Press Releases

 This week’s edition will examine another four (4) former Members of Parliament visited by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs, A.A., and his team.

“I think this is a wonderful gesture and although it is delayed, I am more than happy to receive it,” said Justice Charles Ramson, S.C., O.R., former Member of Parliament and Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, as he received his plaque and Certificate of Appreciation from the Clerk of the National Assembly, “I think you should be commended for having this innovative gesture”.

Before receiving his Plaque and Certificate, Mr. Ashton Chase, former Member of Parliament, expressed gratitude to Mr. Isaacs, A.A., Clerk of the National Assembly, for his visit. 

During their discussion, Mr. Isaacs said, “I never got to work with you, Mr. Chase, but I always wanted to meet a decent human being like you." The humorous ninety-six-year-old former member responded, “That’s a good definition.”

The outreach programme was initiated to visit, express thanks, and check on the welfare of former Members of the National Assembly of the Parliament of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. It would also allow our young citizens to know the former Members of Parliament.

“We have known each other for quite some time, and you, Mr. Isaacs, were extremely helpful with any issues, not only Parliamentary but personal,” said Dr. Henry B. Jeffery, former Member of Parliament, Minister of Foreign Trade & International Cooperation, as he reminisced on their relationship and his tenure as a member of the National Assembly.

“You have lifted my spirits; it was good that the Clerk of the National Assembly is taking time off to check on former Members of Parliament, excellent gesture,” said Mr. Bond during discussions with Mr. Isaacs.

According to the Clerk, this was his way of checking on the welfare of the former Members of Parliament who spent long hours in the National Assembly debating policies and making laws for the good Government of Guyana.

“Parliamentarians are supposed to set an absolute example," said Justice Charles Ramson, S.C., O.R., former Member of Parliament and Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, as he referred to the behaviour a Member of Parliament should possess in the National Assembly. “Heckling is alright, but it should carry a certain level of panache,” said Justice Ramson during discussions with the Clerk of the National Assembly.

Mr. Isaacs informed the former Members of Parliament of his commitment to producing an archival project in the form of a booklet which will be presented, by him, to each former Member. The booklet will include background information, and a compilation of speeches, Bills, or Motions presented in the house by each former member.

The former Members were presented with Certificates of Appreciation, Plaques for their years of dedicated service, and COVID packages containing vitamins and cleaning supplies, among other things.

“It sounds like Christmas,” said Dr. Henry B. Jeffery, jokingly as he received his COVID package.

During the discussion with the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Bond disclosed that he has never displayed any of his certificates but vowed to make an exception. “I believe that your accomplishments are not on paper, but it is reflected by the impact you have on people’s lives and as a result of the love this is coming with, I will proudly display this Certificate,” said Mr. Bond.

Mr. Isaacs, during each visit, assured the former Members of Parliament that his secretariat will continue checking on their welfare on a quarterly basis.

Former Members of Parliament Visited

Name: Dr. Henry B. Jeffery, former Member of Parliament, Minister of Foreign Trade & International Cooperation

Years of Service: 16 Years, 2 Months, and 4 Days

Name: Mr. Ashton Chase, former Member of Parliament

Years of Service:  7 Years, and 10 Months

Name:  Justice Charles Ramson, S.C., O.R., former Member of Parliament and Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General

Years of service: 6 Years, and 2 Months

Name:  Mr. James Bond, Member of Parliament

Year of Service: 3 Years, 1 Month, and 17 Days

Join us in the next publication as the outreach programme continues.