Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694838638500.pdf (Guyana)
THE £.ARLIAMENT ARY DEBATES OFFICIAL REPORT [VOLUME7] PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF IBE THIRD PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF GUYANA 2nd Sitting 2p.m.

Monday, 30th July, 1973 MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Speaker His Honour the Speaker, Mr. Sase Narain, J.P. Members of the Government - Peoples National Congress (49) .

, Prime Minister (1) '·, The Honourable L. F. S. Burnham.
O.E., S.C., Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister (1) Dr. the Honourable P. A Reid, Deputy Prime Minister Agriculture and Minister of National Development and Senior Mihisters (7) rhe Honourable '� Minister H. D. Hoyte, S. C., of Works and Communications *The Honourable Minister S.S. Ramphal, S.C., - of Foreign Affairs and Justice (Absent) and National M9bilisatton H. Green, : *The Honourable · Minister of n Jack, *The· Honourable H. of Energy and Natural Co-operatives Minister *The Honourable Minister F. E. Hope, of Finance Minister *,Non-elected Resources • Dr. the Honourable K. F. S. King, of Economi.c Development Minister *The Honourable Minister of Housing S.S. Naraine, A.A, Ministers (5) The Honourable Minister of Labour W. G. Carrington, (Absent) The Honourable Minister of Information and Culture Miss S. M. Field-Ridley, The Honourable Minister B. Ramsaroop, of Parliamentary Affairs and Leader of the House • The Honourable Miss C. L. Baird, Education Minister of •or.
the Honourable 0.

M. R. Harper, Minister of Health of State (9) Ministers The Honourable M. Kasun, A.A., Minister of State for Agriculture The Honourable Minister O. E. Clarke, of State -Regional (East Berbice; Corentyne) of State -Regional P. Duncan, J.P., (Rupununi) C. A. Nascilnento, The Honourable Minister The Honourable Minister The Honourable M. Zaheeruddeen, J.P., of State, Office of the Prime Minister Minist'!!
::f State -Regional (Essequibo Coast; West Demerara) of State for Home Affairs C. V. Mingo, *The Honourable Minister *The Honourable Minister • The Honourable Minister A. Salim, W. Haynes, of State -Regional (Mazaruni/ Po taro) of State -Regional (East Demerara; West Coast Berbice) *The Honourable Minister F. U.
A. Carmichael, (North West) of State -Reg(fmal *Non-elected Minister rliamentary Secretaries (8) Mr. J. R. Thomas, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Housing o Mr. C. E. Wrights, J.P., Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Works and Communications Miss M. M. Ackman, Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, and Government Chief Whip Mr. E. L. Ambrose, Parliamen tary Secretary, (Agriculture), Ministry of National Development and Agriculture Mr. K. B. Bancroft, Parliamentary Secretar y, (Hinterland), Ministry of National Development and Agriculture Mr. S. Prashad, Parliamentary National Secretary, Mobilisation Ministry of Co-operatives and Mr. J.P. Chowritmootoo, Secretary, Parliamentary Ministry of Education ( Absent) Mr. R. H. 0.
Corbin, Parliamentar National y Secretary, Mobilisation Mtnistry of Co-operatives and Other Members (18) Mr. J. N. Aaron Mrs. L. M. Branco Mr. M. Corrica.
Mr. E. H. A. Fowler Miss J. Gill Mr. W. Hussain Miss S. J aiserrisingh Mr. K. M. E. Jonas Mr. M. Nissar Dr. L. E. Ramsahoye Mr. J. G. Ramson Mrs. P. A Rayman Mr. E. M. Stoby, J.P. Mr. S. H. Sukhu, M.S., J.P. Mr. C. Sukul, J.P. Mr. H. A. Taylor Mr. R. C. Van Sluytman Mrs. L. E. Willems (Absent) (Absent) Members of the Opposition Liberator Party (2) Dr. G. Kumar Mr. M. F. Singh, (Deputy Speaker) OFFICERS (Absent) Clerk of the National Assembly-Mr. Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly F. A. Narain - Mr. M. B. Henry, AMBIM.
Suspension of 30th July, 1973 Standing Order 19 2.15p.m.

{?

!ayers] OATH.

OF OFFICE The oath of office was administered Minister to and made and subscribed of National by Dr. the and and Minister Development Hon.

P.A.

Reid.

Deputy Prime Agriculture.

The Speaker: Hon.

Member Dr. Reid, may I on behalf of the other Members of Parliament and myself extend to you our sincere congratulations.

PUBLIC BUSINESS MOTIONS Confirmation of Travel Voucher Tax Order 1973 (No.
58) Be it resolved in accordance that this National Travel Voucher Tax Act 1973 confirm the Travel Voucher which was made on the 13th June, 1973, and published 1973.

( The Minister of Finance.]

Assembly Tax Order 1973 (No.

58), in the Gazette on the 14th June, with section 4 of the The Minister of Finance (Mr. Hope): Mr. Speaker, I wish to m1 •· e the Motion standing in my name that this National Assembly the Travel Voucher Tax Act 1973 confirm the Travel Voucher Tax Orde1 1973 (No.
58), which was made on the 13th of June, 1973, and published in the Official Gazette on the 14th·of June, 1973. in accordance with section 4 of Question proposed, put, and agreed to.

Motion carried.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER (3) of Standing ·· Be it resolved that paragraph order No.

46 b e suspended to enable the Assembly to proceed, Reading and the remaining stages of the Constitution ister of Parliamentary Affairs and Leader of the House.]

at its sitting on the 30th of July, 1973, with the Second.
(Amendment) Bill I9n.

:.

[1"ne Min­ The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Leader of the House (Mr. Ram­ saroop): Mr. Speaker, I have indicated amend the motion in my name for the suspension Order No.

46. to you that it has become necessary to of paragraph (3) of Standing It was contemplated, have been taken through leave, to substitute the following: sir, under the original Motion tabled, that this Bill would .,all its stages at this sitting.
I propose, sir, with rour that paragraph (3) of Standing Order No.

46 be suspended to enable the Assem­ of the Second Reading of the Constitution (Amendment) bly to commence consideration Bill 1973, at its sitting The reason, sir, on the 30th of July, 1973.'.

to all Members of the House Ne, less a person than the hon.
Prime Minister in for the Motion being tabled in the first place is, I think, clec.r 20 Suspension of 30th July, 1973 Standing Order this House, E1hortly before its dissolution, nation that, one week after the electio the age of voting from 21 to 18 years.
indicated ns, legislation to this Parliament would be enacted and to the to change Members will agree, sir, that hon-• oured and it is in this vein and in this light that the Motion standing in my name has been such a commitment should be scrupulously introduced With those words, sir, I beg to move the substituted Motion and to ask for the support of this House.

Question proposed.

Mr. Singh: Mr. Speaker, the hon.


Leader of this House has done us the court­ us a reason for his Motion to suspend the Standing of giving esy on this occasion Order.

