THE National Assembly of the Parliament of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, in Canada on Tuesday 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, who is also Chief Whip of the government, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana and Suriname Pierre Giroux and Clerk of the National Assembly, 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 that the agreement 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.

In observance of the 150th Anniversary of the Colony of British Columbia, identical statues of Sir James Douglas were erected in Mahaica and Fort Langley, British Columbia in 2008.
“Today, it is fitting that we continue to honour our shared history by establishing a new partnership between our Parliaments. Guyana and British Columbia already enjoy many opportunities to exchange information about the work of our Parliaments as we meet at conferences and seminars and exchange visits,” Reid said. Under this new agreement, the National Assembly and the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columba will actively work towards developing the professional relationships between the two Assemblies.

According to the signed agreement, the partnership now comprises two sections – Guyana and British Columbia – with the Speakers, Deputy Speakers and other presiding officers of the respective Legislatures, and the Clerks or their designates as Members of the partnership. Additionally, according to the agreement, the Speakers from both Assemblies will be the Presidents of their respective sections and will chair the meetings. Periodically, members of the partnership are expected to meet on dates agreed by both Speakers. The costs of such meetings would be shared to the extent that each jurisdiction has the resources to do so. Where this is not possible, each Group will seek funding from a donor agency.