Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694834102864.pdf (Guyana)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE 98th SITTING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FIRST SESSION (2015-2018) OF THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA HELD AT 2.00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, 31ST OCTOBER, 2018, IN THE PARLIAMENT CHAMBER, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, BRICKDAM, GEORGETOWN.

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

Moses V. Nagamootoo, J.P., M.P., First Vice-President and Prime Minister Other Vice-Presidents (3) + Hon.

Carl B. Greenidge, M.P., Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs +Hon.

Khemraj Ramjattan, M.P., Vice-President and Minister of Public Security +*Hon.
Sydney Allicock, M.S., M.P., Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs (1) + Hon.

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

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

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

+ Hon.
+ Hon.

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

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

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

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

Raphael G.C.

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

Volda A. Lawrence, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister of Public Health + Hon.
David A. Patterson, M.P., Minister of Public Infrastructure + Hon.

Catherine A. Hughes, M.P.

(Region No.

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

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

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

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

Dawn Hastings-Williams, M.P.

(Region No.

7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Minister of Public Affairs +Hon.
Dr. Nicolette O. Henry, M.P., Minister of Education Ministers (7) *Hon.

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

Annette N. Ferguson, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Hon.

Valerie Garrido-Lowe, M.P., Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Hon.

Jaipaul Sharma, M.P.

(Region No.

4 – Demerara/Mahaica), Minister within the Ministry of Finance + Cabinet Member *Non-Elected Member /…3 Hon.

Dr. Karen Cummings, M.P.

(Region No.


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

Hon.

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

Valarie Patterson-Yearwood, M.P.

(Region No.

10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), Minister within the Ministry of Communities Other Members (9) Ms. Jennifer J.

Wade, M.P.

(Region No.

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

(Region No.

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

(Region No.
(Region No.

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

(Region No.

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

Mr. Jermaine Figueira, M.P.

(Region No.

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

(Region No.

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

(Region No.

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


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

(Absent – on leave) Ms. Gail Teixeira, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip Mr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, M.P.

(Region No.

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

(Region No.

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

(Region No.

5 – Mahaica/Berbice) /…4 4.

Dr. Frank C.S.


Anthony, M.P.

Ms. Pauline Campbell-Sukhai, M.P.

Mr. Odinga Lumumba, M.P.

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

Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, M.P.

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

Ms. Indranie Chandarpal, M.P.

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

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

(Region No.

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

(Region No.

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

(Absent – on leave) Dr. Jennifer Westford, M.P.


(Region No.

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

Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P.

(Region No.

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

Ms. Yvonne Pearson- Fredericks, M.P.

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

(Region No.

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

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

Mahadeo, M.P.

(Region No.

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

(Region No.
(Region No.

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

(Region No.

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

/…5 5.

Mr. Adrian V. Anamayah, M.P.

Mr. Harry Gill, M.P.

Ms. Bhagmattie Veerasammy, M.P.

Mr. Vickram O. Bharrat, M.P.

Officers (2) Mr. Sherlock E. Isaacs, A.A., Clerk of the National Assembly Ms. Hermina Gilgeours, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly COMMENCEMENT OF SITTING The Sitting commenced at 2.45 p.m. PRAYERS The Clerk read Prayers.
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER The Speaker made the following announcements: (1) Leave: Honourable Members, leave has been granted to following Honourable Members: Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, and Mr. Clement Rohee for today’s Sitting.

PRESENTATION OF PAPERS AND REPORTS- By the Minister of Social Protection: Annual Reports of the Ministry of Social Protection for the years 2015 and 2016.

(Circulated) /…6 (2) By the Minister of Communities: 6.
Audited Financial Statement of the Guyana Water Incorporated for the year ended 31st December, 2016.

(Circulated) (3) By the Minister of Finance: (i) Loan Agreement No.

20/SFR-GUY dated September 4, 2018 between the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana for an amount of US$1,265,000.00 to finance the Water Sector Enhancement Project.
Under this Agreement, the CDB will finance the services of consultant(s) to: (a) prepare detailed designs, drawings, cost estimates and bid documents for the construction of water treatment plants and the upgrade of water supply infrastructure; (b) conduct a study to determine the feasibility of utilising water from the Hope Canal as a domestic supply; (c) prepare a National Water Policy and associated Strategic Plans; and (d) develop recommendations for institutional strengthening and capacity building for Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) and Ministry of Communities (MOC).
(Circulated) (ii) Loan Agreement No.
21/SFR-GUY dated September 18, 2018 between the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana for an amount of US$4,367,000.00 to finance the Transport Sector Enhancement Project.Under this Agreement, the CDB will finance the services of consultant(s) to conduct feasibility studies and prepare detailed designs, drawings, cost estimates and bid documents for the: (a) construction of a new bridge at Wismar; (b) construction of a new Stelling at Parika; and (c) upgrade of the Lethem Aerodrome.
(Circulated) /…7 7.

REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES By the Speaker of the National Assembly (Chairman of the Committee of Selection): Minutes of Proceedings of the 10th Meeting of the Committee of Selection held on Thursday, 18th October, 2018.
(Circulated) ORAL QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE- (1) Guyana Government Assistance to Guyanese Victims affected by recent floods in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Ms. Gail Teixeira, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip asked the Vice-President and Acting Prime Minister the following questions: Since the recent floods in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, has received many calls from the Guyanese in Trinidad saying that they have been unable to obtain any advice or assistance from the Guyana Consulate there, can the Hon.
Vice- President and Minister inform this House as to what, if any measures, have been put in place by his Ministry: • To assist these affected Guyanese in the flood area of Trinidad, and • To render any assistance to sister country Trinidad and Tobago recovering from the recent floods.

Thereafter, the Vice-President and Acting Prime Minister replied.

Ms Gail Teixeira asked Vice-President and Acting Prime Minister supplementary questions.

Thereafter, the Vice-President and Acting Prime Minister replied.
/…8 QUESTIONS ON NOTICE- For Oral Replies 8.

1.

*AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO HDM LABS INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF PHARMACEUTICALS TO THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH Dr. Frank Anthony, M.P., asked the Minister of Public Health the following questions: *Could the Hon.
Minister of Public Health provide this National Assembly with the following information regarding the award of a contract to HDM Labs Inc. for the award of pharmaceuticals to the Ministry of Public Health: (i) How many companies were invited to tender for this contract to supply pharmaceuticals for the Ministry?

(ii) What were the criteria used for the selection of this company for a restricted bidding process?
(iii) On what basis were suppliers of pharmaceuticals to the Ministry such as, Ansa McCal, International Pharmaceuticals Agency and International Healthcare disqualified?

(iv) Why was a company that usually supplies laboratory equipment listed in the restrictive tender to supply pharmaceuticals?

(v) What were the items procured under the contract with HDM Labs Inc., the quantity for each item and the unit cost for each item?

(vi) Has HDM Labs Inc. provided all the procured items?

If so, when?
If so, when?

(vii) Does HDM Labs Inc. have the Manufacturer’s Authorization in the territory of Guyana for the items listed in the contract?

Have these authorizations been produced for verification?

(viii) Does HDM Labs Inc., have their Goods certified by WHO, or the US Food and Drug Administration, and the Guyana Food and Drug Administration?

(ix) Can the Minister of Public Health inform the National Assembly on the experience and technical capacity of the HDM Labs Inc.?

/…9 9.
/…9 9.

(x) Is the Minister satisfied that the Ministry of Public Health has received value for money expended on this contract?

(Notice Paper No.

155 (Q 39 Opp38) published on 2018-07-25) Thereafter, the Minister of Public Health replied.

Dr. Frank Anthony, M.P., asked the Minister of Public Health supplementary questions.

Thereafter, the Minister of Public Health replied.

Ms Gail Teixeira asked the Minister of Public Health a supplementary question.

Thereafter, the Minister of Public Health replied.


2.
2.

*FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER’S EXPENDITURE ON OTHER SERVICES Mr. Odinga Lumumba, M.P., asked the Acting President the following questions: *Could the Honourable First Vice-President and Prime Minister inform this National Assembly with regards to how much of the $109.2M allocated in sub-head 6284 – Other in Agency Code 02-Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Programme 021 in the 2018 Budget has been spent and what has it been spent on as of August 30, 2018?

(Notice Paper No.
(Notice Paper No.

163 (Q 44 Opp43) published on 2018-10-03) Thereafter, the Acting President replied.

Ms. Gail Teixeira, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip asked the Acting President supplementary questions.

/…10 10.

Thereafter, the Acting President replied.

Mr. Mohabir Nandlall, M.P., asked the Acting President a supplementary question.

Thereafter, the Acting President replied.

3.


*COST OF MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR MEMBERS OF THE CABINET, ADVISORS AND FAMILY MEMBERS Bishop Juan Edghill, M.P., asked the Minister of Public Health the following questions: *Could the Honourable Minister inform this National Assembly as to the total cost of the medical and dental bills paid for by the Government on behalf of Members of the Cabinet, Advisors, and family members for the period June, 2015 to June, 2018?

(Notice Paper No.
(Notice Paper No.

164 (Q 45 Opp44) published on 2018-10-11) Thereafter, the Minister of Public Health replied.

Bishop Juan Edghill, M.P., asked the Minister of Public Health supplementary questions.

Thereafter, the Minister of Public Health replied.

4.
4.

*ALLOCATION OF CONTRACTS UNDER THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE – WEEDING, CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE OF THE WEST COAST AND CORENTYNE BERBICE PUBLIC ROAD SHOULDERS, REGIONS 5 AND 6 Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P., asked the Minister of Public Infrastructure the following questions: /…11 11.

*Could the Honourable Minister inform this National Assembly as to the reasons for not going to public tender for the abovenamed project in May, 2018?
Could the Minister explain how were the 15 contractors selected to bid for the abovementioned project, Lots 19-26, by way of letter dated May 11, 2018 from the Ministry’s Special Projects Unit?

