Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694834258800.pdf (Guyana)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE 60th SITTING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FIRST SESSION (2012-2013) OF THE TENTH PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA HELD AT 2.00 P.M. ON THURSDAY, 18th JULY, 2013 IN THE PARLIAMENT CHAMBER, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, BRICKDAM, GEORGETOWN.

MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (68) Speaker (1) The Hon Raphael G.C.

Trotman, M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT (34) (i) People’s Progressive Party/Civic (34) Hon.
Samuel A.A. Hinds, O.E., M.P., Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Hon.

Clement J. Rohee, M.P., Minister of Home Affairs Hon.

Dr. Leslie S. Ramsammy, M.P., Minister of Agriculture Hon.

Mohabir A. Nandlall, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Hon.

Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, M.P.

(Region No.

9 – Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), Minister of Foreign Affairs (Absent – on leave) Hon.

Dr. Ashni K. Singh, M.P., Minister of Finance Hon.


Robert M. Persaud, M.P.

(Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne), Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Hon.

Dr. Jennifer Westford, M.P.

(Region No.

7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Minister of the Public Service /…2 2.

Hon.

Dr. Bheri S. Ramsarran, M.P., Minister of Health Hon.

Mohamed I. Alli, M.P., Minister of Housing and Water Hon.

Dr. Frank C.S.

Anthony, M.P., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Hon.

Brindley H.R.
Brindley H.R.

Benn, M.P., Minister of Public Works Hon.

Priya D. Manickchand, M.P.

(Region No.

5 – Mahaica/Berbice), Minister of Education Hon.

Ganga Persaud, M.P., Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Hon.

Jennifer I.M.

Webster, M.P., Minister of Human Services and Social Security Hon.

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

Dr. Nanda K. Gopaul, M.P., Minister of Labour Hon.

Alli Baksh, M.P.

(Region No.


2 – Pomeroon/Supernaam), Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture Hon.

Norman A. Whittaker, J.P., M.P.

(Region No.

1 – Barima/Waini), Minister in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Hon.

Bishop Juan A. Edghill, M.S., J.P., M.P., Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ms Gail Teixeira, M.P., Government Chief Whip Mr. Manzoor Nadir, M.P.

Mrs. Indranie Chandarpal, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Bibi S. Shaddick, M.P.

(Region No.
(Region No.

3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) *Non-Elected Minister /…3 3.

Mr. Komal Chand, C.C.H., J.P., M.P.

(Region No.

3 – Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara) Mr. Odinga Lumumba, M.P.

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

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, M.P.

Dr. Vishwa D.B.

Mahadeo, M.P.

Rev.

Dr. Kwame A. Gilbert, M.P.

**Mr. Joseph Hamilton, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud, M.S., M.P.

Mr. Cornel Damon, M.P.

(Region No.


2 – Pomeroon/Supernaam) Mr. Faizal M. Jafarally, M.P.

(Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne) Members of the Opposition (33) (ii) Members of A Partnership for National Unity(26) Brigadier (Ret’d) David A. Granger, M.S.S., M.P., Leader of the Opposition Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, M.P.

Ms Amna Ally, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip Mr.

Basil Williams, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Mrs. Volda Lawrence, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Dr. George Norton, M.P.


Mrs. Deborah Backer, M.P., Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly **Non-Elected Member /…4 4.

Mr. Carl B. Greenidge, M.P.

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Joseph F. Harmon, M.S.M., M.P.

Mr. Keith Scott, M.P.

Ms Dawn Hastings, M.P.

(Region No.

7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni) Mr. Winston Felix, D.S.M., M.P.

Ms Jennifer J.

Wade, M.P.

(Region No.

5 – Mahaica/Berbice) Mr. Sydney Allicock, M.S., M.P.

Ms Africo Selman, M.P.

(Region No.


4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Mr. Desmond Trotman, M.P.

Ms Vanessa Kissoon, M.P.

(Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Mr. James A.

Bond, M.P.

Mr. Ronald A. Bulkan, M.P.

Mr. Jaipaul Sharma, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica) Mrs. Mabel Baveghems, M.P.

Mr. John Adams, M.P.

(Region No.

3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) Mr. Christopher A. Jones, M.P.

Ms Rennita L. Williams, M.P., (Region No.

1 – Barima/Waini) Mr. Renis Morian, M.P.

(Region No.
(Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Miss Annette N. Ferguson, M.P.

/…5 (iii)Members of The Alliance For Change (7) 5.

Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, M.P.

Mr. Moses Nagamootoo, J.P., M.P.

Mrs. Catherine Hughes, M.P.

Mrs. Valerie Garrido-Lowe, M.P.

Dr. Veersammy Ramayya, M.P.

(Region No.

6 – East Berbice/Corentyne) Ms June Eula Marcello, M.P.

(Region No.

8 – Potaro/Siparuni) Mr. Trevor Williams, M.P.


OFFICERS Mr. Sherlock E. Isaacs, Clerk of the National Assembly Ms Hermina Gilgeours, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly (a.g.) COMMENCEMENT OF SITTING The Sitting commenced at 2.15 p.m. PRAYERS The Clerk read the prayers.

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER New Internet Facility in the Parliament Chamber The Speaker informed Members that the Office had installed a new internet server in the Parliament Chamber.

/…6 6.
/…6 6.

Letter of Invitation to UNICEF Child Rights Seminar The Speaker extended an invitation to all Members of the Assembly to a Seminar organised jointly by UNICEF and the National Assembly on “Mainstreaming Child Rights in Parliamentary work in Guyana” on Wednesday, 24th July, 2013 at the Savannah Suite, Pegasus Hotel at 8.30 a.m.

PRESENTATION OF PAPERS AND REPORTS- (1) By the Minister of Home Affairs: The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) (No.

2) Regulations 2013 – No.