But I should like to appeal to the Government, bearing pened during the life of the last Parliament, a suspension to desist without really very good reason.

of the Standing Order in mind what hap­ from this habit of seeking The last Parliament was characterised by the frequency with which the Gov-• ernrnent sought suspension at all therefor.
Standing Orders regulate the proceedings are a set of rules.

They are a set of rules to of this House.

They were made to be observed.

of the Standing Orders without assigning any reason It i&.

true that there are rules which provide Orders, but the use of these should be the exceptio often in the past the use of them has been the rule rather than the exception.

n rather than the rule.

Too.· • for suspension of the Standing • A reason has been given today J:or the suspension of the Stand.in� Order.
In I do not agree that with a proper explanation the circumstances, have been understood mitment He has the power to do so.

He has the two-thirds majority to do so .. What is the difference 46 ( 3) that is , that no Bill shall be read a Second time before the expiration seven clear days from the date of its publication.

this would not• The hon.

Prime Minister will keep his com­ of a few days to satisfy the requirements Order of Standing of by the nation.
I am sure the nation would have understood why there was delay in the ful­ commitment.

the Prime Minister's The reason would be the law of Par-• filment of liament, which I think is overriding.

The law of Parliame nt should be observed.

good reason for that In my humble opinion no good reason for us-io break the rule -on this occasion.

If it is to be broken there must be there is there is not enough reason, 2.25p.m.
I would like to appeal to the Government now, for the future, that we must stick by the rules and if there is good reason why we are not to stick to the, ntles, then that reason must be told to us.

Let us not repeat the performance of.

let us work according to· the last Parliament Let us indeed stick to the rules, what is laid down, according proceedings ment I hope that this my humble appeal would be acceded to ment to what is set to regulate the of Parlia-• by the Govern­ Question put, and agreed to.
Constitution 30thJuly, 1973 (Amendment) Bill 21 Motion,.

carried.

as substituted.

Standing Order suspended.

BILL - SECOND READING CONSTITUTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1973 o A Bill intituled: An Act to alter the Constitution of reducing the age of majority for electoral in accordance purpose ing appeals of Energy and Natural Resources.]

and references to the!

udicial Committee and o.ther purposes, of the Privy Council.
and for abolish­ [ The Minister with article 73 thereof for the The Minister the Bill inti.tuled, of Energy and Natural Constitution As I stand to give some (Amendment) Resources ,(Mr. Jack): I beg to move that be read a Second time.
Bill, explanation with regard to much as possible It is true that one would but one must also look although it is a matter of extreme impor� the nature of this Bill and to the reason why we have brought it at this time, I think that I should say at the outset that this is a simple matter, ance to the Government and to the country as a whde.

like to adhere to the rules as reason why rules are made.
In this instant case, general could be read a Second time is for the purpose liament to study the implications I doubt that aware of the significance tion of the Government complications particular the reduction one would recognise the necessary time which is given for the elapse before a Bill of this kind of allowing the Members of Par­ In this particular there can be anyone at this point of time who can claim to be un­ of the voting age, we bad a very extensive We have been over it again and again and with of the Bill now before this House.
and of the det.ermlna­ to see it through.

Furthermore, there are no particular about this matter.

of the measure.

at the that in debate on it.
circumstance, regard to the first part of the Bill, that is, the measure with regard to Mr. Speaker, you will recall that there was a very serious debate which took of majority at 18, to deal very shortly with the various approaches from Members of the House, those on the Government side and a call for voting at place concerning the question of voting at 18 and the question and I propose have discerned those on the Opposition 18.This call had been repeated position who, in my vlew, strengthening had seen this merely, as they thought, as a means of time and again by various members of the Op­ side.
You will recall that there was their electoral which one would chances.

It has been an unfortunate feature of the politics of this country that due to which has ta.ken place, largely who have seen the easiest the polarisation tain politicians, port as a call to ethnicity, a reliance surrounded the contemplation was seen merely in terms of voting strength.
or commanding sup­ upon race, that the whole question which of what was to be done with the youth of Guyana as a result way of retaining of the activities of cer­ We in the People's National Congress We did not think merely of voting and elections, necessary that we should do for the young considered this matter in greater but we thought of what it was people of thbi co,mtry, so that we depth.
22 Constitution 30th July, 1973 ( Amendment) Bill from time to time that the country of Guyana depends upon could bring into fruition the hopes and aspirations we have been telling them and their efforts.

We looked to Guyana to be shouldered with the responsibility that this means.
It was for this reason that the People's posed not merely voting at 18 but majority at 18. see whether it was not time for the youth of of adulthood, adulthood with all National C ongress pro­ of our youth , the people whom _they For some of those who believed time there was a bleating that because such a propose we on this side of the House would never by their own protesta­ to chal­ was this measure.
What had not been taken into account had a built-in majority, measure and, so long as they had convinced themselves tions that this was the case, they were bold enough at every opportunity lenge us to implement the fact that we, over the years, age done to the society of Guyana during the years 1962, 1963, have been making efforts truly to develop and while those who were thinking for voting at 18, we were noticing the signs of a change in this country, which pointed we were developing a common Guyanese in this country a Guyanese of their built-in majority went gaily on calling signs to the fact that, particularly identity.
'With regard to the youth of Guyana, have been working and 1964.
We identity, diligently to repair the dam­ Nevertheless, it is a fact we have not achieved the millennium, and we con­ of this very fundamental d. It was not a matter lightly long and hard the consequences sidered we had contemplate vinced that, in the circumstances of Guyana today, could take the youth of this country or, for that matter could take the popula­ any sufficient tion of this country and produce Guyana the responsihility which their education particularly excuse for not giving the youth of and their political over the last ten years, had made them fitted to exercise.
gone into but we were con­ no progressive Goverrunent change which experience, 2.35p.m.

you will recall, Mr. Speaker, that on the 28th May a Bill was introduced which would have given majority to our youths at the age of 18 and also would have allowed them to vote in the last election.
though we succeeded with those measures age of majority, people to sft in-Parliament, And so it was that when the day of judgment the house-tops and those who bad been pleading to ensure that the youths of this country bad the vote at 18, suddenly tail,ran away from their commitment with regard to the question of voting and the ability of our young with us to take urgent measures turned we did not have the necessary two-thirds majority.
came those who had shouted which allowed for It is now past history of the the reduction the Motion.

that al­ from This was done, in my belief, and refused to support because of the peculiar attitude of the Opposition in anything which which attitude seems to find something is proposed from this side of the House.
And once they had found that we were to them­ prepared to pass this bald measure they conceive selves and believed that there must have been some new magic that we had de­ vised to turn what into one of disadvantage.

they had always considered to their disadvantage an advantageous d some disadvantage position for them Cons-lilution 30th July, 1973 (Amendment) Bill 23 As I say, this is now past history.
But a commitment was made at that time, a commitment that at the earliest was done to the youth of Guyana at the time of the voting on the question of the vote at 18.

