Press Releases

International Day of Parliamentarianism 2022

Message of Hon. Manzoor Nadir, M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana

It is an honour to join the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in celebrating International Day of Parliamentarianism 2022, under the theme “public engagement”.

Today, I extend congratulations to all national Parliaments of the world for continuing their efforts to serve their people in difficult times of the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we observe this day, let us, as parliamentarians, be reminded to respect the principles of democracy, which includes respect for each other and each others’ opinions as we undertake the work of our people.

The core of any democratic society must be the involvement of its people in the decision-making processes of their nation. In this regard, Parliaments have a critical function to engage its citizenry, and Parliamentarians must be servants of the people, rather than rulers of the people.

The Parliament of Guyana has several public engagement measures available to our people. The legislative process has seen contributions from the general public at the parliamentary committee level, where the public is invited to make oral and written submissions on legislation that will ultimately affect them. Through the Speaker’s Office, annual initiatives such as the School’s Outreach Programme, the Christmas Outreach Programme, the National Youth Debating Competition, the Youth Parliament, and the sports programme, target young people and the older population from across all 10 of our Administrative Regions. In addition, our parliamentary website and social media platforms have seen tremendous increases in followers, viewership and engagements.

In light of the importance of today, and the commendable theme under which it is being observed, I encourage all Parliamentarians to always be accessible and uphold their vows to their constituents.

Hon. Manzoor Nadir, MP

Speaker of the National Assembly