Guyana Parliament History 2009-1

Parliament of Guyana
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
EVENTS & DATES
ON THE
PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA
from 1718 to 2006
Compiled and Produced by
Frank A. Narain, A.A., C.C.H.,
Former Clerk of the National Assembly
15th January, 2007
Knowledge is of two kinds.

We know a subject ourselves, or
We know where we can find information on it
- Samuel Johnson,
English poet, critic, and lexicographer
(1709-84)
This copy of this File with the
Historical Information on the Parliament of Guyana
from 1718 to 2006
which has been Compiled and Produced By
Frank A. Narain
Former Clerk of the National Assembly
has been
Presented To
…………………….…………………………..……………
………………….……………………………..……………
With the Compliments of
Frank A. Narain
© 2009 Parliament of Guyana
1
PART I
PRELIMINARY
Contents
Preface and Introduction
Abbreviations used in this File
Sources of Information
2
CONTENTS
Part I - Preliminary
1. Preface and Introduction 11
2. Abbreviations used in this File 19
3. Sources of Information 20
Part II - Arrivals
4. The Discovery of the Country 23
5. First Arrivals and Settlers in and
Ownership of the Colonies 24
Part III - Legislative Periods, Names of Legislative Bodies,

First Members of Legislative Bodies, and Some Events with
Dates 1718-2006
6. 1718 to 1803 The Dutch Law-Making Body
– The Court of Policy 29
7. 1803 to 1928 Ownership by the British
-Continuation of the Dutch Court of Policy 30
8. 1928 to 1930 British Crown Colony- The First
Legislative Council of British Guiana 32
9. 1930 to 1935 The Second Legislative Council 33
10. 1935 to 1947 The Third Legislative Council 35
11. 1947 to 1953 The Fourth Legislative Council 37
12. 1953 The House of Assembly and
the State Council 38
13. 1954 to 1957 The Interim Legislative Council 41
14. 1957 to 1961 The Legislative Council 43
15. 1961 to 1964 The Legislative Assembly
and the Senate 45
16. 1964 to 1966 The House of Assembly 47
17. 1966 to 1968 The National Assembly of the
First Parliament of Guyana 51
3
CONTENTS

18. 1969 to 1973 The National Assembly of
the Second Parliament of Guyana 52
the Third Parliament of Guyana 55
the Fourth Parliament of Guyana 58
the Fifth Parliament of Guyana 62
the Sixth Parliament of Guyana 66
the Seventh Parliament of Guyana 69
the Eighth Parliament of Guyana 72
25. Since 2006 The National Assembly of
the Ninth Parliament of Guyana 75
Part IV - Elections
26. The Franchise 81
27. Electoral Systems 82
28. Numbers of Constituencies 83
29. Constituencies – Names and Numbers 83
30. Political Parties 86
31. Dates of Elections 88
32. Parties Allocation of Seats 89
Part V – Supreme Organs of Democratic Power

33. The National Congress of
Local Democratic Organs 93
34. The Supreme Congress of the People 93
4
CONTENTS
Part VI - Legislative Bodies

35. Names and Periods 97
36. Parties Forming Governments 98
Part VII - Officials

37. Kings and Queens of England 101
38. Governors of British Guiana 102
39. Governors-General 103
40. Presidents 104
41. Presiding in the Legislature 104
42. Speakers 105
43. Deputy Speaker 105
44. Presidents of Upper Houses 107
45. Vice-Presidents of Upper Houses 107
46. Ex Officio and other Official Members
in the Legislature 107
47. The First Ministers 109
48. Premiers/Prime Ministers 110
49. Leaders of the Opposition/Minority Leaders 112
50. Non-Elected Ministers and Non-Elected
Parliamentary Secretaries 113
51. The First Women Legislators 113
Part VIII - Some Miscellaneous Matters

52. Legislature/Parliament 117
53. Unicameral/Bicameral Legislatures 118
54. Places of Meetings - The Public Buildings 119
55. Dress for Sittings 122
56. Seating Arrangements 123
57. The Mace 124
5
CONTENTS
58. Prayers Read in the Legislature 126

59. Oaths by Members 126
60. Forms of Addressing the Speaker
and Members 127
61. Recess for the National Assembly 128
62. Prorogation and Dissolution 129
63. Table of Precedence 130
Part IX - Committees
64. Finance Committee of the
Legislative Council 137
65. Legislative Council Advisory Committees 137
66. The Public Accounts Committee 137
67. Other Committees 138
Part X - Services to the Legislature

68. The Colonial Secretary’s Office 141
69. The Office of the Legislature 143
70. The First Staff of the Legislature 143
71. The Parliament Office 144
72. The Present Staff of the Parliament Office 144
73. The Clerks and the Deputy Clerks 145
74. The Hansard Editors 147
75. The Sergeants-at-Arms 147
76. Mission Statement of the Parliament Office 148
77. The Chief Parliamentary Counsel 149
Part XI - Documents
78. Some Important Parliamentary Documents 153
79. Constitutional Instruments 155
80. The Standing Orders 157
6
CONTENTS
81. Ordinances/Acts 159

82. The Parliamentary Library 160
Part XII - Remuneration

83. Remuneration of Legislators 165
84. Superannuation Benefits for
Legislative Service 166
Part XIII - Affiliated Organisations

85. The Commonwealth Parliamentary
Association (CPA) 171
86. The Caribbean Regional Grouping
of the CPA 171
87. The Inter-Parliamentary Union 172
88. The Amazonian Parliament 172
89. The Society of Clerks-at-the-Table in
Commonwealth Parliaments 172
90. The Association of Secretaries-General 173
Part XIV – Final Matters

91. Some Special Visitors to Parliament 177
92. Some Parliamentary Firsts and
Long Service Records 179
93. They Too Made Parliamentary History 180
94. Some Parliamentary Family Connections 182
95. Some Incidents 183
96. Some Notable Changes at a Glance 185
97. Other Documents by the Producer 191
98. Index 193
99. About the Producer After the Index
7
PREFACE AND INTRODUCTION
Parliamentary Training Seminar for MPs

For the Parliamentary Training Seminar which has been arranged for January,
2007, for the Members of the Guyana Parliament, following the General and
Regional Elections on 28th August, 2006, I was invited to give a History of
Parliamentarianism in Guyana.
Why was I Chosen?

Why was I chosen to give this presentation? Maybe it was because of my many
continuous years – just over half a century – longer than any other person
- since from the Colonial days in 1951, through to the Executive Presidency
days in 2002 - of direct and active association with and involvement in the
work of Parliament, that it was felt that I would have some knowledge of
the history of our Parliament and would be able, even though I have since
retired, to continue to share this kind of information with others. While I
may have had some experience, I do not claim to have the knowledge, the
qualifications and the ability required for the presentation of a history of
this kind.
And also while I have made many presentations on several aspects of our
Parliament, I have never before presented or even prepared as important a
topic as a History of the Parliament of Guyana.
But not being a member of any Political Party, and having tried to perform my
duties in as fair a manner as possible, giving my service, as a Parliamentary
Officer, to every Member of the National Assembly, irrespective of his/her
Party connection, it might have been felt that I would be able to give factual
information without a bias.
We know what happens to people

who stay in the middle of the road.
They get run down.
(Aneurin Bevan, British Labour Politician, 1953)
I therefore accepted the challenge.
8
Preparations for the Parliamentary History
But I had to make preparations for my presentation. I first began by asking
myself some questions. What is Parliamentary history? What constitutes
such history? Who or what contributes to or makes this history? What
would the MPs wish or expect to hear from me in such a history? One of the
answers that came to me was that it is the MPs who make the history. They
are the important people. They not only make laws; they make history. The
answers to my other questions I neither sought nor got. So I made my own
decision. I next started to note some matters, which I felt, based on my
experience, should be included in such a history and did some research,
studied these and made relevant notes on them.
Long Preface and Introduction

This combined Preface and Introduction will be long because it is here that
I am giving a background to and some of the historical information on the
Parliament of Guyana. The other pages and pages of information which
follow consist mainly of historical data which I have selected - events, facts,
statistics, dates, officials, etc., and some short articles on certain matters.
The facts which I am giving will be actual facts, without justifying or

criticising them or the actions of anyone, not only because I shouldn’t do
so, but also because I may not be capable or qualified to do so.
Going Back
This turned me back into time. My research went back and back to the time
of the establishment in 1928 by the British of the first law-making body,
which was a Colonial type of Legislative Council, for the Colony of British
Guiana (BG). But that was not the first law-making body for the Country.
Although the British possessed the Country since 1803, there were other
Europeans in Guiana before the British who might have or who actually
established important administrative/law-making bodies.
9
Looking Back
While this is a Parliamentary History and not a general history of Guyana, it
is nevertheless useful in this history, and should not be considered as being
out of place, to also look further back, even if briefly, into the earlier times
and origins of the Country.
Arrival of the Amerindians

The Amerindians were the first to arrive in Guiana. They thus became the
indigenous people of Guiana. They were supposed to have crossed a land
bridge, now beneath the sea, from Siberia, and entered the Americas over
ten thousand years before the birth of Christ. Two tribes, the Arawaks and
the Caribs came.
The Name Guiana

It was the Amerindians who gave the Country the name Guiana, which means
“Land of Many Waters”.
Arrival of the Europeans

Europeans came next – some while cruising, some to trade, while some
settled. As they came, they began to battle for possession of the Country.
Sir Walter Raleigh and his Book

Sir Walter Raleigh, a great British courtier, sailor and author, in his Book “The
Discoverie of Guiana” which was published in England on his return from
an expedition to Guiana in 1595, in search of the golden city of El Dorado,
advertised the richness and beauty of the Country, its glorious rivers, its
several varieties of plants and birds and its luscious fruits.
He wrote “Whatever Prince shall possess it, that Prince shall be lord of more
gold and of more cities and people than either the King of Spain or the great
Turk”. He said that far away in the interior there was a tribe of Indians whose
heads were beneath their shoulders.
10
Painting of Raleigh
I should mention in passing, because it can properly fall within this kind
of history, being part of the history of the Parliament Chamber, that there
was in the Parliament Chamber a life-size painting of Sir Walter Raleigh and
his eldest son Walter. The painting was presented in 1933 by Sir Edward
Brandis Denham, KCMG, KBE, who was the Governor of the Colony from
1930 to 1934, and was a gift from Major Arbuthnot. The original is said to
have been painted from life in 1602 by the Flemish artist Marcus Gheeraerts
of Wickham Court, Kent.
This painting was removed from the Chamber before 23rd February, 1970,
that is, the date of the change to Republican Status, which was the same
time that, for reasons of protocol, the photographs of Queen Elizabeth II and
her Consort, Prince Philip, and the life-size paintings of former Sovereigns
and their Queens, King George V and Queen Mary and King George VI and
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, were also removed from the Chamber.
Arrival of the Europeans

Raleigh’s Book had caused European traders to be attracted to Guiana. Those
who came, whether before or after Raleigh’s Book, included the Spaniards,
the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British and the French. In Guyana today,
there are evidences of these Europeans. Towns and villages and other things
have French and Dutch as well as English names.
The Dutch
The Dutch seemed to have been powerful and to have had the greatest input.
They first arrived in 1580. From time to time, they established settlements
and built forts in several places in the Country. They also established a
number of important institutions including in 1718, a Council of Policy and
Justice to deal with Government and Judicial matters. On 26th May, 1739, a
Constitution was established by the Dutch. In 1750, the Council of Justice
was separated from the Council of Policy.
11
Establishment of the Court of Policy
– The Dutch Law-making Body
A Court of Policy was established by the Dutch, as far as could have been
discovered, in 1732, as the law-making body and is accepted as the first law-
making body of the Country.
The British from 1803

When the British for the third and last time got possession of the Country
from the Dutch in 1803, they allowed the Dutch laws and usages to remain
in force, and the Court of Policy remained and continued as the Legislature
of the Colonies.
British Guiana from 1831

In 1831, the Colony of Demerara and Essequibo was united with the Colony
of Berbice and they became the Colony of British Guiana.
Continuation of Dutch Institutions

The principal Dutch Institutions of the Court of Policy, the College of
Financial Representatives, the Court of Justice, the College of Electors and
the Combined Court further continued by the British to be in existence in
British Guiana, although substantially Dutch in character.
The 1891 Constitution

On 3rd February, 1891, a Bill to alter the Political Constitution of the Colony
was passed as the British Guiana Constitution Ordinance, 1891 (Ordinance
No. 1 of 1891).
The Court of Policy

Under the 1891 Constitution, the Court of Policy continued as the law-
making body. It consisted of 16 Members: The Governor, as President,
12
with an original and a casting vote, 7 Official Members – the Government
Secretary, the Attorney General, the Immigration Agent General, and the
Receiver General, as the 4 Ex Officio Members, and three other persons
holding Public Office as His Majesty may from time to time appoint - and
8 Elected Members from 7 Electoral Districts. While the Elected Members
were 8, all the other Members totalled 8 also.
It was in this 1891 Court of Policy that there was the first Guyanese legislator
of African descent. He was Alex Benjamin Brown, a lawyer from Den Amstel.
The First Legislative Council by the British for British

Guiana
It was not until 1928 in a new Colonial type of Constitution, introduced by
the British for British Guiana, that the British established the first law-making
body, a Colonial type called the Legislative Council and this replaced the
Dutch created law-making body, the Court of Policy, and also the Combined
Court.
The Westminster system, procedures and practices, with modifications

suitable for a new Crown Colony had begun to be introduced into British
Guiana with the British rulership and control continuing and remaining in
force.
England is the Mother of Parliaments.

(John Bright, English Liberal Politician and Reformer, 1865)
The First Legislative Council consisted of 30 persons: The Governor, 2 Ex

Officio Members, 8 Official Members, 5 Unofficial Members and 14 Elected
Members – the 14 Elected Members being in the minority in the Council, the
others numbering 16.
The composition of the Second and Third Legislative Councils which resulted
from the next two general elections in 1930 and 1935 was the same as in the
First Legislative Council, which continued to keep the Elected Members in
the minority: still 14 to 16.
13
1947 - Elected Members in Majority for First Time
It was not until 1947 in the Fourth Legislative Council, that the Elected
Members became the majority: 14 to 11.
New Features from 1953

Voting was restricted until 1953 when universal adult suffrage came into
operation. Also, women were allowed to be legislators for the first time.
I was already involved in and associated with the work of Parliament when,
in 1953, for the first time, the British, with a new Constitution, created the
Office of Speaker and introduced a Ministerial system of Government in
and for the Colony of British Guiana. A new bicameral Legislature – a State
Council and a House of Assembly – was also introduced.
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) which began as the Political Affairs
Committee (PAC) in 1946 and which replaced that Committee in 1950,
contested the 1953 general elections and won 18 of the 24 seats in the new
House of Assembly. One other Party – the National Democratic Party – won
2 seats and Independent Candidates won 4 seats. Six PPP Members of the
Assembly were elected on 18th May, 1953, to be Ministers and were assigned
portfolios. Three women became legislators for the first time, and one was
elected to be the first Deputy Speaker. The first Speaker was appointed by
the Governor.
Dissolution of the 1953 Legislature

Problems must have arisen between the PPP Ministers and the other Members
of the Administration because on 9th October, 1953, the British suspended
the Constitution, prorogued the State Council and the House of Assembly
and removed the portfolios of the Ministers. On 21st December, 1953, the
Legislature (the State Council and the House of Assembly) was dissolved. All
persons ceased to be Ministers and legislators from that time.
14
1954 – 1957 : Interim Legislative Council
The British made some amendments to the 1953 Constitution and established
a new Wholly Nominated Single Chamber Interim Legislative Council, which
was in operation from 1954 to 1957. All of the Members of that Legislative
body were nominated by the Governor. No Members were nominated from
the People’s Progressive Party.
Changes
As further time went on after that period of marking time, there have been
all kinds of changes over the years. There have been changes in the Political
status of the Country, from a Colony of the British with the Dutch law-making
body of the Court of Policy from 1803, to full British rule from 1928, to a
Ministerial system of Government in 1953, to Internal Self-Government in
1961, to Independence in 1966, to Republican Status in 1970, ceasing to be
part of Her Majesty’s dominions, and to an executive Presidency from 1980.
There were changes in the name of the Country, in the name and composition
of the successive Legislative bodies, and in the Presiding Official of the
Legislative bodies. There were changes in the system of elections, in
the franchise, in the constituencies, and in the dress for male Members
attending sittings. Legislation was enacted for the payment of salaries and
superannuation benefits for legislative service. A Mace was also introduced.
I noted all of these matters as being matters for consideration in a

Parliamentary History, and did research on them.
As I kept researching, I kept adding regularly more and more related

Parliamentary matters which I felt would also be of historical interest and
wrote pages and pages of Notes on all of these matters.
Notes with Information

My Notes became a compilation of information on the various legislative
15
bodies and the first Members thereof, the establishment of the Offices
and the names of the Governors, the Governors-General, the Presidents,
the Speakers, the Prime Ministers, the First Ministers, the Leaders of the
Opposition, the First Women Members, the names of some Political Parties,
the franchise, the constituencies, and on the systems and dates of elections.
Because of the part played by the British Monarchs, I subsequently added to

my Notes the names of the 18 Kings and Queens of England from the time of
the Stuart House in 1603 to the present time.
Several important Parliamentary and Parliamentary related events with dates

were recorded.
There is also historical information on the Parliamentary Documents and on

the establishment of the Parliamentary Library, the Prayers, the Oath, and on
the establishment of the Parliament Office and on the Staff.
Incidents
On the lighter side of our Parliamentary History, I recall from memory, and
have noted, not with dates, a number of incidents, some amusing, some
serious, such as boycotting Parliament, walking out, sprinkling flour, pushing
down table, giving a loaf of bread to the Speaker, making up (powdering
) face, removing Mace from rests below Table and placing it on the Table,
refusing to apologise to the Speaker, Opposition Member sitting in the Prime
Minister’s chair, banging on tables with paper weights, MPs being resigned
without their knowledge, crossing the floor, suspension of MPs, prevented
by the Speaker from speaking until apology is made, Clerks refusing to carry
out the requests of the Speaker, hiding the Mace.
Was there a case of pelting a drinking glass at the Speaker?

And was there a case of an apparent indecent act?
Was there a case of slapping a Reporter?
16
Families
Still on the lighter side of our Parliamentary History, but this time on the
family side, there have been a number of Parliamentary family connections
– persons from the same families being legislators, in some cases in the same
and in others in different legislative bodies, and in some cases from the same
and in other cases from different Political Parties. There have been in our
Legislative bodies husbands and wives, brother and sister, fathers and sons,
father and daughter, parents and son, fathers and sons-in-law, brothers,
uncle and nephew, and cousins. References to these family connections have
been given, but, at this time, the names of the persons have been left to the
reader to figure out.
Parliamentary Firsts and Long Service Records

I have also included a list of a few Parliamentary Firsts and Long Service
Records that came to mind. Again, I have left out the names of the persons
for the reader to figure out.
More
There is still more information herein that I have noted.
Time Constraint
However, in preparing this presentation, I found that because of the very
short time which was available to me, I was unable to do the kind of research
required to produce a better publication with more facts. While, to obtain
my information, I referred to several documents, which I am grateful were
available, much, much more time was needed to look at other historical
publications and records, from the Parliament Office Library and Files, from
the Archives and from the National Library. I didn’t even have the time to
find and look at that very important book by Clementi.
17
There are therefore some incomplete areas and some matters may, regrettably,
not have been included. This is not deliberate. However, what I have compiled
I have tried to make as accurate as possible.
Improvement of Notes
As I looked at the Notes that I had compiled, I felt that these could form
my presentation at the Seminar and that an oral presentation by me may
either be very brief or may not be necessary at all. I therefore improved
upon my Notes, arranged them in an orderly manner, with the intention of
having them printed and bound into a handy Book of a convenient size for
distribution to the MPs at the Seminar.
Unfortunately, again the time was far too short to complete this exercise in
this manner.
The preparation of the information herein took and continued to take a very
great deal of my time – thinking, researching, reading, studying, writing,
typing, re-reading, and correcting and producing several hard copies – all
by me.
Because of the amount and type of information which I compiled and
considered as being suitable as Parliamentary Historical records, I had to
spend some time assorting the
information and putting it into some proper order. I also decided to put
the matters into groups. I came up with and stopped at fourteen groupings
which I have called Parts, with nearly 100 matters – 99 to be exact.
I then had to number the pages - I got exactly 200. Then I prepared a Table
of Contents and an Index.
18
Files
My Notes, incomplete in some cases, have therefore, not with pride and
satisfaction, had, as an alternative to the printing and binding into books, to
be photocopied and put into hard cover files for the Training Seminar.
I consider the information in this File as a great and valuable compilation,

the only one of its kind to have been produced, covering hundreds of years
with hundreds of facts and information associated with the Parliament of
Guyana, all in one place, a convenient and handy file. I am sorry about the
repetitions in some cases.
Presentation
During the course of my brief oral presentation at the Seminar, I will be
making a further presentation. I will be presenting a complimentary copy of
this File to every Member of Parliament who attends the Seminar.
I do hope that my File will serve as a useful reference for Parliamentary

Historical Information.
I commend it.
Frank A. Narain
(Former Clerk of the National Assembly)
January, 2007.
Address:
97 & 102 Area J,
Ogle, East Coast Demerara, Guyana
Tel: (592) 222-2742
19
ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS FILE
The following are some of the abbreviations used in this File and their
meanings:-
AA Golden Arrow of Achievement (Guyana National Honour)

BG British Guiana (the name of the Colony from 1831 to 1966.
It became Guyana from 1966)
CBE Commander of the Order of the British Empire
(British Honour)
CCH Cacique’s Crown of Honour (Guyana National Honour)
CMG Companion of (the Order of) St. Michael and St. George
(British Honour)
CSO Colonial Secretary’s Office
DCM Distinguished Conduct Medal (British Honour)
DSO Distinguished Service Order (British Honour)
E II R Queen Elizabeth The Second
GAP Guyana Action Party (Local Political Party)
GAP/ROAR Guyana Action Party/Rise, Organise and Rebuild Party
(Two Local Political Parties)
GAP/WPA Guyana Action Party/Working People’s Alliance (Two Local
Political Parties)
Hon Honourable
JFAP Justice For All Party (Local Political Party)
JP Justice of the Peace
KCMG Knight Commander of (the Order of) St. Michael and St.
George (British Honour)
LP Liberator Party (Local Political Party)
MBE Member of the Order of the British Empire (British Honour)
MC Military Cross (British Honour)
MD Doctor of Medicine
MP Member of Parliament (British and Local Designation)
MS Medal of Service (Guyana National Honour)
20
NCLDO National Congress of Local Democratic Organs (Local Organ)
NDP National Democratic Party (Local Political Party)
NLF National Labour Front (Local Political Party)
OBE Officer of the Order of the British Empire (British Honour)
OE Order of Excellence (Guyana’s Highest National Honour)
OR Order of Roraima (Guyana National Honour)
PNC People’s National Congress (Local Political Party)
PNC/R People’s National Congress/Reform (Local Political Party)
PNCR-1G People’s National Congress Reform – One Guyana
(Local Political Party)
PPP People’s Progressive Party (Local Political Party)
PPP(B) People’s Progressive Party (Burnhamite Faction)
PPP(J) People’s Progressive Party (Jaganite Faction)
PPP/C People’s Progressive Party/Civic (Local Political Party)
QC Queen’s Counsel (Legal Honour)
RE Royal Engineers (British)
ROA R Rise, Organise and Rebuild Party (Local Political Party)
SC Senior Counsel (Legal Honour)
TUF The United Force (Local Political Party)
UDP United Democratic Party (Local Political Party)
UF United Force (Local Political Party)
WPA Working People’s Alliance (Local Political Party)
21
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The Producer of this File would have obtained his information from several
documents including the following:-
Constitutions of British Guiana and of Guyana
Reports on the General Elections for 1964 and 1973
Constitutional Development in Guyana 1621 – 1978 by Dr. M.