3 of 2013.


(Circulated) (2) By the Minister of Finance: (i) Annual Report of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd. for the year ended 31st December, 2006.

(Circulated) (ii) Audited Financial Statements of the Mahdia Power and Light Company Inc. for the year ended 31st December, 2011.

(Circulated) (3) By the Minister of Labour: Annual Report of the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee for the year 2011.

(Circulated) /…7 7.
(Circulated) /…7 7.

REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES- (1) By the Speaker of the National Assembly (Chairman of the Committee of Selection): Minutes of Proceedings of the 11th Meeting of the Committee of Selection held on Thursday, 11th July, 2013.

(Circulated) (2) By Mr.

Basil Williams, M.P.


(Chairman of the Special Select Committee of the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2012; the Local Government Commission Bill 2012; the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Bill 2012 and the Fiscal Transfers Bill 2012): (i) Report of the Special Select Committee on the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2012 – Bill No.

12/2012.

(Circulated) (ii) Report of the Special Select Committee on the Local Government Commission Bill 2012 – Bill No.

13/2012.
13/2012.

(Circulated) (iii) Report of the Special Select Committee on the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Bill 2012 – Bill No.

19/2012.

(Circulated) (iv) Report of the Special Select Committee on the Fiscal Transfers Bill 2012 – Bill No.

20/2012.

(Circulated) /…8 8.


(3) By the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs (Chairman of the Special Select Committee of the Deeds Registry (Amendment) Bill 2012): Report of the Special Select Committee on the Deeds Registry (Amendment) Bill 2012 – Bill No.

11/2012.

(Circulated) ORAL QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE (1) Flooding in Kaikan and Well Streets, North Ruimveldt and Aubrey Barker Street Mrs. Volda Lawrence, M.P., asked the Minister of Public Works the following questions: (i) Would the Hon.
Minister inform this House whether his Ministry has any plans to address the flooding in Kaikan and Well Streets, North Ruimveldt and Aubrey Barker Street between (Gawling Place and Rosa Drive) South Ruimveldt Park?

(ii) If there is a plan, how soon will it be executed?

Thereafter the Minister of Public Works replied.

Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph Harmon, M.S.M., M.P., asked the Minister of Public Works a supplementary question.

Thereafter the Minister of Public Works replied.

1.
1.

Old Age Pension Electricity Assistance Programme Mrs. Volda Lawrence, M.P., asked the Minister of Human Services and Social Security the following questions: In your presentation of the 2013 National Budget, you indicated that, among other provisions for our pensioners, assistance in the amount of $590 million has been set aside to meet the expenses for electricity charges to the Guyana Power and Light.

9.

It is almost four months since the 2013 National Budget was approved.

(i) Would the Hon.
(i) Would the Hon.

Minister inform this House and the pensioners when this assistance will be accessible?

(ii) Further, will the Minister indicate if there are plans for sensitising pensioners on how they can access this provision?

Thereafter the Minister of Human Services and Social Security replied.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE- For Written Replies 1.

AGREEMENT/CONTRACT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF GUYANA AND TELEVISION GUYANA INC.(TVG) Member Asking: Mrs. Catherine Hughes, M.P.
Minister Answering: The Minister of Education (i) Can the Hon.

Minister provide copy(s) of the Agreement/Contract between the Government of Guyana and Television Guyana Inc. (TVG) for the use of TVG’s teleport/transmission facilities to broadcast the Learning Channel?

(ii) Can the Hon.

Minister state when the tender for the provision of this service was advertised and in which media?

(iii) How much money has been paid over to Television Guyana Inc. (TVG) to date for the provision of these services?
/…10 10.

(iv) What is the duration of this contract/contractual arrangement – yearly, monthly or indefinite?

(v) How many persons are employed by the Learning Channel and from which communities are they?

(vi) Does the Learning Channel (the Company) possess its own satellite receivers/dishes?

(a) If yes, in which geographical location/communities are they located?

(b) If yes, when were these purchased?

From whom were they purchase and at what cost?

Would the Hon.
Would the Hon.

Minister provide copies of such Purchase Agreements?

(vii) How many antennas does the Learning Channel utilise and in what geographical areas?

(viii) In what geographical areas does the Learning Channel utilise the equipment of Digicel, GT&T or any other network for the broadcast of its programming?
(Notice Paper No.188 (Q 114 Opp 112) published on 2013-06-06) The Minister of Education did not pass copies of the answer to the above question to the Clerk of the National Assembly for circulation to Members at that sitting as required by Standing Order No.

22(4).

2.

MARITIME NAVIGATION LIGHTS Member Asking: Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph Harmon, M.S.M., M.P.

Minister Answering: The Minister of Public Works /…11 11.

(i) Could the Hon.
(i) Could the Hon.

Minister confirm that the Maritime Navigation Lights from the Georgetown Light House will be placed on top of the Hotel under construction on the Northern side of the present Light House?

(ii) If this is so, could the Hon.

Minister provide the National Assembly with the contract detailing the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the date when the change will take place?

(Notice Paper No.189 (Q 115 Opp 113) published on 2013-06-06) Answer: See Appendix 3.
DEATHS WHICH OCCURRED AT GOVERNMENT-FUNDED DORMITORIES/HOSTELS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE HINTERLAND REGIONS Member Asking: Brig.

(Ret’d) David Granger, M.S.S., M.P., Leader of the Opposition Minister Answering: The Minister of Education (i) Could the Hon.

Minister inform the National Assembly of the names of persons who have died by suicide or other causes in Government-Funded Dormitories/Hostels attached to Secondary Schools in the Hinterland Regions of Guyana between January, 1999 and April, 2013?
(ii) Could the Hon.

Minister inform the National Assembly of the actual dates, the names of the schools of each of these events?

/…12 12.

