In a sitting that had a little bit of everything thrown into it – including an Opposition walkout – the National Assembly last night passed the Supreme Court of Judicature (Appeal) (Amendment) Bill 2013 as both sides came together to unanimously support this legislation which aims to correct a deficiency in Guyana’s laws where persons are unable to appeal their cases because of an archaic English law.
This Bill, piloted by Attorney General Anil Nandlall, seeks to amend the Court of Appeal Act to provide for an appeal from the Full Court or a judge of the High Court from any Order made in a criminal cause or matter. It deletes paragraph (a) from Section 6 (5) of the Act which prohibits the appeals and inserts a new subsection (5A) making a clear statement to the effect that an appeal shall lie under section 6 from any Order made by the Full Court or a judge of the High Court in any criminal cause or matter at the commencement.
The House also passed legislation delaying Local Government Elections for the better part of this year as both sides continue to blame each other for the delays in the completion of the work of the task force. Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Ganga Persaud also defended the installation of Interim Management Committees for Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and gave the assurance that the Government was ready and willing to have Local Government Elections.
opposition benches
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee continued to address the National Assembly yesterday on his security sector strategy after the opposition walked out when he began to make his statement. Following the passage of a motion of no-confidence against him the opposition is refusing to recognize him in Parliament. In this photograph Rohee makes a point.
And in addition to this, a Motion on violent crime by Leader of the Opposition David Granger was put off at his request. He however wants the Speaker of the National Assembly to restore the original period of investigation for the Motion – between 2000 and 2010. Speaker Raphael Trotman said that it is very likely that he would accede to Granger’s request and the Motion will be debated at a later date.
During last night’s sitting too, two Motions seeking the House’s leave to table two pieces of legislation in the name of APNU Member of Parliament Carl Greenidge were carried amid much controversy and heated debate. As a result, Greenidge was able to lay the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2013 – which seeks to remove a number of agencies from being budget agencies so that they could draw directly from the Consolidated Fund – and the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Bill 2013. The latter Bill seeks to make it possible to have the Minister of Finance prosecuted for financial impropriety as it has to do with breaches of the law.
In one of the highlights of the day, embattled Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee was allowed to speak in the House as he gave a ‘Statement by Minister’ addressing his new security strategy. How-ever, the Opposition would have none of it and promptly walked out of the Chamber.
“On arrival here it was indicated to me that Mr. Rohee wanted to speak on the present situation. I had spoken to members of the House on both sides and after careful consideration and given all that is happening I wish to invite Rohee to address the House,” said Trotman. At this point the House went into an uproar as both sides made noise for differing reasons. The Government was cheering on Rohee and the Opposition making uncomplimentary sounds in protest.
Rising on a point of order, Granger said that there are three armed robberies in the country on a daily basis under the stewardship of Rohee. “Mr. Speaker this National Assembly over the last six months wrestled with this issue. The National Assembly has resolved, the Speaker himself has determined, the courts have determined…if we don’t stand up for something then we will fall for anything Mr. Speaker,” he said.
“We are all aware of the security situation of this country and we ask you today Mr. Speaker to stand by your own ruling,” said Granger. The Speaker reminded that in his ruling he said he wanted to get the views, legal advice and counsel on the powers of the Assembly in light of the court decision regarding whether the Minister was free to speak in the House.
“I believe that if the person who is a member [of the National Assembly] wishes to speak on the state of crime I would be allowing him this afternoon,” Trotman said.
The Opposition then broke out in chanting “Rohee can’t speak! Rohee can’t speak!” before walking out. Rohee then began to speak about the strategic plans for the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Prison Service. Upon completion of his speech members of the Opposition returned to their seats.
The next sitting of the National Assembly will be on February 14, 2013. The Speaker expressed disappointment that the whips from both sides could not find common ground on the next sitting, with the Government earlier stating that they wanted to have the next sitting on February 21.
