Guyana: FGM Petitions National Assembly for Regular Sittings

The Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), a small opposition party, has submitted a petition to the National Assembly of Guyana, advocating for more regular parliamentary sittings and the establishment of standing and sectoral committees. This petition was presented to Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, and includes 100 signatures from supporters.

FGM Leader Amanza Walton emphasized the importance of parliamentary oversight, especially in light of the country’s evolving public policy challenges and significant national revenues from oil. The last parliamentary sitting occurred 95 days prior to the petition’s submission, prompting FGM to call for the National Assembly to meet at predictable intervals to fulfill its constitutional duties effectively.

The petition highlights the need for a structured parliamentary calendar to enhance transparency and public confidence in the legislative process. It also requests the timely formation and effective operation of standing and sectoral committees, which are crucial for scrutinizing government policies and expenditures.

According to the FGM, the ability of the National Assembly to address urgent national issues relies on frequent sittings that allow for timely questioning and debate. The petition asserts that regular meetings are essential for the orderly conduct of public business and the continuous fulfillment of the Assembly’s responsibilities.

Furthermore, the FGM has reached out to various international organizations, including CARICOM and the Commonwealth Secretariat, expressing concerns about the impact of the lack of parliamentary sittings on democratic governance. The party has raised issues such as restrictions on media access to Parliament and the delay in establishing key oversight committees.

FGM’s correspondence with international bodies seeks to reaffirm the importance of regular parliamentary sessions and to monitor democratic governance standards. The party stresses that these appeals are not requests for interference in Guyana’s sovereignty but rather calls for support in upholding democratic standards.

Walton stated, “A Parliament that does not sit cannot effectively scrutinize public spending, represent the people, or hold power accountable. At a time of unprecedented oil wealth, democratic oversight in Guyana should be expanding, not disappearing.”

Source: demerarawaves.com