– says prime minister as Members of Parliament return to the House

By Lisa Hamilton

WITH an air of nostalgia, former Members of Parliament (MPs) and the newly elected returned to Parliament on Tuesday and, though in a different setting, those experienced fell back into the groove while those new to the setting fitted in seamlessly.

Ahead of the 10:00hrs commencement, a constant trail of vehicles made their way into the compound of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the location designated by President Dr. Irfaan Ali as the best suitable for the business of Parliament during the global health crisis.

In the compound, wide and spacious, every person who arrived was greeted by a team of health workers who checked temperatures and performed full-body sanitisation with sprays of alcohol-based sanitisers.

At the door of the centre, members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) professionally carried out their duties of checking the belongings of those who entered to ensure that there were no security threats.

As the time narrowed for commencement, MPs from both sides entered the building, all dressed sharply for the auspicious moment which would ensure that the county soon receives the budget for this year, postponed due to the five-month-long election.

BACK IN ACTION

Making his way to the parliament chamber for the first time as prime minister, Mark Phillips told the media: “[I have] great expectations! Democracy has returned to Guyana!” The media had lined up in the lower flat hoping to get comments from the leaders as they streamed in.

In a crisp, dark burgundy suit, Vice-president Bharrat Jagdeo entered the conference centre and, when stopped by the media, told them that he was eager to get to work on the plans included in his party’s manifesto.

Attorney-General (AG), Anil Nandlall, returning to the position he held in the 10th Parliament, said he expects Parliament to be very active. As attorney-general, he said he would ensure that there is a “menu of legislation to address the health crisis, security, social issues and constitutional reform.”

“We are going to have a very vibrant and very energetic parliamentary agenda, because we believe in parliamentary democracy; we believe that people must see how government is conducting government’s business,” he said.

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, not new to the parliament scene, soberly told reporters that he expects that the budget will be approved as soon as possible so that Guyanese can get the improved assistance needed to fight COVID-19.

REPRESENTING THE PEOPLE

Right behind Dr Anthony was MP and Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Lenox Shuman, the first of three party leaders set to represent the joinder parties of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), The New Movement (TNM) and LJP.

He was outfitted with his traditional indigenous wear which corresponds with this month’s celebration of Amerindian Heritage Month. However, Shuman said that he wore it because it was the first time in history that an indigenous leader has been elected to Parliament from a single party.

“I expect that the Parliament that will do the work that is necessary for the people and that they’re going to conduct themselves in a dignified and unified manner because all of Guyana is watching,” he said.

Making an appearance too as Opposition MPs were former Director of Sport Christopher Jones and first-time representative of Region Four, Deonarine Ramsaroop. Jones said the the coalition will give robust representation to the people of Guyana.

Meanwhile, Ramsaroop told those within his region: “Expect a lot of one-to-one interactions. Whenever there’s an issue, I’ll be there and I’ll ensure they’re represented at the highest level.”

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

Having achieved a successful recovery from COVID-19, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Waldron took to Parliament in person on Tuesday. She said she wants Guyanese to see that the PPP/C is serious about fulfilling the promises made. Also making a full recovery and appearing in person was Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd.

Stepping through doors to the centre not long after, was trade unionist Seepaul Narine, a man in need of no introduction as he also serves as General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

He told the media that he plans to bring justice to the working-class people as this is the basis upon which his party, the PPP/C, was formed. “It is my high expectation that the livelihoods of the working people in this country will be improved tremendously under this government,” he said.

Other new faces to Parliament were Opposition MPs, Vincent Henry, who entered garbed in his indigenous neck wear and former Magistrate Geeta-Chandan Edmond decked out in black.

First-time Opposition MPs also included Ganesh Mahipaul and Devin Sears ; they entered the building together. “We are here to represent our Guyanese people. We have to represent them and we have to ensure we uphold the rule of law,” Mahipaul said. Meanwhile, optimistically, Sears said that he was looking forward to a smooth proceeding.

Another MP of the Opposition representing Region Six, Dineshwar Jaipersaud said that he intends to hold the MPs representing his region responsible for the efficient delivery of services and will make representation on their behalf.

ADDRESSING THE ISSUES

While heading briskly in, Minister of within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy assured the media that he intends to robustly highlight the issues affecting Guyanese and will add his voice and perspective to the parliamentary debates. McCoy is no stranger to the public life but this is his first time as minister and as a representative in Parliament.

Not new to Parliament, Minister of Local Government Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall said that the public can expect that the same energy that the PPP/C pushed with for development while in Opposition will be transferred as the party serves as Government. “We’re accessible and they [Guyanese] must feel comfortable that we’re going to deal with their issues,” he said.

Amanza Walton-Desir, Opposition MP, stopped to tell reporters that she would stay true to the Oath she’ll swear to which is to bear true allegiance to the people of Guyana. She said that Guyanese can look forward to their interest being faithfully represented by her.

Returning to the House under different circumstance was Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira. The seasoned minister said that she was eager to get to work and to rectify the issues affecting the country.

When Parliament finally commenced, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs proceeded to guide the House through roll call. The hybrid Sitting allowed for some members to attend physically, while others attended virtually.

Those attending virtually included General-Secretary of the Alliance For Change (AFC), David Patterson and Opposition MP, Ronald Cox.

This was followed by the election of new Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir and Deputy Speaker, Lenox Shuman. All MPs then took the Oath of Office, individually holding up their preferred religious book followed by prayers.

Around 11:30hours, when the prime minister rose to congratulate the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, members of the Opposition began to walk out of the House led by Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon.

Manzoor, as Speaker, continued the proceedings which led to the approval of $11.2 billion for constitutional agencies for the remainder of the 2020 fiscal year. The reading and approval was conducted in record time, less than 20 minutes, likely due to the Opposition’s absence. The leaders will return to Parliament at a date to be set soon. Tuesday marked the first time that Parliament was held in 476 days.