Shahabuddeen
Official Gazettes
Parliamentary Minutes and Debates
Parliamentary Acts
Parliamentary Bills
Subsidiary Legislation
Parliamentary Oath Books
The Children’s Story of Guiana by E.L. De Weever
Entries in his personal diaries from 1964
Invitations to him
Programmes for Functions
Other personal records
22
From Pain to Peace 1953 – 1964 by Hamilton Green
The West on Trial by Dr. Cheddi Jagan
A Destiny to Mould – Selected Discourses by Forbes Burnham
Report of the British Guiana Constitutional Commission

(Robertson) 1954
Report of the British Guiana Constitutional Conference held

in London in March 1960
The British Guiana Civil Service List 1943
Highlights of Guyanese History by T. Anson Sancho
From the Middle Kingdom to the New World by Margery

Kirkpatrick
Race and Ethnicity in Guyana by Kampta Karran
23
NOTE ON SOURCES AND REFERENCES
The Author/Compiler has indicated – on page 22 – his sources of information

for the eventual production of this publication.
The content of some parts of the compilation is by their original/indigenous

nature, based on his personal notes, diaries and first-hand experience of
working in the National Assembly throughout many Legislative Periods.
Indeed, no official recorded documents can be accessed with respect to some
bits of information, e.g. social functions, employment records, temporary
relocation of the National Assembly.
On the other hand, even secondary sources such as books and newspapers
are most difficult to access or be made available locally. Fortunately, the
author has lived and worked through half a century of his adult life amongst
his subject and had access to many local primary sources in the National
Assembly of Guyana.
The end-notes after the respective Parts, are intended to assist readers,
students and researchers fortunate enough to be in a position to acquire
further reading and publications.
A.A. Fenty
January 2009
24
PART II
ARRIVALS
Discovery of the Country

First Arrivals and Settlers in
and Ownership of the Colonies
25
DISCOVERY OF THE COUNTRY
FROM 1530 TO 1803

Visits to Guiana and settlements in and/or ownership of
the Colonies of
Essequibo and Demerara and Berbice
were as follows:-
Circa 8,000 B.C. The Amerindians
1530 The Spaniards

1580 The Portuguese
1580 The Dutch
1665 The British
1665 The Dutch
1689 The French
1712 The Dutch
1780 The French
1781 The British
1782 The French
1784 The Dutch
1795 The British
1802 The Dutch, and
1803 The British.
“The Discoverie of Guiana” is the title of a Book which was published in

England by Sir Walter Raleigh, a great British courtier, sailor and author, on
his return from an expedition to Guiana in 1595 in search of the golden city
of El Dorado.
In his book, he advertised the richness and beauty of the country, its glorious
rivers, its several varieties of plants and birds and its luscious fruits.
26
He wrote “Whatever Prince shall possess it, that Prince shall be lord of more
gold and of more cities and people than either the King of Spain or the great
Turk”.
Far away in the interior there was a tribe of Indians whose heads were beneath
their shoulders.
FIRST ARRIVALS AND SETTLERS IN AND OWNERSHIP

OF THE COLONIES
Circa 8,000 B.C. and After
Amerindian tribes were supposed to have crossed a land bridge

from Siberia, now beneath the sea, and entered the Americas.
Two tribes, the Arawaks and the Caribs, were the first to arrive in
Guiana and became the indigenous people of Guyana.
The Amerindians gave the country the name Guiana, which
means “Land of Many Waters”.
The arrivals in Guiana of the Europeans, and their settlements in

and ownership of the Colonies of Essequibo and Demerara and
Berbice, were as follows:-
1530 The Spaniards were the first Europeans to arrive in Guiana

They probably traded with the Amerindians and left.
1580 Portuguese traders came, built a fort on an island at the

junction of the Mazaruni and Cuyuni Rivers, but
subsequently left.
1580/1613/1614/1615
The Dutch came and made settlements on the coast, in the

North West and in the Essequibo River.
27
1594 A British Courtier, Sir Walter Raleigh, sent an expedition
to Guiana.
1595 Raleigh himself came to Guiana, but returned to England.
1610/1626/1627

The Dutch settled in Berbice.
1616 Raleigh’s Captain, Lawrence Keymis, came back to Guiana,

but returned to England.
1617 Raleigh himself came back to Guiana, but returned to

England.
1621 Essequibo was declared a Dutch Colony.
1665 The British captured the Dutch settlements in the Essequibo

River and in the Pomeroon River but were soon driven out
by the Dutch with the assistance of the French.
1667 The Dutch were left in possession of all the settlements.
1689 The French plundered Berbice.
1712 A ransom was paid and Berbice became Dutch again.
1780 The French came to Guiana and took control from the Dutch
but left the next year.
1781 Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice became British.
28
1782 The British surrendered Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice
to the French.
1784 Essequibo and Demerara and Berbice were restored by

France to the Dutch.
1795 The United Colony of Demerara and Essequibo surrendered

to the British.
1796 Berbice surrendered to the British.
1802 Britain restored the Colonies to the Dutch.
1803 An English squadron arrived in Guiana.

The Dutch surrendered and handed over the Colonies to
the British.
For the third and last time, the Colonies became British.
REFERENCES/SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING
RALEIGH, SIR WALTER

– The Discoverie of the Large, Rich and Bewtiful Empire of
Guiana (1595)
DE WEEVER, GUY E.L

– The Children’s Story of Guyana – the Argosy Bookshop
Limited (1932 – 1974)
DALY, VERE T
– A Short History of the Guyanese People – Vere T Daly
(1975)
29
JAGAN, DR. CHEDDI
– The West On Trial, Michael Joseph, London, 1966
NETSCHER, PM
– History of the Colonies, Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice
– from the Dutch establishment to the year 1888 ( trans-
lated by W. E. ROTH, Daily Chronicle, Georgetown, 1931)
PARRY, J H AND SHERLOCK, P.M.

– A Short History of the West Indies, Macmillan, London,
1971.
RODWAY, JAMES
– GUIANA: BRITISH, DUTCH and FRENCH- Fisher Union,
London 1912.
RODWAY, JAMES
– History of British Guiana from 1668, 3 volumes, J Thompson,
Georgetown, 1891 – 94.
WEBBER, ARF
– Centenary and Hand Book History of British Guiana, Argosy
Company, Georgetown, 1931.
SANCHO, T. ANSON
– Highlights of Guyanese history
30
PART III
LEGISLATIVE PERIODS,
NAMES OF LEGISLATIVE BODIES,
FIRST MEMBERS OF LEGISLATIVE BODIES,
AND SOME EVENTS
WITH DATES:1718 to 2006
31
LEGISLATIVE PERIODS, NAMES OF LEGISLATIVE BODIES, FIRST
MEMBERS OF LEGISLATIVE BODIES, AND SOME EVENTS WITH
DATES:1718 to 2006
1718 to 1803 The Dutch Law-Making Body – The Court of Policy

1803 to 1928 Ownership by the British – Continuation of the Dutch
Court of Policy
1928 to 1930 The First Legislative Council of British Guiana
1930 to 1935 The Second Legislative Council
1935 to 1947 The Third Legislative Council
1947 to 1953 The Fourth Legislative Council
1953 The House of Assembly and the State Council
1954 to 1957 The Interim Legislative Council
1957 to 1961 The Legislative Council
1961 to 1964 The Legislative Assembly and the Senate
1964 to 1966 The House of Assembly
1966 to 1968 The National Assembly of the First Parliament of Guyana
1969 to 1973 The National Assembly of the Second Parliament of Guyana
1973 to 1980 The National Assembly of the Third Parliament of Guyana
1980 to 1985 The National Assembly of the Fourth Parliament of Guyana
1985 to 1992 The National Assembly of the Fifth Parliament of Guyana
1992 to 1997 The National Assembly of the Sixth Parliament of Guyana
1997 to 2001 The National Assembly of the Seventh Parliament of Guyana
2001 to 2006 The National Assembly of the Eighth Parliament of Guyana
Since 2006 The National Assembly of the Ninth Parliament of Guyana
32
LEGISLATIVE PERIODS, NAMES OF LEGISLATIVE BODIES,
FIRST MEMBERS OF LEGISLATIVE BODIES, AND SOME
EVENTS WITH DATES : 1718 TO 2006
1718 TO 1803
THE DUTCH LAW-MAKING BODY – THE COURT OF POLICY

In 1718, the Dutch established a Council of Policy and Justice to deal with
Government and Judicial matters.
In 1732, the Dutch established the Court of Policy as the law-making body.
On 26th May, 1739, the Dutch established a Constitution.
In 1750, the Council of Justice was separated from the Council of Policy.
The principal institutions which were established by the Dutch were -
The Court of Policy

This was the law-making body.
As far as could have been discovered, the Court of Policy was established in
1732, and is accepted as the first law-making body of the Country.
It consisted of 11 Members:
The Governor, with a casting vote,
5 Members elected by the free holders, and
5 Officials, who included the Fiscal Officer and the
Vendor Master.
The Court of Policy also performed the executive functions of the Colony
until 1892, when an Executive Council was established for this purpose.
The Combined Court
This body consisted of –
The Court of Policy, and
33
6 elected representatives, known as the Financial
Representatives.
The specific duty of the Combined Court was to vote money consequent on
the laws passed by the Court of Policy.
The Combined Court often refused to vote the money which the
Court of Policy had decreed.

The Court of Justice
This body was of a punitive rather than of an administrative
nature.

The College of Keizers
The soldiers of the Burgher Militia chose some of their number to represent
them in what became known as a College of Keizers.
The College of Keizers originally chose one member of the Court of Policy
and later it chose 5 members who constituted the Official side of the Court
of Policy.
1803 TO 1928
OWNERSHIP BY THE BRITISH - CONTINUATION OF THE

DUTCH COURT OF POLICY
In 1803, the Dutch surrendered and handed over the Colony of Essequibo
and Demerara and the Colony of Berbice to the British.
For the third and last time, the Colonies became British.
The Dutch laws and usages remained in force.
The Court of Policy remained as the law-making body.
In 1829, the foundation stone of the Public Buildings was laid.
British Guiana from 1831
34
In 1831, the Colony of Essequibo and Demerara and the Colony of Berbice
were united and became the Colony of British Guiana.
The principal Dutch Institutions of the Court of Policy, the College of

Financial Representatives, the Court of Justice, the College of Electors and
the Combined Court further continued in existence by the British, although
substantially Dutch in character, until 1928.
In 1832, the voting age was lowered from 25 years to 21 years.
In 1832, the Public Buildings was completed.
On 5th August, 1834, the Public Buildings was formally handed over to a
Committee of the Court of Policy, which was the law-making body of the
Colony.
In 1835, to qualify to vote, persons had to be paying direct taxes of 70

guilders (£5) per annum.
In 1836, to qualify to vote, persons had to be assessed to pay direct taxes on
an income of not less than 2001 guilders (£143).
In 1849, only male British subjects with certain property qualifications were
allowed to vote.
Voting by women was withdrawn.
In 1875, the coffered ceiling of the Parliament Chamber in the Public
Buildings was constructed by Castellani, an Italian Architect, and was done
in pastel hues of pink, green, blue and off-white.
In 1889, the origins of the Inter-Parliamentary Union began.
In 1891, the British amended the Political Constitution of the Colony by the
British Guiana Constitution Ordinance, 1891 (No. 1 of 1891).
The franchise was lowered. The income qualification for voting which had
been reduced from $600 (£125) to $480 (£100) per annum was further
reduced to £75.
35
An Executive Council was established for the first time.
The executive functions were transferred from the Court of Policy to the
Executive Council.
The Court of Policy, the law-making body, which had consisted of 11 Members
under the Dutch now had 16 Members: The Governor (with an original as
well as a casting vote), 4 Ex Officio Members (the Government Secretary, the
Attorney General, the Immigration Agent General and the Receiver General),
3 other Official Members, and 8 Elected Members from 7 Constituencies.
The number of the Elected Members was the same as the number of the
other Members.
Alex Benjamin Brown, a lawyer from Den Amstel, was the first Guyanese of
African descent to become a legislator.
On 17th May, 1892, Sir Donald Edward Jackson (the Second Speaker) was
born.
In 1894, the Inter-Parliamentary Union was formally established.
In 1909, the income qualification for voting was reduced.
On 16th December, 1909, Alexander Irving Crum Ewing (a former Clerk of

the Legislature), was born.
On 11th May, 1910, Rahman Baccus Gajraj (the Third and also the Fifth
Speaker) was born.
In 1911, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association was founded.
On 9th January, 1918, Arthur Chung (the First President of Guyana) was born.
On 14th February, 1918, Elwyn Valentine Viapree (a former Clerk of the

Legislature) was born.
On 22nd March, 1918, Cheddi Jagan (the longest serving Member of

Parliament and the Fourth President of Guyana) was born.
36
On 20th October, 1920, Janet Jagan (the Sixth President of Guyana) was
born.
On 20th February, 1923, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (the Second
President of Guyana and the First President with Executive powers) was born.
On 27th January, 1925, Sase Narain (the Sixth and longest serving Speaker)
was born.
In 1926, a Parliamentary Commission from Britain visited British Guiana to
consider Constitutional reform.
In 1926, General Elections were held.

The Popular Party won the majority of seats – 8.
In 1928, new property qualifications for voting were introduced.

Voting by women was restored.
1928 TO 1930
BRITISH CROWN COLONY - THE FIRST LEGISLATIVE

COUNCIL OF BRITISH GUIANA
On 28th March, 1928, the British Parliament enacted the British Guiana Act
making provision for the Government of the Colony of British Guiana.
On 13th July, 1928, the British Guiana (Constitution) Order in Council,
1928, was made by the King in Council.
On 17th July, 1928, the Court of Policy met for the last time.
On 18th July, 1928, the new British Crown Colony Constitution – The British
Guiana (Constitution) Order in Council, 1928 – came into operation.
British Guiana became a British Crown Colony.
The first Legislative Council was established by the British and replaced the
Dutch created Court of Policy and the Combined Court.
37
The Legislative Council was comprised of 30 Members : The Governor, 2 Ex
Officio Members, 8 Nominated Official Members, 5 Nominated Unofficial
Members and 14 Elected Members from 8 Constituencies. The Elected
Members were 14 and the others were 16.
The following were the first 30 Members of the First Legislative Council of
the Colony of British Guiana:-
The Governor (1)

Brigadier General Sir Frederick Gordon Guggisberg, KCMG, DSO, RE.
Ex Officio Members (2)

The Colonial Secretary, Crawford Douglas Douglas-Jones
The Attorney General, Hector Archibald Josephs
Nominated Official Members (8)

Colonial Treasurer, Thomas Millard
Director of Education, William Bain Gray
Inspector General of Police, William Ernest Horatio Bradburn
Director of Public Works, John Cormack Craig
Conservator of Forests, Bernard Reader Wood
Managing Director, Colonial Transport Department, Sydney Howard Bayley
Commissioner of Lands and Mines, John Mullin
Acting Surgeon General, William George Boase
Nominated Unofficial Members (5)

Arthur Piercy Gardiner Austin
Thomas Traill Smellie
Francis Dias
James Smith
Sydney Howard Seymour
Elected Members (14)

Robert Edward Brassington (Senior Member for North West Essequibo)
38
Stanley McDonald DeFreitas (Junior Member for North West Essequibo)
Robert Victor Evan Wong (Senior Member for South East Essequibo)
Edmund Fitzgerald Fredericks (Junior Member for South East Essequibo)
Eustace Gordon Woolford (Senior Member for New Amsterdam)
Joseph Eleazar (Junior Member for New Amsterdam)
Nelson Cannon (Senior Member for Georgetown)
Percy Claude Wight (Junior Member for Georgetown)
Joseph Gonsalves (Other Member for Georgetown)
Hubert Chester Humphrys (Member for East Demerara)
Alfred Victor Crane (Member for West Demerara)
Edward Alfred Luckhoo (Senior Member for Berbice)
Albert Raymond Forbes Webber (Junior Member for Berbice)
Arnold Emanuel Seeram (Member for Demerara)
The Legislative Council met for the first time on 28th November, 1928.
Prayers were read by the Rt. Rev. Oswald H. Parry, Bishop of Guiana.
Members made and subscribed the Oath.
The Chief Justice administered the Oath to the Governor.
The Governor administered the Oath to the Members.
Standing Rules and Orders were considered and were approved.
Sometime in 1928 the Constitution was suspended.
On 9th March, 1929, Hugh Desmond Hoyte (the Third President of Guyana)
was born.
On 25th May, 1930, Derek Chunilall Jagan (the Seventh Speaker) was born.
1930 TO 1935
THE SECOND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Elections for the Second Legislative Council were held in September, 1930.
The Legislative Council was comprised of the same number of Members as
39
the First Legislative Council, i.e., 30 Members : The Governor, 2 Ex Officio
Members, 8 Nominated Official Members, 5 Nominated Unofficial Members
and 14 Elected Members, on this occasion from 14 Constituencies. In the
First Legislative Council there were the same number of elected Members
(14) but there were 8 Constituencies. The Elected Members were 14 and the
others were 16.
The First Members of the Second Legislative Council were as follows:-
The Governor (1)

Sir Edward Brandis Denham, KCMG, KBE.

The Colonial Secretary, George Douglas Owen

Surgeon General, Percy James Kelly
Colonial Treasurer, Thomas Millard
Director of Education, William Bain Gray
Director of Agriculture, John Sydney Dash
Director of Public Works, John Cormack Craig

Managing Director, Colonial Transport Department, Sydney Howard Bayley
Commissioner of Lands and Mines, John Mullin
Comptroller of Customs, William Albert D’Andrade

Frederick Jacob Seaford
Gilherne Joseph De Freitas
George Earnest Anderson
Sydney Howard Seymour
Edward Miles Walcott
40
Victorine Antonio Pires (Member for North Western District)
Robert Edward Brassington (Member for Western Essequibo)
Edmund Fitzgerald Fredericks (Member for Essequibo River)
Jung Bahadur Singh (Member for Demerara-Essequibo)
Eustace Gordon Woolford (Member for New Amsterdam)
Nelson Cannon (Member for Georgetown North)
Percy Claude Wight (Member for Georgetown Central)
Joseph Gonsalves (Member for Georgetown South)
Arnold Emanuel Seeram (Member for Eastern Demerara)
John Ignatius De Aguiar (Member for Central Demerara)
Edward Alfred Luckhoo (Member for Eastern Berbice)
Joseph Eleazar (Member for Berbice River)
Albert Raymond Forbes Webber (Member for Western Berbice)
Alfred Victor Crane (Member for Demerara River)
The Second Legislative Council first met on 16th October, 1930.

Establishment of Finance Committee

A Finance Committee comprising all the elected Members of the Legislative
Council, the Colonial Secretary, the Colonial Treasurer and some of the
Nominated Members was established.
The duty of the Finance Committee was to examine the Estimates before they
were presented to the Legislative Council.
On 1st March, 1931, Winslow Martin Zephyr (the Eighth Speaker) was born.
On 3rd February, 1932, Frank Alston Narain (the longest serving Parliamentary
Official and Clerk of the National Assembly) was born.
On 1st November, 1933, a Commission was appointed to examine the
franchise.
41
On 9th November, 1934, Hamilton Green (a former Prime Minister) was born.
In 1935, the 1928 Constitution was amended.

The franchise was lowered.
1935 TO 1947
THE THIRD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Elections for the Third Legislative Council were held on 3rd September, 1935.
The Third Legislative Council was comprised of the same number of Members
as the Second Legislative Council - 30: The Governor, 2 Ex-Officio Members,
8 Nominated Official Members, 5 Nominated Unofficial Members and 14
Elected Members from 14 Constituencies.
The Elected Members were 14 and the others were 16.
The First Members of the Third Legislative Council were as follows:-
The Governor (1)

Sir Geoffrey Alexander Stafford Northcote, KCMG.

The Colonial Secretary, Eubule John Waddington

The Director of Education, William Bain Gray
The Director of Agriculture, John Sydney Dash
The Commissioner of Lands and Mines, John Mullin
The Colonial Treasurer, Edwin Frank McDavid
The Comptroller of Customs, William Albert D’Andrade
42
The Director of Public Works, John Cormack Craig
The Acting Surgeon General, Quirino Bonifacio DeFreitas
The District Commissioner, East Coast Demerara, Malcolm Buchanan Laing

Thomas Traill Smellie
Malcolm Burnett Gardiner Austin
Edward Miles Walcott
Joseph Waterton Jackson
Francis Dias

Charles Ramkissoon Jacob (Member for North Western District)
Sydney Howard Seymour (Member for Western Essequibo)
Alfred Railton Crum Ewing (Member for Essequibo River)
Eustace Gordon Woolford (Member for New Amsterdam)
Frederick Jacob Seaford (Member for Georgetown North)
Percy Claude Wight (Member for Georgetown Central)
Joseph Gonsalves (Member for Georgetown South)
Hubert Chester Humphrys (Member for Eastern Demerara)
John Ignatius De Aguiar (Member for Central Demerara)
Edward Alfred Luckhoo (Member for Eastern Berbice)
Joseph Eleazar (Member for Berbice River)
Peer Bacchus (Member for Western Berbice)
Arthur George King (Member for Demerara River)
The First Meeting of the Third Legislative Council was held on 15th October,
1935.
On 12th December, 1936, the Governor, Sir Geoffrey Alexander Stafford
Northcote, KCMG, and all Members of the Legislative Council again made
and subscribed the Oath.
43
On 11th January, 1939, the British Guiana Branch of the Commonwealth
Parliamentary Association was formed and British Guiana became an
Affiliated Member of the Association.
On 30th March, 1939, the new Governor, Sir (Eubule) John Waddington,
KCMG, OBE, made and subscribed the Oath in the Legislative Council.
1939 to 1945 Second World War.

In 1940, on account of the Second World War, the life of the Legislative
Council was extended and General Elections for the next (Fourth) Legislative
Council were not held until 24th November, 1947.
The life of this Legislature lasted from 1935 to 1947.
In May 1941, a local Franchise Commission was appointed by the Governor.

In 1942, the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council was reconstituted
to consist of the Governor, the Colonial Secretary, the Colonial Treasurer
and all of the Unofficial Members of the Legislative Council.
On 11th March, 1943, the 1928 Constitution was further amended.

The composition of the Legislative Council was altered.
The membership of the Legislative Council was reduced from 30 to 25: the
Governor, 3 Official Members (the Colonial Secretary, the Attorney General
and the Colonial Treasurer), 7 Unofficial Members, and 14 Elected Members.
For the first time, the Elected Members were in the majority :14 to 11.
In 1943, Legislative Council Advisory Committees were established.

In 1944, the Local Franchise Commission submitted a Report dated 29th
February, 1944
In 1945, the property qualifications for voting were reduced.

