…each of us must satisfy all the laws of our country, says Prime Minister Hinds THE Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are collaborating with the Parliament of Guyana in conducting a training seminar for Members of Parliament, under the Theme “Managing through Partnership.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Impeccable Banquet Hall on Brickdam, Georgetown, last evening, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who is also performing the duties of President, spoke of the theme which he believes is timely. He said that it suggested a recipe for the current dispensation of minority government.
He expressed the view that the seminar, which is being held within six months of the start of the 10th Parliament, presents an opportunity for the new members of parliament to learn about the functioning, the customs, the practices and traditions of the House.
According to the Acting President, the occasion presents an opportunity for new , young members of parliament, as well as older ones, to reflect on the undertakings which come with accepting public office – the higher the levels of accountability, public scrutiny and personal integrity.
“There is an expectation that each of us would endeavour earnestly to satisfy all the laws of our country, in the letter, as well as in the spirit,” Prime Minister Hinds added.
He reminded his audience that in undertaking public office, and accepting the trust of fellow citizens to deal justly with the several causes that come before them, laying aside all private interests, prejudices and personal preferences, they are called to step up from being ordinary citizens to becoming extraordinary ones.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, delivering opening remarks, spoke of the timeliness of the theme as well. “We are still a young nation in search of a common identity and culture, and systems, traditions and customs that will give us a unique identity. The National Assembly, and how it functions as a representative, deliberative, inclusive body, is very much a part of that mosaic that makes up our identity.”  He believes that the results of the November 28 elections, and the consequences and outcomes alone tell how unique we are as a commonwealth parliamentary nation.
“I say: let the partnership work; the people expect no less from us. It is time to tone down the rhetoric, accept the realities of the marvellous challenges and opportunities that the 10th Parliament presents, and get about the people’s business. Because, buried deep within the mountain we like to call challenges, are the golden nuggets of opportunity that await our discovery and exploitation.”
He emphasised the need to embrace the problems, and in this regard, constitutional review and reform are now an imperative to continue the work of redesigning and adapting our executive, legislature, and judiciary.
He noted that the training exercise is not only to be better parliamentarians, but more importantly, to embrace the concept of partnership as a management tool for governance.
According to Trotman, it is expected that this is but the first in a series of programmes and projects that we hope to hold, and to expose both MPs and staff alike to the newest and most innovative ideas and practices on parliamentarianism.
Trotman expressed appreciation to the agencies and persons who have been instrumental in reaching the stage it is at.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner Andrew Ayre, who also addressed the gathering, noted that the topics to be covered during the training come at a very important time. He reaffirmed  the UK’s commitment to strengthening ties in this regard with Guyana.