(iii) Could the Hon.

Minister inform the National Assembly whether inquiries have been conducted into any or all of these events and whether, as a result of the findings of those inquiries, if any, there has been remedial action to prevent recurrences?
(Notice Paper No.190 (Q 116 Opp 114) published on 2013-06-06) The Minister of Education did not pass copies of the answer to the above question to the Clerk of the National Assembly for circulation to Members at that sitting as required by Standing Order No.

22(4).

4.

DEATHS AS A RESULT OF MARITIME ACCIDENTS Member Asking: Brig.

(Ret’d) David Granger, M.S.S., M.P., Leader of the Opposition Minister Answering: The Minister of Public Works (i) Could the Hon.
Minister inform the National Assembly of the names of persons who have been killed in the rivers and coastal waters of Guyana as a result of accidental collisions involving vessels, river boats, etc., between January, 1999 and April, 2013?

(ii) Could the Hon.

Minister inform the National Assembly of the actual dates, the names of the rivers and nearest locations of each of these events and the names and owners of the vessels, etc., involved?

(iii) Could the Hon.


Minister inform the National Assembly whether inquiries have been conducted into any or all of these events and whether, as a result of the findings of those inquiries, if any, there has been criminal prosecution of persons found to be blameworthy and, if so, what were the outcomes of such prosecution?

(Notice Paper No.191 (Q 117 Opp 115) published on 2013-06-06) /…13 13.

Answer: See Appendix 5.

DEATHS AS A RESULT OF DISEASES IN THE BARIMA-WAINI REGION Member Asking: Brig.
(Ret’d) David Granger, M.S.S., M.P., Leader of the Opposition Minister Answering: The Minister of Health (i) Could the Hon.

Minister inform the National Assembly of the names and ages of persons who have died as a result of gastro-enteritis or of similar or related diseases, infections, etc., in the Barima-Waini Region, between January, 1999 to April, 2013?

(ii) Could the Hon.
(ii) Could the Hon.

Minister inform the National Assembly of the actual dates, the names of the locations where each of these deaths occurred and the names and locations of the hospitals, medical treatment centres, etc., at which those persons were treated, if known?

(iii) Could the Hon.


Minister inform the National Assembly whether inquiries has been conducted into any or all of these deaths and whether as a result of the findings of those inquiries, if any, administrative or other action has been taken to prevent recurrences of such deaths?
(Notice Paper No.192 (Q 118 Opp 116) published on 2013-06-06) Answers: “The Ministry of Health in accordance with the principals and standards established by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CAREC) in the design of the MOR-BASE Data System collects and analyses all epidemiological information using the ICD10 System.

CAREC is now incorporated into the recently commissioned Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
Under this package all information on acute gastroenteritis and related diarrheal diseases are routinely collected using the registration of death forms, which captures the information from the health facility where the event was registered.

The information is coded for the cause of death and entered into the database which is then validated with that of the General Register’s Office and then submitted to CARPHA/CAREC for review.

The data set does not include the names of the affected persons.
Based on this information the MOH can provide a line listing of the coded data on all deaths due to acute gastroenteritis and related conditions namely acute diarrheal disease for Region 1.

The validated electronic information available covered the period 2001 to 2011.

Information prior to 2001 was collected using a paper based system which was destroyed in the 2009 fire that gutted the MOH building.
Examination of the validated data from 2001 0 2012 indicates that a total of 144 deaths were reported over the last 12 years due to Acute Gastroenteritis/Acute Diarrheal Diseases.

Three quarters of all deaths (65.5%) were males with 61% being 5 years or younger and 11% over 50 years.
The table below summarises the data for 2001 to 2012 for Acute Gastroenteritis/Acute Diarrheal Disease for Region 1, Guyana: Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Male 9 7 4 5 6 11 5 9 5 Female 4 7 4 5 5 3 5 1 2 Total 13 14 08 10 11 14 10 10 07 /…15 2010 2011 2012 Total 2013 (Jan-Jun) 15.
9 16 9 95(65.5%) 2 6 4 3 50(35.5%) 1 Distribution deaths due to ADD by Age Group Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Total 5 and Under 6 12 5 5 8 8 7 7 1 7 16 6 88(61%) 6-14 years 6 1 1 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 1 1 29 15-49 years 0 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 2 2 2 0 11 >50 years 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 3 1 5 16 15 20 12 144 3 Total 13 14 8 10 11 14 10 10 7 15 20 12 144 Under five deaths in Region 1 for 2013 Name Shaneza Burnbury Age 2 Mts.

Sex Male Date of Death 15th Feb. 2013 Steven Adams 7 Mts.
Female 4th March, 2013 Keven Ramsammy 18 Mts.

Male 7th March, 2013 Zeon Edmonson 2 years Male 13th March, 2013 Alberto Jacobs Unknown Male 14th March, 2013 Cause of Death Broncho aspiration and severe dehydration Broncho-pneumonia and acute Gastroenteritis Acute respiratory distress as a result of Vivax malaria, anaemia and malnutrition Bronco-pneumonia and non specific gastroenteritis Bronco-pneumonia and non specific gastroenteritis /…16 16.
Ruth Williams 1 year Female 17th March, 2013 Acute Bronco-pneumonia Randy Lewis 1 year Male 23rd March, 2013 Randy Browne 1 year Male 23rd March, 2013 Kezia France 5 months Female 25th March, 2013 Nalini Peclina 2 years Female 5th April, 2013 Died before arrival at hospital, Broncho-pneumonia Died before arrival at hospital, fever Died before arrival at hospital, malnutrition Died before arrival at hospital, malnutrition I have advised the Chief Medical Officer to ensure that surveillance is maintained and the system rigorously monitored and that epidemiological information and analysis already done are reviewed for conformity with the standards and principals established by CARPHA and future collection and processing of epidemiological data and epidemiological analysis is done in conformity with best international practice.” 6.
DEATHS WHICH HAVE OCCURRED “IN A SUDDEN, VIOLENT OR UNNATURAL MANNER” IN GUYANA Member Asking: Brig.

