SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland believes that significant progress can be made in the National Assembly, if that august body meets more frequently.“One day is not adequate, certainly not adequate,” Dr. Scotland told reporters during a luncheon at the Public Buildings on Tuesday.

When the National Assembly meets, it is usually once per week, however, the Speaker is of the opinion that there should be at least two sittings weekly. “I think there is more work that can be done…at a glance, I can see at least two days,” he posited but noted that one must be cognizant of the fact that Guyana has a part-time Parliament. Though it may not be practicable to have earlier sittings, the Speaker disclosed that during upcoming Budget Debates, the National Assembly will meet from 10:00h during designated periods.

Not the first time the Speaker has called for more sittings of Parliament. Back in June he had questioned whether satisfactory use is being made of the House. “It is therefore my intention that at the appropriate time, we enter consultations regarding the frequency of our meetings in this House and in the Committees.”

While in opposition key leaders of the APNU+AFC had stated publicly that the frequency of the sittings of the National Assembly are sufficient, emphasising that a lot of work went on behind the scenes.

Dr Rupert Roopnaraine was quoted in the Stabroek News back in 2012, saying that there are very few parliamentarians who can be called full-time parliamentarians. “Parliament should meet as often as it is necessary to accomplish its agenda,” he said. Roopnaraine had said too that it was an “unreasonable expectation” of what parliamentarians can and cannot do, pointing out that they do preparatory work before a sitting to ensure that they are ready to get down to real business during the session.
AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan had also noted that MPs have to earn a living. “We have our professions, we have other activities to do,” he was quoted by Stabroek News as saying. Ramjattan had said that he is in agreement with the present arrangement. “I feel we are doing as good as we can do in the present circumstances,” he said.

Turning his attention to the conduct of Members of Parliament during Sittings of the National Assembly, Dr. Scotland said much is to be desired, noting that development is not only physical.

“…it is about the people, it is about their moral development, (and) it is about teaching them respect,” he told reporters.

He said too that it is important for Members on both sides of the House to work together for the good of the nation, explaining that although there are differences and difficulties; Members of Parliament should seek to find a common ground.

However, he said “as Speaker, I am satisfied that we are moving in the right direction.”

Asked to respond to criticisms that he has displayed levels of biasness towards the Government, since his appointment to Office, Dr. Scotland, in response, rejected the claims.

According to him, he operates in keeping with the Standing Orders. “Standing Orders direct the Speaker in his management in the affairs of Parliament,” he added. However, he there are always MPs who will always want some more time on the floor to discuss issues at hand, he stated.

Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs and the Public Relations Officer, Oneika Alphonso were among Parliamentary officials present during the luncheon.