And it is for this reason that op­ portunity we have sought this, the earliest to bring this measure t.o the House.

in keeping with that commitment, opportunity we would redress the wrong which There may be some argument one it should not an admirable other consequential men ts.
Mr. Speaker, it is be proceeded changes in the Constitution I think this is a red herring with at this time unless there are arrange­ and in our electoral for what and should be exposed to the effect that while the measure is in itself because, accusation I say scurrilous Before the election there was this scurrilous that somehow or other was going to get a special benefit from the voies ot" our young the Government people.
of the Government, one could have reasonably expected young people of Guyana would have supported the Government.

But this is not, I think, what was being peddled.

What was being peddled was that there was some sort of ·machinery which was going to enable us to get an advantage and some members crowed and clapped how they had thwarted what they believed to have been our design.
on an objective assessment themselves of the performance that the bulk of the on the back as they contemplated The election is now over and the results are there for all to see.

Those special are now advantage I do not think that there is anyone bold enough today to op­ young people would have voted for us thought, at that time, that the would have got some defeat at the polls.
pose majority saw where the Trinidad and I recall reading at 18 is being favourably considered and able the young people of Trinidad further afield, I recall has passed legislation suggesting report legislation and Tobago to vote at 18. at 18 or to oppose voting at 18.
I recall that only last week we giving majority at 18 looking for new excuses for their of voting to en­ that the question that the British that particular Parliament Parliament Looking will be shortly passed who or that we the age of majority to be reduced had four years ago to 18 and a recent Com­ that the age of voting and the age for sitting in Parlia­ passed a Bill allowing mission ment should also be reduced has recommended to 18.
You see therefore that this is a trend which one may find both in developed are not the the de­ years ago.

There is an acceleration of change; as well.

The youth today countries and in the developing countries youth of fifty or a hundred gree of participation national, that for this reason all of us must contemplate like Guyana if the young people continue countries sibliiies which their experience has never been enjoyed by entitles them to exercise.
which young people enjoy in affairs, both public and inter­ what would be the situation to be kept from the respon­ in them in recorded times before.

And it seems We have been speaking at length about the responsibilities ing our nation and at this time the Bill before this House proposes people between the ages of 18 and 21 from the restrictions progress cates the retention have a certain advo­ position need to over their young people so as to ensure that of the present degree of control up to now.
There is a certain it is felt that parents school of thought of youth in build­ to free those which impeded their in Guyana which because 24 Constitution 30th July, 1973 Bill (Amendment) they continue to remain in those ethnic pockets which history in.
had placed their parents stances and past circum­ Although this has not been raised by any of the opponents of the measure that it has played a large part • in May, I am convinced that while there has bee� a lot of explanation which we had proposed in the opposition which some members have had to the question of majority 18.It is significant Opposition did not support as to why the Opposition for majority at 18.
None of the things said about the election have any applica- tion at all to the question of majority at 18.

The only sections upon the election tionfor a member of Parliament were 59 and 65 which dealt with voting at 18 and the qualifica-" at given why the f voting at 18, up to now there has been no explanation which would have allowed refused to support which impinged the clauses 2.45p.m.
As I said, it is of special significance side that none of them on the opposite tho�ght of saying either yes or no wi_th regard to the question at 18, and to my mind that shows the failure on their part to have They had the question of the maturity of our youths in its totality.

o( the House of majority considered seen it, as I said, as an electoral the further development there are some of them who are still afraid one can discern means of stemming the tide.

question.
question.

They had not seen it as a question in of .Guyana as a nation, and it may very well be that • which among our youths and for this reason they have sought various of the new Guyanese identity " ns side have a I am happy to say, as we all know now, that as a result of the last.

electio there will be no stemming of the tide and that we on the Gov,�rnment sufficient of Guyana will now be fulfilled.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

voting strength to ensure that the pledges which we made to the youths The other part of this Bill deals with the vexed question of the Privy Council.

It is a sad thing that in 1973, in an independent Guyana, there are still persons who cling tenaciously seas there is a special persons, Mr. Speaker, refused to accept independence.

they have refused to accept freedom.

an instance type of justice which Guyanese are incapable of.
Those during the Civil War in America when some I am minded to say that court believing that somewhere to an outside of the slaves I recall across the can sometimes be a comforting, adventure One does not have the fouglif on the -side of their masters in th-e hope that they coul-d -retain theil'­ slavery.

Slavery moralising, condition.

the surety of serfdom and ly and tenaciou probably see in their Privy Coun- • cil some link with the past, a link which they regretfully find is about to be broken.
sly to the Briti.sh apron-strings in Guyana who have held on loving­ though a demeaning and de­ those reactionaries of freedom but one has But, let us look at the purpose of the Privy Council.

.

which bad a relevance for a certain mother country, so to speak, to have the final word since she had the:final power in the affairs of the colony.

at the time of Empire.

in administration.


never improved the luck of the colon- It was an institution It was an institution This institution which allowed the uniformity It was an institution which sought Constitution 30th July, 1973 ( Amendment) Bill 25 of South Africa; it did not Rtoo the forced labour ial.
,._ did not stop the injustices in Rhodesia or the low wages; it did not stop the inhumanities in India In fact, it had no effect whatever upon the well-being of the people in the colonies, yet there are certain brain-washed people who still in this day and age feel that there is some special merit in retaining the Privy Council.

As I say, the of the Empire.


It was a part of the cultural im­ Privy Council was a creature perialism which has done so much damage over the years to the colonial person­ ality, damage which, unhappily I must say, we have not yet completely repaired and Those of us who spent some time looking at the international amazed at the gullibility of some people in Guyana who believe across the waters are more sincere, more just and more impartial than the judges that we have in Guyana.
I recall the time when we were to have our first Commissioner of P olice and at that time it was said that we could not have a Guyanese Commissioner of Police since he would know too much about de­ the local scene and could not be impartial, and that the whole of our police partment would fall into disrepute if we had a Guyanese.
Well, we have a Guy­ anese Commissioner of Police and, happy to say, we have survived more learned, scene are that the judges And then there was an even greater hurdle - we were to have a Guyanese Chi�f Justice - and once again the colonial bleated and cried and said: How cowo you get justice from a man who lives m a territor y as small as this'!

He must come from abroad where he would know nobody and in that case he will di sp ens e ju st ice.
Those persons have never thought what an insult it has been to our judges to have had to sit silently by, since they were not allowed to g .J t.o the Press or the soap-box, and have that type of remark made about them, made about their capacity and �heir honesty.

However, we had, and we have, a Guyanese Chief Justice and a Guyanese Chancellor but, say these people,.smce we have not fallen u·nder the waves: "This is only possible because we still have the Appeal Court."
And although they can listen to the radio, read the Press and see the disclosures oped countries still confidently some good person in England will do better for t hem than could ana where they expected to find the acme of justice, yet these people shake their heads and believe that if only they can go to England of corru_Qtion, incompetence and malpracticet:; be done in Guy­ in many of those devel­ And then there was a question that we must have another court I would con­ ceive that if we had ten more courts all higher than the Appeal Court of Guyana and all higher, one after the other, that there is a likelihood that you may ge' ten different judgments.
That would not be a reflection on any of the courts be­ cause the c ourts are human.