Could the Minister state how were these contracts awarded totalling $120 Million to a number of these contractors without following the procurement laws and Ministry’s limits?

(Notice Paper No.

165 (Q 46 Opp45) published on 2018-10-03) Thereafter, the Minister of Public Infrastructure replied.
Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P., asked the Minister of Public Infrastructure supplementary questions.

Thereafter, the Minister of Public Infrastructure replied.

Ms. Gail Teixeira, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip asked the Minister of Public Infrastructure a supplementary question.

Thereafter, the Minister of Public Infrastructure replied.

Mr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, M.P., asked the Minister of Public Infrastructure supplementary questions.

Thereafter, the Minister of Public Infrastructure replied.

/…12 12.

5.
*EXPENDITURE OF $2.247 BILLION GUYANA DOLLARS ($10.7 MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS) ALLOCATED TO THE AMERINDIAN LAND TITLING PROJECT Due to the absence of the Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the following question was deferred: *Could the Honourable Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs inform this National Assembly as to how the $2.247 BGD ($10.7MUSD) allocated to the Amerindian Land Titling Project under the PPP/C Low Carbon Development Strategy was expended?
How much of this was spent on demarcations and how much was spent on employment and administrative costs?

(Notice Paper No.

166 (Q 47 Opp46) published on 2018-10-03) For Written Replies 6.

STATUS OF THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH’S CHILD MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY COMMITTEE Dr. Vindhya Persaud, M.S., M.P., asked the Minister of Public Health the following questions: Could the Hon.
Minister provide the National Assembly with the following information with respect to the status of the Child Morbidity and Mortality Committee:- (a) The date the Members of the said Committee were appointed?

(b) The terms of reference of the Committee?

(c) How many times has this Committee met in the last 2 years?
(d) Are the Regional Health Officers and the Director of Medical Services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation required to report child morbidity and mortality data on a quarterly basis to the Committee?

If not, how is this information shared with/provided to the Committee?

/…13 13.

(e) How does the Committee track child morbidity and mortality cases?
(f) Does it make scheduled visits to the health facilities in the regions to inspect and investigate any changes in the child morbidity and mortality patterns?

(g) Does the Ministry provide adequate resources to the Committee for it to carry out its terms of reference?

(h) Does the Committee prepare and submit quarterly or half yearly reports to the Chief Medical Officer on the status of Child morbidity and mortality in the country?
(i) Has the Committee made any recommendations and, if so, has any been implemented?

(j) What would you say are the most urgent recommendations the Committee has made to the Ministry?

(Notice Paper No.

156 (Q 40 Opp39) published on 2018-07-25) ANSWERS: (a) “The Committee was appointed on the 1st June 2014 and reappointed on the 1st September, 2016, for the period of 2 years.

The current Committee’s life is until the end of August 2018.
Members are Dr. P. Mottoo, Dr. R. Jaboor, Dr. C. Bowman, Nurse Barker, Nurse L. Johnson, Dr. E. Hamilton, Dr. O. Scott together with the Secretary.

(b) Please see Appendix I.

(c) The Committee meets once every Quarter from 2014-2016 and has met twice in 2017.

(d) Not to the Committee.

The regulations require that all neonatals, under five, and maternal deaths be reported to the CMO who would share this with the various committees for review.

(e) The CMO provides the information to the Committees.
/…14 14.

(f) The MOPH (MCH Department, Regional Health Services and the CMO) will oversee the implementations and recommendations.

Depending on the resources and availability, members of the Committee would accompany the MOPH team.

(g) The Committee does not have a dedicated budget but resourced through the CMO’s office and the MCH Department.

(h) The Committee produces a report on each case investigated and submits this CMO who would then share with the respected institution.
(i) Yes, the recommendation for improvement in infection control was implemented; ALARM and IMCI training have commenced.

(j) The committee recommended more trained staff at the time of labour and delivery, and for the completion of the ALARM course by all Public Health Care medical doctors and nurses.” 7.
PREVENTING INFECTION LEVELS IN THE NEO-NATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, GEORGETOWN PUBLIC HOSPITAL CORPORATION Dr. Vindhya Persaud, M.S., M.P., asked the Minister of Public Health the following questions: With respect to the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, during the period June 2017 to June 2018, could the Minister state:- (a) How often is scheduled testing for sterility in the NNICU done?

(b) Were there sufficient culture bottles to identify infectious organisms?
/…15 15.

(c) Were any multi-drug resistant organisms identified in the cases of sepsis and, if yes, which organisms were identified?

(d) Was medication to combat the identified multi-drug resistant organisms and other organisms readily available?

How many occasions were the medication not readily available?

(e) Was any cause of death due to iatrogenic infection?
(f) What organism was identified where the cause of death was due to iatrogenic infection and what methods were used to address the sterility of the unit in instances where multi- drug resistant organisms were identified?

