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The National Assembly elected Dr. Barton Scotland as Speaker of the 11th Parliament. Dr. Scotland, a former Guyanese Diplomat, was nominated by Ms Amna Ali, Minister of Social Cohesion, and seconded by Mrs. Cathy Hughes, Minister of Tourism. After being elected unopposed, the new Speaker was escorted to his chair by ministers Ali and Hughes. He then presided over the swearing in of thirty six Members of Parliament.

The Speaker explained that the election of a Deputy Speaker would not take place because that post is usually taken up by the Opposition and Members of the Opposition were not present.

In accepting the appointment of Speaker, Dr. Scotland told the House that by electing him Speaker, the House presented him with the opportunity to join them in fulfilling the legislative process that would engage the State. He said he would work together with members to ensure that their efforts are a success. Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, congratulated the new Speaker on his ascension to his new office and assured him that the Government would work with him to achieve the legislative agenda.

Upon his appointment Dr. Scotland became the eight Speaker of the National Assembly since Guyana attained its independence. He was preceded by Mr. Rahman Baccus Gajraj, C.B.E., J.P. (1968- 1970), Mr. Sase Narain, O.R.[disambiguation needed], S.C., J.P. (1971- 1992), Mr. Derek Chunilall Jagan, O.R.[disambiguation needed], C.C.H, S.C., J.P. (1992 -2000),Mr. Martin Zephyr (2000- 2001), Mr. Hari Narayen Ramkaran (2001-2011) and Mr. Raphael Trotman (2011- 2015). Prior to independence Sir Eustace Gordon Woolford, O.B.E., Q.C. (1953- 1957), Sir Donald Edward Jackson, K.B. (1957- 1961), Mr. Rahman Baccus Gajraj, C.B.E., J.P. (1961-1964) and Mr. Aubrey Percival Alleyne (1964- 1967) served as Speakers of the House.