– second readings of historic Education Bill and Summary Jurisdiction (Appeals)
(Amendment) Bill among major issues

THE National Assembly sits today and among the major issues at today’s session are the second readings of the historic Education Bill and the Summary Jurisdiction (Appeals) (Amendment) Bill.

The Customs (Amendment) Bill is also up for a second reading and was re-tabled in the National Assembly after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ordered the Government of Guyana to repay to a Surinamese beverage company more than $1.2B (US$6M) for charging environmental tax on its imports of beverages into Guyana.
The CCJ ruling followed the rejection of the Bill by the combined Opposition, which voted it down in 2013.
Additionally, the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill is up for a first reading after being deferred several times.
Members of Parliament (MPs) today will entertain a motion to formally express the sympathies of the House in wake of the passing of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) MP and former deputy Speaker, Ms. Deborah Backer.
Six questions, one for oral reply, are also on the agenda – the most controversial issue being on the benefits for former President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.
Today’s sitting commences at 2:00pm.

(By Vanessa Narine)