(g) In instances where contamination of the NNICU was detected, were the neonates moved to another sterilized area to allow for a complete disinfection and sterilization of the unit including all equipment?
(h) In instances where the cause of death was due to iatrogenic infection and where contamination of the NNICU was detected, was any special investigation and or procedure were followed to ensure sterility of the facility and equipment before re-use?

(i) What was the ratio of trained nurses to babies in the unit during the period June 2017 to June 2018?
(j) How many specially-trained neonatal nurses are working in the Ministry of Public Health and how many of these specially-trained nurses are working in the NNICU to deal with critically ill babies?

(Notice Paper No.

157 (Q 41 Opp40) published on 2018-07-25) ANSWERS: a) “There is no Guideline at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) which stipulates that environmental sterility checks must be performed routinely.
Sterility checks are preformed when nosocomial organism are identified so the source(s) of transmission can be addressed.

/…16 16. b) For the period June to December 2017 blood bottles were available 100% of the time; however, from January to June 2018, blood bottles were available 39.2% of the time.
c) Yes, Klebsiella pneumoniae (muli-drug resistant) was isolated (19 isolates out of a total of 578 blood cultures) for the period June 2017 – June 2018. d) The medications listed below are/were used to treat nosocomial infections, however, in periods when these were not available other medications were used to ensure good patient outcomes.
Medications Stockout Periods Stockout Periods Amikacin Imipenem 2017 2018 September 18 - October 23 - August 28 - October 5 - Azithromycin June to December January 1 – January 31 (e) It is difficult to determine the time of infection of a baby since infections in new born occurs prenatally, perinatally or postnatally.

It is therefore challenging for doctors to diagnose an infection that a baby had because of the care that they received in hospital.
(f) (a) The cause of death due to Iatrogenic infections could not be determined.

(b) Sterility checks were conducted on equipment and surfaces when Nosocomial organisms were identified through patient cultures.

Additionally, thorough cleaning with soap and water and disinfection with 1:10 hypochlorite (bleach) solutions as well as 70% alcohol was used to deter nosocomial organisms.

Slides were set strategically in the NICU, tested at the GPHC laboratory and results obtained were analysed.
Based on findings, appropriate actions were taken to sanitise the NICU.

Cleaning was done in accordance with the GPHC Infections Control Manual and Centre of Disease Control (CDC) Guideline for Environmental Infection Control for Health Care Facility.

/…17 17.

(g) When nosocomial organisms were/are detected in the NICU, the neonates were/are relocated to another area, used by the hospital in cases of an emergency.
The area is located on the third floor of the Old Maternity Building encompassing four rooms of which two rooms are equipped to provide ventilatory support.

(h) (a) Again, Iatrogenic infections could not be determined; (b) However, when nosocomial organisms are/were detected, cleaning of the NICU and equipment is/was performed after the NICU was cleared of all patients.

On completion sterility checks are/were carried out to confirm the cleanliness of the area.
(i) The nurse to patient ratio in the NICU is 1:4.

(j) There are sixty-nine (69) specially trained nurses working within the Ministry of Health.

At the GPHC, there are twenty-one (21) trained NICU nurses working in the unit, at present.” 8.

EXAMINING THE STATUS OF THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS COUNTRYWIDE Dr. Vindhya Persaud, M.S., M.P., asked the Minister of Public Health the following questions: Could the Hon.
Minister provide the National Assembly with the following information:- (a) A list of government-run Neonatal Intensive Care Units countrywide?

(b) The number of admissions from each government-run Neonatal Intensive Care for each month during the period June 2017 to June 2018?

(c) The number of deaths and the causes of death at each government-run Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for each month during the period June 2017 to June 2018?
(d) The number of neonates referred to the NNICU at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation during the period June 2017 to 2018?

/…18 18.

(e) Did the number of neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit NNICU at Georgetown Public Hospital exceed the capacity of 18 during this period?
(f) With respect to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation could the Minister state/provide: (i) How many incubators and ventilators were available and working between January 2018 to June 2018?

(ii) How many incubators and ventilators have been added since May 11, 2015?

(iii)How many incubators and ventilators are operational as of July 1, 2018?

(g) How many qualified technicians are available to repair these incubators and ventilators?
(h) The average length of downtime of incubators and ventilators for each month for the period June 2017 to June 2018?

(i) How many incubators and ventilators are not functioning as of June 2018 in all the government-run NNICUs?

(j) What measures has the Minister put in place to ensure that all government-run NNICUs are properly equipped and functioning?

(Notice Paper No.

158 (Q 42 Opp41) published on 2018-07-25) ANSWERS: (a) “1.

Government Public Hospital Corporation 2.

New Amsterdam Hospital 3.


Linden Hospital Complex 4.

Suddie Public Hospital 5.

Bartica Hospital 6. west Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) (b) Please See Appendix II for Answers to questions (b) to (j).” /…19 9.

GUYSUCO $30 BILLION BOND 19.