Women became eligible for membership to the Legislature for the first time.
44
In 1946, the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), which was in 1950 replaced by
the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), was formed.
On 11th August, 1946, Hari Narayen Ramkarran (the Ninth and Present
Speaker) was born.
The Third Legislative Council was dissolved in 1947.
1947 TO 1953
THE FOURTH LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

General Elections for the Fourth Legislative Council were held on 24th
November, 1947.
Following an amendment on 11th March, 1943, to the 1928 Constitution, the

membership of the Fourth Legislative Council was reduced from 30 to 25 :
The Governor as President, 3 Official Members (the Colonial Secretary, the
Attorney General and the Colonial Treasurer), 7 Unofficial Members (other
than Public Servants), and 14 Elected Members.
The Elected Members were in the majority : 14 to 11.
Provision was made for an Office of Deputy President of the Legislative

Council.
Eustace Gordon Woolford (Later Sir Eustace Woolford who became the First
Speaker in 1953) was selected for the appointment.
The First Members of the Fourth Legislative Council were as follows:-
The Governor (1)

Sir Charles Campbell Woolley, KCMG, OBE, MC.
45
The Colonial Secretary,. Desmond John Parkinson
The Attorney General, Edgar Mortimer Duke
The Colonial Treasurer, Edwin Frank McDavid
Nominated Members (7)

Frederick Jacob Seaford
Vincent Roth
Thomas Theophilus Thompson
William John Raatgever
George Arthur Cyril Farnum
Cramat Ally McDoom
Geoffrey Haward Smellie

William Phang (Member for North Western District)
Claude Vibart Wight (Member for Western Essequibo)
Theophilus Lee (Member for Essequibo River)
William Oscar Rudyard Kendall (Member for New Amsterdam)
Jacob Alexander Nicholson (Member for Georgetown North)
John Fernandes (Member for Georgetown Central)
Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow (Member for Georgetown South)
Daniel Prabhudas Debidin (Member for Eastern Demerara)
Cheddi Jagan (Member for Central Demerara)
George Mayo Gonsalves (Member for Eastern Berbice)
Clement Patrick Ferreira (Member for Berbice River)
Aaron Theophilus Peters (Member for Western Berbice)
Joseph Patrick Coghlan (Member for Demerara River)
The First Meeting of the Fourth Legislative Council was held on 18th
December, 1947.
46
On 15th February, 1948, Robert Herman Orlando Corbin (the Present Leader
of the Opposition) was born.
In January, 1950, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), given that name by
Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, was formed with Cheddi Jagan as Leader,
Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham as Chairman, and Janet Jagan as General
Secretary, and replaced the Political Affairs Committee.
On 15th December, 1950, the Members of the Constitutional Commission –
Sir James Waddington, Chairman, Professor Vincent T. Harlow and Dr. Rita
Hinden – which was established to review the franchise, the composition
of the Legislative Council, and any other related matters, in the light
of the economic and political development of the Colony, and to make
recommendations – arrived in the Colony.
On 17th April, 1951, Frank Alston Narain, at the age of 19 years, joined the
British Guiana Civil Service as a Class II Clerk in the Colonial Secretary’s
Office, in the Public Buildings.
On 29th June, 1951, the Constitutional Commission (the Waddington

Commission) submitted its Report.
In March 1952, all property qualifications for voting were abolished and
universal adult suffrage was introduced by legislation.
The life of the Legislative Council which first met on 18th December, 1947,
after the general elections on 24th November, 1947, was extended for a short
period to allow the preparations for the introduction of the new Constitution
to be completed.
On 17th August, 1952, Sherlock Ewart Isaacs (the Present Clerk of the
National Assembly) was born.
On 8th April, 1953, the Fourth Legislative Council, which first met on 18th
December, 1947, was dissolved.
47
MAY TO DECEMBER, 1953
THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY AND THE STATE COUNCIL

(PPP ADMINISTRATION)
On 7th April, 1953, Sir Eustace Gordon Woolford, OBE, QC, was appointed
by the Governor, Sir Alfred William Lungley Savage, KCMG, to be the Speaker
of the new House of Assembly. He was the First Speaker for British Guiana
and held the Office until 30th June, 1957.
A new Constitution (Waddington) was introduced.
On 27th April, 1953, General Elections were held under the first-past-the-
post system for 24 seats in the new House of Assembly and for the first time
under universal adult suffrage.
The People’s Progressive Party polled 77,695 or 51% of the valid votes
and obtained 18 of the 24 seats in the House of Assembly, the National
Democratic Party won 2 seats and Independent candidates won 4 seats.
The following were the First Members of the new House of Assembly:-
The Speaker (1)

Sir Eustace Gordon Woolford, OBE, QC.
Ex-Officio Members (3)

The Chief Secretary, John Gutch, CMG, OBE.
The Attorney General, Frank Wilfred Holder, QC.
The Financial Secretary, Walter Ogle Fraser, OBE. (Acting)
People’s Progressive Party (18)
48
Ministers (6)
Dr. Cheddi Jagan,
Leader of the House and Minister of Agriculture, Forests,
Lands and Mines
(No. 23 – Corentyne Coast)
Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham,

Minister of Education (No. 14 – Georgetown North-East)
Ashton Chase,
Minister of Labour, Industry and Commerce (No. 10 -
Georgetown South)
Sydney Evanson King,

Minister of Communications and Works (No. 16 - Central
Demerara)
Dr. Joseph Prayag Lachhmansingh,

Minister of Health and Housing (No. 8 - East Bank Demerara)
Jai Narine Singh,

Minister of Local Government and Social Welfare (No. 7 –
West Bank Demerara)
Deputy Speaker (1)

Janet Jagan (No. 3 – Western Essequibo)
Other Members (11)

Fred Bowman (No. 6 – Demerara-Essequibo)
Clinton Reginald Wong (No.11 – Georgetown South Central)
Jessie Irma Sampson Burnham (No.12 – Georgetown Central)
Frank Obermuller Van Sertima (No.13 – Georgetown North)
Ram Karran (No. 15 – West Central Demerara)
49
Jane Phillips-Gay (No. 17 – East Central Demerara)
Chandra Sama Persaud (No. 18 – Mahaica-Mahaicony)
Samuel Mahabali Latchmansingh (No. 19 – Western Berbice)
Ajodha Singh (No. 21 – Berbice River)
Dr. Robert Stanley Hanoman Singh (No. 22 – Eastern Berbice)
Mohamed Khan (No. 24 – Corentyne River)
National Democratic Party (2)

William Oscar Rudyard Kendall (No. 20 – New Amsterdam)
Eugene Francis Correia (No. 5 – Bartica and Interior)
Independents (4)
William Alfred Phang (No. 1 - North West)
Thomas Sherwood Wheating (No. 2 - Pomeroon)
Theophilus Lee (No. 4 – Essequibo Islands)
Charles Albert Carter (No. 9 - Upper Demerara River)
On 18th May, 1953, the House of Assembly held its First Sitting.
The following were the First Members of the First State Council:-
President
Sir Frank McDavid, CMG.
Minister without Portfolio
Appointed by the Governor (5)

William John Raatgever, CBE.
Lionel Alfred Luckhoo
William Alexander Macnie, CMG, OBE.
Rahman Baccus Gajraj
Dr. Alan John Knight
The State Council held its First Meeting on 25th May, 1953.
50
The Ceremonial Opening of the Legislature took place on 30th May, 1953.
Problems arose and on 9th October, 1953, the Constitution was suspended.
The State Council and the House of Assembly were prorogued.
The portfolios of the six elected Ministers were removed.
They became Ministers without Portfolio.
On 2nd December, 1953, the Secretary of State for the Colonies announced
in the British House of Commons the appointment of the following to
comprise the Constitutional Commission:-
Sir James Robertson, KCMG, KBE (Chairman),

Sir Donald Jackson,
Mr. George Woodcock, CBE,
Mr. R.E. Radford, Colonial Office (Secretary).
The following were the terms of reference of the Commission:
“In the light of the circumstances which made it necessary to suspend the
Constitution of British Guiana to consider and to recommend what changes
are required in it.”
On 21st December, 1953, the Legislature (the State Council and the House
of Assembly) was dissolved.
All seven Ministers without Portfolio ceased to be Ministers from that time.
51
1954 TO 1957
THE INTERIM LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Following the dissolution of the Legislature on 21st December, 1953,
Temporary Constitutional Provisions were introduced.
A new Executive Council was established.
An Interim (Wholly Nominated Single Chamber) Legislative Council

consisting of 28 Members: a Speaker, the Chief Secretary, the Attorney
General, the Financial Secretary, and twenty-four Nominated Members, was
established.
No Members were nominated from the People’s Progressive Party.
On 5th January, 1954, the Interim Legislative Council met for the first time.
The Governor, Sir Alfred William Lungley Savage, KCMG, addressed the
Legislative Council.
The former Speaker, Sir Eustace Gordon Woolford, continued as Speaker of

this Legislative Council.
The following were the First Members of the Interim Legislative Council:-
Speaker (1)
Sir Eustace Gordon Woolford, OBE, QC.
Ex-Officio Members (3)

The Chief Secretary, John Gutch, CMG, OBE.
The Attorney General, Frank Wilfred Holder, QC.
The Financial Secretary, Walter Ogle Fraser, OBE.
52
Members with Portfolio (They were not designated Ministers) (4)
Sir (Edwin) Frank McDavid, CMG, CBE,
Member for Agriculture, Forests and Lands and Mines
Percival Augustus Cummings,
Member for Labour, Health and Housing
William Oscar Rudyard Kendall,
Member for Communications and Works
George Arthur Cyril Farnum, OBE,
Member for Local Government, Social Welfare and Co-operative
Development
Members without Portfolio (They were not designated Ministers) (3)

Geoffrey Haward Smellie (Resigned from 1.1.56)
Rupert Clement Tello

Wellesley Trevelyan Lord, ISO, Commissioner of Lands and Mines
James Isaac Ramphal, Commissioner of Labour

William John Raatgever, CBE (Deputy Speaker to 1st August, 1956)
Theophilus Lee
William Alfred Phang
Lionel Alfred Luckhoo
William Alexander Macnie, CMG, OBE (Deputy Speaker from 3.8.56)
Charles Albert Carter
Eugene Francis Correia
Rev. Douglas Campbell Josiah Bobb
Hamid Rahaman
Gertrude Hyacinth Collins
Esther Elizabeth Dey
Hugh Arthur Fraser
53
Lt. Col. Ernest James Haywood, MBE, TD.
Rupert Bramwell Jailal
Sugrim Singh
In January, 1954, the Members of the Constitutional Commission (Robertson)

arrived in Guyana and commenced their work.
The People’s Progressive Party boycotted the Commission.
In September, 1954, the Constitutional Commission (Robertson) submitted

its Report dated 1st September, 1954, to the Secretary of State for the
Colonies.
On 13th February, 1955, The People’s Progressive Party was split into two
factions:
(i) The People’s Progressive Party (Jaganite) led by Cheddi Jagan, and
(ii) The People’s Progressive Party (Burnhamite) led by Linden Forbes
Sampson Burnham.
On 29th June, 1957, the Interim Legislative Council was dissolved.
1957 TO 1961
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

(PPP MAJORITY)
On 12th August, 1957, General Elections were held under the first-past-the-
post system for 14 seats (14 Constituencies) in the Legislative Council.
The Legislative Council consisted of 24 Members: a Speaker, 3 Ex Officio

Members, 14 Elected Members and 6 Nominated Members.
54
Four Political Parties contested the elections and won seats as follows:-
PPP(J) 9 seats
PPP(B) 3 seats
NLF 1 seat
UDP 1 seat
On 21st August, 1957, Sir Donald Edward Jackson was appointed by the
Governor, Sir Patrick Muir Renison, KCMG, to be Speaker of the new
Legislative Council. He was the Second Speaker and held the Office until
17th July, 1961.
The following were the First Members of the new Legislative Council:-
Speaker (1)
Sir Donald Edward Jackson

The Chief Secretary, Francis Derek Jakeway, CMG, OBE.
The Attorney General, Anthony Mordaunt Innis Austin
The Financial Secretary, Francis William Essex
Elected Ministers (PPP)(J)) (5)

Dr. Cheddi Jagan,
Minister for Trade and Industry (PPP(J)) (No.1 – Eastern Berbice)
Brindley Horatio Benn,
Minister of Community Development and Education (PPP(J)) (No.
12 – Essequibo River)
Edward Balkaran Beharry,
Minister of Natural Resources (PPP(J)) (No. 5 – Eastern Demerara)
Janet Jagan,
Minister of Labour, Health and Housing (PPP(J)) (No. 13 – Western
Essequibo)
Ram Karran,
55
Minister of Communications and Works (PPP(J)) (No. 11 – Demerara-
Essequibo)
Other Elected Members (PPP(J)) (4)

Fred Bowman (PPP(J)) (No. 10 – Demerara River)
Balram Singh Rai (PPP(J)) (No.6 – Central Demerara)
Sheik Mohamed Saffee (PPP(J)) (No. 4 – Western Berbice)
Ajodha Singh (PPP(J)) (No. 3 – Berbice River)
Other Elected Members (5)
Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (PPP(B)) (No. 8 – Georgetown Central)
Andrew Leonard Jackson (PPP(B)) (No. 7 – Georgetown North)
Jainarine Singh (PPP(B)) (No. 9 – Georgetown South)
William Oscar Rudyard Kendall (UDP) (No. 2 – New Amsterdam)
Stephen Campbell (NLF) (No. 14 – North Western District)
Nominated Members (6)

Rahman Baccus Gajraj (Deputy Speaker from 17th April, 1958)
Rupert Clement Tello
Robert Elliot Davis
Anthony Martin Fredericks
Henry Jocelyn Makepeace Hubbard
Antony Greaves Tasker, OBE.
The Legislative Council held its First Meeting on 10th September, 1957.
At that Meeting, a Mace was put into use in the Legislature for the first time.
The Governor, Sir Patrick Muir Renison, KCMG, addressed the Legislative
Council.
In October 1957, the People’s National Congress (PNC) led by Linden Forbes
Sampson Burnham, was formed and replaced the Burnhamite Faction of the
People’s Progressive Party (PPP(B)).
56
The United Democratic Party (UDP), led by John Carter, merged with the new
People’s National Congress (PNC).
In 1961, the United Force (UF) was formed with Peter Stanislaus d’Aguiar as
Leader.
On 18th July, 1961, the Legislative Council was dissolved.
On 18th July, 1961, a new Constitution – The Constitution of British Guiana

– annexed to The British Guiana (Constitution) Order in Council, 1961, and
made on 26th June, 1961, by Her Majesty by and with the advice of Her Privy
Council – came into operation.
This new Constitution revoked the 1953 Constitutional Instruments and the
amendments thereto.
Provision was made in the new Constitution for a Premier and a Council of
Ministers (not called the Executive Council or the Cabinet).
Provision was also made for a two-chamber Legislature – a Senate and a

Legislative Assembly.
The Senate was to consist of 13 Members.
The Legislative Assembly was to consist of a Speaker to be elected by the
Assembly and 35 Members elected, under the system in operation, i.e., the
first past the post system with 35 constituencies.
The Office of Premier was established by the 1961 Constitution.
57
1961 TO 1964
THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY AND THE SENATE

(PPP ADMINISTRATION)
On 21st August, 1961, General Elections were held, for the last time under
the first-past-the-post system, for 35 seats in the Legislative Assembly.
The results were as follows:-

(i) People’s Progressive Party 20 seats (42.6% of the votes)
(ii) People’s National Congress 11 seats (41% of the votes)
(iii) United Force 4 seats (16.2% of the votes)
Full internal self government was granted.
The People’s Progressive Party formed the Government.
Cheddi Jagan (PPP) was appointed the First Premier.
The following were the First Members of the Legislative Assembly:-
Speaker
People’s Progressive Party (20)

Ministers (8)
Dr. Cheddi Jagan,
Premier and Minister of Development and Planning
Brindley Horatio Benn,
Minister of Natural Resources
Ram Karran,
Minister of Works and Hydraulics
58
Balram Singh Rai,
Minister of Home Affairs
Ranji Chandisingh,
Minister of Labour, Health and Housing
Dr. Charles Ramkissoon Jacob, Jnr.,
Minister of Finance
Dr. Fenton Harcourt Wilworth Ramsahoye,
Attorney-General
Earl Maxwell Gladstone Wilson,
Minister of Communications
Parliamentary Secretaries (2)

George Bowman,
Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Natural Resources
Lawrence Everil McRansford Mann,
Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Hydraulics
Other Members (10)

Sheik Mohamed Saffee
George Lakey Robertson
Moses Bhagwan
John Bernard Caldeira
Victor Downer
Abdul Maccie Hamid
George McLinton Henry
Derek Chunilall Jagan
Goberdhan Harry Lall
Mohamed Shakoor
People’s National Congress (11)

Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, QC
William Oscar Rudyard Kendall, Deputy Speaker
59
John Carter
Neville James Bissember
William Alexander Blair
Rudolph Stanislaus Stanley Hugh
John Gabriel Joaquin
Robert James Jordan
Claude Alfonso Merriman
Henry Milton Shakespeare Wharton
United Force (4)

Peter Stanislaus d’Aguiar
Stephen Campbell
Randolph Emanuel Cheeks
Edward Eyre Melville
The Legislative Assembly first met on 5th October, 1961.

Rahman Baccus Gajraj was elected by the Legislative Assembly to be the
Speaker. He was not an elected Member of the Assembly.
He was the Third Speaker, and the First Speaker to be elected by a Legislative
body, and held the Office until 24th September, 1964.
The Speaker and Members made and subscribed the Oath at the First Sitting.
The following were the First Members of the Senate:-

Ashton Chase
Cyril Victor Too Chung
Claude Christian
Mooneer Khan
Cedric Vernon Nunes
Christina Ramjattan
Herbert Thomas
Anne Jardim
60
The First Meeting of the Senate was held on 5th October, 1961.
Ashton Chase was elected by the Senate to be President of the Senate.

Cyril Victor Too Chung was elected by the Senate to be Vice-President of the
Senate.
The President and the other Members of the Senate made and subscribed
the Oath at the First Sitting of the Senate.
The Ceremonial Opening of the new Legislative Assembly and the new
Senate took place on 6th October, 1961, which was the Second Sitting of the
Legislative Assembly and also the Second Sitting of the Senate.
The Governor, Sir Ralph Francis Alnwick Grey, KCMG, KCVO, OBE, addressed
the Legislature.
In February 1962, His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh,
visited Guyana and addressed the Legislative Assembly.
On 28th May, 1963, by a Resolution of the Legislative Assembly, Cheddi

Jagan, Premier and Minister of Development and Planning, and three other
Members of the Assembly, were suspended, for refusing to apologise for
discourteous conduct at the previous sitting of the Assembly.
On 23rd January, 1964, Bharrat Jagdeo (PPP) (the Present and Seventh
President) was born.
In 1964, the Constitution was amended.

Provision was made for a single chamber legislative body – called the House
of Assembly and consisting of 53 Members to be elected for the first time
under the system of proportional representation.
On 25th September, 1964, the Legislature was dissolved.
61
1964 TO 1966
THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

(PNC AND UF ADMINISTRATION)
On 7th December, 1964, General Elections were held, for the first time under
the system of proportional representation, and for the first time for 53 seats
in the House of Assembly.
Seven Political Parties contested the elections and received votes and were
allocated seats as follows:-
People’s Progressive Party 109,332 votes 24 seats

(Cheddi Jagan)

People’s National Congress 96,657 votes 22 seats
(Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham)
United Force 29,612 votes 7 seats

(Peter Stanislaus d’Aguiar)

Justice Party 1,334 votes 0 seats
(Balram Singh Rai)

Guyana United Muslim Party 1,194 votes 0 seats
(Mohamed Hoosain Ganie)

Peace, Equality & Prosperity Party 224 votes 0 seats
(Kelvin Wesley DeFreitas)
National Labour Front 177 votes 0 seats

(Cecil Gray)

Total valid votes 238,530 Total seats 53
62
The People’s National Congress (with 22 seats) and the United Force (with 7
seats) formed the Government.
On 14th December, 1964, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (PNC) was
appointed Premier.
The following were the First Members of the House of Assembly:-

Speaker
Aubrey Percival Alleyne (PNC)
Members of the Government (28)
Ministers (13) (PNC & UF)

Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, QC,
Premier, Minister of Development and Planning and Attorney General
(PNC)
Dr. Ptolemy Alexander Reid,
Minister of Home Affairs (PNC)
Neville James Bissember,
Minister of Health and Housing (PNC)
Randolph Emanuel Cheeks,
Minister of Local Government (UF)
Eugene Francis Correia,
Minister of Communications (PNC)
Peter Stanislaus d’Aguiar,
Minister of Finance (UF)
Mrs. Winifred Gaskin,
Minister of Education, Youth, Race Relations & Community Development
(PNC)
C.M. Llewellyn John,
Minister of Agriculture (PNC)
Robert James Jordan,
Minister of Forests, Lands and Mines (PNC)
Mohamed Kasim,
63
Minister of Works and Hydraulics (UF)
William Oscar Rudyard Kendall,
Minister of Trade and Industry (PNC)
Deoroop Mahraj,
Minister without Portfolio (PNC)
Claude Alfonso Merriman,
Minister of Labour and Social Security (PNC)
Parliamentary Secretary (1)
Stephen Campbell,
Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (UF)
Other Members (14) (PNC & UF)

David Brandis deGroot (PNC)
William Alexander Blair (PNC)
Jagnarine Budhoo (PNC)
Charles Frederick Chan-A-Sue (PNC)
Oscar Eleazar Clarke (PNC)
Royden George Basil Field-Ridley (PNC)
John Gabriel Joaquin (PNC)
Hari Prashad (UF)
Thomas Anson Sancho (PNC)
Rupert Clement Tello, Deputy Speaker (UF)
James Henry Thomas (PNC)
Cyril Victor Too Chung (UF)
Rev. Alex Benjamin Trotman (PNC)
Henry Milton Shakespeare Wharton (PNC)
Members of the Opposition (24)(PPP)

Dr. Cheddi Jagan
Brindley Horatio Benn
Ram Karran
Ranji Chandisingh
Henry Jocelyn Makepeace Hubbard
64
Dr. Charles Ramkissoon Jacob, Jr.
Cedric Vernon Nunes
Dr. Fenton Harcourt Wilworth Ramsahoye
Earl Maxwell Gladstone Wilson
George Bowman
Ashton Chase
Moses Bhagwan
John Bernard Caldeira
Abdul Maccie Hamid
Yacoob Ally
Lloyd Linde
Joseph Rudolph Spenser Luck
Reepu Daman Persaud
Mohendernauth Poonai
Dr. Subhan Ali Ramjohn
Eugene Martin Stoby
The House of Assembly held its first meeting on 31st December, 1964.
The Members of the PPP did not attend the First Sitting.
Aubrey Percival Alleyne (PNC), an elected Member of the House of Assembly,

was elected by the House of Assembly to be the Speaker.
Immediately after his election, he resigned as a Member of the House of
Assembly, and thereupon vacated the Office of Speaker.
He was then re-elected as Speaker. He was the Fourth Speaker.
The vacancy in the House of Assembly was filled by Philip Duncan, another
PNC Member, who made and subscribed the Oath in the Assembly on 27th
January, 1965.
65
The Ceremonial Opening took place on 29th March, 1965.
The Governor, Sir Richard Edmonds Luyt, KCMG, DCM, addressed the
Assembly.
On 18th May, 1965, the Members of the PPP attended the Assembly and
made and subscribed the Oath.
.
In 1965, an amendment to the Constitution provided for the Office of Prime
Minister, in
the place of Premier.
Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (PNC), who was the Premier, became the
First Prime Minister.
On 26th January, 1966, the Flag for an Independent Guyana, which was
designed by Whitney Smith, Director of the Flag Centre, Florida, USA, was
approved by the House of Assembly.
In February, 1966, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited British Guiana.
On 25th February, 1966, the Coat of Arms for an Independent Guyana, which
was designed by Edward Burrowes, Stanley Greaves and Alvin Bowman, and
which was selected on the recommendation of the National History and Arts
Council and approved by the College of Arms in England, was accepted by
the House of Assembly.
On 21st April, 1966, the music for the Guyana National Anthem, which was
composed by Robert Cyril Gladstone Potter, was approved by the House of
Assembly.
66
1966 TO 1968
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FIRST PARLIAMENT

OF GUYANA
(PNC AND UF ADMINISTRATION)
On 26th May, 1966, British Guiana attained Independence as Guyana.