(Ret’d) David Granger, M.S.S., M.P., Leader of the Opposition Minister Answering: The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs (i) Could the Hon.

Minister inform the National Assembly of the names of persons into whose deaths inquests have been conducted in accordance with the Coroners Act, Ch.

4:03 of the Laws of Guyana between January, 1999 to April, 2013?

(ii) Could the Hon.
(ii) Could the Hon.

Minister inform the National Assembly of the actual dates, the names of the Magistrates or Coroners and the locations of the Courts at which each of these inquests was conducted?

18.

(iii) Could the Hon.

Minister inform the National Assembly whether, as a result of these inquests into “unnatural deaths” as defined by the Coroners Act, there have been criminal prosecutions of persons found to be blameworthy and, if so, what were the outcomes of such prosecutions?
(Notice Paper No.193 (Q 119 Opp 117) published on 2013-06-06) Answers: See Appendix 7.

DEATHS WHICH HAVE OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF ANY ACCIDENTS OR DISEASES IN THE COURSE OF EMPLOYMENT IN GUYANA Member Asking: Brig.

(Ret’d) David Granger, M.S.S., M.P., Leader of the Opposition Minister Answering: The Minister of Labour (i) Could the Hon.
Minister inform the National Assembly of the names of persons whose deaths have occurred as a result of any accidents or diseases “arising out of and in the course of… employment” and whether inquests or investigations have been conducted in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ch.

99:10 of the Laws of Guyana between January, 1999 and April, 2013?

(ii) Could the Hon.
(ii) Could the Hon.

Minister inform the National Assembly of the actual dates, the names of the Magistrates, Coroners or other “competent persons” appointed by the Minister in accordance with the Act and the locations of the Courts or other places at which each of these inquests, etc., was conducted?

/…18 18.

(iii) Could the Hon.


Minister inform the National Assembly whether, as a result of these inquests, etc., into the deaths of workers which occurred as a result of accidents and diseases “arising out of and in the course of… employment” as defined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, there have been criminal prosecutions of persons found to be blameworthy and, if so, what were the outcomes of such prosecutions?
(Notice Paper No.194 (Q 120 Opp 118) published on 2013-06-06) Answers: (i) a) “In response to question (i), I wish to inform the National Assembly of the names of Persons whose deaths have occurred as a result of an Industrial accident during the period January 1999 and April 2013 and to point out that no reports have been received concerning deaths by occupational diseases.
b) There was no inquest conducted, however internal investigations by the Labour Occupational Health & Safety Department were conducted.
The Ministry’s records also show investigations conducted by the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with other agencies: Name Mark Anthony Pollard Satesh Beepat Alvin Anthony sobers Murrel Semple Christopher Callendar Kevin Major Poolandai Ramoutar Kai KanHep Jabin Wat Kenneth Roberts Dassram Singh Rabindranauth Inshanally Andel Newyear No Age Workplace 39 17 Barama Company Ltd Kishan Aluminum Windows Worked with Sumintra Harris Guyana Power and Light A labourer, working at the Mines Quarters in Lethem Rusal Bauxite Company Tractor operator Jailing Forest Industry Inc. Barama Co. Ltd Mahaicony Rice ltd Puran Brothers.
Toolsie Persaud Ltd John Fernandes ltd. 40 16 19 23 Date of Accident 2008-02-04 2008-01-24 2008-01-13 2008-04-06 2008-06-09 2008-06-23 2008-09-23 2008-11-10 2008-08-18 2007-07- Chris Persaud Karen Roopnarine Keith Hibbeizt Viktor Krupnyk Sooknanan Ramdial Michael Prince Leon Jack John Rodrigues George Campbell Evelyn Elliot Rebe Meyer Clevland Lioing Pounding Herman Wade Arian Batson David Smart Jason Fraser Prem Manhur Orlan Munroe Randolph Smith John Steele Rhett Cole Mark Benjamin Kimlee Benjamin Carlos Hinds Herzan Akram Ernan Amsterdam Kevinda Cruise Jaipaul Jaikishun Clive Chishlom Winston Martin Reynold Orville Raymond Wong David Smith Sydney Stull Mahesh Chattergun Wand Cummings Allan Mendonca Devon Barry Elson Singh Deonarine Singh Max’s Construction Company 2010-03-02 Robertson Mining Company 2010-03-02 Robertson Mining Company 2010-02-27 Diamond Gold Inc.
Innovative Construction Company 2010-02-08 2010-03-10 Micobie Reservation 2010-04-12 Alphanso Mining Company 2010-03-28 Barama Co. ltd 2010-05-27 RK’S Security Service 2010-06-19 RK’S Security Service 2010-06-28 Barama Co. ltd 2010-06-30 Barama Co. ltd 2010-06-30 Bauxite Company 2010-07-09 Takutu Oil and Gas Inc. 2010-08-23 Osman and sons Sawmill Barama Co. ltd. Rohit Lumber Yard Pritipaul Singh Investment West Bank Demerara Gold Inc. John Fernandes ltd Guyana Water Inc. Clifford Stoby 2010-09-05 2010-09-05 2010-10-23 2010-10-27 2010-12-28 2011-01-20 Reunion Manganese Co. 2011-08-08 DaSilva Mining Operations.
Guysuco Cevon’s Waste Management C & S Night Club.
Guyana Nunix Development Ltd. National Parks Commission Mark’s Gold & Diamond Gold Miner Self Employed John Fernandes Ltd Hanka Gold Fields Hanka Gold Fields Hanka Gold Fields Hanka Gold Fields 2011-10-03 2011-09-22 2011-12-15 2011-12-05 2012-01-08 2012-02-17 2012-04-05 2012-04-24 2012-03-24 2012-07-20 2012-06-14 2012-10-03 2012-10-03 2012-10-03 /…20 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 Robert Hoyte Sean Scott Gopaul Jagdeo Joseph Harry Parmanand Ramroop Trevor Morris Kesta Grant Trenton Garner Michael Williams 24 18 61 43 20.
Hanka Gold Fields GPL Guysuco Skeldon Estate Guysuco Albion Estate GPL GT&T Bosai Bauxite Company Bosai Bauxite Company Bosai Bauxite Company 2012-11-29 2013-02-14 2013-03-29 2013-04-05 2013-04-07 2013-06-18 2013-06-20 2013-06-20 2013-06-20 (ii) In response to the Honourable Member, Mr. Granger’s second question, I would like to inform the National Assembly that the Minister of Labour has never appointed any Magistrate or Coroner to conduct any inquest into an industrial accident.
However, our Occupational Safety and Health Officers would have conducted investigations into some of these accidents in keeping with the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act Ch.