It would merely mean that different men have ad­ dressed their minds to the problem and have come up with different answers.

But to feel, as has been expressed, by the Privy Council that what you have, in fact., was a better judgment is really to aver-state the case.

It does not necessarily be a better judgment; 2.5bp.m.
in some cases it might be a worse judgment that whenever our court has been overruled mean that In some cases it might What we have to consider, in the context of an Independent Guyana, is whether we can consider truly Independent while we need the assist- however, ourselve� 26 Constilu tion 30th July, 1973 (Amendment) Bill ance at the most important and vital part of our administration, of people abroad, people who are unacquainted with the conditions ana, people who do not know our aspirations, aware of what possibly believe that we could get from our own people, tion of oneself.
these people would give us a better form of judgment the absolute in the nega- we are trying to do, and where we are heading for.

That we could • the ass.�cance of life in Guy­ people who do not know or are un­ I say, is to express than There is also another tactic which has been used in the past by those who want a court abroad They say: We will agree to the abolition of the Privy Coun- perhaps a West Indian Court cil at such time as you have set up another court, of Appeal.
For myself, if a West Indian Court of Appeal were to be establishe in the context Caribbean Community, and in the context would be happy to see us making the fullest use of that court.

taking a conscious decision an outmoded and not merely hanging on to to turn up.

of the growing unity of the Caribbean region, of the Common Market, I, for one, with our Independence institution waiting d of the in the context like Micawber for something But that would be about self-reiiance.
We have We have spoken about the We have spoken at l ength in vanous quarters consciousness.

so that they can make the greatest It is an anachronism that in 1973 there should be spolcen about developing the Guyanese need to re-orient our people use of our Inde­ pendence.

on to the Privy Council.

No � 1 secret has been made of the fact that we intended to remove appeals to the • Privy Council.-at the first possible which seeks to do this is not complicated.

certain boldness them.


If it is, possible rest of the Bill presents for them to muster up that amount of courage, no great difficulty for them.

.

The legislation is a commibnent, an act of will, a � opportunity All that is necessary for those timid folk who believe that Britain persons then the Again, the attitude of th.e Government is well known.
is there to protect clinging The provisio ns with regard to voting at 18 seek to change the situation institution an educational instructions if under the age of 21, if his guardian the age in every respect, where the age 21 appears in the Constitu­ whereby a person who went to religious reducing tion, to Bill before this House.
that the question of education, rights, the question of citizenship, 18, and it necessarily follows therefore, the question of property wu1 be governed was supposed to ascept so desires.

all these questions by the wherepy a person at 18 can exercise the right where fo�erly !ie� with regard to clause 2 of the _ 11ew provisif>I_L We are exercised the right at 21.
The two provisions of the greatest importance are the provisions with regard of sitting to voting at 18, which are to be found at article 59 and the question Parliament seeks to do with regard to voting at 18 and the reduction of majority.

in to be found at article 65 (2).

This shortly is what this particula r Bill Coming now to ·the question of the Privy Council, in matters a tribunal 90 substitutes tion formerly deals with article 92, abolishes sults that flow therefrom.
is to be found in the renumbered in cases where the Privy Council exercised pertaining Clause 4, which and all the consequential We have also sought to save pending appeals and this in the Bill.

Sir, you will note •• to the discipline clause 7 appearing the Privy Council, of judges.
re­ sir, you will note that article a jurisdic­ Constituti on 30thJ uly, 1973 (Amendment) Bill 27 to delete clause 3 and an amendment whereby would then be renumbered tha� we had circulated the rest of the clauses tion of clause 3.

In fact, clause 3, which saw changes considered and found to be unnecessary, That, Mr. Speaker, is shortly the intent and as a consequence in article 71 we have re­ and for this reason we are deleting we propose purpose of the dele­ of this Bill now before it.

this House.
this House.

It is to be hoped at this late stage that those who have stood stead­ fastly in the face of progress, not impede the progress future Thank you.

[ Applause.

that their slight effort can­ of the and assist in the progressive but who now recognise may be persuaded which we have brought here today.

legislaLion any longer, to join the ban·d j 3.05p.m.

Question proposed.
Question proposed.

Mr. Singh: Mr. Speaker, when the question of the lowering of the majority to 18 first came before Parliament, United Force representatives Force believes in and accepts to vote at 18, but it would not support voting at 18 in isolation sults would be fraudulent including all of our 18-year-olds.
towards the end of the last Parliament, made it quite clear that of giving our young people the right in Parliament the principle and would not result in reflecting the will of the people where the re­ the United age the Mr. Speaker, I myself was not present for that debate.

Unfortunately, I was Coast campaigning at the time but, as regards on the Essequibo for lowering the majority age, quite separate voting age t.o 18, my colleagues whatsoever to those provisions.
visions favour of one and against another in the same Bill.
That was why my colleagues abstained from and myself I am told that in Parliament, and distinct had agreed that we had no objection as part of the same Bill, it was felt that you could not vote in other than the voting at 18. voting on those provisions from the lowering of the were listed since those pro­ thE: provision I 'wish to reiterate that we accept, we believe in and we endorse the lowering age to 18 in addition to the lowering of the voting age to 18.
But voting at of the majority at the time, as we said, with an imminent election we could not support 18 in isolation.

We pointed out the numerous .that the time allowed for r egistration had been too short, that registration bad been carried year-olds that, by been pushed around, procrastination only P.N.C.

18- parties bad bad been told to come back and again and age.in there was of registration.

P.N.C.
activists who registered from the Opposition complaints that bad been received, and large, the 18-year-olds which eventually resulted out by h and-picked in the denial We said, at the time, that the whole process of .elections before, during and the r& out that the United Force bas been demanding the following: after the poll, was fraudulent and we pointed out that since 1968 the United Force bas been demanding electoral pointed structuring of the Elections Commission to mission, end to overseas places.
a new voters list supervised by an impartial Elections Commission, and proxy voting and the counting of the ballots at the polling ensure an impartial Elections Com­ an reform to ensure free and fair elections.
We 28 Constitution 30th ,July, 1973 ( Amendment) Bill We said that because of widespread and the fact that our demands for electoral reform had in connection with the regis­ irregularities t ration of the l�year-olds not been met, we could not support the lowering tion because However, the result would not represent of the voting age to 18 in isola- the will of the people.
Mr. Speaker, in supporting now that there is no imminent the provisions of the Bill to lower the age of voting for elec­ great pleasure to 18.

But, at the 'same time, we say and we demand that our request toral reform must also be met in the immediate Government must bring legislation byua.

future by the Government.

