Press Releases

Amidst much congratulations and acclaim, Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, today unveiled his new book “Parliament in the Republic of Guyana” in Committee Room 2 of the Public Buildings, Brickdam.

Mr. Trotman explained that the book is about the evolution of democracy in Guyana and presents an overview of the history of the development of various parliamentary protocols and practices, and the people that shaped them. Also highlighted, are aspects of the legal framework that established the systems of governance and decision-making, which have laid the foundation for the practice of parliamentary democracy in Guyana.

The Speaker said his desire is to make the book a reference piece that displays the growth, changes, adaptations and evolution of the practice of parliamentary democracy in Guyana and underscored the point that it is not perfect, but a work in progress.

Sir Shridath Ramphal in penning the foreword noted that the Speaker “has rendered Guyana a great service in providing in this book his commentary on Guyana’s Parliament. It will take its place alongside the notable parliamentary treatises that help to guide the Parliament of Guyana as one of the ‘Supreme Organs of Democratic Power’, and counsel parliamentarians in the discharge of their high responsibilities.”

The book is dedicated firstly to God, then Mr. Frank Narain, former Clerk of the National Assembly-whose unpublished manuscripts such as “Parliamentary Notes and Information for the Members of Parliament and Government Officials, and Parliament of Guyana from 1718 to 2006” were used as reference material- and to the staff of the Parliament Office.

Mr. Narain and several other distinguished men were present including Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier Ret’d David Granger, Leader of the Alliance For Change, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, and Former Speaker of the House Mr. Ralph Ramkarran. Those present were presented with a copy of Mr. Trotman’s book and each, in turn, offered congratulations and well wishes to the author.