99:10 of the Laws of Guyana, and recommendations were put forward as to how to prevent the recurrences of these accidents and to indicate whether charges should be laid for any infraction of the Act.
(iii) In response to question three, the Ministry of Labour has prosecuted employers for failing to report an accident in keeping with Section 69 (1) of the OSH Act.

It must be noted that only three (3) employers were taken before the Court: I. M & M Snackette paid a fine to the Courts.

II.

Kishan Aluminum was struck out from the Courts.

III.

Cevon’s Waste Management was fined $40,000.00” /…21 21.

8.

CONSTRUCTION OF A WALK-THROUGH AQUARIUM Member Asking: Mr. Christopher Jones, M.P.
Minister Answering: The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport The Hon.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport in his Budget Speech for 2012 stated – “The construction of a walk-through Aquarium at the National Museum to showcase the bio-diversity of our aquatic life forms”.

Could the Hon.

Minister inform the Assembly whether the construction of this walk-through Aquarium has been completed and if not, why not?

(Notice Paper No.198 (Q 121 Opp.

119) published on 2013-06-25) Answer: “The Project is delayed.
The budgetary allocation in 2012 was $4,000,000.

This was use to procure the acrylic tunnel and accessories.

A contract of $3,980,000 was awarded by the NPTAB to a local supplier on the 13th December, 2012.

The National Museum is awaiting the delivery of the materials.

Once received the second phase will commence, that is, the construction and installation of the aquarium.

This component would require additional funding.” 9.

GRANTS TO 87 GROUNDS/COMMUNITIES Member Asking: Mr. Christopher Jones, M.P.
Minister Answering: The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport The Hon.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport during consideration of the 2013 Budget Estimates spoke about Grants to 87 grounds/communities.

/…22 22.

Could the Hon.

Minister provide the Assembly with a list of the 87 grounds/communities, which applied for grants and were granted, and the amounts that were granted?

(Notice Paper No.199 (Q 122 Opp.


120) published on 2013-06-25) Answer: The attached communities applied and were given grants to enhance their community grounds: (See Appendix) 10.

START OF PREPARATIONS OF TWO (2) IMPORTANT MILESTONES ON THE NATION’S CALENDAR Member Asking: Mr. Christopher Jones, M.P.

Minister Answering: The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport The Hon.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport in his Budget Speech for 2012 stated and I quote- “This year also, we will start preparations for two important milestones on the Nation’s Calendar.

In 2013 it would mark 250 years since the historic slave uprising in Berbice, regarded as one of the earliest uprising in the Western Hemisphere” (a) Could the Hon.

Minister inform this Assembly what plans are in place to celebrate these 250 years of the Berbice slave uprising?

(b) Could the Hon.
(b) Could the Hon.

Minister name the organisation/s that formed part of the Committee, if any?

(Notice Paper No.200 (Q 123 Opp.

121) published on 2013-06-25) /…23 Answers: 23.

“The following activities were planned and implemented as part of the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Berbice Slave Uprising: 1.

UNESCO Historic Slavery Exhibition in collaboration with the British Slavery Museum, Liverpool, UK.

This exhibition was declared opened by H.E.

President Donald Ramotar.

2.


Historic Pictorial Exhibition in collaboration with the Dutch Archive – this exhibition was prepared by Dr. Lodewijk Wagenaar from the University of Amsterdam and mounted at the Guyana National Museum.

3.

Presentation of Kofi letters to the Walter Rodney National Archives – Dr. Lodewijk Wagenaar also presented copies of the letters that Kofi wrote to Van Hoogenheim to the WRNA.

4.

Book Launch – the Berbice Uprising, 1963 – A.J.

Mc R. Cameron (Anna Benjamin) 5.


Digital Mapping of the 1763 Revolutionary Layout.

This digital map was successfully created.

6.

Demarcation and construction of Heritage markers at the 1763 Historical Sites, this project is approximately 30% completed.

7.

Countrywide Lecture Tours (12 lectures) to date seven lectures have been successfully completed.

8. International Conference – to be held in New Amsterdam in August, 2013.

This would be done with COFONA.

9.


Completion of the 1763 Bibliography, UG Library.

10.

1763 Anniversary Lecture Series – a.

Professor Sir Hillary Beckles – Britain’s Black Debt: Reparations Owed the Caribbean for Slavery and Indigenous Genocide.

(11th February, 2013) b.


Professor Emeritus Dr. Alvin Thompson – The Berbice Slave Uprising of 1763 Historical and Present-Day Significance (19th February) c. Professor Verene Shepherd – United in Anger, Untied in War: Gender and Anti- slavery in Caribbean History (28th February, 2013) /…24 24.

11.