The election I have very to this House for electoral reform as demanded We have a very good way in which we can examine those demands.
Let us examine them to see, whether tQ.ey are fair and reasonable of and against ths background that you cannot separate the two; voting at 18 and electoral reform should go hand in hand.

If we are agreeing to one we must continue others.

We are agreeing to the one only because an election we say that very shortly the Government ·of the last election.

We have been saying all along in our demands for the must agree to our other demands.
demands in the light is not imminent, but Let us look at the first demand: The restructuring of t he Elections Com­ with lawyers Even though I have already I was at the Independence House, I would like to quote again mission.

to ensure an impartial Elections Commission.

done so before this honourable of the Constitution.
learned Friends, the Minister mered out a clause in this Constitution which at the time all of us agreed should take the elections out of the hands of the politicians, out of the hands of the ruling party, and put it in what we thought at that time should be fairly safe, reasonable Comrnissiori.

the provisi ons with my hon.

and neral, now of Foreign Affairs, the hon.

Prime Minister and others.


We ham­ and impartial hands because of the composition from the other side, the hon, Attorney-Ge in article 69 of the Constitution.

And these are the provisions Conference machinery of the Elections "l l) The-Elections Commission shall have such functions connected "·ith or relating to the registration under this Constitution or, subject ..,.
LlVisions of this Cons ti touon, u,c Cornlllission _ of electors or the concluc t of elections a� arc conferred ll1ereto, any .\ct of Parliament; and, upon i l by or subject to th<: (a)shall exercise general direction and the administrative conducLoLelections; _ and supervision and_ over the registration of electors (b)shall issue instructions and take such action as appear to it necessary dient to ensure impartiality, Constitution powers or performing said."
fairness and compliance with the provisions or of any Act of Parliament on the part of persons exercising duties connected with or relating to the matters afore- or e xpe· of this 3.15p.m.

Tbe important part is this: ·· shall exercise general direction and supervision over the registration of electors and the administrative conduct of electors;·· Constitution 30th July, 1973 ( Amendment) Bill 29 am .. jhall take such measures, fairness.
and as appear necessary, to ensure impartiality On several occasions before the last elections the Opposition parties went to the Elections Commission only to be told by one of their members that they had only administrative authority, they had no executive authority.

In fact, one mem­ little, if anything, to be done and ber went so far as to say that there was very he chided us.

He said: "WJ:i.y have you not given were in Parliament.

You sat in Parliament.


Parliament has not given us the authority to carry out o ur functions.

us the au thoriiy?

You We have no authority.

What can we do?"

One of the points raised by us was that the provisions of Regulation 60 of deal with the putting on of the seal on the ballot-box.

the Election Regulations We felt that there was need for instructions to the Election Officers.
We asked the Elections Commission to issue instructions that they should allow a sticking­ paper tape to go around the box.

We pressed for this.

We felt that it was a fair and reasonable r equest and so in fact did the Co�mission feel, but again they said: "Gentlemen, we do not have the authority.

We will have to refer to Mr.

Butler."

Indeed, eventually Mrs. Elinor DaSilva was told that she should go herself Election Officer, said: "By and see Mr. Butler.

She did.
She did.

and Mr. Butler, the Chief ell means, go ahead, put on your seal but I will not attempt to define what a se.al is.

Put on your seal but if it i s objected any pronouncement."

That was the stand of Mr. Bu tier..

In fact when our polling agents attempted to put on that seal they were prevented from doing so.

What is wrong with a seal like that, a little strip of paper put right around the box?

Yett.here was objection.


to as not being a seal I am not making to humiliating wit!t _bayonets drawn and the policemen Mrs. Elinor DaSilva, was subjected station on the East Coast she put the seal on the box Indeed, my colleague, treatment.

In one polling and after she had done so Mr. Abdool Rahim, the Returning Officer, rushed up­ stairs wijJ1 two riot squad policeme_11__ "Take your hands off the ballot-box."
And, uniform shouted to Mrs. DaSilva: while the policemen pointed the bayonets at her, the Returning Officer snatched at the seal which she had just put on and tore it off.

They tore off that Uttl.e paper seal.

Was this right and proper to do?

Was it not a fair and reasonable quest?

There are people who can come forward and give evidence dent.

Should not the Elections this reasonable to think, even though the evidence was some ulterior tention to tamper with the ballot-boxes.
re­ as to this inci­ Commission have had authority to instruct that request be carried out?

Why was it not allowed?

I would not like motive why this was n9t allowed - th.at perhaps there suggests to the coptrary, that perhaps there was in­ in Another request was for one person representing all the opposition parties to accompany the ballot-boxes from Again the Elections Commission is supposed to ensure fairness and impartiality at elections.
The powers of the Elections Commission are set out in the Constitu­ tion, but the Election we were referred station to the place of counting.

failed, refused to rule on this request.

Again each pollin_g s Commission - 30 The Speaker: Honourable Constitution 30th July, 1973 ( Amendment) Bilf ) Member Mr. Feild en Singh, I do not think that is an We are dealing with the voting at 18 as well as �endment to the Constitution.

the abolition of appeals to the Privy Council.


Mr. Singh: Thank vou; sir, but may I explain that our stand before had been of the Constitution The that the voting at 18 must not be divorced which should also be amended to ensure free, fair and impartial two are tied together.

We said: "Not ing yes but we are saying not only that but also iliis: "They are tied together.

It is relevant" It is relevant and I am going o n to show the reasonableness of this request against of the last elections.
I am going to show that what we are suggesting from the provisions the background elections.

one without the other."

;\low we are say­ should go with the voting at 18 is fair and reasonable.

The Speaker: Constitution amended.

you could perhaps move a motion to that effect - to have the Mr. Singh: I would like to make my point since, as I said before, the two are tied together.
I cannot speak on one without spe.aking bond, an affinity, between them for they are all connected tions, electoral process and electoral reform.

on the other.

There is a with free and fair elec­ As I was saying, in respect of the request for one person from the Opposition to accompany t.he ballot-boxes, parties Could one person, could one fair accompanying granted.

the ballot-boxes?

it was a fair and a reasonable request.


man or woman oppose the security forces it was a request which could have Surely, been If there were not enough personnel for the counting of the ballots at the poll­ have been done at a central spot in each one of t, sovereign, security for the counting of the ballots in each district I think it was a that it is beyond the competence I do not believe forces in our independen ing place, could not the counting the 38 districts?
ciplinary prope.r fair request for the Elections this was done without any fuss at all.

Is it that the disciplinary competent?

the British troops to come in and help us to repeat what 1964 it was done.

Why cannot it now be done in our independent, oper ativ e-Repu-blic?

Can they not do that?

Do you mean to say that we may have to ask Commission to grant Let us remember that in 1964 took place in 1964?

In Co-operative of the dis­ to provide sovereign, Republic forces are in­ Co­ 3.25p.m.
Let us look at what in fact happened.

away the was within the security to impede the exit of the that excuse to spirit compound which were boxes did not appear at the counting hours after?