A new Constitution came into operation.
The Office of Governor-General replaced the Office of Governor.
The Governor, Sir Richard Edmonds Luyt, KCMG, DCM, became the First
Governor-General.
The House of Assembly became the National Assembly of the First Parliament
of Guyana.
The Members of the House of Assembly became the Members of the new
National Assembly of the First Parliament of Guyana.
The Office of the Legislature was renamed the Parliament Office.
Two new Offices of Clerk of the National Assembly and Deputy Clerk of the
National Assembly were established by the Constitution, outside of the Public
Service, and replaced the Public Service Offices of Clerk of the Legislature
and Assistant Clerk of the Legislature.
The designation “Marshal” was changed to “Sergeant-at-Arms”.
During 1966, Sir Richard Edmonds Luyt, KCMG, DCM, Governor-General,

left Guyana and Sir Kenneth Sievewright Stoby acted as Governor-General.
.
On 4th June, 1966, the Government published a Notice designating Members
of the National Assembly as Members of Parliament, with the letters “M.P.”
after their names.
On 15th November, 1966, a Speaker’s Chair was presented as an Independence

Gift from the Government and People of India to the Parliament of Guyana.
67
From 17th December, 1966 to 1969, Sir David James Gardiner Rose, GCMG,
CVO, MBE, was the Governor-General. He was killed in an accident in London
on 10th November, 1969.
On 4th August, 1967, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Aubrey Percival
Alleyne, died.
On 16th February, 1968, Rahman Baccus Gajraj was elected by the National
Assembly to be the Fifth Speaker of the National Assembly.
On 22nd October, 1968, a Clerks’ Table, three Clerks’ Chairs and a Sergeant-
at-Arms’ Chair were presented as Independence Gifts from the British House
of Commons to the Parliament of Guyana.
On 5th November, 1968, the First Parliament of Guyana was dissolved.
1969 TO 1973
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SECOND PARLIAMENT

OF GUYANA
(PNC ADMINISTRATION)
Elections for the 53 seats in the National Assembly of the Second Parliament
of Guyana were held on 16th December, 1968, under the system of
proportional representation.
Seats were allocated as follows:-

PNC 30 seats
PPP 19 seats
UF 4 seats
68
The People’s National Congress formed the Government.
Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (PNC) became the Prime Minister.
The Second Parliament commenced when the National Assembly first met on
3rd January, 1969.
The following were the First Members of the National Assembly:-
Speaker of the National Assembly

Rahman Baccus Gajraj, CBE, JP.
(a) Members of the Government
People’s National Congress (30)

(i) Elected Ministers (4)
Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Q.C.,
Prime Minister
Dr. Ptolemy Alexander Reid,
Minister of Finance
Robert James Jordan,
Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Mohamed Kasim,
Minister of Communications

(ii) Non-Elected Ministers (3)
Shridath Surendranath Ramphal, CMG, QC.
Attorney General and Minister of State
Martin Wylde Carter,
Minister of Information
Hamilton Green,
Minister of Works and Hydraulics
69
(iii) Other Members (26)
Joseph NathanielAaron
Margaret Matilda Ackman
Kenneth Berkeley Bancroft
Neville James Bissember
Jagnarine Budhoo
Winslow George Carrington
Leonard Ignatius Chan-A-Sue
Oscar Eleazer Clarke, Deputy Speaker
Malcolm Corrica
Philip Duncan
Eugene Hugh Allan Fowler
William Haynes
Hugh Desmond Hoyte
John Gabriel Joaquin, OBE, JP
Clifton Mortimer Llewellyn John
Patricia Anita Limerick
Shirley Merle Patterson
Bishwaishwar Ramsaroop
Abdul Salim
David Arthur Singh
Jeffrey Ronald Thomas
Ralph Chesterfield Van Sluytman
Conrad Egerton Wrights
Mohamed Zaheeruddeen, JP
(b) Members of the Opposition (23)

(i) People’s Progressive Party (19)
Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Leader of the Opposition
Ranji Chandisingh
Earl Maxwell Gladstone Wilson
70
Ram Karran
Dr. Fenton Harcourt Wilworth Ramsahoye
Mohamed Yacoob Ally
Reepu Daman Persaud, JP
Eugene Stoby
Abdul Maccie Hamid, JP
Ivan Remington
Bhola Persaud
Vincent Teekah
Regina Philomena Sahoye
Roshan Ally
Edgar Lealand Ambrose
Balchand Persaud
Lilian Maud Branco

(ii) United Force (4)
Peter Stanislaus d’Aguiar
Randolph Emanuel Cheeks
Marcellus Feilden Singh
Cyril Victor Too-Chung
Rahman Baccus Gajraj was elected to be the Fifth Speaker.
Oscar Eleazer Clarke (PNC) was elected Deputy Speaker.
The Ceremonial Opening the Second Parliament took place at the 2nd
Sitting of the National Assembly on 4th February, 1969.
The Governor-General of Canada, Roland Michener, and Mrs. Michener,

visited the Parliament on 17th February, 1969.
71
In April, 1969, following the recommendation of a Representative Committee
of the National Assembly, the shirt jac was introduced as an alternative form
of dress for male Members of the Assembly.
The full-bottomed wig and the ceremonial gown which were used by the
Speaker and the bob wigs and gowns which were used by the Clerks, on
ceremonial occasions, and the bob wig and gown which were used by the
Speaker on all other occasions, were no longer used.
On 19th June, 1969, the Standing Orders of the National Assembly were
approved by the Assembly.
On 10th November, 1969, Sir David Rose, the Governor-General, was killed
in an accident in London.
Edward Victor Luckhoo acted as Governor-General from 1969 to 1970.
On 23rd February, 1970, Guyana became a Republic and ceased to be

part of Her Majesty’s dominions, but continued to be a Member of the
Commonwealth.
Arthur Chung, OE, was elected by the National Assembly to be the First
President.
On 4th January, 1971, Sase Narain was elected to be the Sixth Speaker.
On 14th May, 1973, a new Public Address system with microphones and
loudspeakers was presented to the Parliament of Guyana by the German
Democratic Republic.
In 1973, the voting age was lowered from 21 years to 18 years.
On 7th June, 1973, the Second Parliament of Guyana was dissolved.
72
1973 TO 1980
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE THIRD PARLIAMENT

OF GUYANA
Elections were held on Monday, 16th July, 1973, under the system of
proportional representation for 53 Members of the National Assembly.
Votes were received and seats were allocated as follows:-
PNC 243,803 votes 37 seats

PPP 92,374 votes 14 seats
LP 9,580 votes 2 seats
PDM 2,053 votes 0 seat
The Third Parliament of Guyana commenced when the National Assembly

first met on 26th July, 1973.
The PPP did not attend and participate in the work of Parliament until 24th
May, 1976.
The following were the first Members of the National Assembly of the Third
Parliament:-
Speaker
Sase Narain, JP
Members of the Government – People’s National Congress (49)

L.F.S. Burnham, OE, SC, Prime Minister
Dr. P.A. Reid, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Development
and Agriculture
73
Senior Ministers (7)
H.D. Hoyte, SC, Minister of Works and Communications
S.S. Ramphal, SC, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Justice (Non-Elected
Minister)
H. Green, Minister of Co-operatives and National Mobilisation (Non-
Elected Minister)
H.O. Jack, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources (Non-Elected Minister)
F. E. Hope, Minister of Finance (Non-Elected Minister)
Dr. K.F.S. King, Minister of Economic Development (Non-Elected Minister)
S.S. Naraine, AA, Minister of Housing (Non-Elected Minister)
Ministers (5)
W.G. Carrington, Minister of Labour
S.M. Field-Ridley, Minister of Information and Culture
B. Ramsaroop, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Leader of the House
C.L. Baird, Minister of Education (Non-Elected Minister)
Dr. O.M.R. Harper, Minister of Health (Non-Elected Minister)
Ministers of State (9)

M. Kasim, AA, Minister of State (Agriculture)
O.E. Clarke, Minister of State (East Berbice/Corentyne)
P. Duncan, JP, Minister of State (Rupununi)
C.A. Nascimento, Minister of State (Office of the Prime Minister)
M. Zaheeruddeen, JP, Minister of State (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara)
C.V. Mingo, Minister of State (Internal Security) (Non-Elected Minister)
W. Haynes, Minister of State (Mazaruni/Potaro) (Non-Elected Minister)
A. Salim, Minister of State (East Demerara/West Coast Berbice) (Non-Elected
Minister)
F.U.A. Carmichael, Minister of State (North West) (Non-Elected Minister)

J.R. Thomas, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Housing
C.E. Wrights, JP, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Works and
Communications
74
M.M. Ackman, Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, and
Government Chief Whip
E.L. Ambrose, Parliamentary Secretary (Agriculture), Ministry of National
Development and Agriculture
K.B. Bancroft, Parliamentary Secretary (Hinterland), Ministry of National
Development and Agriculture
S. Prashad, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Co-operatives and National
Mobilisation
J.P. Chowritmootoo, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education
R.H.O. Corbin, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Co-operatives and
National Mobilisation
Other Members (18)

J.N. Aaron
L.M. Branco
M. Corrica
E.H.A. Fowler
J. Gill
W. Hussain
S. Jaiserrisingh
K.M.E. Jonas
M. Nissar
L.E. Ramsahoye
J.G. Ramson
P. Rayman
E.M. Stoby, JP
S.H. Sukhu
C. Sukul
H.A. Taylor
R.C. Van Sluytman
L.E. Willems
75
Members of the Opposition – Liberator Party (2)
G. Kumar
M.F. Singh, Deputy Speaker
Sase Narain was elected Speaker of the National Assembly, and

M.F. Singh (LP) was elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.
The Ceremonial Opening of the Fifth Parliament took place at the 11th
Sitting of the National Assembly on 29th October, 1973.
The President, Arthur Chung, OE, addressed the Assembly.
On 14th March, 1974, Marcellus Feilden Singh (LP) resigned as Deputy Speaker
of the National Assembly and was appointed Leader of the Opposition.
On 28th March, 1974, Ralph Chesterfield Van Sluytman (PNC) was elected
Deputy Speaker.
On 11th July, 1975, the Standing Orders of the National Assembly were
amended to allow the use of the title “Comrade” in the National Assembly
before a Member’s surname or official designation.
On 12th March, 1976, Arthur Chung, OE, was re-elected by the National
Assembly and was sworn in as President for a second term.
On 20th May, 1976, R.C. Van Sluytman (PNC) resigned as Deputy Speaker.
On 24th May, 1976, the Members from the PPP attended the National
Assembly and made and subscribed the Oath.
Ram Karran (PPP) was elected Deputy Speaker.
On 31st May, 1976, the appointment of Marcellus Feilden Singh (LP) as
76
Leader of the Opposition was revoked.
Cheddi Jagan (PPP) was appointed Leader of the Opposition.
The following were the 14 Members from the PPP:-
Dr. C. Jagan, Leader of the Opposition

Ram Karran, Deputy Speaker
Narbada Persaud
Clinton Collymore
Janet Jagan
Sheik Feroze Mohamed
Reepu Daman Persaud
Lallbachan Lalbahadur
Basil James
Cyril Calvin Belgrave
Roshan Ally
Dalchand, JP
Dindayal
Harry Persaud Nokta
On 10th July, 1978, a referendum was held in Guyana.
On 21st July, 1978, a Constituent Assembly, comprising all Members of

the National Assembly, was established by the Assembly to prepare a new
Constitution for Guyana.
The Members from the PPP did not participate in the work of the Constituent
Assembly.
In February, 1980, the Constituent Assembly presented its Report to the

National Assembly.
77
The new Constitution was set out in Act No. 2 of 1980, which was passed
by the National Assembly on 14th February, 1980, and assented to by the
President on 20th February, 1980.
On 6th October, 1980, the new Constitution came into operation.
Arthur Chung ceased to be President.
Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham became the First President with executive
powers.
On 25th October, 1980, the Third Parliament was dissolved.
1980 TO 1985
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FOURTH PARLIAMENT

OF GUYANA
Elections were held on Monday, 15th December, 1980, under the system of
proportional representation for 65 Members of the National Assembly.
The 65 seats were allocated as follows:-

PNC 53
PPP 10
UF 2
From the General Elections 53
To be elected by and from the National Congress
of Local Democratic Organs 2
To be elected by and from the Regional
Democratic Councils (1 Member each) 10
78
The PNC formed the Government.
The following were the first Members of the National Assembly:-
Speaker
Sase Narain, OR, JP
Prime Minister (1)

Dr. Ptolemy Alexander Reid, OE
Other Vice-Presidents (4)

Shiw Sahai Naraine, AA, (Works and Transport)
Hugh Desmond Hoyte, SC (Economic Planning and Finance)
Hamilton Green (Public Welfare)
Bishwaishwar Ramsaroop (Parliamentary Affairs and Party/State Relations)

Ranji Chandisingh (Higher Education)
Oscar Eleazer Clarke (Regional Development)
Robert Herman Orlando Corbin (National Development)
Franklin Eleazar Hope (Trade and Consumer Protection) (Non-Elected
Minister)
Hubert Oliver Jack (Energy and Mines) (Non-Elected Minister)
Dr. Mohamed Shahabuddeen, OR, SC, Attorney General (Justice) (Non-
Elected Minister)
Rashleigh Esmond Jackson (Foreign Affairs) (Non-Elected Minister)
Joseph Adolphus Tyndall, AA (Agriculture) (Non-Elected Minister)
Stanley Alfred Moore (Home Affairs) (Non-Elected Minister)
Jeffrey Ronald Thomas (Education) (Non-Elected Minister)
Ministers (13)
Joshua Peter Chowritmootoo, JP (Environment and Water Supply, in the
79
Ministry of Public Welfare)
Urmia Eleanor Johnson (Co-operatives)
Jean Narinee Maitland-Singh (Consumer Protection, in the Ministry of Trade
and Consumer Protection)
Seeram Prashad (Crops and Livestock, in the Ministry of Agriculture)
Sallahuddin (Finance, in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Finance)
Robert Edward Williams (Fisheries, in the Ministry of Agriculture)
Christopher Anthony Nascimento (Mechanical Equipment, in the Ministry
of Works and Transport) (Non-Elected Minister)
Frank Ulan August Campbell (Information) (Non-Elected Minister)
Fitz Uriel Alexander Carmichael (Forestry, in the Ministry of Agriculture)
(Non-Elected Minister)
Yvonne Veronica Harewood-Benn (Public Service) (Non-Elected Minister)
Harun Rashid (Office of the President) (Non-Elected Minister)
Ralph Chesterfield Van Sluytman (Drainage and Irrigation, in the Ministry of
Agriculture) (Non-Elected Minister)
Richard Alexander Van West-Charles (Health, in the Ministry of Public
Welfare) (Non-Elected Minister)

Malcolm Corrica (Culture, in the Ministry of Education)
Roy Clifton Fredericks, AA (Sport and Youth, in the Ministry of National
Development)
Conrad Egerton Wright (Construction, in the Ministry of Works and
Transport) (Non-Elected Minister)

Agnes Winifred Bend-Kirton (Women’s Affairs and Housing)
Philomena Ameena Rayman (Office of the Prime Minister)
Edith Myrtle Bynoe (Office of the Prime Minister) (Non-Elected Member)
Other Members (23)

Donald Alfred Nicholas Ainsworth
80
Mohamed Ally
Milton Armogan
Bissoondai Beniprashad
Basdeo Bhaggan
Joseph Bernard Caldeira
Allan Albert Chin
Elaine Beatrice Davidson
Harry Doobay
Abel Benjamin Felix
Eugene Hugh Allan Fowler
Patricia Fredericks
Eugene Fitzpatrick Gilbert
Joyce Gill
Albert McRae
Joyce Myrtleen Munroe
Ryburn Nathaniel Primo
Chintaman Gowkarran Sharma
Harold Lall Bahadur Singh
Sydney Hansel Sukhu, MS
Bidiawattie Tiwari
Calvin Vandenburg
Huldah Benomi Walcott, JP, Government Chief Whip
Members from the National Congress of Local Democratic Organs (2)

Rudy Bishop, MS
Bhagmatee Latchminarayan
Members from the Regional Democratic Councils (10)

Kenneth Nathaniel Jones (Region 1 - Barima/Waini)
Khelanand Vishvaykanand Jairam (Region 2 - Pomeroon/Supenaam)
Cora Agnes Singh (Region 3 - Essequibo Islands/West Demerara)
Walter Bipat (Region 4 - Demerara/Mahaica)
Howard Ivan London, MS (Region 5 - Mahaica/Berbice)
81
Isaac Chowritmootoo (Region 6 – East Berbice/Corentyne)
Nellie Rowena Charles (Region 7 - Cuyuni/Mazaruni)
Dianne Abraham (Region 8 - Potaro/Siparuni)
Abel Dorrick (Region 9 – Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo)
Denzil Hinds (Region 10 - Upper Demerara/Berbice)
Members of the Minority (12)

Cheddi Jagan, Minority Leader
Ram Karran, Deputy Speaker
Janet Jagan
Reepu Daman Persaud, JP, Minority Chief Whip
Narbada Persaud
Clinton Collymore
Sheik Feroze Mohamed
Isahak Basir
Cyril Calvin Belgrave
Dalchand, JP

Marcellus Feilden Singh, JP
Michael Anthony Abraham
The Fourth Parliament of Guyana commenced when the National Assembly

first met on 30th January, 1981.
Sase Narain was elected by the National Assembly to be Speaker of the
National Assembly, and
Ram Karran (PPP) was elected to be Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.
The Ceremonial Opening of the Fourth Parliament took place at the second
sitting of the National Assembly on 9th February, 1981.
The President, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (PNC), addressed the
National Assembly.
In 1981, Guyana became a Member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
82
On 6th August, 1985, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (PNC) (the Second
President and the First Executive President) died.
Hugh Desmond Hoyte (PNC), Prime Minister, became the Third President
of Guyana.
Hamilton Green (PNC) was appointed Prime Minister.
On 31st October, 1985, the Fourth Parliament was dissolved.
1985 TO 1992
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FIFTH PARLIAMENT

OF GUYANA
Elections were held on Monday, 9th December, 1985.
The 65 seats in the National Assembly were allocated as follows:-

PNC 54 seats
PPP 8 seats
UF 2 seats
WPA 1 seat
From the General Elections 53

To be elected by and from the National Congress
of Local Democratic Organs 2
To be elected by and from the Regional
Democratic Councils (1 Member each) 10
With the Speaker (1), who was not an elected Member of the National
Assembly, the Elected Members (65), the Non-Elected Ministers (6), and the
Non-Elected Parliamentary Secretary, the National Assembly consisted of 73
persons
83
The following are the First Members (73) of the National Assembly of the
Fifth Parliament:-
Speaker (1)
Sase Narain, OR., SC, JP
Ministers in the Cabinet (10)

Prime Minister (1)
Hamilton Green, Prime Minister
Other Vice-President and First Deputy Prime Minister (1)

Dr. Mohamed Shahabuddeen, OR, SC, Vice-President, First Deputy Prime
Minister and Attorney General
Other Vice-Presidents and Deputy Prime Ministers (2)

Ranji Chandisingh, Vice-President, National Mobilisation, and Deputy Prime
Minister
Viola Victorine Burnham, OR, Vice-President, Education and Social
Development, and Deputy Prime Minister
Other Deputy Prime Ministers (2)

William Arnold Lennox Haslyn Parris, CCH, Deputy Prime Minister, Planning
and Development
Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, Deputy Prime Minister, Agriculture

Rashleigh Esmond Jackson, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Carl Barrington Greenidge, Minister of Finance (Non-Elected Minister)
Seeram Prashad, Minister of Transport
Winston Shripal Murray, C.C.H., Minister of Trade (Non-Elected Minister)
84
Other Ministers (11)
Jeffrey Ronald Thomas, Minister of Manpower, Housing and
Environment
Dr. Richard Alexander Van West-Charles, Minister of Health
Yvonne Veronica Harewood-Benn, Minister of Information and the
Public Service
Ministers (4)
Urmia Eleanor Johnson, Minister within the Ministry of National Mobilisation
Roy Clifton Fredericks, Minister of Youth and Sport within the Ministry of
Education (Non-Elected Minister)
Chintaman Gowkarran Sharma, AA, JP, Minister within the Office of the
President
D. Bernard, Minister within the Ministry of Education (Non-Elected
Minister)

Donald Alfred Nicholas Ainsworth, Minister of State within the Ministry of
Manpower, Housing and Environment (Non-Elected Minister)
Jailall Tiwari Kissoon, Minister of State within the Ministry of Agriculture
Dharamdeo Sawh, Minister of State within the Ministry of Forestry
Dr. Faith Azalea Harding, Minister of State within the Ministry of Planning
and Development (Non-Elected Minister)

Azamudeen Habibulla, Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the President
Stella Odie-Ali, Parliamentary Secretary, Home Affairs
Jean Marjorie Gloria Persico, Parliamentary Secretary, Education (Non-
Elected Member)
Government Chief Whip (1)

Jennifer A Ferreira, Government Chief Whip
85
Other Members (24)
Robert E Williams
Agnes W Bend-Kirton-Holder
Eugene H. Fowler
Joyce Gill-Mingo
M. Ally
Bissoondai Beniprashad-Rayman
Elaine B. Davidson
Harry Doobay
Joyce M. Munroe
Edwina Melville
Amna Ally
Lennox Arthur
James Bovell-Drakes
Neville Calistro
Ginewing Chin
Mortimer Cumberbatch
Mohamed Idris Deen
Cyrilda A. DeJesus
Edith Deygoo
Clarice A. Edwards
Claude L. Geddes
George Marshall
Basil Persaud
Enerva Trotman
Members from the National Congress of Local Democratic Organs (2)

E. Mohamed
Rose I. Semple
Members from the Regional Democratic Councils (10)

Nellie R. Charles (Region 7 – Cuyuni/Mazuruni)
R. Bishop, MS (Region 4 – Demerara/Mahaica)
86
Bhagmatee Latchminarayan (Region5 – Mahaica/Berbice)
Y. Khan (Region 2 – Pomeroon/Supenaam)
Enid B. Abrahams, MS, JP (Region 3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara)
I. Ally (Region 6 – East Berbice/Corentyne)
Patricia Daniel (Region 10 – Upper Demerara/Berbice)
B. L. Domingo (Region 1 – Barima/Waini)
S.I. McGarrell (Region 8 – Potaro/Siparuni)
M. Stephens (Region 9 – Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo)
Dr. C. Jagan, Minority Leader

Reepu Daman Persaud, JP, Deputy Speaker
Janet Jagan
S.F. Mohamed
C.C. Collymore
H. Nokta
I. Basir
C.C. Belgrave

M.F. Singh, CCH, JP
M.A. Abraham
(iii) Working People’s Alliance (1)

Eusi Kwayana
On 12th December, 1985, Hugh Desmond Hoyte (PNC) was declared elected
and was sworn in as President, in the Parliament Chamber, Public Buildings,
Georgetown.
87
On 13th December, 1985, Hamilton Green (PNC) was appointed and was
sworn in as Prime Minister.
The Fifth Parliament commenced when the National Assembly first met on
3rd February, 1986.
Sase Narain, OR, SC, JP, was elected to be Speaker, and

Reepu Daman Persaud, JP (PPP) was elected to be Deputy Speaker.
The Ceremonial Opening took place at the second sitting of the National
Assembly on 4th February, 1986.
The President, Hugh Desmond Hoyte (PNC) addressed the National Assembly.
On 16th July, 1986, the Standing Orders of the National Assembly were, by
a Resolution of the Assembly, amended to provide, for the first time for an
annual recess for the National Assembly from 10th August to 10th October.
On 4th March, 1989, the President of Venezuela, Jose Sarney, addressed the
National Assembly at a Special Sitting.
On 20th March, 1989, the President of Suriname addressed the National

Assembly at a Special Sitting.
On 29th August, 1992, the Fifth Parliament, whose life was extended from
time to time from 3rd February, 1981, to 10th June, 1992, was dissolved.
88
1992 TO 1997
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SIXTH PARLIAMENT

OF GUYANA
(PPP/C ADMINISTRATION)
Elections were held on Monday, 5th October, 1992.
The numbers of seats won by the Political Parties were as follows:-
From the
From the Regional From
General Democratic the Total
Elections (53 Councils (10) NCLDO (2) (65)

PPP/C 28 7 1 36
PNC 23 3 26
WPA 1 1 2
TUF 1 1
On 9th October, 1992, Cheddi Jagan (PPP/C) was declared elected and was
sworn in as President of Guyana, at State House, in Georgetown.
The PPP formed the Government.
In addition to the 65 Elected Members of the National Assembly, 6 persons

who were not elected Members of the Assembly were appointed by the
President to be Ministers and became Members of the Assembly.
Following a request by Frank A. Narain, Clerk of the National Assembly, the

President, in a letter dated 16th December, 1992, informed him that it was
agreed to make the Public Buildings available for Parliamentary matters only.
89
The Building was, from that time, placed under the administration of Frank
A. Narain, Clerk of the National Assembly.
The Sixth Parliament commenced when the National Assembly first met on
17th December, 1992.
Derek Chunilall Jagan (PPP/C) was elected Speaker.