Caribbean Premiere of Film – African Independence scheduled for the 2nd August, 2013.

12.

Commemorative Coin – this collaboration is between the Bank of Guyana and the MCYS.

Work in progress.

13.


Commemorative Stamp – This collaboration with the Post Office and the MCYS.

Work in progress.

14.

The schools competitions will be done in the first term of the new schools’ year.

15.

The 1763 Monument Site has been upgraded.

Fountain has been refurbished.

Information Centre opened and site regularly maintained.

(B) The 250th Anniversary Commemorative Committee is made up of the following persons: i. James G. Rose – Department of Culture (Chairman) ii.
Col. Linden Ross – Department of Culture iii.

Ivor Thom – E. R. Burrowes School of Art iv.

Nadia Gamel-Carter – National Archives of Guyana v. Hazel Woolford – Guyana Institute of Historical Research vi.

Debra Lowe – University of Guyana Library vii.

Syndrene Harris – University of Guyana Library viii.

Nadia Madho – National Trust of Guyana ix.

Cecelia Mc Almont – School of Education and Humanities, UG (never presented herself even though identified by act.
Vice Chancellor) x. Jenny Daly – Museum of African Heritage xi.

Jynell Osborne – E.R.

Burrowes School of Art xii.

Rudolph Cummings – E.R.

Burrowes School of Art xiii.

Megan Hazelle – National Cultural Centre xiiii.

Ras Leon Saul – Rastafarian Council /…25 25.

Joined by: i. ii.

iii.

iv.

Eve Blackman – Channel 9 (HBTV) Penda Guyan – Ghana Day Committee Marva Gordon – Representative of COFONA Paulette Henry” 16.

REHABILITATION OF 1763 MONUMENT SITE Member Asking: Mr. Christopher Jones, M.P.
Minister Answering: The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport The Hon.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport in his Budget Speech 2012 stated – “We will complete the rehabilitation of the 1763 Monument site, the restoration of the fountain and lights to enhance the beauty of this site.” Could the Hon.
Minister inform this Assembly whether all rehabilitation works have been completed in order to enhance the beauty of this site and if not, whether this will be completed to coincide with the 250 years milestone?

(Notice Paper No.201 (Q 124 Opp.


122) published on 2013-06-25) Answer: “ (a) the rehabilitation work for 2013 has been completed, this include: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) Completion of the Information Center Construction of a guard hut Construction of sanitary facilities Rehabilitation of the fountain, and the installation of a new pump Maintenance work o the pedestal including sealing of cracks Overall cleaning of the monument /…26 26.
(vii) Landscaping of the monument gardens (viii) Construction of new park benches (ix) Replacement of the picket fence and ropes (b) Future works will include installation of lights.” PUBLIC BUSINESS PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BUSINESS Suspension of Standing Orders Nos.

13 and 14(1) Mr.

Basil Williams moved that Standing Orders Nos.

13 and 14(1) be suspended to enable the Assembly to rearrange the items under Government’s Business on the Order Paper.
The Speaker informed Members that there was precedence with respect to re-arranging Public Business on the Order Paper.

He therefore ruled in favour of the suspension motion.

Thereafter Standing Orders Nos.

13 and 14(1) were suspended on the following division: FOR Mr. T. Williams Ms Marcello Dr. Ramayya Mrs. Garrido-Lowe Mrs. Hughes Mr. Nagamootoo Mr. Ramjattan Ms Ferguson AGAINST Mr. Jafarally Mr. Damon Dr. Persaud Rev.

Gilbert Dr. Mahadeo Mr. Seeraj Mr. Neendkumar Mr. Lumumba /…27 27.
Mr. Morian Ms Williams Mr. Jones Mr. Adams Ms Baveghems Mr. Sharma Mr. Bulkan Mr.

Bond Ms Kissoon Mr. Trotman Ms Selman Mr. Allicock Ms Wade Mr. Felix Mr. Scott Lt. Col.(Ret’d) Harmon Mr. Greenidge Mrs.

Backer Dr. Norton Mrs. Lawrence Mr. B. Williams Ms Ally Dr. Roopnarine Brig.
(Ret’d) Granger ___________________ 32 ___________________ Mr. Chand Ms Shaddick Mrs. Chandarpal Mr. Nadir Ms Teixeira Bishop Edghill Mr. Whittaker Mr. Baksh Mrs. Campbell-Sukhai Ms Webster Mr. G. Persaud Ms Manickchand Mr. Benn Dr. Anthony Mr. Ali Dr. Ramsarran Dr. Westford Mr. R. Persaud Dr. Singh Mr. Nandlall Dr. Ramsammy Mr. Rohee Mr. Hinds ___________________ 31 ___________________ /…28 28.
MOTION ITEM 1 -APPOINTMENT OF A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY TO INVESTIGATE THE INCIDENCE OF MARITIME AND RIVERINE INCIDENTS, INJURIES AND DEATHS At the request of Brig.
(Ret’d) David Granger, M.S.S., M.P., Leader of the Opposition, consideration of the following motion was deferred: WHEREAS the Constitution of the Co-operative of Guyana prescribes at Article 40(1) that “Every person in Guyana is entitled to the basic right to a happy, creative and productive life, free from hunger, ignorance and want;” AND WHEREAS several persons have been robbed of their potentially “happy, creative and productive” lives by suffering injury, pain and discomfort; by being killed, or losing personal possessions and property as a result of accidents caused by negligence or as a result of deliberate acts on this country’s waterways or coastal waters; AND WHEREAS it is apparent that riverine traffic is increasing in volume, composition and complexity; that there is competing use of the waterways between riverine villagers who are obliged to reply on boats, sometimes canoes, corials and balahoos to go about their daily lives and other users including barges and tugs carrying commodities and other vessels involved in trade; AND WHEREAS in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03, “The President may issue a commission appointing one or more Commissioners and authorising such Commissioner or Commissioners to inquire into any matter in which an inquiry would, in the opinion of the President, be for the public welfare,” /…29 29.
BE IT RESOVLED: That the National Assembly declares its concern over the incidence of maritime and riverine incidents, especially those which result in the loss of human life; expresses its sympathy with the victims – and to the families of the victims – of maritime and riverine accidents and asserts the responsibility of the State to protect all of its citizens; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the National Assembly calls upon the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03, to appoint a Commission of Inquiry to inquire into maritime and riverine incidents which have occurred since 1st January, 1999, to determine the extent of such incidents and to make recommendations for safe travel and the protection of life on this country’s waterways and coastal waters.
(Notice Paper No.