If you can provide security at security area, surely which, again, were within the security you can provide area a short distance The P.P.P., ballot boxes by squatting.

The Government boxes to the G.D.F.

compound, but the G.D.F.


area Why not take them to the counting places it is true, did have a plan stands on away within the security area Why is it that those places until between 12 and sometimes 24 the same security at the counting places, the G.D.F.
compound within the Cons ti tu lion 30th July, 1973 (Amendment) Bill 31 My contention is that those boxes should h ave been taken straight to the counting places, the representatives tion agent of places, counting and the contents under guard, within the view of the public, the public meaning parties who were enti.ae<1 to be there.
As elec­ of the political the party, I was alarmed when after those boxes appeared in the there were reports of broken seals, visible signs of a tampering, of the boxes did not tally with the ballot paper account.

What about the second demand CO!

:lpled with the lowering of the voting age of the Constitution.

over the registration Did this happen?

At the last two of electors.

The Gov­ this was not done.

We all know t his.

Let us not kid ourselves.


to 18, that a new voters list should be supervised by an impartial Elections Let me touch I have read the specific provision Commission?

on it again.
on it again.

It says that the Commission shall exercise supervision elections, ernment would read_!l_y from the National ltegistration Lists which were compiled hy the Government, the agents of the Government, some of whom were known party activists, without the specific provisions be teeming any reference at all to the Elections Commission.

Thie was contrary to of the Constitution.

ities.


admit this, that the electoral with election irregular Subsequently, the lists were found to general direction and by and lists were merely extracted by proxy, and by post.
This is fraudulent At the last election, I have evidence of dead people voting, oi people out of and this was so bad the country voting that one person told me that on election day they were singing: belly to helly, we voted for Burnham, because we don dead a ready," That why we are demanding accordance mission.

to the Clerk of this honourable House, asking the hon.
Prime Minister when he would extend the powers of the Elections Commission erara Bauxite Company Limited other Questions that a new voters list ae compiled of the Constitution, of the Dem­ by him in his speech on the nationalisation in this House on let March, 1971.

I have tabled Today, I have sent a f-tuesti.on in connection with elections.

by an impartial Elections is in Com­ with the provisions and supervised, as promised "Back to back.
and proxy of the voting Let us look now at our just and fair demand for an end to overseas the last election.

with the lowering no representation As regards the overseas without taxation.

voting.
voting.

This is what we had demanded together age, and I would add to tltle demand an end to the postal voting which was in­ troduced at ways been, come to Guyana, or who may come to Guyana only on a visit, choosing We pay the taxes, should they help us decide what is essentially "Away with the Privy Council, overseas ing for their Government, not helped by anyone outside never visit Guyana again."

it is something outside," outside.


Let us have the people of Guyana vot;.. of Guyana who may we surter the hardships.

an internal matter?

It we say: let us say: "Away with voting, Why should people have a say in the Why voting, it is something of our Government?

who may never our policy has al­ I n any case, we have had the reports of Granada television the as regards result of overseas voting.

How come the P.N.
How come the P.N.

C. can get 29,643 votes out farcical of 34,801, when the majority of the people who left this country left they were fed-up with both the P.P.P.

and the P.N.C.

administrations?

What was it because 32 Constitution 30th July, 1973 {Amendment/ Bill so disturbing to me at the last elections the Guyanese overseas were allowed to vote.

to Guyana, was not allowed to vote.


he was allowed to vote but the Guyanese also was the preferential way in which If a Guyanese came on a visit here going overseas on vacation I took this up with the Chairman of the Elections Commission and he agreed with me that under .the existing law there was no provision whereby the Guy-f anese - and Sir Lionel Luckhoo was there - leaving on • Guyana to go overseas vacation could vote in Guyana's election.

3.35p.m.
3.35p.m.

Let me explain for the benefit of those who are not legally qualified.

of the provisions provided not vote by proxy because proxy form.

It was specifically force, of the police elections officers and persons physical infirmity the polling could have voted by proxy.

So that good cause which was included in 1968 was taken out.

as regards proxy voting.

that proxy voting was only rural constables, transport and harbours by reason of blindness place.
In 1968 ··for unable or unlikely to travel to personnel, a good cause they • · He could Here is the for members candidates, or other Let us look at postal voting.
Postal voting is for someone resident in Guyana with an address in Guyana to which the ballot paper could time and be marked by the person in Guyana at that address at the particular time and sent back to the Chief Election Chief Election me that neither postal voting nor proxy voting was applicable ing Guyana on vacatioIL ana on vacation could vote neither by proxy nor by postal voting.

And anyone can check this with Mr. Butler; he said that and the fonns are here.

Officer.
Officer.

I myself went and spoke to the Mr. Butler, about this matter and Mr. Butler agreed with to the person leav-• Guy­ Mr. Butler agreed with me that the person leaving be sent at a certain , Officer, The person leaving Guyana coo..ld not vote by proxy and the postal voting form stated: "Papers for voting shall be sent addressed to me."

which papers should be sent was put Guyana not overseas.

I am speaking on the advice of your Chief Election Officer.
Sir Donald Jackson and the Elections for all to see.

Neither postal voting, an address in Guyana at which the person must be to sign the ballot paper when he posts it back to the Chief Election Commission agreed and the forms are here and the address had to be an address in which pre-supposes Officer, nor An address to proxy voting was applica_!>le.

out of the country that the ballot papers had fixed We do not agree with signing and all that sort of thing.
Let times when they were the country before that time and if the law in Guyana, that person would be out of the the hon.

Member realise sent out.

If the person was leaving said that this must go to an address country when it went to that address and by the time you posted it from that • to the person overseas and it came back, the time would have passed for address .. putting the ballot this.

I shall not worry with the interrup know very well.
We have been on the same platform am accustomed tions of the hoIL Member whose guile I • paper in the box.

The Chief Election to his rantings and ravings.

What I thought was so terrible was the fact that G uyanese in Guyana going overseas were denied the vote.

We saw advertisements in every newspaper s ay- Officer agreed with me on on previous occasions so I Canstilution 30th July, 1973 ( Amendment) Bi(( 33 ') ing that any Guyanese living overseas should go to Mr. Butler so that he could vote.
But the Guyanese in Guyana going overseas specially catered for by special fair?

were denied; the Guyanese from overseas coming to Guyana were them to go to Mr. Butler.

Is that who was here in Guyana at the time notices telling I s ay that the postal voting must be abolished, Mr. Speaker, because there were so many irregularities applied for postal votes got envelopes.

They brought that they never applied for postal voting and they did not vote.
Because they did not agree with voting, with postal voting.

People who never they did not apply for the forms.

in connection them to me and comp1ained And not only that.

I was there in the office of the Election Officer when the and I called this to Officer at that time.

Envelopes were addressed to Mr.

So and postal votes were being put into envelopes the Chief Election So, Bourda Post Office.

