Forward Guyana submits motion on need for more frequent sittings of the National Assembly

The Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) has submitted two motions to the National Assembly calling for more regular sittings of the House. The FGM is also pushing for the establishment of the Disciplined Forces Commission, in light of the “deterioration” of the public’s trust in the Guyana Police Force.

Through its lone Member in the National Assembly, Amanza Walton, the motions were submitted during Wednesday’s sitting of the National Assembly.

The first motion seeks to amend the Standing Orders of the National Assembly to mandate regular sittings. The Opposition wants the National Assembly to meet at least once every 14 days while the Parliament is in session.

“I think it is an embarrassment that for a country that refers to ourselves as a democracy that a motion like this has to be brought. And this is an opposition motion, it was moved by yours truly, seconded by the Chief Whip because across the parliamentary opposition, we understand the importance of Parliament,” MP Walton said.

MP Walton explained that the absence of regular sittings delays scrutiny of Government decisions, public expenditure and the urgent matters affecting communities across the country.

With regular sittings of the National Assembly, the Opposition will get a chance to conduct its business in the House on days set aside for Private Members. But as of now, the sittings are months apart.

MP Walton sees it as a strategic move by the Government to silence the Opposition, and delay its work in the Parliament.

“The Government has been very strategic in quieting the voice of the elected representatives by infrequent sittings of Parliament. What do I mean by that? Every fourth sitting of the National Assembly is Private Members’ Day, that means that is the opportunity for the Members of the Opposition to bring bills, to bring motions, even petitions from the members of the public – that is what it was intended to do. So, they have done it where, they do not ever get to the Fourth Sitting, and so, we never get the opportunity to bring, present motions,” the FGM MP explained.

MP Walton said Parliament does not exist at the convenience of the Government, and it therefore should not be summons only when the Administration needs approval for expenditure or the passage of a legislation.

The other motion is intended to address the deteriorating state of the Guyana Police Force through the establishment of the Disciplined Services Commission amid a sharp decline in the public’s trust in the institution.

The motion calls on the National Assembly to set up a Special Select Committee to hammer out the Terms of Reference for a Disciplined Services Commission, which is provided for under the Constitution.

The Commission, MP Walton said, is warranted at a time when the Police Force is in a deteriorating state.

“Now, you know that we are in a terrible state when the people of Guyana are more afraid of the police than they are of the criminals. You know that we are in a terrible state when the police would put out a press release and the first reaction of the members of the public is like nah we don’t believe that – that is where we are. And so, we have to be mindful that we cannot allow this to continue,” the FGM MP said.

A similar commission, she said, was established in 2003 during the crime wave.

“And they had done this already in 2003. Most of us who lived through those days, those very dark days, we had a Disciplined Forces Commission in 2003, they laid a report in Parliament when it was apparent that the Police Force was completely out of control. It is apparent now that the Police Force is completely out of control – a young man dies in the lockup, a senior cop accused of rape and nobody can discipline him, the Leader of the Opposition being shot at. Something is wrong and a responsible Parliament cannot sit down, and a responsible opposition can’t sit down and allow it,” MP Walton said.

Additionally, the Opposition MP said the safety and security of the country are critical to investors’ confidence and overseas based Guyanese seeking to return home, warning that the issues confronting the Force cannot be simply brushed aside.

The motion is being supported by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul, MP.

MP Walton is “cautiously optimistic” that the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir will allow the motions.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login