197 (M 77 Opp.47) published on 2013-06-24) BILLS – Second Reading ITEM 2 - FISCAL TRANSFERS BILL 2012 – Bill No.

20/2012 published on 2012-08-09 The Minister of Local Government and Regional Development did not move the second reading of the following Bill: A BILL intituled AN ACT to provide for the objective criteria for the allocation of resources to local authorities and for matters connected therewith.
(Read a first time and committed to the Special Select Committee on 2012-08-09) /…30 SUSPENSION OF SITTING 30.

At 2.55 p.m., the Speaker suspended the sitting to have consultation with the Government and Opposition on the way forward with respect of the Local Government Bills.

RESUMPTION OF SITTING At 3.35 p.m., the sitting was resumed.
The Speaker informed Members that after conferring with the Government and Opposition and consulting the Erskine May, which states “…there is no rule which stipulates that the Speaker can compel a Minister to speak and if no motion is made for the second reading of a bill and no proposal is made of its postponement, it becomes a dropped order and does not appear again upon the notice paper, unless another day is subsequently appointed for its consideration”.

ITEM 3 - FISCAL TRANSFERS BILL 2012 – Bill No.


20/2012 published on 2012-08-09 The Minister of Local Government and Regional Development did not move the second reading of the following Bill: A BILL intituled AN ACT to provide for the objective criteria for the allocation of resources to local authorities and for matters connected therewith.

(Read a first time and committed to the Special Select Committee on 2012-08-09) ITEM 4 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 2012 – Bill No.
12/2012 published on 2012-07-31 The Minister of Local Government and Regional Development did not move the second reading of the following Bill: A BILL intituled AN ACT to amend the Local Government Act.

(Read a first time and committed to the Special Select Committee on 2012-07-30) /…31 31.

ITEM 5 - MUNICIPAL AND DISTRICT COUNCILS (AMENDMENT) BILL 2012 – Bill No.
19/2012 published on 2012-08-09 The Minister of Local Government and Regional Development did not move the second reading of the following Bill: A BILL intituled AN ACT to amend the Municipal and District Councils Act.

(Read a first time and committed to the Special Select Committee on 2012-08-09) ITEM 6 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION BILL – Bill No.
13/2012 published on 2012-07-31 The Minister of Local Government and Regional Development did not move the second reading of the following Bill: A BILL intituled AN ACT to establish the Local Government Commission, as provided for by Article 78A of the Constitution, to provide for the Commission’s functions and procedure, and for connected and incidental purposes.
(Read a first time and committed to the Special Select Committee on 2012-07-30) The Speaker ordered that the Bills be removed from the Order Paper.

ITEM 7 - HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER (AMENDMENT) BILL 2013 – Bill No.15/2013 published on 2013-06-13 The Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs moved the second reading of the following Bill: A BILL intituled AN ACT to amend the Hydro-Electric Power Act.

(Read a first time on 2013-06-13) /…32 32.


SUSPENSION OF SITTING At 4.15 p.m., the sitting was suspended for refreshments.

RESUMPTION OF SITTING At 6.54 p.m., the sitting was resumed.

Assembly resumed the debate on the Hydro-Electric Power (Amendment) Bill 2013.

The following Members spoke to the motion: The Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment The Minister of Public Works Thereafter the Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs replied.

In accordance with Standing Order No.


48(3), the motion for the second reading of the Bill was declared lost on the following division: AGAINST Mr. T. Williams Ms Marcello Dr. Ramayya Mrs. Garrido-Lowe Mrs. Hughes Mr. Nagamootoo Mr. Ramjattan Ms Ferguson Mr. Morian Ms Williams FOR Mr. Jafarally Mr. Damon Dr. Persaud Rev.
Gilbert Dr. Mahadeo Mr. Seeraj Mr. Neendkumar Mr. Lumumba Mr. Chand Ms Shaddick /…33 Mr. Jones Mr. Adams Ms Baveghems Mr. Sharma Mr. Bulkan Ms Kissoon Mr. Trotman Ms. Selman Mr. Allicock Ms Wade Mr. Felix Ms Hastings Mr. Scott Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Harmon Mr. Greenidge Dr. Norton Mrs. Lawrence Mr. B. Williams Ms Ally Dr. Roopnarine Brig.