Arthur A. Alexander (PNC) was elected Deputy Speaker.
The President, Cheddi Jagan (PPP/C), addressed the National Assembly.
With the Speaker (1), the Elected Members (65), and the Non-elected
Ministers (6), the Assembly consisted of 72 Members.
The following were the First Members (72) of the National Assembly:-
Speaker of the National Assembly (1)

Derek Chunilall Jagan, SC, JP
Members of the Government – PPP/C (42)

Samuel A Hinds, Prime Minister
Reepu Daman Persaud, JP, Senior Minister of Agriculture (Leader of the
House)
S. Feroze Mohamed, Senior Minister of Home Affairs, (Government Chief
Whip)
Harripersaud Nokta, Senior Minister in the Ministry of Public Works,
Communications and Regional Development
Asgar Ally, Senior Minister of Finance (Non-elected Minister)
Rev. Dr. Ramnauth D.A. Bisnauth, Senior Minister of Education and Cultural
Development (Non-elected Minister)
Bernard C. DeSantos, SC, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs
90
(Non-elected Minister)
Dr. Henry B. Jeffrey, Senior Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social
Security (Non-elected Minister)
Moses V. Nagamootoo, Senior Minister in the Office of the President
Clement J. Rohee, Senior Minister of Foreign Affairs
Gail Teixeira, Senior Minister of Health
M. Shree Chan, Senior Minister of Trade, Tourism and Industry
Janet Jagan
Clinton C. Collymore, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture
Indranie Chandarpal, Minister in the Ministry of Labour, Human Services
and Social Security
F. Vibert DeSouza, Minister in the Ministry of Public Works, Communications
and Regional Development
George E. Fung-On, Minister in the Office of the President
Cyril C. Belgrave
Brindley H. Benn
Fazil M. Ali
Husman Alli
Shaik K.Z. Baksh
Komal Chand
Shirley V. Edwards
Randolph Evans
Dr. Hughley H. Hanoman
Una James
Alston A. Kissoon
Dr. Moti Lall
Khemraj Ramjattan
Donald Ramotar
Lawrence E. Rodney
Pauline Sukhai
Winslow M. Zephyr
Khadim Bacchus (NCLDO)
91
Samad A. Baksh (Region 2 – Pomeroon/ Supenaam)
Harrinarine Baldeo (Region 5 – Mahaica/Berbice)
Joseph M. DeSouza (Region 1 – Barima/ Waini)
Eugene La Cruz (Region 9 – Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo)
Bagot Paul (Region 8 – Potaro/Siparuni)
Kum Karan Ramdass (Region 6 – East Berbice/Corentyne)
Ramrattan a/k Balkarran (Region 3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara)
(i) People’s National Congress (26)

Hugh Desmond Hoyte, SC, Minority Leader
Sase Narain, OR, SC, JP
Robert H. O. Corbin
Winston S. Murray, CCH
Dr. Patrick L. McKenzie, AA
Clarissa S. Riehl
Dr. Kenneth F.S. King
Deryck M.A. Bernard
Dr. Faith A. Harding
Amna Ally
Jean M.G. Persico, AA
Arthur A. Alexander, Deputy Speaker
Simon H. Ng-See-Quan
Dunstan Barrow
David Subnauth
Reynold David (Region 7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni)
Jennifer A. Ferreira
Aftabuddin Ahamad
Kenrick Tyndall
Phillip Bynoe (Region 10 – Upper Demerara/Berbice)
Andy Gouveia
Hukumchand a/k Parag
92
Joan Richards
Gwenneth A. Brouet
John Fredericks
Ivan Peters (Region 4 – Demerara/Mahaica)
(ii) Working People’s Alliance (2)

Dr. Clive Y. Thomas
Matheson Williams (NCLDO)
(iii) The United Force (1)

Manzoor Nadir
On 6th March, 1997, Cheddi Jagan (PPP/C), Fourth President, died.

Samuel Archibald Anthony Hinds (PPP/C), Prime Minister, assumed the
Office of and became the Fifth President of Guyana.
On 17th March, 1997, Janet Jagan (PPP/C), was appointed by the President,
Samuel Archibald Anthony Hinds (PPP/C), and was sworn in as Prime
Minister and First Vice-President.
On 29th October, 1997, the Sixth Parliament was dissolved.
93
1997 TO 2001
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SEVENTH

PARLIAMENT OF GUYANA
(PPP/C ADMINISTRATION)
Elections were held on Monday, 15th December, 1997.

Seats for the 65 Elected Members of the National Assembly were allocated
as follows:-
PPP/C 36
PNC 25
TUF 2
AFG 2
On 19th December, 1997, Janet Jagan (PPP/C) was declared to be elected and
was sworn in as President.
The PPP/C formed the Government.
The Seventh Parliament of Guyana commenced when the National Assembly

first met on 26th February, 1998.
Derek C. Jagan, CCH, SC (PPP/C) was elected to be Speaker, and

Winslow M. Zephyr (PPP/C) was elected to be Deputy Speaker.
Ten persons who were not elected Members of the National Assembly
were appointed by the President to be Ministers and became Non-elected
Members of the Assembly.

The President, Janet Jagan, addressed the National Assembly.
With the Speaker (1), the Elected Members (65), and the Non-Elected
Ministers (10), the National Assembly had 76 Members.
The 25 Members from the PNC who were declared elected, did not attend
the first and subsequent Sittings of the Assembly and, in accordance with
Articles 54 and 156(1)(b) of the Constitution and Standing Order No. 77,
vacated their seats in the Assembly. Their names were again extracted from
the lists and they were again declared elected on 13th July, 1998. They
attended and made and subscribed the Oath on 15th July, 1998.
The following were the First Members (76) of the National Assembly of the
Seventh Parliament:-
Speaker (1)
Derek C. Jagan, CCH, SC, JP (PPP/C)
Members of the Government - People’s Progressive Party/Civic (46)

Samuel A.A. Hinds, Prime Minister
Reepu Daman Persaud, OR, JP, Minister of Agriculture and Parliamentary
Affairs
Clement J. Rohee, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister of Finance
Charles R. Ramson, SC, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs (Non-
Elected Minister)
Rev. Dr. Ramnauth D.A. Bisnauth, Minister of Education (Non-Elected
Minister)
M. Shree Chan, Minister of Trade, Tourism and Industry
Indranie Chandarpal, Minister of Human Services and Social Security (Non-
Elected Minister)
Clinton C. Collymore, Minister in the Ministry of Local Government (Non-
Elected Minister)
95
F. Vibert DeSouza, Minister of Amerindian Affairs (Non-Elected Minister)
George E. Fung-On, Minister of the Public Service (Non-Elected Minister)
Dr. Henry B. Jeffrey, Minister of Health and Labour (Non-Elected Minister)
Moses V. Nagamootoo, JP, Minister of Information
Harripersaud Nokta, Minister of Local Government
Satyadeow Sawh, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries (Non-Elected Minister)
Gail Teixeira, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
C. Anthony Xavier, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics (Non-Elected
Minister)
Shaik K.Z. Baksh, Minister of Housing and Water (Non-Elected Minister)
S. Feroze Mohamed
Cyril C. Belgrave
Donald R. Ramotar
Fazil M. Ali
Husman Alli
Komal Chand, CCH, JP
Navindranauth O. Chandarpal
Bernard C. DeSantos, SC
Shirley V. Edwards
Dr. Hughley H. Hanoman
Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan
Alston A. Kissoon
Dr. Moti Lall, CCH
Odinga N. Lumumba
Khemraj Ramjattan
Hari Narayen Ramkarran, SC
Dr. Leslie S. Ramsammy
Lawrence E. Rodney
Philomena Sahoye-Shury CCH, JP, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Local
Government
Pauline R. Sukhai
Winslow M. Zephyr, Deputy Speaker
96
Joseph M. DeSouza (Region 1 – Barima/Waini)
Heeralall Mohan (Region 2 – Pomeroon/Supenaam)
Ramratan (Region 3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara)
Geoffrey A. Fraser (Region 5 – Mahaica/Berbice)
Ramsundar Sankat, MS (Region 6 – East Berbice/Corentyne)
Eustace S. Rodrigues, MS (National Congress of Local Democratic Organs)
Kumkaran Ramdas (National Congress of Local Democratic Organs)
(i People’s National Congress (25)
H. Desmond Hoyte, SC, Leader of the Opposition

Winston S. Murray, CCH
Dunstan Barrow
Clarissa S. Riehl
E. Lance Carberry
Dr. Faith A. Harding
Ivor Allen
Kadim A. Khan
Jean M.G. Persico, AA
Aubrey C. Norton
Cyrilda A DeJesus
Andy Goveia
Deborah J. Backer
John S. DeFreitas
Raphael G.C. Trotman
Dr. Dalgleish Joseph, MD
Volda A. Lawrence
Joseph L. Hamilton (Region 4 – Demerara/Mahaica)
Sherwood A.J. Lowe
Andrew Hicks
Neaz Subhan
97
Colin Bynoe
Sandra M. Adams (Region 10 – Upper Demerara/Berbice)
Kelly Andries (Region 7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni)
Milton L. Ganpatsingh
(ii) The United Force (2)

Manzoor Nadir
Matthew R. Charlie (Region 9 – Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo)
(iii) Alliance for Guyana (2)

Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine
Albertino Peters (Region 8 – Potaro/Siparuni)
On 8th August, 1999, Samuel Archibald Anthony Hinds (PPP/C) resigned as

Prime Minister.
On 9th August, 1999, Bharrat Jagdeo (PPP/C), Minister of Finance, was

appointed Prime Minister by the President, Janet Jagan (PPP/C).
On 11th August, 1999, Janet Jagan (PPP/C), resigned as President.
Bharrat Jagdeo (PPP/C), Prime Minister, assumed the Office of President.

Samuel Archibald Anthony Hinds (PPP/C), was appointed Prime Minister by
the President, Bharrat Jagdeo (PPP/C).
On 19th April, 2000, the non-governmental Members of the National

Assembly, under the Chairmanship of the Speaker of the National Assembly,
Hari Narayen Ramkarran, SC (PPP/C) elected Hugh Desmond Hoyte (PNC)
to be Leader of the Opposition.
On 27th August, 2000, the name of the People’s National Congress (PNC)
was changed to People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R).
On 3rd September, 2000, a new political movement – Rise, Organise and
98
Rebuild Guyana (ROAR) – was launched, with Ravi Dev as its leader.
On 15th October, 2000, Derek Chunilall Jagan (PPP), Speaker of the National
Assembly, died.
Winslow Martin Zephyr (PPP/C) was elected to be Speaker.
On 15th February, 2001, the Seventh Parliament was dissolved.
2001 TO 2006
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE EIGHTH PARLIAMENT

OF GUYANA
(PPP/C WITH TUF ADMINISTRATION)
Elections were held on Monday, 19th March, 2001.
On 23rd March, 2001, Bharrat Jagdeo (PPP/C) was declared elected President
and assumed the Office of President.
He took and subscribed the Oath of Office on 31st March, 2001, and entered
upon the duties of the Office of President.
The 25 Geographical seats and the 40 National Top Up seats, for a total of 65
Elected Members of the National Assembly, were allocated as follows:-
Geographical National Total
Top Up
PPP/C 11 23 34
PNC/R 13 14 27
GAP/WPA 1 1 2
TUF - 1 1
ROAR - 1 1
99
.The PPP/C (34 Members), together with TUF (1 Member), formed the
Government.
The First Sitting of the National Assembly was held on 4th May, 2001.
The First Members of the National Assembly of the Eighth Parliament were
as follows:-
Speaker (1)
Hari Narayen Ramkarran, SC
Members of the Government (37) (34 PPP Elected Members)

( 2 Non-Elected Ministers)
( 1 TUF Elected Member)
Samuel Archibald Anthony Hinds, Prime Minister and Minister of Works and
Communications
Reepu Daman Persaud, OR, JP, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs
Clement James Rohee, Minister of Foreign Trade and International Co-
operation
Harripersaud Nokta, Minister of Local Government and Regional
Development
Gail Teixeira, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport
Dr. Henry Benfield Jeffrey, Minister of Education
Saisnarine Kowlessar, Minister of Finance
Shaik K. Z. Baksh, Minister of Housing and Water
Navindranauth Omanand Chandarpal, Minister of Agriculture
Jairam Ronald Gajraj, Minister of Home Affairs
Rev. Dr. Ramnauth Dale Arlington Bisnauth, Minister of Labour, Human
Services and Social Security
Clinton Carlton Collymore, Minister in the Ministry of Local Government
and Regional Development
Satyadeow Sawh, Minister of Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock
Samuel Rudolph Insanally, OR, CCH, Minister in the Office of the President
with responsibility for Foreign Affairs (Non-Elected Minister)
100
Doodnauth Singh, SC, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs (Non-
Elected Minister)
Dr. Jennifer Reginalda Ann Westford, Minister of the Public Service
Carl Anthony Xavier, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics
Bibi Safora Shadick, Minister in the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and
Social Security
Manzoor Nadir, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (TUF Elected
Member)
Carolyn Rodrigues, Minister of Amerindian Affairs
Dr. Leslie S. Ramsammy, Minister of Health
Sheik Feroze Mohamed, Government Chief Whip
Cyril Calvin Lewis Belgrave, CCH, JP
Donald Rabindranauth Ramotar
Husman Alli, JP
Komal Chand, CCH, JP
Indranie Chandarpal
Bernard Celestino DeSantos, SC
Shirley Veronica Edwards, JP
Odinga N. Lumumba
Heeralall Mohan, JP
Ramesh Chandra Rajkumar
Kumkaran Ramdas, JP
Khemraj Ramjattan
Dr. Bheri Sygmond Ramsaran, MD
Philomena Sahoye-Shury, CCH, JP, Parliamentary Secretary,
Ministry of Housing and Water
Pauline R. Sukhai
Members of the Opposition (30)
(i) People’s National Congress/Reform (27)

Hugh Desmond Hoyte, SC, Leader of the Opposition
Robert Herman Orlando Corbin
101
Winston Shripal Murray, CCH
Clarissa Sabita Riehl, Deputy Speaker
Everette Lancelot Carberry
Ivor Allen
Deborah Jan Backer
Deryck Milton Alexander Bernard
Cyril Stanley Ming
Raphael Gregory Conwright Trotman
Vincent Luther Alexander
Andy Goveia
Volda Ann Lawrence
Dr. Dalgleish Joseph, MD
Amna Ally
Sandra Michelle Adams
Jerome Khan
Dr. George Aubrey Norton
Myrna Elizabeth Neomi Peterkin
James Kennedy McAllister
Lurlene Anita Nestor
Abdul Kadir, JP
Ricky Khan
Rajcoomarie Bancroft
Nasir Ally, JP
Judith David
Genevieve Purvesta Roxanne Allen
(ii) Guyana Action Party/Working People’s Alliance (2)

Sheila Valerie.Agnes Holder
Shirley Juliana Melville
(iii) Rise, Organise and Rebuild Party (1)

Ravindra Dev
102
At the First Sitting, the National Assembly elected Hari Narayen Ramkarran,
SC (PPP/C), to be Speaker, and Clarissa Sabita Riehl (PNC/R) to be Deputy
Speaker.
The President, Bharrat Jagdeo (PPP/C) addressed the National Assembly.
On 22nd December, 2002, Hugh Desmond Hoyte (PNC/R), Leader of the

Opposition, died.
The Eighth Parliament was dissolved on 2nd May, 2006.
SINCE 2006
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE NINTH PARLIAMENT

OF GUYANA
(PPP/C WITH TUF ADMINISTRATION)
Elections were held on Monday, 28th August, 2006.
The 25 Geographical seats and the 40 National Top Up seats, for a total of 65
Elected Members, were allocated as follows:-
Geographical National Total

Top Up
PPP/C 15 21 36
PNC/R-1G 9 13 22
AFC 1 4 5
GAP/ROAR - 1 1
TUF - 1 1
Bharrat Jagdeo (PPP/C) was declared elected as President.
103
The PPP/C (36 Members), together with TUF (1 Member), formed the
Government.
In addition, the President also appointed 5 other persons – 2 as Ministers
and 3 as Parliamentary Secretaries, who were not elected Members of the
National Assembly.
With the Speaker, there is a total of 71 Members in the National Assembly.
The First Sitting of the National Assembly was held on 28th September, 2006.
The National Assembly elected Hari Narayen Ramkarran, SC (PPP/C), to be
Speaker, and Clarissa Sabita Riehl (PNCR-1G) to be Deputy Speaker.
The Members made and subscribed the Oath.
The Members of the PNCR-1G were not present at the First sitting to make
and subscribe the Oath.
The President, Bharrat Jagdeo (PPP/C) addressed the National Assembly.
At a Meeting held on 30th October, 2006, under the chairmanship of the

Speaker, the non-governmental Members of the Assembly elected Robert
Herman Orlando Corbin (PNCR-1G) to be Leader of the Opposition.
The following were the First Members (71) of the National Assembly of the
Ninth Parliament:-
Speaker (1)
Hari N. Ramkarran, SC
Members of the Government (42) (37 Elected, 5 Non-Elected)

(i) People’s Progressive Party/Civic (41) (36 Elected, 5 Non-Elected)
(ii) The United Force (1)
104
Samuel A. A. Hinds (Region 10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), Prime
Minister and Minister of Public Works and Communications
Clement J. Rohee, Minister of Home Affairs
Shaik K.Z. Baksh, Minister of Education
Dr. Henry B. Jeffrey, Minister of Foreign Trade and International Co-operation
Dr. Leslie S. Ramsammy (Region 6 – East Berbice/Corentyne), Minister of
Health
Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (Region 9 – Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo),
Minister of Amerindian Affairs
Dr. Ashni K. Singh, Minister of Finance (Non-elected Minister)
S. Rudolph Insanally, OR, CCH, Minister of Foreign Affairs (Non-elected
Minister)
Harry Narine Nawbatt, Minister of Housing and Water
Robert M. Persaud, Minister of Agriculture
Dr. Jennifer R.A. Westford (Region 7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Minister of Public
Service
Kellawan Lall, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development
Doodnauth Singh, SC, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs (Non-
elected Minister)
Dr. Frank C.S. Anthony, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport
Brindley H.R. Benn, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics
Manzoor Nadir, Minister of Labour (TUF)
Priya D. Manickchand (Region 5 – Mahaica/Berbice), Minister of Human
Services and Social Security
Dr. Desrey Fox, Minister in the Ministry of Education
Dr. Bheri S. Ramsaran, MD, Minister in the Ministry of Health
Jennifer I Webster, Minister in the Ministry of Finance
Manniram Prashad, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce
Donald Ramotar
Gail Teixeira
Harripersaud Nokta
Indranie Chandarpal
105
Bibi S. Shadick (Region 3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara)
Mohamed Irfaan Ali
Albert Atkinson, JP (Region 8 – Potaro/Siparuni)
Komal Chand, CCH (Region 3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara)
Bernard C. DeSantos, SC (Region 4 – Demerara/Mahaica)
Shirley V. Edwards, JP
Mohamed F. Khan, JP
Odinga N. Lumumba
Moses V. Nagamootoo, JP
Mohabir A. Nandlall
Neendkumar, JP
Steve P. Ninvalle, Parliamentary Secretary (Non-elected Member)
Parmanand P. Persaud, JP (Region 2 – Pomeroon/Supenaam)
Philomena Sahoye-Shury, CCH, JP, Parliamentary Secretary
Pauline Sukhai, Parliamentary Secretary (Non-elected Member)
Dharamkumar Seeraj
Norman A. Whittaker (Region 1 – Barima/Waini)
Members of the Opposition (28)
(i) People’s National Congress Reform – One Guyana (22)

Robert H. O. Corbin, Leader of the Opposition
Winston Murray, CCH
Clarissa S. Riehl, Deputy Speaker
E. Lance Carberry, Chief Whip
Deborah J. Backer
Anthony Vieira
Basil Williams
Dr. George A. Norton
Volda A. Lawrence
Keith Scott
Amna Ally
James McAllister
106
Dave D. Danny (Region 4 – Demerara/Mahaica)
Aubrey C. Norton (Region 4 – Demerara/Mahaica)
Ernest B. Elliot (Region 4 – Demerara/Mahaica)
Judith David-Blair (Region 7 – Cuyuni/Mazaruni)
Mervyn Williams (Region 3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara)
Africo Selman
Dr. John Austin (Region 6 – East Berbice/Corentyne)
Jennifer Wade (Region 5 – Mahaica/Berbice)
Vanessa Kissoon (Region 10 – Region 10 – Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice)
Desmond Fernandes (Region 1 – Barima/Waini)
(ii) Alliance For Change (5)

Raphael G.C. Trotman
Khemraj Ramjattan
Sheila V.A. Holder
Chantalle L. Smith (Region 4 – Demerara/Mahaica)
David Patterson
(iii) Guyana Action Party/Rise Organise and Rebuild (1)

Everall N. Franklin
107
REFERENCES/SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER
SHAHABUDDEEN, Mohamed – Constitutional Development

in Guyana, 1621-1978, Guyana National Printers Limited
(October 1978).
CLEMENT, SIR CECIL – A Constitutional History of British

Guiana, Mac Millan, London 1971.
CONSTITUTIONS OF BRITISH GUIANA AND THE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA

(including British Guiana Order(s) –in-Council)
RECORDS/DOCUMENTS IN GUYANA ‘S, PARLIAMENT OFFICE AND

LIBRATRY OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY – including:
Official Reports and Index of the Debates (HANSARD)

OATH BOOKS – (Every member’s Oath recorded)
MINUTES OF SITTINGS – (First Set of Minutes indicate roll

call, all members present, sworn in etc.)
OFFICIAL ELECTIONS RESULTS – Guyana Elections

Commission (GECOM)
The NATIONAL ASSEMBLY’S VISITORS BOOK.
FILES AND CORRESPONDENCE – Office of the Clerk of the

National Assembly
PERSONAL INFORMATION FORMS – Complete by all

Members of Parliament –Parliament Office
108
OTHER SOURCES include:
British Certificates – General Register Office (GRO)
Local Newspapers – Argosy, Catholic Standard, Chronicle,

Evening Post, Guiana Graphic, Mirror, Labour Advocate,
the Colonist, the Creole, Indian Opinion, The Liberal, the
Royal Gazette, Thunder, Week-end Post.
Official Gazette of BRITISH GUIANA and GUYANA
REPORTS
British Guiana; Suspension of the Constitution, Report, Cmd.
8895, 1953.
British Guiana Constitutional Commission, Report, Cmd.

