THE National Assembly, Thursday evening, saw unanimous support by Members of Parliament (MPs) in securing the deferral of several major bills, some for multiple times.The Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2013, in the name of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) MP Joseph Harmon, was listed for its first reading but he moved that the measure, intended to amend the Broadcasting Act, be deferred.
The Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2014, on the list for a second reading was also treated similarly, following a motion by Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Norman Whittaker.
That Bill provides for the postponement of elections of councillors of local democratic organs and it was read a first time on December 12, 2013.
Minster of Environment and National Resources, Robert Persaud moved the motion to defer the Wildlife Import and Export Bill 2013, which was slated for its second reading.

OBLIGATIONS
That Bill is to regulate international trade in Guyana’s wildlife and enable this country to fulfil its obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, Washington, 1973.
The Recording of Court Proceedings Bill 2014, which was read in the National Assembly for the first time last week had been up for its second reading, but was deferred, too, on a motion by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall.
That Bill seeks to provide for the recording of court proceedings and related matters. Clause 3, of 6, establishes the power to record proceedings by electronic or other means. Clause 4 provides that the Registrar of the Supreme Court or the Clerk of the Magistrate’s Court, as the case may be, shall prepare a transcript of the recorded proceedings.
The two final clauses address the verification of the record of proceedings via certificates by those responsible for its accuracy and provides for access to the transcript and recordings upon payment of a fee, which is to be determined.
The Guyana Cricket Administration Bill 2012, the last bill that was subjected to deferral, followed a move by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony.
Last week, the same Bill was deferred because of the portfolio Minister’s absence from the House.
It makes provisions for the incorporation of autonomous national cricket administration organisations in Guyana and to provide for other related matters.
The bill was tabled by Government in December 2012, intending to end the impasse over the national game. It provides constitutions for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), the Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo Cricket Boards and is divided into five parts, with one schedule addressing the autonomy of the respective boards.
The House is expected to meet, again, on Monday, February 10.

(By Vanessa Narine )