| – prolonged absence could affect the work of sectoral committees Even though Parliament is set to convene within three days, Clerk of the National Assembly, SherlockFormer President, Donald RamotarIsaacs, indicated yesterday that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is yet to declare its elected Members of Parliament (MPs).Up to press time yesterday, officials from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) confirmed that they too, are still awaiting the PPP’s list of elected MPs.Former President, Donald Ramotar, on Saturday, told this newspaper that he is still undecided about going to Parliament. Pressed to say if he will go, even for the sake of representing his constituents,Jordy Nelson Packers Jersey UK, he said he wished not to disclose anything further on the matter.Isaacs explained that should the PPP MPs not be declared by June 10, they would not be paid.“I work along with the Guyana Elections Commission for this process. If that body declares the names of the PPP MPs after the first sitting, let’s say by Friday or before the second sitting, then a process has to ensue to ensure payments,Ha Ha Clinton-Dix Packers Jersey UK,” the Clerk said.He added, “Should PPP miss the first sitting and their names are declared anytime after June 10, when Parliament convenes,Grady Jarrett Falcons Jersey UK, then they would have to write to the Speaker of the National Assembly justifying why they missed the first sitting.“Once the Speaker is satisfied with the reason provided and has given the go ahead for payments,Greg Lloyd Steelers Jersey UK, then they will be paid. Otherwise I cannot pay them. But they can still take their seats in the opposition benches and perform their functions because they were obviously declared MPs by GECOM and would have been sworn in.”Isaacs said, too,Patrick Chung Patriots Jersey UK, that should the PPP MPs miss the first six consecutive sittings in two calendar months, they would essentially lose their seats which would be declared vacant.The Clerk of the National Assembly said that the absence of the PPP MPs would not affect too much of the work of the government. He said that MPs of A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) would be able to do most of its work smoothly.Isaacs said that the National Assembly can do its work with at least 22 members as directed by the Constitution.He noted however that the absence of the PPP would leave the government with a majority hold in the Parliament and as such,Merril Hoge Steelers Jersey UK, APNU+AFC MPs would not be able to change some articles of the Constitution that require a two-thirds majority.Prolonged absence of the PPP could also affect the work of the sectoral committees which are entrusted with the responsibility of scrutinizing the business of the government and holding them accountable in several areas.The Public Accounts Committee, (PAC) for example, is responsible for examining the appropriation of the sums granted by the National Assembly to meet public expenditure and similar financial records laid before it, as well as the Auditor General’s report on the accounts of the country.The Chairman of the Committee is, according to the rules,Artie Burns Steelers Jersey UK, selected from the Opposition. But given that the PPP is indecisive about taking its rightful place in the opposition benches,Tedy Bruschi Patriots Jersey UK, the work of this important committee could be hindered.This Committee also holds the power to help establish the long awaited Public Procurement Commission (PPC), which is part of the APNU+AFC plans to be accomplished within 100 days of being in government.The business of the sitting on Wednesday will include the election of the Speaker and Deputy-Speaker of the House,Franco Harris Steelers Jersey UK, and the swearing in of all Members of Parliament.The sitting will then be suspended to facilitate the arrival of the President who will inspect the Guard of Honour, in the forecourt of the Public Buildings compound, and then address the National Assembly.Isaacs is expected to meet with the new MPs tomorrow to brief them on parliamentary practices and procedures and to discuss their privileges and entitlements. |