9274, 1954.
Report of the British Guiana Constitutional Commission

1954; G. Robertson Commission Report (available on line).
Report on visit to West Indies and British Guiana 1921-2, by

E. F. L. Wood, Cmd. 1679, 1922.
British Guiana Development Programme, Report, by Kenneth

Berrill, British Guiana Sessional Paper 2/1960.
British Guiana Constitutional Conference, Report, Cmd. 998,

1960.

British Guiana Constitutional Instruments, 1961, for British
Guiana Government, 1961.
109
Commission of Inquiry into Disturbances in British Guiana in
February, 1962, Report, Cal. 354, 1962.
British Guiana Independence Conference, Report, Cmd.

1870, 1962.
British Guiana Conference, 1963, Report, Cmd. 2203, 1963.
British Guiana Independence Conference, Report, Cmd.

2849, 1965
Financial Position, Report, By K. C. Jacobs, Col. 358, 1964.
Local Government in British Guiana, Report, by A. H. Marshall,

Argosy, Georgetown, 1955.
Report of the Constitutional Commission, 1950-51

(Waddington Commission Report) Colonial No. 280.
United States Commission on Boundary Between Venezuela

and British Guiana. Report and Accompanying Papers of the
Commission Appointed by the President of the United States
“to Investigate and Report Upon the True Divisional Line
Between the Republic of Venezuela and British Guiana”,
Volume I - Historical.
West India Royal Commission, Report, C. 8655, 1898.
West India Royal Commission 1938-9 Report, by W. E. Moyne,

Cmd. 6607, 1945. Commission of Inquiry into the Sugar
Industry of British Guiana, Report, Cal. no. 249, 1949.
110
PART IV
ELECTIONS
The Franchise
Electoral Systems
Numbers of Constituencies
Constituencies – Names and Numbers
Political Parties
Dates of Elections
Parties Allocation of Seats
111
THE FRANCHISE
Before 1812 The franchise was limited to persons owning at least 25 slaves.
1812 Either the slave ownership or the ability to pay income tax on
an annual income of 10,000 guilders.
Voting was conceded to women.
1832 The voting age was lowered from 25 years to 21 years.
1835 Payment of direct taxes of 70 guilders (£5) per annum.
1836 Payment of direct taxes on an income of not less than 2001

guilders (£143).
1849 Only male British subjects, together with certain property

qualifications.
Women were deprived from voting.
1891 The income qualification which had been reduced from $600
(£125) to $480 (£100) per annum was further reduced to
£75.
Secret ballot was introduced.
1909 The income qualification was further reduced to $300 (£62

10/-) per annum.
1928 New property qualifications were introduced.
Voting by women was restored.
112
1933 A Commission was appointed to examine the franchise.
1935 The franchise was lowered.
1941 A local Franchise Commission was appointed by the Governor.
1944 The local Franchise Commission submitted a Report dated

29th February, 1944.
1945 Legislation was passed to implement the recommendations of

the local Franchise Commission.
The property qualifications were reduced.
Women became eligible for membership to the Legislature.
1947 The income qualification was reduced.
1952 All property qualifications were abolished and universal adult

suffrage was introduced.
1973 The voting age was lowered from 21 years to 18 years.
ELECTORAL SYSTEMS
Two systems of Elections have been used in Guyana since 1928:
the First-Past-The-Post System, and
the Proportional Representation System..
113
1928 to 1964
The First-Past-The-Post (Constituency) system was the electoral system used
in British Guiana from 1928 to 1964.
Under the First-Past-The-Post system, the country was divided into

Constituencies and candidates contested as individuals in a constituency.
The voters voted for a candidate. The candidate who received the highest
number of votes won the seat.
Since 1964
The Proportional Representation system has been the electoral system used
since 1964.
Under the Proportional Representation System, there are no constituencies.
Parties submit lists of candidates and voters vote for the list of their choice.
All of the votes are counted and assigned to the parties. Parties are allocated
seats in proportion to the votes they receive. Parties then extract the number
of names from their lists and these persons become Parliamentarians.
From the time of the 1980 elections, the number of Parliamentarians was
increased from 53 to 65:
53 Members were elected from the results of the General Elections,
2 were elected by the National Congress of Local Democratic
Organs, and
10 were elected by the Regional Democratic Councils – 1 from each
Council
From the 2001 elections, using the electoral system of proportional

representation, for the 65 Members:
40 were from the National Top-Up Lists, and
25 were from the 10 Regions, called Geographical Constituencies:
2 from Region 1 - Barima/Waini

2 from Region 2 - Pomeroon/Supenaam
114
3 from Region 3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara
7 from Region 4 – Demerara/Mahaica
2 from Region 5 - Mahaica/Berbice
3 from Region 6 – East Berbice/Corentyne
2 from Region 7 - Cuyuni/Mazaruni
1 from Region 8 - Potaro/Siparuni
1 from Region 9 – Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo
2 from Region 10 – Upper Demerara/Berbice
NUMBERS OF CONSTITUENCIES
There were electoral constituencies in the First-Past-the-Post system of
elections up to 1964.
The numbers of constituencies were as follows:-
1891 to 1928 7 constituencies - 8 Members
1928 to 1930 8 constituencies – 14 Members
From 1930 to 1964, each constituency had one Member.
1930 to 1935 14
1935 to 1947 14
1947 to 1953 14
1953 24
1957 to 1961 4
1961 to 1964 35
115
From 1964 the Constituency System was no longer used.
The Proportional Representation System of Elections took its place.
CONSTITUENCIES - NAMES A ND NUMBERS

There were electoral constituencies in the First-Past-the-Post system of
elections, from 1891 to 1964.
However, following the suspension of the 1953 Constitution and the

dissolution of the 1953 Legislature, in 1953, an Interim (Wholly Nominated)
Legislative Council was established in 1954 and continued until 1957.
From 1964 the Proportional Representation system of elections was used and
replaced the Constituency system.
The numbers and the names of the constituencies from 1891 to 1928 were
as follows:-
1891 to 1928
There were 5 Electoral Districts, with 7 Constituencies, and 8 Elected

Members, as follows:-
No. 1 The County of Demerara,

exclusive of the City of Georgetown
(a) Eastern Division 1 Member
(b) Western Division 1 Member
No. 2 The County of Essequibo

(a) North-Western Division 1 Member
(b) South Eastern Division 1 Member
116
No. 3 The County of Berbice,
exclusive of the Town of New Amsterdam 1 Member
No. 4 The City of Georgetown 2 Members
No. 5 The Town of New Amsterdam 1 Member
1928 to 1964
The numbers and the names of the constituencies from 1928 to 1964 were
as follows:-
No. 1928-1930 1930-1935 1953 1957-1961 1961-1964

(8 Constituencies) 1935-1947
(14 Members) 1947-1953 (24 Constituencies)
(14 Constituencies) (35 Constituencies)
1 North West North Western Eastern Corentyne

Essequibo (2) District North West Berbice River
2 South East Western New Corentyne
Essequibo (2) Essequibo Pomeroon Amsterdam East
3 New Essequibo Western Berbice Corentyne
Amsterdam (2) River Essequibo River Central
4 Georgetown (3) Demerara- Essequibo Western Corentyne
Essequibo Islands Berbice West
5 East New Bartica and Eastern Berbice
Demerara (1) Amsterdam Interior Demerara East
6 West Georgetown Demerara- Central New
Demerara (1) North Essequibo Demerara Amsterdam
7 Berbice (2) Georgetown West Bank Georgetown Berbice
Central Demerara North River
8 Demerara (1) Georgetown East Bank Georgetown Berbice
South Demerara Central West
9 Eastern Upper Georgetown
Demerara Demerara River Central Abary
10 Central Georgetown Demerara
Demerara South River Mahaica
11 Eastern Georgetown Demerara-
Berbice South Central Essequibo Mahaicony
12 Berbice River Georgetown Essequibo Demerara
Central River Coast East
117
13 Western Georgetown Western Demerara
Berbice North Essequibo Coast Central
14 Demerara Georgetown North Demerara
River North East Western District Coast West
15 West Central Kitty
Demerara
16 Central Demerara Campbellville
17 East Central Georgetown
Demerara North
18 Mahaica- Georgetown
Mahaicony Central
19 Western Berbice Werk-en-Rust
20 New Amsterdam Georgetown
South
21 Berbice River La Penitence
Lodge
22 Eastern Berbice Ruimveldt
23 Corentyne Coast Houston
24 Corentyne River Lower
Demerara
River
25 Upper
Demerara
River
26 Canals Polder
27 Vreed-en-
Hoop
28 Leonora
29 Boerasirie
30 Essequibo
Islands
31 Suddie
32 Pomeroon
33 North West
34 Mazaruni-
Potaro
35 Rupununi
118
POLITICAL PARTIES
The right to form political parties and their freedom of action are guaranteed.
Political parties must respect the principles of national sovereignty and of
democracy.
(Article 10 of the Constitution)
Political Parties Prohibited From Causing Ethnic Division
All persons and political parties are prohibited from taking any action or
advancing, disseminating or communicating any idea which may result in
racial or ethnic division among the people.
(Article 160A of the Constitution)
Role Of Political Parties In The Conduct Of Elections Through the

Elections Commission
It is hereby declared that the role of political parties and their nominees in
the conduct of elections by the Elections Commission shall be limited to
their participation in determining policy, monitoring the electoral process
and the conduct of the election, but does not include active management of
the electoral process.
(Article 161B of the Constitution)
Some Political Parties
The following are the names of some of the Political Parties:-

A Good and Green Guyana (GGG) (Hamilton Green)
Alliance For Change (AFC) (Raphael Trotman) (2006)
Alliance for Guyana
All Races Party (ARP) (Eddie DaSilva) (2004)
British Guiana Labour Party
119
Citizens Party
Democratic Party (DP) (Jai Narine Singh)
God Bless Guyana
Guyana Action Party (GAP)
Guyana Action Party/Working People’s Alliance (GAP/WPA)
Guyana Democratic Party (GDP)
Guyana Independence Movement (GIM) (Jai Narine Singh)
Guyana Patriotic Alliance (GPA) (Vic Puran) (March 2004)
Guyana United Muslim Party (GUMP) (Mohamed Hoosain
Ganie)
Independent Socialist Party
Justice For All Party (JFA) (Chandra Narine Sharma)
Justice Party (JP) (Balram Singh Rai)
Labour Party
Liberator Party (LP) (Ganraj Kumar)
National Democratic Front
National Democratic Party (NDP)
National Independent Party
National Labour Front (NLF) (Cecil Gray)
Peace, Equality and Prosperity Party (PEP) (Kelvin Wesley
DeFreitas)
People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) (C.M. Llewellyn John)
People’s Democratic Party
People’s Progressive Party (Burnhamite) (PPP(B)) (1955)

People’s National Congress (PNC) (Linden Forbes Sampson
Burnham) (1957)
People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) (Hugh Desmond
Hoyte)
People’s National Congress/Reform One Guyana (PNCR-1G)
(Robert
Herman Orlando Corbin) (2006)
120
People’s National Party (PNP)
People’s Progressive Party (PPP) (Cheddi Jagan) (1950)

People’s Progressive Party (Jaganite) (PPP(J)) 1955
People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) (Cheddi Jagan)
(1992)
Popular Party (1926)
Reform Association (1896)
Rise, Organise And Rebuild Party (ROAR) (Ravi Dev)
United Democratic Party (UDP) (John Carter)
United Farmers and Workers Party (UFWP)
United Force (UF) (Peter Stanislaus d’Aguiar) (1961)
The United Force (TUF) (Manzoor Nadir)
United Guianese Party (UGP)
Working People’s Alliance (WPA)
Working People’s Vanguard Party (Brindley H. Benn)
121
DATES OF ELECTIONS
The following are the dates on which General Elections have been held in
Guyana:-
……….(?)…………….. 1926
…… (?)…September, 1930
Tuesday, 3rd September, 1935
Monday, 24th November, 1947
Monday, 27th April, 1953
Monday, 12th August, 1957
Monday, 21st August, 1961
Monday, 7th December, 1964
Monday, 16th July, 1973
Monday, 5th October, 1992
Monday, 19th March, 2001
Monday, 28th August, 2006
122
PARTIES ALLOCATION OF SEATS
PERIOD AND DATE PPP PPP(B) UF LP Inde- NDP UDP WPA GAP/ ROAR NLF AFC GAP/ TOTAL
BODY OF PPP(J) PNC TUF and pend- WPA ROAR
ELECTIONS PPP/C PNC/R UF ents
PNCR-1G
1953 Monday, 27th
House of Assembly Apr., 1953 18* 4 2 24
1957 – 1961 Monday, 12th
Legislative Council Aug., 1957 9 3 1 1 14
1961 – 1964 Monday, 21st
Legislative Assembly Aug., 1961 20* 11 4 35
1964 – 1966 Monday, 7th
House of Assembly Dec., 1964 24 22* 7* 53
1966 – 1968
National Assembly
1969 – 1973 Monday, 16th
123
National Assembly Dec., 1968 19 30* 4 53
1973 – 1980 Monday, 16th
National Assembly July, 1973 14 37* 2 53
1980 – 1985 Monday, 15th
National Assembly Dec., 1980 10 53* 2 65
1985 – 1992 Monday, 9th
National Assembly Dec., 1985 8 54* 2 1 65
1992 – 1997 Monday, 5th
National Assembly Oct., 1992 36* 26 1 2 65
1998 – 2001 Monday, 15th
National Assembly Dec., 1997 36* 25 2 AFG 2 65
2001 – 2006 Monday, 19th
National Assembly Mar., 2001 34* 27 1* 2 1 65
Since 2006 Monday, 28th
National Assembly Aug., 2006 36* 22 1* 5 1 65
* Formed Government
SHAHABUDDEEN, MOHAMED - Constitutional Development

in Guyana:- 1621 – 1978
GECOM’S REGULATIONS GOVERNING ELECTIONS – 1961

onwards
CONSTITUTIONS OF BRITISH GUIANA AND THE REPUBLIC

OF GUYANA.
GOVERNORS’ PRESIDENTS’, SPEAKERS’

PROCLAMATIONS – Parliament Office
AUTHOR’S PERSONAL NOTES AND DIARIES:

1964 – 2002
GECOM’S DECLARATION OF ELECTIONS RESULTS - 1961

– onwards
124
PART V
SUPREME ORGANS OF DEMOCRATIC POWER
The National Congress of Local Democratic Organs

The Supreme Congress of the People
125
SUPREME ORGANS OF DEMOCRATIC POWER
The 1980 Constitution established the following as the five supreme organs
of democratic power in Guyana:-
(i) the Parliament;

(ii) the National Congress of Local Democratic Organs (NCLDO);
(iii) the Supreme Congress of the People;
(iv) the President; and
(v) the Cabinet.
THE NATIONAL CONGRESS OF LOCAL DEMOCRATIC

ORGANS
The National Congress of Local Democratic Organs (NCLDO) consisted of
20 Members – two each elected by each Regional Democratic Council.
The NCLDO had responsibility for representing the interests of local

government in Guyana and such other duties and functions as were assigned
to it by the Constitution or by any other law.
The National Congress of Local Democratic Organs was abolished in 2000

by an amendment which was made to the Constitution by the Constitution
(Amendment) (No. 3) Act 2000 (Act No. 14 of 2000).
THE SUPREME CONGRESS OF THE PEOPLE
The Supreme Congress of the People consisted of all Members of the National
Assembly and all Members of the National Congress of Local Democratic
Organs.
126
The Chairman of the Supreme Congress of the People was the Speaker of the
National Assembly and the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Supreme Congress
were the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly.
The Supreme Congress discussed matters of public interest and made

recommendations thereon to the National Assembly or the Government. In
particular, the Congress advised the President on matters which he referred
to it.
The Supreme Congress of the People was abolished in 2000 by an amendment

which was made to the Constitution by the Constitution (Amendment) (No.
3) Act 2000 (Act No. 14 of 2000).
EFERENCES/SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER
CONSTITUTION OF THE CO-OPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF

GUYANA – Chapters 7, 8 (1980)
OFFICIAL GAZETTES –1980, onwards
RECORDS OF MINISTRY OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

– 1980, onwards
CONSTITUTION (Amendment) (No.3) Act 2000 – Act No. 14

of 2000
127
PART VI
LEGISLATIVE BODIES
Names and Periods of Legislative Bodies

Parties Forming Governments
128
NAMES AND PERIODS OF LEGISLATIVE BODIES
The following are the names of the Legislative Bodies established by the
Dutch from 1732 and continued by the British from 1803 to 1928, those
established by the British from 1928, and the Parliamentary Bodies of Guyana
from the time of Guyana’s attainment of Independence on 26th May, 1966:-
Legislative Body established by the Dutch

1732 to 1803 Court of Policy
Dutch Legislative Body continued by the British

1803 to 1928 Court of Policy
Legislative Bodies established by the British

1928 to 1930 First Legislative Council
1930 to 1935 Second Legislative Council
1935 to 1947 Third Legislative Council
1947 to 1953 Fourth Legislative Council
1953 First House of Assembly and First State Council (Bicameral

Legislature)
1954 to 1957 First Legislative Council (Interim – Wholly Nominated)
1957 to 1961 Second Legislative Council
1961 to 1964 First Legislative Assembly and First Senate (Bicameral

Legislature)
1964 to 1966 House of Assembly
129
Parliamentary Bodies of Guyana (From Independence – 26th May, 1966)
1966 to 1968 National Assembly of First Parliament of Guyana
1969 to 1973 National Assembly of Second Parliament of Guyana
1973 to 1980 National Assembly of Third Parliament of Guyana
1980 to 1985 National Assembly of Fourth Parliament of Guyana
1986 to 1992 National Assembly of Fifth Parliament of Guyana
1992 to 1997 National Assembly of Sixth Parliament of Guyana
1998 to 2001 National Assembly of Seventh Parliament of Guyana
2001 to 2006 National Assembly of Eighth Parliament of Guyana
Since 2006 National Assembly of Ninth Parliament of Guyana
PARTIES FORMING GOVERNMENTS

1928 to 1953 (Colonial)
1953 People’s Progressive Party (PPP)
1954 to 1957 No Party formed the Government.