There was a host of them ending with the address ·· Hourda l'ost Office."
agent sitting at Bourda Post Office would collect them back to contents have to end up with the address offices?

were far too many all these envelopes, switch the the Chief Election Officer.

Why does an envelope .. Bourda l'ost Office" and so many other post Postal voting must go hecause there Mr. Butler looked at them.

All it meant was that a P.N.

C. irregularities in connection with postal voting.

I saw Nigg Post Office mentioned.


and post the attention of As regards proxy voting it is true that, legally, proxy voting was cut down to two.

It is true that good cause was taken ing, but nevertheless by proxy.

A good friend of mine, a doctor living in Church Street, wife all the way to Leonora only to be told - hearty persons being voted for went with his out of the provision to vote because that was where they were registered, we had evidence of hale and for proxy vot­ The Speaker: Hon.
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

You are raising a point of order, I presume?

Mr. Jack: I really do not wish to interfere with the presentation ber of the Opposition.but there should be at least some semblance of the mem­ of relevance.

It was an unfortunate feature of the last Parliament when we had something they should have friend is trying to do is discuss will take at least another six months.

to discuss a roving commission to talk on all manner of things.
of importance certain the elections from the beginning that on every occasion members thought What my to the end.

That that The Speaker: Hon.

Member Mr. Singh, will you please confine your remarks to the matter in hand.

I have drawn your attention to this on at least two occasions.

House, I take it you will proceed Now that it has been forcibly the attention drawn to with the Bill.
of the whole Mr. Singh: I was merely explaining the reason why we wanted the proposal that the provisions of the Constitution the lowering of the voting age.

I was giving the background were fair and reasonable the last elections.

the background demands against to show that these of what took place at should be altered to go hand in hand with 34 Constitution 30th July, 1973 (Amendmen•· Bill \ .

But I will move on, Mr. Speaker.

I will reiterate first that we demand elec­ toral reform.
We demand the restructuring of the Elections Commission to ensure an impartial Elections Commission.

We demand the new voters list supervised by an impartial Elections Commission.

We demand an end to proxy, overseas and postal voting.

We demand electoral reform .. 3.45p.m.

As regards the provisions of the Bill to abolish the Privy Council, the United Force's stand has in the past heen clearly stated o n the matter.
We agree that is necessary hut we say that it must be the abolition of the Privy Council replaced by a Caribbean Court of Appeal.

At the present moment the citizens, in constitutional matters, and judges, in proceedings for removal, enjoy an additional right of appeal to the Privy Council.

If you take that away you are derogating from their rights.

You are denying them that extra opportunity.

You ·are robbing them of that additional chance, that one additional hope.
You are taking away something that they enjoy at the presentmoment, something from an additional court.

Why not a Caribbean Court of Appeal?

We have moved away from CARIFTA.

We have moved to a Caribbean Common Market.

Let us not take away appeals to the Privy Council and replace them with nothing.

Let us replace them with a Caribbean Court of Appeal so that we would not cut down on the rights at present enjoyed by our citizens.

"Why the rush?
"Why the rush?

The Government, fairly or unfairly, has a two-thirds majority.

It can do what it wants at any time.

Let us wait and have a Caribbean Court of Appeal.

· Thos� great brilliant persons who pushed forward and succeeded in the Carib­ bean Common Market, is it not within their scope, is it beyond their ability to push also for a Caribbean Court of Appeal?

I am sure it is not beyond their abil­ ity.


They have succeeded in a C,aribbean Common Market, they can· succeed in a Caribbean Court Therefore, I say, let us have a Caribbean Court of Appeal and not cut down on the right, that extra right, that one chance, that hope that the citizens at the present moment enjoy.

Finally, let me make my position abundantly clear so that there could be no confusion as seemed to have been the position on the last occasion.

I am support,.
I am support,.

ing the vote at 18 in this Bill but I am not supporting the abolition of appeals to the Privy-Council because, as I said before, I want when the appeals to the Privy � Council are abolished they should go to a Caribbean Court of Appeal.

Thes'i two provisions are in one Bill.

I am supporting one part of the Bill.

I am voting against another part of the Bill.

I am supporting the vote at 18.


I am not sup­ porting the abolition of the Privy Council unless the appeals go to a Caribbean Court of Appeal.

Therefore on the final voting on the Bill as a whole, I will be ahstaining from voting.

The Speaker; MissJ aiserrisingh.

Miss Jaiserrisingh: Mr. Speaker, it seemed as though the Opposition was try­ ing to have a post-mortem on the dead, which it cannot bring back, for it is finished and done with.
As regards reducing the majority to 18 why were the Co· 'itution 30th July, 1973 (Amendment) Bill 35 youths denied this golden opportunity really cheated out of this right But we were supported and we showed the Op­ position formance what we can do.

It seems as though the Opposition of the youths at 18. in the first place?

The youths, were, in fact, is afraid of the per- -Guyana needs to be developed and the Development Plan can be put into ef­ fect only by the strong hands of the youths of this country.
Why were the youths deprived of the right to vote at 18?

Youths work at 18 benefits that are within the reach of all working class people.· Why them that right that others, 21 yeais of age and over, are enjoying?

Why and enjoy the not give not give them the right to vote and reduce the age of majority?

These political destroyers me right, they were the individuals age reduced and now this lack adaisical surely a bad example for youths who will have no confidence in these individuals.
If my memory serves at one time tu have the voting that they have developed is were out to get at nothing.

who pressed attitude Were we all perfect, to their rights; of majority reduced.

Christ would not have come for the sinners to repent.

come only to the righteous.


Therefore would have are going to vibrate this age back to us to release have to thank that individual, going to vibrate He we must thank the youths who they will hasten to perform when they get have to thank our Moses who was sent the children of Israel from bondage once again.

And we will the Hon.

L. F. S. Burnham because the youths are into words and show their support fully and maturely.

The youths aie mature at 18.

They get married at 18.


Why not reduce the Then we will age of majority entirely?

other things derived th&.tage?

The youths need it Since they can get married and do why not rrake it legal for them to wed at from their rights, This young--nation has to develop and without the youths it cannot If we ex­ pect our grandfathers to do the job, the youths will still have to lead them around The age of majority must we have done so in the past Had it not been for-the Youth not have built so many roads.
They are the people behind so many projects.

support be reduced �d we will show our capabilities because the Bill to reduce the age of majority to 18.

Corps, Guyana would I 3.55p.m.

The Speaker: Hon.

Member, may I take this opportunity of c�ngratulating you on your maiden speech.

Very well done.

[Apptause.1 Hon.

Member Mr. Jonas.


it is because of the People's National Mr. Jonas: Mr. Speaker, Gov­ Congress recognition of the role the young people of lhis country must play, if errunent's to the society is to achieve in the name of the hon.

Minister of Energy and Natural support youth arm and, in the past, this Resources, party's youth arm played a very important role in the political history of this country.

:Mr. Jack.

