sitting was resumed.
PUBLIC BUSINESS - (i) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MOTION APPROVAL OF THE 2019 CURRENT AND CAPITAL ESTIMATES OF CONSTITUTIONAL AGENCIES In accordance with Article 222A of the Constitution, the Assembly resolved itself into Committee of Supply and approved of the Estimates of Expenditure of the Constitutional Agencies for the year 2019, as follows: Agency Name 2019 Budget Proposal 2019 Budget Approved Parliament Office Current and Capital $1,845,416 $1,700,271 Office of the Auditor General Current and Capital $894,241 $872,009 /…11 11.
Agency Name 2019 Budget Proposal 2019 Budget Approved Public and Police Service Commission Current and Capital $155,596 Teaching Service Commission Current and Capital $113,362 $146,317 $109,095 Guyana Elections Commission Current and Capital Supreme Court of Judicature Current and Capital $6,368,100 $5,371,061 $2,801,373,767 $2,308,882 Chamber of the Director of Public Prosecution Current and Capital Estimates $219,824 $219,824 Office of the Ombudsman Current and Capital $74,223 $74,223 Public Service Appellate Tribunal Current Estimate $62,828 $62,828 Ethnic Relations Commission Current and Capital $278,163,678 $194,808 Judicial Service Commission Current $10,020 $10,020 Indigenous People’s Commission Current and Capital $30,743 Human Rights Commission Current and Capital $47,378 $30,743 $34,388 Rights of the Child Commission $47,469 $47,469 Women and Gender Equality Commission Current and Capital $45,292 Public Procurement Commission Current and Capital $276,775 $45,292 $218,933 /…12 Assembly resumed 12.
Thereafter, Assembly approved of the sums voted for the Constitutional Agencies to form part of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure of the Public Sector for 2019.

(iii) COMMITTEES BUSINESS- MOTIONS ITEM 1 - ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE SPECIAL SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE CIVIL AVIATION BILL 2017 – NO.

1 OF 2017 The Minister of Public Infrastructure (Chairperson of the Special Select Committee on the Civil Aviation Bill No.
1 of 2017) moved following motion: BE IT RESOLVED: That the Report of the Special Select Committee on the Civil Aviation Bill 2017 – No.

1 of 2017 be adopted.

(Notice Paper No.

160 (M 116 Committees 32) published on 2018-07-30) Ms. Gail Teixeira, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip, spoke to the motion.

Thereafter, the Minister of Public Infrastructure replied.

The motion was then put and carried.

BILL – Third Reading ITEM 1 - CIVIL AVIATION BILL 2017 – Bill No.
1/2017 published on 2017-01-16 The Minister of Public Infrastructure (Chairperson of the Special Select Committee on Civil Aviation Bill 2017) moved the third reading of the following Bill: /…13 13.
A BILL intituled AN ACT to establish the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, to make provisions to enable effect to be given to the Chicago Convention and the Agreement establishing the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System, to provide for offences relating to the safety and security of passengers, aircraft and airports, for the regulation, control and orderly development of civil aviation in Guyana and for related matters.
(Read a first time on 2017-01-30) (Read a second time and committed to a Special Select Committee on 2017-03-09) On a motion by the Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Civil Aviation Bill 2017 – Bill No.

1/2017 was read a third time and passed as amended.

YOUMAN- NABI GREETINGS At 9.55 p.m. the First Vice-President and Prime Minister extended Youman Nabi Greetings to all Muslims in Guyana.

Ms. Gail Teixeira, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip extended Greetings.

The Hon.
The Hon.

Speaker extended Youman Nabi Greetings.

ADJOURNMENT At 9.58 p.m., on a motion by the First Vice-President and Prime Minister, the Assembly was adjourned to Monday, 26th November, 2018.

………………………………………………………………….. HON.

DR. BARTON U.A.

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

19th November, 2018.