The National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana and the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, in Canada, have signed an agreement to foster the development of inter-parliamentary co-operation.

The partnership agreement was signed between the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, Linda Reid during a simple ceremony at the Public Buildings on Tuesday in recognition of the historical friendship between Guyana and the Commonwealth Legislatures.

Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana and Suriname Pierre Giroux and Clerk of the National Sherlock Isaacs were among the officials present for the signing.

The agreement will now pave the way for improved understanding of the functions of both institutions, particularly in the fields of legislation, culture, economics, health, science and technology. But most importantly it will reinforce greater friendship, goodwill and mutual understanding of traditions, customs, procedures and practices of each House.

Noting that the agreement was reached with some degree of speed, Dr. Scotland said it was first discussed at the level of the Management Committee of Parliament before approval was sought from the National Assembly via a resolution.

Dr. Scotland said the agreement establishes a framework under which the parliamentary bodies can forge greater collaboration.

Reid, while alluding to the fact that Guyana and Canada have extensive economic and security relations, expressed the hope that the twinning arrangement can strengthen Guyana’s ties with the Province of British Columbia.

“There are long historical connections between Guyana and British Columbia. More than two centuries ago, Sir James Douglas was born in Demerara in 1803, and spent his early childhood here in Guyana. At the age of 16 he signed on with what was to become part of the Hudson’s Bay Company, and was a leading trader and statesman in the Pacific Northwest,” Reid pointed out.

She further noted that Sir Douglas went on to become the first Governor of the Colony of British Columbia, and was one of the most influential people in the founding of British Columbia.