Former Senior Guyanese Diplomat, Dr. Barton Scotland was on Wednesday elected the new Speaker of the National Assembly.

Dr. Scotland was nominated by the Government’s Chief Whip Amna Ally and that nomination was seconded by Minister of Tourism, Ms. Cathy Hughes.

After taking the oath of office, the new Speaker got down to the business of the Assembly. He announced immediately that the Deputy Speaker will be nominated by the opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic and in the absence of the opposition, the nomination and election of the Deputy Speaker has been put on hold.

He then oversaw the swearing in of the members of the 11th Parliament. Only the members of the government side were present.

The People’s Progressive Party is still to identity its members who will be taking up the 32 seats that it won at the May 11 elections.

The new Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland served Guyana for a number of years on the international scene as a senior Diplomat. He is also an Attorney who has focused on the area of investment law, negotiations, international law and national resources

Dr. Scotland is also the holder of a Masters of Laws degree and a gained his Doctorate in International Law. He has served as a foreign affairs expert and advisor to both the PNC and PPP governments.

He is the holder of the Cacique Crown of Honour, which is one of Guyana’s highest national awards.

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