Foreword

Hon. Hari N. Ramkarran, S.C., M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly

1. Role of Parliament

Parliament is a combination of the President and the National Assembly.  It also refers to as the Executive and Legislative branches of Government.  These two along with the Judicial are the foundation institutions of the   state.   Parliament is the collective part of the government of the Nation and consists of elected Members who represent the interests of the whole population of Guyana. It is also called the Legislature.  The Legislature is the most important of the three Branches of the state.

The main role of the Parliament is the making and changing of all laws, including the most important law, the Constitution of Guyana.  This primary function – the making and the changing of laws, in the first instance is the role of the National Assembly but its decisions (Bills) must obtain the President’s agreement (assent) to become effective law.

2. Reflections from the Eighth Parliament

The Eighth Parliament commenced on 4th May, 2001, following the general and regional elections which were held on 19^th March, 2001.  During the Eighth Parliament, there were many history making and memorable events.

Mr. Frank A. Narain, C.C.H., who served the National Assembly for 51 years and held the position of Clerk of the National Assembly for 36 years, retired from the Parliamentary Service from 1st May, 2002.   A new Clerk, Mr. Sherlock Issacs was appointed on 1st May, 2002.

The Parliament Chamber got a new roof, the first major renovation in over 14 years.  Because of this, sittings of the National Assembly were held outside of the Legislative precinct for the first time in the history of the Nation.

3. Vision for Guyana’s future Parliaments

My vision for Guyana’s future Parliaments is that the National Assembly will play a more important role in the Government of Guyana through the establishment of Parliamentary Standing Committees and Sub-Committees. It is also my hope that there would be a Parliamentary Complex in Guyana with all modern facilities including individual offices with computers for Members and the provision of research services by the secretariat for Members of the Assembly.