There was an Interim Wholly Nominated Legislative Council
1957 to 1961 People’s Progressive Party (PPP)
1961 to 1964 People’s Progressive Party (PPP)
130
1964 to 1968 People’s National Congress and United Force (PNC & UF)
1968 to 1973 People’s National Congress (PNC)
1992 to 1997 People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)
1997 to 2001 People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)
2001 to 2006 People’s Progressive Party/Civic, with The United Force

(PPP/C & TUF)
Since 2006 People’s Progressive Party/Civic, with The United Force

(PPP/C & TUF)
131
PART VII
OFFICIALS
Kings and Queens of England

Governors of British Guiana
Governors-General
Presidents
Presiding in the Legislature
Speakers
Deputy Speakers
Presidents of Upper Houses
Vice-Presidents of Upper Houses
Ex Officio and other Official Members in the Legislature
The First Ministers
Premiers/Prime Ministers
Leaders of the Opposition/Minority Leaders
Non-Elected Ministers and Non-Elected Parliamentary
Secretaries
The First Women Legislators
132
KINGS AND QUEENS OF ENGLAND
The Monarchs of Great Britain have been part of our legislative process.
No Bill could have become law until either the Governor of the Colony shall
have assented thereto in the Monarch’s name and on the Monarch’s behalf,
and shall have signed the same in token of such assent, or the Monarch shall
have given assent thereto through a Secretary of State.
A law, even though assented to by the Governor, could have been disallowed
by the Monarch.
It was not until when Guyana became a Republic on 23rd February, 1970, and
accordingly ceased to be part of Her Majesty’s dominions, that the British
Monarch was no longer involved in the assent to our laws.
The following are the Kings and Queens of England since the Stuart House
in 1603:-
Stuart House
1603 – 1625 King James I

1625 – 1649 King Charles I
1649 – 1660 (Republic under Oliver Cromwell and his
son Richard)
1660 – 1685 King Charles II
1685 – 1688 King James II
1689 – 1694 Queen Mary II )
1689 – 1702 King William III ) Joint Sovereigns
1702 – 1714 Queen Anne
133
Hanoverian House
1714 – 1727 King George I

1727 – 1760 King George II
1760 – 1820 King George III
1820 – 1830 King George IV (Regent 1811 -1820)
1830 – 1837 King William IV
Saxe-Coburg and Gotha House
1837 – 1901 Queen Victoria

1901 – 1910 King Edward VII

Windsor House
1910 – 1936 King George V

1936 King Edward VIII
1936 – 1952 King George VI
Since 1952 Queen Elizabeth II
GOVERNORS OF BRITISH GUIANA

There were 37 persons who were either Governors, or Acting Governors or
Officers Administering the Government, from the time of the Union in 1831,
of the Colonies of Demerara and Essequibo and Berbice as British Guiana,
to 1928, when British Guiana, under a new Constitution, became a British
Crown Colony, with its First Legislative Council which replaced the Dutch
created bodies of the Court of Policy and the Combined Court, who would
have presided in the Legislative Council.
The first of these was –

1831 Major-General Sir Benjamin D’Urban, KCB, KCH, Governor
134
From 1928, to the time in 1953 when the Office of Speaker was established,
there were 10 persons who were Governors, or Acting Governors, or Officers
Administering the Government, and who would have presided in the
Legislative bodies, as follows:-
1928 Brigadier General Sir Frederick Gordon Guggisberg, KCMG,

DSO, RE, Governor
1929 Sir Crawford Douglas Douglas-Jones, CMG,

Officer Administering the Government
1930 Sir Edward Brandis Denham, KCMG, KBE,

Governor
1934 Sir Crawford Douglas Douglas-Jones, CMG,

1935 Sir Geoffrey Alexander Stafford Northcote, KCMG,

Governor
1937 Sir (Eubule) John Waddington, KCMG, OBE,

1937 Sir Wilfred Edward Francis Jackson, GCMG,

Governor
1939 Sir (Eubule) John Waddington, KCMG, OBE,

Acting Governor
1939 George Douglas Owen, Esquire, CMG,

1939 Sir Wilfred Edward Francis Jackson, GCMG,

Governor
135
1941 George Douglas Owen, Esquire, CMG,
1941 Sir Gordon James Lethem, KCMG, Governor
1947 Sir Charles Campbell Woolley, KCMG, OBE, MC,Governor
1952 Sir Alfred William Lungley Savage, KCMG, Governor
From 1953, to the time of Guyana’s attainment of Independence on 26th May,

1966, when the Office of Governor was replaced by the Office of Governor-
General, there were 4 Governors, as follows who, from 1953, did not have to
preside in the Legislative bodies:-
Since 1952 Sir Alfred William Lungley Savage, KCMG, Governor
1955 Sir Patrick Muir Renison, KCMG, Governor
1959 Sir Ralph Francis Alnwick Grey, KCMG, KCVO, OBE, Governor
1964 Sir Richard Edmonds Luyt, KCMG, DCM, Governor

GOVERNORS-GENERAL
The Office of Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of Guyana was
established by the Independence Constitution and first came into being
when Guyana became Independent on 26th May, 1966.
It replaced the Office of Governor.
The new Office of Governor-General continued until Guyana became a

Republic on 23rd February, 1970.
136
The Governor-General was appointed by Her Majesty, held office during Her
Majesty’s pleasure and was Her Majesty’s representative in Guyana.
The holders of the Office of Governor-General from 1966 to 1970 were as

follows:-
1966 Sir Richard Edmonds Luyt, KCMG, DCM,

Governor-General (Was the Governor before his
appointment)
1966 Sir Kenneth Sievewright Stoby,

Acting Governor-General
1966 to 1969 Sir David James Gardiner Rose, GCMG, CVO, MBE,
Governor-General (He was killed in an accident in London)
1969 to 1970 Edward Victor Luckhoo,

Acting Governor-General
PRESIDENTS
The Office of President replaced the Office of Governor-General in Guyana
and came into being when Guyana became a Republic on 23rd February,
1970.
Arthur Chung was the first President of Guyana.
The holders of the Office of President are as follows:-
Titular President (Elected by the National Assembly)
1970 to 1980 Arthur Chung, OE

(Two terms) (Elected in 1970 and re-elected in 1976)
137
Presidents with Executive Powers
Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (PNC) was the First President with
Executive Powers.
1980 to 1985 Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, OE, SC (PNC)

(Died on 6th August, 1985, as President)
1985 to 1992 Hugh Desmond Hoyte, SC (PNC)

(As Prime Minister, assumed the Office of President on 6th
August, 1985, on the death of Linden Forbes Sampson
Burnham)
1992 to 1997 Cheddi Jagan (PPP/C)

(Died on 6th March, 1997, as President)
1997 Samuel Archibald Anthony Hinds (PPP/C)

March, 1997, on the death of Cheddi Jagan)
1997 to 1999 Janet Jagan, OE (PPP/C)

(Resigned as President on 11th August, 1999)
Since 1999 Bharrat Jagdeo (PPP/C)

August, 1999, on the resignation of Janet Jagan)
PRESIDING IN THE LEGISLATURE
1928 to 1953
The Governor of the Colony of British Guiana presided in the Legislative

Council as its President from 1928 to 1953.
138
From 1953
With the establishment of the Office of Speaker in 1953, Speakers have
presided in the Legislative bodies since that time.
SPEAKERS
The Office of Speaker was first established in British Guiana in 1953 by the
1953 Constitution.
From 1953, Speakers have presided in the Legislative bodies.

Sir Eustace Gordon Woolford was the first Speaker.
The holders of the Office of Speaker are as follows:-
Appointed by the Governor

1953 to 1957 Sir Eustace Gordon Woolford, OBE, QC
1957 to 1961 Sir Donald Edward Jackson
Elected by the Legislative Body

1961 to 1964 Rahman Baccus Gajraj, CBE, JP
1964 to 1967 Aubrey Percival Alleyne (PNC)
(Died while holding the Office)
1968 to 1970 Rahman Baccus Gajraj, CBE, JP

1971 to 1992 Sase Narain, CMG, OR, SC, JP
1992 to 2000 Derek Chunilall Jagan, OR, CCH, SC, JP (PPP/C)

(Died while holding the Office)
2000 to 2001 Winslow Martin Zephyr (PPP/C)
Since 2001 Hari Narayen Ramkarran, SC (PPP/C)
139
DEPUTY SPEAKERS
The Office of Deputy Speaker was first established in 1953 by the 1953
Constitution.
Janet Jagan (PPP), an Elected Member of the House of Assembly for the
Western Essequibo Constituency, was elected by the House of Assembly at
its First Meeting on 18th May, 1953, to be Deputy Speaker of the House of
Assembly.
Janet Jagan was therefore the First Deputy Speaker.
The following are the persons who have held the Office of Deputy Speaker:-
1953 Janet Jagan (PPP),
Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly
1954 to 1956 William John Raatgever, CBE,

Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Council
1956 William Alexander Macnie, CMG, OBE,

1957 to 1961 Rahman Baccus Gajraj, CBE, JP,

1961 to 1964 William Oscar Rudyard Kendall (PNC)

Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
1964 to 1968 Rupert Clement Tello (UF; PNC from 1968)

Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly and of the
National Assembly

1969 to 1970 Oscar Eleazer Clarke (PNC)
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly
140
1971 to 1973 Derek Chunilall Jagan (PPP)
1973 to 1974 Marcellus Feilden Singh (LP)

1974 to 1976 Ralph Chesterfield Van Sluytman (PNC)

1976 to 1986 Ram Karran (PPP)

1986 to 1992 Reepu Daman Persaud (PPP)

1992 Arthur A. Alexander (PNC)

1997 Winslow M. Zephyr (PPP/C)

Since 2001 Clarissa Sabita Riehl (PNC/R)

141
PRESIDENTS OF UPPER HOUSES
There were two occasions in Guyana when there were bicameral Legislatures
with Upper Houses. In 1953 there was the State Council and from 1961 to
1964 there was the Senate.
The President of the State Council and the President of the Senate were
elected by the respective bodies when they first met.
The Presidents of the Upper Houses were as follows:-
1953 State Council

Sir Edwin Frank McDavid, CMG, CBE,
President of the State Council and Minister without
Portfolio
(Elected by the State Council on 26th May, 1953)
1961 to 1964 The Senate

Ashton Chase (PPP),
President of the Senate
(Elected by the Senate on 5th October, 1961)
VICE-PRESIDENTS OF UPPER HOUSES
There were two occasions in Guyana when there were bicameral Legislatures
with Upper Houses. In 1953 there was the State Council and from 1961 to
1964 there was the Senate.
No provision was made in the 1953 Constitution for the Office of Vice-
President of the State Council. There was therefore no appointment or
election of a Vice-President of the State Council.
142
The Vice-President of the Senate was elected by the Senate when it first met
on 5th October, 1961.
The Vice-President of the Senate was as follows:-
1961 to 1964 Cyril Victor Too Chung,

Vice-President of the Senate
(Elected by the Senate on 5th October, 1961)
EX OFFICIO AND OTHER OFFICIAL MEMBERS IN THE LEGISLATURE

Ex Officio Members
1928 to 1947
There were the following two Ex Officio Members in the First, Second and
Third Legislative Councils from 1928 to 1947:-
The Colonial Secretary
The Attorney General
1947 to 1961
There were the following three Ex Officio Members in the Legislative bodies
from 1947 to 1961:-
The Colonial Secretary (redesignated Chief Secretary from 1953)
The Attorney General
The Colonial Treasurer (redesignated Financial Secretary from 1953)
From 1961
There were no Ex Officio Members in the Legislative bodies from the 1961
Legislative Assembly.
Other Official Members
1928 to 1947
143
Several Heads of Government Departments were nominated from time to
time to serve in the Legislative Councils from 1928 to 1947.
These have included the following:-
The Director of Education

The Inspector General of Police
The Director of Public Works
The Conservator of Forests
The Managing Director, Colonial Transport Department
The Commissioner of Lands and Mines
The Surgeon General
The Director of Agriculture
The Postmaster General
The Immigration Agent General
The Comptroller of Customs
The Government Analyst
The Official Receiver
The General Manager, Transport and Harbours Department
The District Commissioner, East Coast Demerara
The Director of Public Works and Sea Defences
The Director of Medical Services
The Commissioner of Labour and Local Government
1947 to 1953
From 1947 to 1953, there were no Official Members in the Legislature.
1954 to 1957
From 1954 to 1957, the following two persons served as Nominated Official
Members of the Interim Wholly Nominated Legislative Council:-
The Commissioner of Lands and Mines,

Wellesley Trevelyan Lord, and
144
The Commissioner of Labour,
James Isaac Ramphal.
Since 1957
There have been no Official Members in the Legislature since 1957.
THE FIRST MINISTERS
From 29th May to 21st December, 1953
A Ministerial System of Government was first introduced and the Office of

Minister of the Government was first established in British Guiana in 1953
by the 1953 Constitution.
Provision was made for seven Ministers – six to be elected by the new House
of Assembly and one by the new State Council.
Following the general elections on 27th April, 1953, the following seven
persons were elected on 18th May, 1953, as the first Ministers of the
Government:-
Six Elected by the House of Assembly (All from the People’s Progressive Party)
At the First Meeting of the House of Assembly
Dr. Cheddi Jagan,

Leader of the House and Minister of Agriculture, Forests, Lands and Mines
Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham,

Minister of Education
Ashton Chase,
Minister of Labour, Industry and Commerce
145
Sydney Evanson King,
Minister of Communications and Works
Dr. Joseph Prayag Lachhmansingh,

Minister of Health and Housing
Jai Narine Singh,

Minister of Local Government and Social Welfare
One Elected by the State Council

At the First Meeting of the State Council
Sir (Edwin) Frank McDavid,

Minister without Portfolio
Removal of Portfolios
On 9th October, 1953, the Constitution was suspended.

The State Council and the House of Assembly were prorogued.
The portfolios of the six elected Ministers were removed.
They became Ministers without Portfolio.
On 21st December, 1953, the Legislature (the State Council and the House
of Assembly) was dissolved.
All seven Ministers without Portfolio ceased to be Ministers from that time.
PREMIERS/PRIME MINISTERS
Leader of the House
The 1953 Constitution made provision for the first six Ministers of the
Government who were elected by the House of Assembly to elect one of their
number to be their Leader and to be styled “Leader of the House”.
146
The first Leader elected was
1953 Dr. Cheddi Jagan (PPP)
Leader of the House and Minister of Agriculture, Forests,
Lands and Mines
Premiers
The Office of Premier was first established in Guyana in 1961 by the 1961
Constitution.
An appointment to the Office was made by the Governor.
The Governor appointed as Premier the Member of the Legislative Assembly

who appeared to him to be best able to command the confidence of a majority
of the Members of the Legislative Assembly and who was willing to be so
appointed (Article 29 of the 1961 Constitution).
The first person to be appointed Premier was Dr. Cheddi Jagan (PPP).The
following Members have held the Office of Premier:-
1961 to 1964 Dr. Cheddi Jagan (PPP)
1964 to 1965 Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (PNC)
Prime Ministers
The Office of Prime Minister was first established in Guyana in 1965 by an

amendment to the Constitution. It replaced the Office of Premier.
Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (PNC) who was the Premier at the time,
became the first holder of the Office of Prime Minister.
The following are the persons who have held the Office of Prime Minister:-
1965 to 1980 Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (PNC)
147
1980 to 1984 Ptolemy Alexander Reid (PNC)
1984 to 1985 Hugh Desmond Hoyte (PNC)
1985 to 1992 Hamilton Green (PNC)
1992 to 1997 Samuel Archibald Anthony Hinds (PPP/C)

(Was appointed and was sworn in as Prime Minister on
10th October, 1992. Assumed the Office of President and
became the Fifth President of Guyana on 6th March, 1997
following the death that day of Cheddi Jagan, President)
1997 Janet Jagan (PPP/C)

(Was appointed and was sworn in on 17th March, 1997 as Prime Minister and
First Vice-President.
Was declared to be elected and was sworn in as President following the
General Elections on 15th December, 1997)
1997 to 1999 Samuel Archibald Anthony Hinds (PPP/C)

(Was appointed and was sworn in as Prime Minister, following the General
Elections on 15th December, 1997
Resigned as Prime Minister on 8th August, 1999)
1999 Bharrat Jagdeo (PPP/C)

(Was appointed Prime Minister on 9th August, 1999, following the resignation
on 8th August, 1999, of Samuel Archibald Anthony Hinds (PPP/C) as Prime
Minister.
Assumed the Office of President on 11th August, 1999, following the
resignation that day of Janet Jagan (PPP/C), as President)
Since 1999 Samuel Archibald Anthony Hinds (PPP/C)

(Was appointed Prime Minister on 11th August, 1999, by the President,
Bharrat Jagdeo (PPP/C).
148
Was again appointed Prime Minister following the General Elections
on19th March, 2001 and on 28th August, 2006)
LEADERS OF THE OPPOSITION/ MINORITY LEADERS
The Office of Leader of the Opposition was first established in Guyana in

1966 by the 1966 (Independence) Constitution.
The power to make an appointment to the Office was vested in the Governor-
General. The Governor-General appointed the Member of the National
Assembly who was willing to be appointed and who, in his judgment, was
best able to command the support of a majority of those Members who did
not support the Government.
Dr. Cheddi Jagan was appointed to be and became the First Leader of the
Opposition under the Constitution.
The 1980 Constitution changed the designation from Leader of the

Opposition to Minority Leader, and gave the power of appointment to the
President.
An amendment by Act No. 2 of 2000 to the 1980 Constitution changed back

the designation to Leader of the Opposition and provided for the person
to be elected by and from among the non- governmental Members of the
National Assembly at a meeting held under the chairmanship of the Speaker
of the National Assembly who shall not have the right to vote.
The persons who have held the Office of Leader of the Opposition/Minority
Leader are as follows:-
1966 to 1973 Cheddi Jagan (PPP)

Leader of the Opposition
149
1974 to 1976 Marcellus Fielden Singh (LP)


Minority Leader
1992 to 2000 Hugh Desmond Hoyte (PNC)

Minority Leader
2000 to 2002 Hugh Desmond Hoyte (PNC/R)

(Died on 22nd December, 2002)
Since 2002 Robert Herman Orlando Corbin (PNC/R)

NON-ELECTED MINISTERS AND NON-ELECTED PARLIAMENTARY
SECRETARIES
The 1966 (Independence) Constitution provided for the appointment by

the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime
Minister, of not more than 4 persons who were not elected Members of the
National Assembly, to be Ministers.
The 1970 (Republic) Constitution stated that the number of Non-Elected

Ministers shall not exceed 6 or such greater number as Parliament may
prescribe.
A subsequent amendment stated that the number shall not exceed 6 or such
greater number as the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the
Prime Minister may, from time to time, determine.
150
The 1980 Constitution prescribed no limit to the number of Non-Elected
Ministers and also provided for Non-Elected Parliamentary Secretaries to be
appointed by the President.
By an amendment in 2000 to the 1980 Constitution, the number of Non-

Elected Ministers was fixed at not more than 4 and the number of Non-
Elected Parliamentary Secretaries was fixed at not more than 2.
Non-Elected Ministers and Non-Elected Parliamentary Secretaries become

Members of the National Assembly but they cannot vote in the Assembly.
THE FIRST WOMEN LEGISLATORS
In 1945, women became eligible for membership to the Legislature for the
first time.
At the 1953 general elections, held on 27th April, 1953, with universal adult
suffrage for the first time, the People’s Progressive Party won 18 of the 24
seats in the new House of Assembly.
Of the 18 Members, 3 were women, and these became the first women
legislators in British Guiana.
They were –
Janet Jagan (PPP)

(Elected Representative for the Western Essequibo Constituency.
Janet Jagan was also elected by the House of Assembly to be and became the
First Deputy Speaker)
Jessie Irma Sampson Burnham (PPP)

(Elected Representative for the Georgetown-Central Constituency)
Jane Phillips-Gay (PPP)
151
(Elected Representative for the East Central Demerara Constituency)
The House of Assembly held its First Meeting on 18th May, 1953.
Members made and subscribed the Oath at that Sitting.
On 9th October, 1953, the Constitution was suspended and the Legislature
was prorogued.
On 21st December, 1953, the Legislature was dissolved.
All Members of the House of Assembly ceased to be Members from that time.
152
PART VIII
SOME MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS
Legislature/Parliament
Unicameral/Bicameral Legislatures
Places of Meetings – The Public Buildings
Dress for Sittings
Seating Arrangements of Members
The Mace
Prayers Read in the Legislature
Oaths by Members
Forms of Addressing the Speaker and Members
Recess for the National Assembly
Prorogation and Dissolution
Table of Precedence
153
LEGISLATURE/PARLIAMENT
Legislature of British Guiana
The Legislature would have been the general word used for our law-making
body which would have consisted of –
The Governor, and
The Legislative Council.
In the 1953 Constitution, the power to make laws for the peace, order and
good government of the Colony was vested in –
The Governor, with the advice and consent of
The State Council and of the House of Assembly.
No Bill could have become law until either the Governor shall have assented
thereto in Her Majesty’s name and on Her Majesty’s behalf, and shall have
signed the same in token of such assent, or Her Majesty shall have given Her
assent thereto through a Secretary of State.
A law, even though assented by the Governor, could have been disallowed by
Her Majesty.
In the 1961 Constitution, the Legislature became –

The Governor, and
The Senate and the Legislative Assembly.
The requirement for assent remained the same.
Parliament Of Guyana
The word Parliament first came into official use in 1966 by the 1966
(Independence) Constitution, and replaced the word Legislature.
154
From that time, laws were made by the Parliament of Guyana which consisted
of –
Her Majesty, and
A National Assembly.
Bills passed by the National Assembly had to be assented to by the Governor-

General on behalf of Her Majesty, before they became law.
When Guyana became a Republic on 23rd February, 1970, the Parliament of

Guyana consisted of –
The President, and
The National Assembly.
Bills passed by the National Assembly had to be assented to by the President

before they became law.
The British Monarch was no longer involved.
The composition of the Parliament and the requirement for the assent to
Bills by the President have since continued in successive Constitutions.
UNICAMERAL/BICAMERAL LEGISLATURES
A unicameral legislature is a legislature with only legislative chamber (body).
A bicameral legislature is a legislature with two legislative chambers (bodies),

sometimes referred to as the Upper House and the Lower House.
Throughout the history of the Legislature of British Guiana/Guyana, there

have been only two occasions during which there have been bicameral
legislatures.
On all the other occasions, there have been unicameral legislatures.
155
Unicameral and bicameral legislatures have been as follows:-
1928 to 1953 Unicameral Legislatures
1953 Bicameral Legislature
1954 to 1961 Unicameral Legislatures
1961 to 1964 Bicameral Legislature
Since 1964 Unicameral Legislatures
PLACES OF MEETINGS
THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS
On 24th June, 1828, the Government, in an advertisement in the Royal

Gazette, invited plans for the building of a new Court House in Georgetown
to accommodate all Public Offices. Provision was also to be made for a
meeting place for the law-making officials. The east wing of the upper floor
of the building was ear-marked for this purpose.
The plan submitted by Joseph Hadfield, Sworn Surveyor and Colonial

Architect, was accepted.
The foundation stone of the Building was laid on 27th March, 1829, and the
Building was completed on 27th April, 1834.
The Building was put into use from April, 1834.
The Building was formally handed over on 5th August, 1834, to a Committee
of the Court of Policy (which was the law-making body) in the presence of the
Architect and George Booker, representing J.D. Patterson, one of the three
156
Contractors, and the other two Contractors, Roderick McKenzie and Hector
Kemp.
The Contractors did their work for £50,000, but it was reported that this
turned out to be a loss to them.
The street south of the Building – Hadfield Street – was named in honour of
the Architect.
The Building was first called the “Guiana Public Buildings”. Guiana was
subsequently dropped from the name. While the Public Buildings is still
the official name, the Building is now popularly known and referred to as the
Parliament Building.
The Building was first occupied as follows:-
East Wing (Upper Floor)

Court of Policy Hall, with adjacent Offices for the Government
Secretary, his Assistant and Clerks, and the Attorney General
East Wing (Lower Floor)

Custom House, Pilot Committee
West Wing (Upper Floor)

The Hall of the Supreme Courts of Civil and Criminal Justice
West Wing (Lower Floor)

Divided into Offices for the Registrar General and his Staff
157
Central Portion (Upper Floor)
Divided into apartments for Barristers, the Administrator General, Financial
Representatives and the Governor
Central Portion (Lower Floor)

The Administrator General, the Auditor General, the Provost Marshal, the
Deputy Postmaster General, the Financial Accountant, the Receiver General
and other Functionaries.
The Government Secretary’s Office was removed to the East side of the
Building on 16th August, 1887.
Meetings of the Court of Policy were held in the Court of Policy Hall from the
time that the building was put into use from April, 1834.
The coffered Italian ceiling in this Hall was constructed in 1875 by Castellani,
an Italian Architect.
This Hall was reconditioned in 1888, following consideration of this matter

by the Court of Policy on 28th August, 1888. The new Hall of the Court of
Policy was opened by Lord Gormonston on 19th March, 1889.
When the British introduced a Crown Colony system of Government in

British Guiana in 1928, with a Legislative Council in the place of the Court
of Policy, the Court of Policy Hall became the place for the meetings of the
Legislative Council and was called the Council Chamber.
This Chamber has continued as the meeting place for our legislators.
The Government Departments which were in the Public Buildings in

1951, when the compiler of the historical information herein joined the
British Guiana Civil Service as a Class II Clerk in the Colonial Secretary’s
Office, included the Colonial Secretary’s Office, the Archives, the Attorney
General’s Chambers, the Financial Secretary’s Office, the Treasury, the
158
Audit Department, the Local Government Department, the Income Tax
Department, the Currency Commissioners and the Widows and Orphans
Fund. The Council Chamber was and still is on the upper floor of the east
wing. The services to the Legislature were at that time provided by Staff from
the Colonial Secretary’s Office.
With the introduction of a new Constitution in 1953, and the establishment

of a Ministerial system of Government and the Office of Speaker for the first
time, a new and separate Department called the Office of the Legislature
was also established to serve the new bicameral legislature. This new Office
with a Staff of 12 persons was given the central portion of the eastern half
of the upper floor of the Public Buildings. Office accommodation was also
provided in that same section for the first two Presiding Members of the
two new Legislative bodies – the Speaker of the House of Assembly and the
President of the State Council.
When Guyana attained Independence on 26th May, 1966, the Legislature

became the Parliament of Guyana, the Council Chamber was renamed the
Parliament Chamber, and the Office of the Legislature was renamed the
Parliament Office.
By 1992, most of the Government Departments which were in the Public