The P.N.C.


has a vibrant its goals, that I have the privilege the Motion tabled here this afternoon In so far as the People's National Congress prepared to stifle or divert the aspirations of young people.

this party is not The young people is concerned, 36 Constitution 30th July, 1973 ( Amendment) Bill level, hut evidence at the political were not only involve� where, in the tide of economic nationalism, front.
I need not restate that 60 per cent of Guyana's people and therefore ·11:r. pressing will go follows and confidence, human development Speaker, if this Parliament down as a reactionary the footsteps of this country Parliament.

the destiny can be drawn to show the young -people were in the fore­ are young population is in the hands of the youth.

But of the last Parliament in sup­ I think the name of this Parliament During the life of the last Parliament, we witnessed Bauxite Company.
We witnessed the Demerara Bureau, changing our constitutional progressive legislation life of that Parliament, these characteristics can he gui�ed to the goals of co-operative socialism.

to regulate our society status from one of Monarchy in a certain the nationalisation of the Trade of the External to Republic, During the direction.
introduction were laid down, so that our behaviour The last Parliament took one of the most reactionary political decisions, and that was to disenfranchise over 50,000 young people.

I know that this Parliament will redress that wrong.

When the l'eople's orate, a return to office was obvious, but we told the people that there were cer­ tain constitutional restraints is to work ef­ welfare, ficiently, it is Undoubtedly, essential Con the number of seats reflects gress.
if we are to be the proper custodians of the constitutional for us to have full control and if the framework of democracy of the people's the people's support for the People's NationaJ instrument.

wenl to the elect­ National Congress One of our main aims for this two-thirds, or the political breakthrough, was to ensure that at future elections, young people between the to vote.
Today, undoubtedly, young people are eco­ 'The for the authority ages of 18 to 21 are allowed thrift societies are working nomically conscious.

In the schools, re and, you know, sir, out of agriculture we young people are involved in agricultu Your Honour, I can intend to achieve one of the three-fold national objectives.

are now point to the settlement at Port Kaituma where Youth Corps graduates farming.
ereignty is threatened prepared to defend our territorial you will realise that if Guyana,..s sov­ people there will he Apart from this economic activity, from any outside power, the young integrity.

efficiently.

lt is not only in the area of agriculture that the young people exercised a de­ and but we can look in the field of community development remind you, sir, of the construction of the Kwakwani-Ituni Health Centre with the fire station there,it number of young people are involved on that project.
was a self-help project.

The gree of responsibility, self-help.

I can quickly road.

A considerable Camµbellville Young people were The national link us with Brazil so we can have an economic significant role in the construction there are young people.

that concern made so much progress sponsibility, equipped so they can serve this sensitive in the vanguard.

concern it is because of the determination of that road.

At Guybau, most of the workers Young people are in the vanguard.
No wonder, sir, that in so little time.

lt is because of the re­ of the youths at Linden to be with a degree of efficiency.

All p road project, which will self-hel take-off, young people played a Const itu lion 30th July.

1973 (Amendment) Bill 37 of young people and, mureso, their these are demonstrations of the patriotism of the politicaJ environment understanding Look at the organisation in which we are living.
of Government A young person can be employed machinery therefore, he is vested with the responsibility from the age of 18 as a civil servant, Government, me.de here and at the executive We have most of the members of the Police Force who are now young people.

Undoubtedly stitution, help projects.


in that in­ but apart from that, many of them took time off to be involved in that sensitive to carry out political decisions they demonstrated the moral quaJities forum, the Cabinet, that are required rcement agency.

the law-enfo in self­ of constructed the police station.

I am qute certain hon.

Members are aware, that the young police in the Corps, they are in Rupununi a post office.
All these communal buildings the course of completing The peoµle's of this country.

bute to the development in terms of food production.

most self-sufficient other roles in terms of community development vices to our less fortunate citizens.

majority.

rendering In this army, the young people are will contri­ is aJ­ army, that institution The Guyana Youth and involvement, \\'e can take into consideration the ser­ in the 4.05p.m.

Therefore, independence.


at 18. you can see, sir, that young people are custodians l think it is totally absurd to deny young people the right to vote of our poiicical The last major Opposition party in this Parliament, the People's Progressive but I am quite certain that the members of the youths of this country, because no one can claim Party, claimed to be socialist, P.P.P.

cannot fool the intelligent to be socialist without a recognition of democracy.
In fact, socialism ophy which cherishes all these social contribut political party that would embrace such an adverse political never lay moral claim to socialism.

after a man has made ions, deny him the right to vote.

This is absurd and any of man.

You cannot, the humanity point of view could is a philos­ Socialism, right to participate in so far as I see it, is a philosophy which would ensure a man the in his co!Ilmunity and ensure that community;s development.
It is on this score that the members of the People's National Congress do not speak the same sociaJ language and the members of the conservative Minister, United Force.

I understand Force.

After pointing to all the areas of social activities as the members of the People's Progressive Party from the hon.

that it is now a disunited in which the young people Mr. Carrington, I would say that this Parliament ought to support the tually mature.

that the young people of this country are intellec vote at 18.
What is are involved, I believe the qualification for standing tribution.

You cannot, since one influences exercising of the course which the other.

political sovereignty at elections?

A basic under­ a recognition of this and a con­ a society is taking, divorce under any circumstances, economics from politics 38 ( Am endm en t) Bill 30th .July, 1973 Adjournment Basically conscious.
Movemen� the leading Mr. Speaker: young people are not only politically We know that are heing taken, international powers will try to pres­ of this, the Young when progressive decisions sure us and to subvert our independence.

Socialist of over 20,000 young people.

We have already the hon.

Prime Minister Alignea colleagues vened somewhere and not economics nations international which try to control politics.
that he urge his non­ m September con­ Youth Conference or the other so that we can sit down, not only to delve into small only to see how the big powers are moving to pressure into to have a non-Aligned hut to have an insight with n suggestion had preliminary organisation in connection resources, their natural conscious with discussions in this country, boasts a membership This was s��ted by the attitude into Polana and Brezhnev's Pigs invasion in Cuha and also by Johnson'si invasion of Czechoslovakia, of Khrushchev when he marched his army Kennedy in the Bay of of the Dominican l{epublic.
invasion Young people on the international scene are striving ln so far as the young people of this country are concerned, for social justice and at economic performance human equality.

since our with our political support try gave the P.N.C.

a mandate to change the Constitution is trans­ the hon.

Member Mr. Feilden Singh will ensure that formed into P.N.C.

reality.

[Applause.

I would like to urge hon.

Memhers to this coun­ and I know that even the P.N.C.

dream this Bill when it is put to the House.


I know that the people of level is excellent, also.

Therefore, the·n it should be combined efforts 1 The Speaker: Hon.

Member Mr. Jonas, may I congratulate you on your con­ tribution.

ADJOURNMENT Resolved, That this Assembly do (!he Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Leader of the Hous:] now adjourn to a date to be fixed.

Adjourned accordingly at 4.10 p.m.

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