Mr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, M.P., asked the Minister of Finance the following questions: Following the announcement of a $30 Billion loan for GUYSUCO and the lack of details of expenditure in the loan placement memorandum, could the Hon.
Minister of Finance inform this National Assembly as to: (i) What are the plans for the use of this loan?

(ii) Was a feasibility study done to determine the use of the loan?

(iii) Will the plan and feasibility study be made public?

(iv) If there is no plan why has $30 Billion been approved?
(v) GAWU was informed in discussions with the SPU/Government that the loan will be spent on the three (3) remaining Estates with the setting up of co-generation plants at Uitvlugt and Albion Estates and a White Sugar Plant.

Have any feasibility studies and designs been done for these proposed projects?

(vi) Will any part of these monies be used to pay pension liabilities to the sugar workers?
(vii) Will any part of these monies be used to pay outstanding severance payments to thousands of dismissed sugar workers?

(Notice Paper No.

162 (Q 43 Opp42) published on 2018-10-03) ANSWERS: (i) “The funds were secured to recapitalize Guysuco.
It was agreed and determined between Nicil and the Trustee that the net proceeds from the issue of the Bonds would be applied exclusively towards financing Guysuco, in particular: to acquire two co-generation plants; to upgrade existing factories to produce plantation white sugar; to build storage and packing facilities; and to contribute to two years of general operational costs, excluding the repayment of financing cost and other debt servicing commitments to financial institutions.

/…20 20.
/…20 20.

(ii) Guysuco was asked to present a plan that would make the entity viable.

Guysuco presented a plan to the government for consideration.

Underpinned by a 10 yr. supporting cash flow projection, the plan, for the most part, spoke to upgrading 2 plants Albion and Uitvlugt to produce plantation white sugar and generate electricity using co-generation.

For both of these interventions, feasibility studies were done.
(iii) The plan and feasibility studies can be made available at the behest of the Ministry of Agriculture and Guysuco’s Board of Directors.

(iv) There is a plan.

(v) Feasibility studies have been done for both co-generation and plantation white sugar plats.

Both studies reflect positive outcome based on current production inputs.

The outcomes would improve as general efficiencies improve.

Designs are available.


However, it should be noted that b there are limited providers of the mentioned plants; hence, the providers will provide the final designs when request for proposals are issued.

(vi) No funds from the bond would or could be used to pay pension liabilities.

It should be noted that Guysuco would have inflows from their operations; these can used to finance this obligation.

(vii) No funds from the bond would or could be used to meet severance payments.
Such payments would be met any way of a transfer from the central government to Guysuco.

The balance of the severance payment is included in a Supplementary Provision to be debated in the National Assembly.” 10.

AMERINDIAN LAND TITLING Member Asking: Mrs. Pauline Campbell-Sukhai, M.P.
Minister Answering: Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Following public statements made before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources by the Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs that no new land titles or extensions under the Amerindian Land Titling and Demarcation Project had been issued 21. since 2015, could the Vice-President and Minister inform this National Assembly as to the following: (i) How many communities that applied for titles and or extensions have been demarcated in this period?
(ii) How many are still waiting to be demarcated in this period?

(iii)Has the Minister been successful in obtaining an extension, and if so, for how long, to continue to access available funds under this Project?

(Notice Paper No.

167 (Q 48 Opp47) published on 2018-10-03) ANSWERS: (i) “ 1 x 2015 Demarcation was completed in 2016: Batavia.

• 3 x 2016 Demarcations were completed namely: Tuseneng , Chinoweing, and Paramakatoi.

• In addition, Four Miles is currently in process of demarcation.
• This is a total of 5 Demarcations being completed post – 2015.

(ii) 10 villages have not been demarcated; consent has not been provided in these villages.

• 32 villages have further applied for extensions to their original demarcation.

• Approximately 6 villages have applied for recognition as village entities and to be demarcated accordingly.

• In total 93 villages, including Four Miles, have been demarcated.
It is important to note, in respect of Demarcation that as land titling progresses, each will become more difficult and complex; this is especially given that mining concessions have been provided over time that infringe on Indigenous rights, title and interest.

Further, varied community goals, land grievances from other ethnic groups, and any new land policies from GLSC will impede on the demarcation process.

/…22 22.
/…22 22.

(iii) On October 5th UNDP sent an intermediate extension request for December 31st, 2018 to Mr. Bristol, Head, PMO Ministry of the Presidency to allow time for this consultation.

We are awaiting response.

• Stakeholders consultation started October 11th between MOIPA, UNDP, NTC and various Indigenous NGOs.

Further meetings have been discussed and planned in order to determine what will go into the request, and what each entity will do to help alleviate roadblocks.
The consultation will expand to all concerned government agencies: GLSC, GGMC, GFC, and Land Registry.

• The extension will be determined at the end of the stakeholders’ consultations, including the extension timeline.

• Stakeholder consultations are needed to reach consensus on the way forward.” 11.

