Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, today confirmed that the he is awaiting a Proclamation from the President for a date for the first Sitting of the National Assembly, which will see the Speaker of the House and Members of Parliament, taking their oath of office.
Four parties will be represented in the new Parliament, with the People’s Progressive Party sitting on the Government side with 36 seats, while the We Invest In Nationhood with 16 seats, A Partnership for National Unity with 12 seats and Forward Guyana Movement with 1 seat will be in the opposition.
The Clerk told reporters today that he has already received a letter from the Chief Elections Officer declaring the names of the persons who have been elected as Members of the National Assembly.
“I am now awaiting the proclamation from the President appointing a time, date and place for the first sitting of the National Assembly, when the members will take their oath and the Speaker will be elected.
As it relates to the payments of salaries and benefits to Members of Parliament, the Clerk noted that his office will also facilitate the payment of salaries and benefits in cash to persons who do not have a bank accounts. A number of members of the WIN party lost their bank accounts with at least three commercial banks.
The closure of the accounts of the members was linked to their ties to the party leader, Azruddin Mohamed, who remains sanctioned by the US Government. The Clerk of the Assembly said once declared to be members of the National Assembly, those persons will be paid their salaries and benefits.
“As long as the person or persons are declared to be Members of the National Assembly by the Elections Commission, I will pay him or her, we pay by bank and we pay by cash. Persons will be asked to submit his/her bank account to me, if I am told the person or persons don’t have bank account, I will then pay them in cash,” the Clerk said.
The Clerk said the budget for the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and all other items would be transferred to the new Opposition Leader when that new Opposition Leader is elected.
A new Opposition leader will be elected during a meeting of all the Opposition members of the National Assembly and that person will be entitled to the salary and benefits similar to those of a senior Minister in the Government. Additionally, the Office of the Leader of the Opposition will be fully funded and the salaries of its staff members will be paid through the Assembly.
Meanwhile, the Clerk also noted that as soon as the House reconvenes, a briefing session will be held with all members regarding Parliamentary conduct and other issues to ensure the smooth running of the Assembly.
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