(Ret’d) Granger ________________ 31 ________________ 33.
Mrs. Chandarpal Mr. Nadir Ms Teixeira Bishop Edghill Mr. Whittaker Mr. Baksh Mrs. Campbell-Sukhai Ms Webster Mr. G. Persaud Ms Manickchand Mr. Benn Dr. Anthony Mr. Ali Dr. Ramsarran Dr. Westford Mr. R. Persaud Dr. Singh Mr. Nandlall Dr. Ramsammy Mr. Rohee Mr. Hinds ______________ 31 ______________ /…34 34.
MOTION ITEM 4 - LIMIT ON AMOUNT OUTSTANDING UNDER GUARANTEES GIVEN UNDER THE GUARANTEE OF LOANS (PUBLIC CORPORATIONS AND COMPANIES) ACT The Minister of Finance moved the following motion: WHEREAS in accordance with Section 3(1) of the Guarantee of Loans (Public Corporations and Companies) Act, Chapter 77:01, the Government may in such manner and on such terms and subject to such conditions as may be agreed between it and a lending agency – (a) Guarantee the discharge by a Corporation of its obligations under any agreement which may be entered into by the Corporation with a lending agency in respect of any borrowing by that Corporation that is authorised by the Government; (b) Assume such other obligation as may be agreed between the Government and a lending agency in relation to or pursuant to any such agreement; (c) Undertake the repayment to a lending agency of such sums as the lending agency may have advanced to or for the benefit of the Government; AND WHEREAS it is provided under Section 2(2) of the aforesaid Act that, for the purposes of the Act, a borrowing by a Corporation shall be deemed to include the obligation of the Corporation to make payments to any person arising out of any contract lawfully entered into by the Corporation; /…35 35.
AND WHEREAS it is provided under Section 4(1) of the aforesaid Act that the aggregate amount of the liability of the Government in respect of guarantees given under Section 3 of the Act shall not at any time exceed the sum of one thousand million dollars or such greater sum as may from time to time be specified by the Resolution of the National Assembly; AND WHEREAS it has become necessary to specify in accordance with the said Section 4(1) a greater sum for the purpose of enabling the aggregate amount of the liability of the Government in respect of guarantees to be increased due to the extended activities of those incorporated bodies to which the Act applies in accordance with the country’s development progoramme, BE IT RESOLVED: That this National Assembly approve that the aggregate amount of the liability of the Government under Section 4(1) of the Guarantee of Loans (Public Corporations and Companies) Act, in respect of guarantees given under Section 3 of the Act, shall not at any time exceed the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand million dollars.
(Notice Paper No.

195 (M 75 Govt.

25) published on 2013-06-13) The following Members spoke to the motion: The Minister of Housing and Water The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER NO.

10(1) At 9.59 p.m., on a motion by the Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Standing Order No.

10(1) was suspended to enable the Assembly to continue with its business uninterrupted.

/…36 36.
/…36 36.

The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs continued and concluded his speech.

The following Members also spoke to the motion: Mr. Manzoor Nadir Ms Gail Teixeira The Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Thereafter the Minister of Finance replied.
The motion was put and negatived on the following division: AGAINST Mr. T. Williams Ms Marcello Dr. Ramayya Mrs. Garrido-Lowe Mrs. Hughes Mr. Nagamootoo Mr. Ramjattan Ms Ferguson Mr. Morian Ms Williams Mr. Jones Mr. Adams Ms Baveghems Mr. Sharma Mr. Bulkan Mr.

Bond FOR Mr. Jafarally Mr. Damon Dr. Persaud Rev.


Gilbert Dr. Mahadeo Mr. Seeraj Mr. Neendkumar Mr. Lumumba Mr. Chand Ms Shaddick Mrs. Chandarpal Mr. Nadir Ms Teixeira Bishop Edghill Mr. Whittaker Mr. Baksh /…37 Ms Kissoon Mr. Trotman Ms Selman Mr. Allicock Ms Wade Mr. Felix Ms Hastings Mr. Scott Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Harmon Mr. Greenidge Dr. Norton Mrs. Lawrence Mr. B. Williams Ms Ally Dr. Roopnarine Brig.

(Ret’d) Granger __________________ 32 __________________ 37.
Mrs. Campbell-Sukhai Ms Webster Mr. G. Persaud Ms Manickchand Mr. Benn Dr. Anthony Mr. Ali Dr. Ramsarran Dr. Westford Mr. R. Persaud Dr. Singh Mr. Nandlall Dr. Ramsammy Mr. Rohee Mr. Hinds __________________ 31 __________________ ADJOURNMENT At 10.40 p.m., the Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs moved that the Assembly be adjourned to 2.00 p.m., on Thursday, 25th July, 2013.
Thereafter a motion by Ms Amna Ally, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip, and seconded by Mrs. Volda Lawrence, M.P., to adjourn the Assembly to 2.00 p.m., on Friday, 19th July, 2013, was put and negatived on the following division: /…38 38.

FOR DECLINED TO VOTE Ms Ferguson Mr. T. Williams Mr. Morian Ms Marcello Ms Williams Dr. Ramayya Mr. Jones Mr. Adams Mrs. Garrido-Lowe Mrs. Hughes Ms Baveghems Mr. Nagamootoo Mr. Ramjattan Mr. Sharma Mr. Bulkan Mr.
Bond Ms Kissoon Mr. Trotman Ms Selman Mr. Allicock Ms Wade Mr. Felix Ms Hastings Mr. Scott Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Harmon Dr. Norton Mrs. Lawrence Mr. B. Williams Ms Ally Dr. Roopnarine Brig.

(Ret’d) Granger AGAINST Mr. Jafarally Mr. Damon Dr. Persaud Rev.
Gilbert Dr. Mahadeo Mr. Seeraj Mr. Neendkumar Mr. Lumumba Mr. Chand Ms Shaddick Mrs. Chandarpal Mr. Nadir Ms Teixeira Bishop Edghill Mr. Whittaker Mr. Baksh Mrs. Campbell-Sukhai Ms Webster Mr. G. Persaud Ms Manickchand Mr. Benn Dr. Anthony Mr. Ali Dr. Ramsarran Dr. Westford /…39 39.
________________ 24 ________________ ____________ 7 ____________ Mr. R. Persaud Dr. Singh Mr. Nandlall Dr. Ramsammy Mr. Rohee Mr. Hinds _______________ 31 _______________ The Assembly was adjourned to 2.00 p.m., on Thursday, 25th July, 2013.

…………………………………………………….. HON.

RAPHAEL G.C.

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

18th July, 2013.