MAHAICA/MAHAICONY/ABARY AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (MMA/ADA) – STATE OF ROADS Member Asking: Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, M.P.
Minister Answering: The Minister of Agriculture As a result of many complaints by rice farmers about the poor state of the Farm to Market Roads in this Scheme, could the Hon.

Minister of Agriculture inform this National Assembly as to: (a) How much subvention is the Government providing to the MMA for capital programmes in the Scheme?

(b) Since the increase in rentals and fees in the Scheme, how many farmers are in default as they cannot afford to pay?
(c) What forms of assistance is the Government providing for Farm and Market Access Roads in the Scheme and across the Rice Belt?

(Notice Paper No.
(Notice Paper No.

168 (Q 49 Opp48) published on 2018-10-04) /…23 ANSWERS: 23. a) “Over the past two years i.e 2016 and 2017 the government of Guyana through the ministry of Finance has provided the MMA/ ADA approximately three hundred and sixty-one million one hundred and sixty-eight thousand dollars for capital programmes such as Civil works, Agriculture Development and Environmental Monitoring.
This year 2018 the MMA/ADA received two hundred and twenty million to construct a new Slice at D’Edward Village WBB Surveys and Environmental Monitoring.

The Sluice will cost approximately five hundred million ($500M).

It is estimated that bat the end of 2018, MMA/ADA is projected to spend approximately three hundred and thirty-seven million (337M) on the Sluice.

b) It is important that prior to 2017, Land Rent and Drainage & Irrigation charges were not increased for over 12 years.
The Authority found itself in a position where the cost to maintain Drainage and Irrigation works overweight the Charges paid by farmers, as a consequence, in 2017 Land Rent and Drainage and Irrigation charges were increased.

Farmers were duly notified by way of the print media and demand notice were served on each farmer.

The MMA/ADA is making all efforts to collect current as well as arrear charges.

However, these efforts were stymied by the very author who is requesting answers to these questions.
As a matter of fact, he was a national television of Berbice encouraging farmers not to pay the increased charges.

It can be inferred that this Author is partly responsible for the high level of delinquent farmers.

Currently, out of 2346 Farmers more than 1342 farmers are delinquent with regards to payments of their charges.

Amount Outstanding by Farmers Amount Outstanding by $563,694,243 Farmers 2016 Amount Outstanding by $408,542,029 Farmers 2017 Total $972,236,272 No.

of Farmers 1632 1526 24.


It is therefore apparent that most of the arrears are due to land Rental and D&I charges in force prior to the increase in rates from January 1st, 2017. c) The MMA/ADA has 30 miles of All Weather Road and 760 miles of fair weather access that is under its responsibility for maintenance each crop.

As a consequence of the rainfall throughout the seeding and harvesting seasons, all the roads have deteriorated by farmer’s machinery while maintaining and harvesting their crops.
This resulted in making traversing difficult and in some cases impossible in most areas.

Repairs to dams during the rainy season is well-nigh impossible, this activity can only be effectively addressed during dry periods.

With the short window of fair weather during the autumn crop, the MMA/ADA has procured materials valued G$ 6.0 million (Crusher run, Loam and white sand) which is being used by the Authority for repairs to the critical sections of the All- Weather road.
Also, 80 miles of fair weather access were also repaired to enable farmers to the harvest their crops.

These accesses were prepared in the Cotton Tree, Bath, Bush Lot, Lovely Lass, Golden Grove, Brittania, Onverwagt, Tempie, Chester, Union, Np.40, etc.

At present the MMA/ADA is awaiting approval from NPTAB for its approval to procure Laterite, Loam and white sand to carry out repair works on the All-Weather Road, a value of the G$11.924 million.
(b)The government has been and continue to provide assistance to farmers in maintenance of farm and market access roads throughout the rice-growing areas.

The assistance has been given through the NDIA, the Water Users Associates, the EDCs and the NDCs.

See Appendix III for a breakdown of the assistance.” /…25 25.

SUSPENSION OF SITTING At 4.10 p.m. the Sitting was suspended for refreshments.

RESUMPTION OF SITTING At 5.30 p.m. the Sitting was resumed.
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS, INCLUDING POLICY STATEMENTS- PROPOSED INCREASES FOR THE BERBICE RIVER BRIDGE The Minister of Public Infrastructure made a statement with respect to the proposed increases for the Berbice River Bridge.
REQUESTS FOR LEAVE TO MOVE THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE ASSEMBLY ON DEFINITE MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE- Local Government Elections A request by Ms. Gail Teixeira, M.P., Opposition Chief Whip, to move the adjournment of the National Assembly on a definite matter of urgent public importance to wit the Local Government Elections was disallowed by the Speaker.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS- Presentation and First Reading THE NURSES AND MIDWIVES BILL 2018 – Bill No.
13/2018 The Minister of Public Health, on behalf of the Government, presented the following Bill, which was read the first time: A BILL intituled AN ACT to make provision for the registration and regulation of nurses, midwives, nursing assistants and specialist nurses, and for related matters.

/…26 26.

PUBLIC BUSINESS (i) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MOTIONS ITEM 1 - CONSIDERATION OF FINANCIAL PAPER NO.

3/2018 – CURRENT AND CAPITAL ESTIMATES Assembly resolved itself into Committee of Supply.
In Committee of Supply The Minister of Finance signified the recommendation or consent of the Cabinet and moved the following motion: BE IT RESOLVED: Financial Paper No.

3/2018 – Supplementary Estimates (Current and Capital) totaling $7,584,274,488 for the period 2018-01-01 to 2018-12-31.

(Notice Paper No.
(Notice Paper No.

171 (M 118 Govt 63) published on 2018-10-19) (Paper presented on 2018-10-18) CURRENT ESTIMATES 05-052 – MINISTRY OF THE PRESIDENCY-DEFENCE AND NATIONAL SECURITY 6294 - Other 05-053 – MINISTRY OF THE PRESIDENCY-PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENT 6294 – Other CAPTIAL ESTIMATES 05-053 – MINISTRY OF THE PRESIDENCY – PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENT 1214400 - Buildings The following line item was put and carried on the following division: /…27 27.
AGAINST FOR Mr. Bharrat Ms. Veerasammy Mr. Gill Mr. Anamayah Mr. Dharamlall Mr. Charlie Mr. Damon Dr. Mahadeo Mr. Chand Mr. Needkumar Mrs. Pearson- Fedricks Mr. G. Persaud Mr. Mustapha Ms. Selman Dr. Westford Mrs. G. Persaud Mr. Croal Mrs. Chandarpal Dr. V. Persaud Mr. Seeraj Bishop Edghil Mr. Lumumba Mrs. Campbell- Sukhai Dr. Anthony Ms. Manickchand Mr. Nandlall Mr. Ali Ms. Teixeria Mr. Jagdeo ___________ 29 ___________ Mr. Rutherford Mr. Rajkumar Mr. C. Persaud Mr. Figueria Mr. Carrington Mr. Allen Mr. Adams Ms. Bancroft Ms. Wade Ms. Patterson Dr. Henry Ms. Broomes Dr. Cummings Mr. Sharma Mrs. Garrido- Lowe Mrs. Ferguson Mrs. Hastings-Williams Mr. Holder Mr. Gaskin Mrs. Hughes Mr. Patterson Mrs. Lawrence Mr. Trotman Mr. Jordon Dr. Norton Mr. Bulkan Dr. Roopnarine Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Harmon Ms.
Ally Mr. Williams Mr. Ramjattan Mr. Greenidge Mr. Nagamootoo ________________ 33 ______________ /…28 28.
CURRENT ESTIMATES 21-211 – MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE 6321 - Subsidies and Contributions to Local Organisations The following line item was put and carried on the following division: FOR Mr. Bharrat Ms. Veerasammy Mr. Dharamlall Mr. Charlie Mr. Damon Dr. Mahadeo Mr. Needkumar Mrs. Pearson- Fedricks Mr. G. Persaud Mr. Mustapha Ms. Selman Dr. Westford Mrs. G. Persaud Mr. Croal Mrs. Chandarpal Dr. V. Persaud Mr. Seeraj Bishop Edghil Mr. Lumumba Mrs. Campbell- Sukhai Dr. Anthony Ms. Manickchand Mr. Nandlall Mr. Ali Ms. Teixeria Mr. Jagdeo Mr. Rutherford Mr. Rajkumar Mr. Gill Mr. Anamayah Mr.Figueria /…29 29.
Mr. Carrington Mr. Allen M Ms. Bancroft Mr. Adams Mr. Chand Ms. Wade Ms. Patterson Dr. Henry Ms. Broomes Dr. Cummings Mr. Sharma Mrs. Garrido- Lowe Mrs. Ferguson Mrs. Hastings-Williams Mr. Holder Mr. Gaskin Mrs. Hughes Mr. Patterson Mrs. Lawrence Mr. Trotman Mr. Jordon Dr. Norton Mr. Bulkan Dr. Roopnarine Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Harmon Ms.
Ally Mr. Williams Mr. C. Persaud Mr. Ramjattan Mr. Greenidge Mr. Nagamootoo ___________ 62 ___________ CAPITAL ESTIMATES 21-211 – Ministry of Agriculture – Ministry Administration 2100500 – East Demerara Water Conservancy /…30 CURRENT ESTIMATES 30.
73-731 – REGION #3 – REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE 6281 Security Service 73-734 – REGION #3 – EDUCATIONAL DELIVERY 6281 Security Subsidies 6242 Maintenance of Buildings 6255 Maintenance of Other Infrastructure 73-735 – REGION #3 – HEALTH SERVICES 6281 Security Services 6242 Maintenance of Buildings 74-741 – REGION #4 – REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE 6281 Security Services 74-742 – REGION #4 – AGRICULTURE 6281 Security Services 74-744 – REGION #4 – EDUCATION DELIVERY 6281 Security Services 6284 Other 74-745 – REGION #4 – HEALTH SERVICES 6281 Security Services 75-755 – REGION #5 – HEALTH SERVICES 6281 Security Services 76-761 – REGION #6 – REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE 6281 Security Services 76-762 – REGION #6 – AGRICULTURE 6281 Security Services 76-763 – REGION #6 – PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE 6281 Security Services 76-764 – REGION #6 – EDUCATION DELIVERY 6281 Security Services 76-765 – REGION #6 – HEALTH SERVICES 6281 Security Services /…31 31.
79-794 – REGION #9 – EDUCATION DELIVERY 6281 Security Services 79-795– REGION #9 – HEALTH SERVICES 6281 Security Services 80-801 – REGION #10 – REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE 6281 Security Services 80-802 – REGION #10 – PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE 6281 Security Services 80-803 – REGION #10 – EDUCATION DELIVERY 6281 Security Services 6284 Other Presiding by Mr. John Adams, M.P.
At 8:45 p.m., while the Minister of Communities was speaking the Speaker withdrew from the Chamber and Mr. John Adams, M.P., took the Chair.

Speaker’s Return to the Chamber At 8:47 p.m. the Speaker returned to the Chamber.
80-804 – REGION #10 – HEALTH SERVICES 6281 Security Services CAPITAL ESTIMATES 42-421 – MINISTRY OF COMMUNITIES – SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES MANAGEMENT 2511100 Local Government Commission 42-422 – MINISTRY OF COMMUNITIES – SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES MANAGEMENT 2802100 Hinterland Water Supply /…32 32.
77-774 – REGION #7: CUYUNI/ MAZARUNI – HEALTH SERVICES 2601800 Furniture and Equipment- Health 78-783 – REGION #8: POTARO/ SIPARUNI – EDUCATION DELIVERY 1204400 Buildings- Education 03-031 – MINISTRY OF FINANCE – POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION 3401000 Low Carbon Development Programme 4502400 Technical Assistance 25-252 – MINISTRY OF BUSINESS – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, SUPPORT AND PROMOTION 4503300 Industrial Development 26-261 – MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES – POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION 3402600 Forest Carbon Partnership Project 31-321 – MINISTRY OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE – POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION 1214800 Government Buildings 2606500 Electrification Programme 32-322 – MINISTRY OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE – PUBLIC WORKS 1403900 Dredging 1404300 Road Improvement and Rehabilitation Programme 1404500 Highway Improvement – East Coast Demerara 1404800 West Demerara Highway 1404900 Rehabilitation of Public and Main Access Roads 1405200 Hinterland Roads 1501400 Sea and River Defence Works 1902800 Equipment 2700500 Reconditing of Ferry Vessels 32-333 – MINISTRY OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE – TRANSPORT 1601300 CJIA Modernisation Project 40-403 – MINISTRY OF EDUCATION – NURSERY EDUCATION 2607300 Early Childhood Education Project /…33 33.
54-541 – MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY– POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION 1216500 Citizen Security Strengthening Programmes 54-545 – MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY– FIRE SERVICE 2406100 Land and Water Transport – Fire CURRENT ESTIMATES 55-551 – SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE 6323 Constitutional Agencies 59-591 – ETHNIC RELATIONS COMMISSION 6323 Constitutional Agencies Assembly resumed On a motion by the Minister of Finance, the Assembly adopted the following Resolution: RESOLVED, That this National Assembly doth agree with the Committee of Supply in the following Resolution: RESOLVED, Financial Paper No.
3/2018 – Supplementary Estimates (Current and Capital) totaling $7,584,274,488 for the period 2018-01-01 to 2018-12-31.

BILL – FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD READINGS ITEM 2 – SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (No.3) BILL 2018 – Bill No.

12/2018 published on 2018-10-11 With the Leave of the Speaker, and on a motion by the First Vice-President and Prime Minister, Standing Order Nos.

13(n) and 54 were suspended to enable the Supplementary Appropriation (No.
3) Bill 2018 to be introduced at this stage and to be further proceeded with at that Sitting.

/…34 34.
On motions by the Minister of Finance, the following Bill was introduced and was read the first, second and third times and passed as printed: A BILL intituled AN ACT to provide for the issue from the Consolidated Fund of the sums necessary to meet the expenditure (not otherwise lawfully charged on the Consolidated Fund) of Guyana for the fiscal year ending 31st December, 2018, estimates whereof have been approved by the National Assembly and for the appropriation of those sums for the specified purposes, in conformity with the Constitution.
DIWALI GREETINGS At 2.25 a.m. Dr. Vindhya Persaud, M.S., M.P., extended Diwali Greetings to all Members, Staff of the Parliament Office, Media and Citizens of Guyana.

The Speaker and Acting President joined Dr. Persaud in extending Diwali Greetings.

ADJOURNMENT At 2.30 a.m., on a motion by the Acting President, the Assembly was adjourned to Friday, 16th November, 2018.

………………………………………………………………….. HON.

DR. BARTON U.A.


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

31st October, 2018.