Buildings, had expanded and had removed therefrom. Only the Offices of the
Prime Minister and of some other Ministers and their Staffs, the Secretariats
of the National Congress of Local Democratic Organs (NCLDO) and the
Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and Parliament Office with a Staff which
had increased to 40, were in the Building.
When the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration came into Office

after the October 5, 1992 , general elections, the President, Cheddi Jagan,
following a request by Frank A. Narain, Clerk of the National Assembly,
informed him in a letter dated 16th December, 1992, that it was agreed to
make the Public Buildings available for Parliamentary matters only. The
159
Building was, from that time, placed under the administration of Frank A.
Narain, Clerk of the National Assembly.
In spite of President Jagan’s decision in 1992, and of continued representations

by Frank A. Narain, the PUC, a non-Parliamentary matters body, continued in
the Building until 2003.
Major repairs and renovations have had to be and have continued to be

carried out from time to time to this now 174 year old building.
Repairs have had to be done to the Parliament Chamber, particularly to the

roof and ceiling, the walls, the floor and the windows. New and modern
lights were also installed.
The Public Buildings, now available for Parliamentary matters only, has been
restructured to suit the needs of the increased Staff, now 56, and the various
sections into which the Parliament Office is divided, including a Library and
a Committee Secretariat. There are also some new and improved facilities for
Members of Parliament.
The two cannons in the front Compound of the Public Buildings were
captured by the British at the Battle of Sebastopol and were presented to the
Colony on 10th May, 1859, in recognition of its generous contributions to
the Patriotic Fund for the Relief of Widows and Orphans of the soldiers who
were killed in the Crimean War.
The iron railing around the Building was erected in May 1874.
The grounds of the Public Buildings were laid out in 1882 by G.S. Jenman, an
Official attached to the Botanical Gardens.
A sundial was placed in the front Compound in 1966 but was subsequently
removed.
160
The statue (sculptured by E.R. Burrowes) of Robert Nathaniel Critchlow, the
founder of Trade Unionism in Guyana, was placed in the north eastern part
of the Compound some time before 1988.
Ocean View Convention Centre
When very major repairs, renovations and refurbishing (including the

provision of new chairs for the Members of Parliament and the air-
conditioning of the Parliament Chamber) were being done from 2003 to
2005, the Chamber could not have been used. Sittings of the National
Assembly were held during this time at the Ocean View Convention Centre
at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
DRESS FOR SITTINGS

Prior to 1969, Members of the Legislature dressed very formally for attendance
at Sittings of the Legislative Bodies.
Ceremonial Occasions such as the Opening of a new Legislative Body or of

a new Session of such a Body was a grand affair. On such occasions, the
Governor of the Colony, who was also the President of the Legislative Council,
wore the full Ceremonial outfit of his Office. The Official Members – the
Colonial Secretary and the Financial Secretary – wore the official uniforms
of their respective Offices. The Attorney General wore the wig and gown
pertaining to his legal profession. All male Members wore lounge suits. Some
ladies even wore hats and gloves.
From 1953, when a Speaker replaced the Governor in presiding in the

Legislative body, the Speaker wore a full bottomed wig and a ceremonial
gown on Ceremonial occasions and a bob wig and an ordinary gown on all
other occasions.
From that time too, the two Clerks at the Table wore bob wigs and gowns on
Ceremonial occasions and lounge suits on all other occasions.
161
In April 1969, a Representative Committee of the National Assembly (PNC
Administration) recommended as an alternative form to the conventional
attire of a suit (an outfit with jacket and tie) the use of a shirt jac for male
Members.
The alternative forms now allowed are as follows:-
Speaker
For Ceremonial Occasions A shirt jac (suiting material) with long
sleeves and with tunic neck
For Ordinary Occasions A shirt jac (shirting or suiting material)
with long sleeves and with either tunic
neck or break neck
Other Members
For Ceremonial Occasions A shirt jac (shirting or suiting material)
with long sleeves and with either tunic
neck or break neck
For Ordinary Occasions A shirt jac (shirting or suiting material)
with either long or short sleeves and with
either tunic neck or break neck
Shirt jacs must be white or must be of mild single colours.
As the shirt jac is an alternative form of dress, male members are at liberty to
wear the conventional form of attire.
Wigs and gowns are no longer used by the Speaker and the Clerks.
162
SEATING ARRANGEMENTS OF MEMBERS
Every Member of our respective legislative bodies has been provided with his
own individual seat in the Legislative Chamber.
Status, seniority, length of service, order of nomination, constituency,

and alphabetical order of surnames, and later the Table of Precedence,
determined the order of seating and the Clerk assisted in this exercise.
With the coming into operation of the Party system, it was subsequently
accepted that the order of seating of the Members of a Party should be left
entirely to and be determined by that particular Party.
The British practice has continued – Members of the Party/Parties in

Government sit on the right of the Speaker and Members of the Opposition
on the left.
The Parliament Office prepares and places on the Tables “Name Cards”
bearing the Members’ names.
THE MACE
From 1957 First used in Guyana.
In ancient times, a Mace was a weapon made of wood and was designed for
use as such. It was carried by someone in front of the Monarch to protect
the Monarch. Later, Maces became symbols – symbols of authority, and were
re-designed.
Maces are used in the British Parliament and in Commonwealth Parliaments

and are carried in front of the Speaker by an Officer designated Sergeant-at-
Arms, when the Speaker is entering and leaving the Legislative Chamber. In
the Chamber, the Mace is placed on a Table in front of the Speaker during
163
sittings and it is placed on rests below the Table when the Legislative body
sits as a Committee. It is a symbol of the Speaker’s authority.
Prior to 1953, the Governor of British Guiana presided at sittings of the

Legislative body of the Colony and no Mace was used.
In 1953, with the introduction of a new Constitution, a Ministerial system

of Government was established and the Office of Speaker was provided for,
for the first time in British Guiana. Provision was also made in the 1953
Estimates of Expenditure for the purchase of a Mace for the new House of
Assembly. On 12th December, 1952, in presenting the Budget for 1953 to
the Legislative Council, the Financial Secretary and Treasurer, Edwin Frank
McDavid, in his Budget Speech in the Council, said:
“An allocation has also been included to meet the cost of a Royal Mace
to be obtained for the House of Assembly subject to the sanction
of Her Majesty. The Mace is the traditional symbol of the Speaker’s
authority and will add to the dignity of that Chamber of the new
Legislature. Honourable Members will, I am sure, be glad to know
that the Crown Agents have already furnished beautiful and most
appropriate designs for a British Guiana Mace estimated to cost
about $2,400. May I say that a splendid opportunity is open to
any Unofficial Member of the present Council who may wish to
perpetuate his memory and record of service by making a gift of the
Mace?”
There was no local response to this suggestion of the Financial Secretary

and Treasurer, but on reading the Budget Speech in London, the Chairman
of Messrs. Booker Bros. McConnell and Company, Limited, telegraphed the
Officer Administering the Government in British Guiana asking whether
the Colony would accept the gift of a Mace from Bookers London Directors,
not from the Company, but as individual persons. After consulting with the
Executive Council, the Officer Administering the Government replied that
the gift would be accepted.
164
Arrangements were then proceeded with through the Crown Agents for
the Colonies for the purchase of the Mace. At that stage, the Colonial
Office stepped in. They wrote the Chairman of the Company a most stern
and admonishing letter to the effect that the gift of the Mace was a Royal
Prerogative and it was most improper – and they suggested almost high
treason – that so low a form of human life as commercial persons should
concern themselves with its purchase.
The Mace was therefore obtained by the Government and paid for from the
funds voted for this purpose - $2,400 (£500).
The Mace arrived in British Guiana in February 1954, that is, after the
suspension of the 1953 Constitution and during the life of the Interim
Wholly Nominated Legislative Council, and was not put into use then. It was
kept in its box in the vault of the Treasury below the Chamber on the ground
floor of the Public Buildings.
The Mace was designed and made by Gerrard and Company, Limited, Crown
Jewellers, formerly the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company, Limited, of
England. It was of silver gilt and was after the form of the British House of
Commons Mace – 57 ¼” in length – but with the arches of the Head in modern
form as compared with those of the Charles II period. On the cushion of the
Crown in relief were the Royal Arms, a symbol of the authority of Her Majesty
the Queen and on the obverse and reverse of the Head appeared the Royal
Cypher E II R. On the stem of the Mace were representations of the Victoria
Regia lily flat chased. This lily is considered the largest water lily in the world
and was first discovered growing in British Guiana during the reign of Queen
Victoria. Other ornaments depicted on the stem included the rice plant in
full bearing and the sugar cane in bloom, representing two of the country’s
principal products.
With the re-establishment of an elected Legislature in 1957, it was decided

that the Mace should be put into use. On the occasion of the Opening of the
165
new Legislative Council on 10th September, 1957, the Mace was blessed by the
Archbishop of the West Indies, Dr. Alan John Knight, and, with the approval
of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, was entrusted by her representative, the
Governor, Sir Patrick Muir Renison, to the Speaker of the Legislative Council,
Sir Donald Edward Jackson, as the symbol of his authority from the Crown,
and was formally put into use forthwith. Charles Benjamin Cadogan, who
was the substantive holder of the office of Marshal (re-designated Sergeant-
at-Arms from the time of Independence in 1966), was on leave at the time
and Kenneth Carnegie King was performing the duties of Marshal in his
absence, thereby becoming the first person to bear the Mace.
With the decision that Guyana should become a Republic on 23rd February,
1970, a Special Committee of the National Assembly (PNC Administration)
advised the Speaker that on account of the appearance of the Royal Cypher
and other Royal Symbols on the Mace used in the National Assembly, it was
necessary for some change to be made from Republic Day. It was therefore
decided that the Head of the Mace should be replaced by one containing
Guyana’s Coat of Arms.
The design for the new Head was prepared by the Designs and Graphics
Division of the Ministry of Information and Culture, and the new Head itself
was made by the Demerara Foundry Company, Limited, in Guyana. The cost
of the new Head was borne by the Booker Group of Companies in Guyana
and the presentation was made at a simple Ceremony on 21st February, 1970.
The Mace, with its new Head but with the same old stem, was put into use
from Republic Day, 23rd February, 1970.
166
PRAYERS READ IN THE LEGISLATURE
Following their practice in their Parliament, the British introduced the
reading of Prayers in the British Guiana Legislative Council from the time of
its establishment.
Our records from the 1928 Legislative Council show that on Ceremonial
Occasions, Prayers were read in the Legislative bodies by the Head of the
Anglican Church in British Guiana, who was the Bishop of Guiana (the Rt.
Rev. Oswald H. Parry) and later the Archbishop of the West Indies (the Most
Rev. Dr. Alan John Knight).
On other occasions, from 1953, the Prayers were read by the Speaker.
The Speaker subsequently delegated the reading of the Prayers to the Clerk
of the Legislative body.
A Committee examined the Prayers which were used and amended them to
make them general rather than having bearing towards Christianity.
The following are the Prayers which are read by the Clerk of the National
Assembly at the beginning of every sitting (including Ceremonial Occasions)
of the Legislative body:-
“Almighty God, we, who are here gathered together, do most humbly beseech
Thee to guide us in all our consultations, so that we may together build a
land where knowledge is free, where the mind is without fear and the head is
held high, and where words come from the depth of truth.
Grant us, O God, Thine aid and guidance, so that we may deal justly, with
the several causes that come before us, laying aside all private interests,
prejudices and personal preferences, so that the result of our counsels may
be to the glory of Thy Blessed Name, the maintenance of true religion, the
167
preservation of justice, the safety, honour and happiness of the President
and the peace and prosperity of Guyana.
Grant us, O God, the vision so to lead, that all the people of this fair land may
enter into that state of brotherhood and unity, where the mind is led forward
by Thee into everwidening thought and action.”
OATHS BY MEMBERS
The taking of an Oath of Allegiance by a Legislator has been an old
requirement and has been recorded from since the first British established
Legislative Council in 1928.
Members were required in the Oath to either swear or to affirm to be faithful

and bear true allegiance to the British Monarch.
The 1966 Constitution required Members to take two Oaths – the Oath of
Allegiance and an Oath of Office.
The Oath of Allegiance to the British Monarch was no longer required from
the time that Guyana became a Republic on 23rd February, 1970.
Every Member of the National Assembly is required by the Constitution to

make and subscribe in the Assembly an Oath of Office before he can take
part in the proceedings of the Assembly. The only proceedings in which a
Member is permitted to take part before he has made and subscribed the
Oath are those in connection with the election of a Speaker and of a Deputy
Speaker after a general election. The Oath is administered by the Clerk of
the National Assembly first to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker and then to
the other Members of the Assembly.
On other occasions, the Oath is administered after Prayers.
168
The form of the present Oath to be taken by Parliamentarians is as follows:-
“I, ………………………………………….., do hereby solemnly declare that

I will bear true faith and allegiance to the People of Guyana, that I will
faithfully execute the office of Member of the National Assembly without
fear or favour, affection or ill-will and that in the execution of the functions
of that office I will honour, uphold and preserve the Constitution of the Co-
operative Republic of Guyana.”
In making the Oath, Members are free to use the religious book of their
choice, that is, the Bhagavadgita, the Bible (Any Version), the Koran, or the
Ramayan, etc.
FORMS OF ADDRESSING THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS

Formerly, when the Governor presided in the Legislative Council, he
would have been addressed as Your Excellency. Members were referred to
as Honourable Members and with their official designations or by their
nominations or by their constituencies.
In accordance with a direction of the Governor given when the Office of

Speaker was first established in 1953, and published in the Official Gazette
of Friday, 22nd May, 1953, the Speaker is to be addressed as “His Honour”.
In the National Assembly, Members, by convention, address the Speaker as

“Mr. Speaker”.
Members are addressed as “The Honourable Member”.
In 1975, a Parliamentary Committee (PNC Administration) recommended

that the title “Comrade” could also be used.
On 11th July, 1975, the National Assembly amended its Standing Orders to
give effect to the Committee’s recommendation.
169
In accordance with the Standing Order – No. 41(5) – a Member of the
National Assembly shall be referred to in the Assembly either with the
title “Comrade” before his or her surname or official designation or as the
“Honourable Member Mr./Ms …………”.
In a decision of the Government (PNC Administration) contained in a Notice

published in the Official Gazette of Saturday, 4th June, 1966 (following
Guyana’s attainment of Independence on 26th May, 1966), Members of the
National Assembly are designated “Members of Parliament” and are entitled
to use the abbreviation “M.P.” after their names.
The Speaker and the Ministers are, by convention, addressed as “The Hon.”
before their names.
Being an MP is the sort of job all working-class

parents want for their children –
clean, indoors and no heavy lifting.
(Diane Abbott, British Labour Politician, 1994)
RECESS FOR THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Prior to 1986, there was no recess fixed for the National Assembly.
On 4th February, 1986, the President, Hugh Desmond Hoyte (PNC), in his
address to the National Assembly, on the occasion of the Ceremonial Opening
of the Fifth Parliament of Guyana, observed that there was no provision in
the Standing Orders up to that time for the National Assembly to go into
recess during a year.
The National Assembly noted the observation and, on 16th July, 1986, passed
a Resolution amending its Standing Orders to provide for an annual recess
for the National Assembly from 10th August to 10th October.
The recess became effective from the year 1986.
170
The National Assembly therefore goes into recess every year from 10th
August to 10th October and, during this period, no sittings of the Assembly
would be held unless there are special reasons for doing so.
PROROGATION AND DISSOLUTION

Dissolution
A dissolution of the Legislature ends the life of that particular legislative

body.
The length of this life is usually stated in the Constitution. It has either been
4 years or 5 years.
The life of the present Parliamentary body in Guyana is 5 years.
The Governor, Governor-General from Independence on 26th May, 1966, and

President from the Republican status on 23rd February, 1970, had/has the
power to dissolve a legislative body at any time on or before the expiration of
its constitutional life.
When a legislative body has been dissolved, all persons who were legislators
cease to be legislators and all business pending come to an end. However, the
holders of certain offices, such as the Speaker, the Ministers, the Leader of
the Opposition, Parliamentary Secretaries, and the Deputy Speaker continue
until replaced after a general election.
A general election of Members for the next legislative body has to be held
after a dissolution.
Under the present Constitution, a general election has to be held on such

day within three months after a dissolution as the President shall appoint by
Proclamation.
171
Prorogation
A prorogation of a legislative body closes a session of that body. It does not
bring the life of the body to an end and Members of that body do not cease
to be legislators.
The British practice is to prorogue Parliament (i.e., close a session) once

every year and open another session thereafter of the same legislative body.
On the Opening of a New Session of the British Parliament, the Monarch
attends the House of Lords (with the Commons in attendance) reads a
Speech from the Throne, and opens the new session.
The British practice of proroguing a session and opening a new session once
every year was carried out in Guyana.
Speeches were read and sessions were opened by the Governor.
However, this practice faded out in Guyana and has reached the stage where
Parliament is now no longer prorogued during its life.
TABLE OF PRECEDENCE
It appears as if formerly there was no approved Table of Precedence.
In the Report of the Republic Committee dated August 19, 1969, the
Committee recommended that the Government should give a high priority
to the issue of an approved Table of Precedence.
A Table of Precedence for Guyana was prepared 21 years ago. It was approved
by the Cabinet and was published in the Gazette on Saturday, 12th October,
1985.
It is useful for the Members of the National Assembly to know and also to
have readily available to them information on precedence in Guyana and
where they fall in the Table.
172
Such information can be found in the Table of Precedence.
I have reproduced below the Table and the Notes thereon.
I have underlined the various categories of the Members of the National
Assembly wherever they appear on the Table.
The Table
1. The President
2. The Prime Minister
3. The Deputy Leader of the Political Party in Office
4. The Chancellor
5. The Speaker
6. Vice-Presidents
7. Deputy Prime Ministers
8. Former Presidents
9. Members of the Order of Excellence
10. Former Prime Ministers
11. Senior Ministers
12. Other Cabinet Ministers
13. Ministers
14. Ministers of State
15. The Attorney-General, if not a Minister
16. Central Executive Members of the Political Party in office
17. The Chairman of the National Congress of Local Democratic Organs
18. (a) Ambassadors and High Commissioners
(b) The Secretary-General of Caricom
(c) The Senior Accredited Representative of the United Nations
19. The Minority Leader
20. The Chief Justice
21. Justices of Appeal
22. Members of the Order of Roraima
23. The Ombudsman
24. The Mayor of Georgetown
173
25. Charges d’Affaires and acting High Commissioners
26. Parliamentary Secretaries
27. The Deputy Speaker
28. The Head of each Political Party represented in Parliament
29. (a) Puisne Judges
(b) The Solicitor General
(c ) The Director of Public Prosecutions
(d) The Chief Parliamentary Counsel
30. The Deputy Chairman of the National Congress of Local Democratic
Organs
31. Members of Parliament
32. Members of the National Congress of Local Democratic Organs
33. The Head of the Presidential Secretariat
34. The Chief of Staff
35. (a) The Chairman of the Elections Commission
(b) The Chairman of the Public Service Commission
(c) The Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission
(d) The Chairman of the Police Service Commission
36. Retired Chancellors
37. Regional Chairmen
38. The Chancellor of the University of Guyana
39. The Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana
40. The Auditor General
(a) The Deputy Chiefs of Mission, Deputy High Commissioners or
other equivalent in Embassies or High Commissions
(b) Consuls-General
(c) Accredited Chief Representatives of International Organisations
42. The Clerk of the National Assembly
43. (a) The Secretary to the Treasury
(b) Permanent Secretaries
44. Executive Secretaries of the Political Party in office
45. Mayors of Municipalities other than the City of Georgetown
46. Retired Vice-Presidents
174
47. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana
48. The Governor of the Bank of Guyana
49. (a) The Commissioner of Police
(b) The Commander of the Guyana Defence Force
(c ) The Director-General of the Guyana National Service
(d) The Commander of the Guyana People’s Militia
50. The Chief Executive Officer of the authority responsible for Public
Corporations
51. Heads of Government Departments
52. Chairmen of Public Corporations and Statutory Boards
53. The President of the Trades Union Congress
54. The President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce
55. Presidential Advisers
56. Deputy Chairmen of Service Commissions
57. (a) Members of the Elections Commission
(b) Members of the Judicial, Public, Police and Teaching Service
Commissions
58. (a) Consuls
(b) First Secretaries
(c ) Trade Commissioners
59. Vice-Chairmen of Regional Councils
60. Senior Government Officers
61. Managers of Corporations
62. Holders of the C.C.H. and equivalent awards
63. Members of Regional Councils
64. Holders of the A.A. and equivalent awards
65. Members of Sub-Regional Councils
66. Holders of the M.S. and equivalent awards
67. Members of District Councils
68. Members of Community Councils
69. Members of Neighbourhood Councils
70. Members of People’s Co-operative Unit Councils
175
Notes to the Table of Precedence
(a) There being no State Church in Guyana, the Heads of religious bodies
do not appear on the official list of precedence. On formal occasions when
they are present, courtesy precedence may be assigned to them appropriate
to the occasion.
(b) Persons holding office in the same category (for example, Senior
Ministers, fellow chairmen of public corporations or of the same rank of local
democratic organs, members of a constitutional or other commission or of a
local democratic organ) take precedence among themselves according to the
date on which they assumed their offices, provided that where two or more
persons assumed office on the same day they shall rank in the alphabetical
order of their last names.
(c) Ambassadors and High Commissioners (18(a)) take precedence

according to the date of presentation of their credentials or, in the case
of High Commissioners who do not present letters of credence or similar
letters, according to the date of arrival in Georgetown.
(d) Mayors of municipalities other than the City of Georgetown take

precedence among themselves according to the date of establishment of
their municipalities.
(e) The head of any local democratic organ (including the Mayor of the City
of Georgetown) shall, within the district of his own local democratic organ,
take precedence immediately after the senior member of the Cabinet present
on any occasion sponsored by or associated with that organ.
(f) Heads of Government Departments (51) and Senior Government Officers

(60) take precedence according to salary and, where salaries are equal, their
dates of appointment.
176
(g) As between officers of the Guyana Defence Force (including the
Guyana National Service, and the Guyana People’s Militia) and officers of
the Guyana Police Force, the Commissioner of Police ranks with Colonels,
the Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners with Lieutenants-
Colonel, Senior Superintendents and Superintendents with Majors,
Deputy Superintendents with Captains and Assistant Superintendents with
Lieutenants.
(h) A person falling within more than one category of precedence shall be
assigned the higher or highest category, as the case may be, provided that
retired persons serving in an office carrying eligibility for precedence shall
take the precedence assigned to that office.
(i) The spouse of a person entitled to precedence shall follow immediately

after that person.
(j) Precedence in relation to holders of the O.R. and subordinate National

Honours will be observed on those occasions on which medals and other
insignia are expected to be worn.
(k) The Table of Precedence is not expected to apply throughout all of its
items on every occasion. The extent to which it will apply will be determined
by the nature of each occasion.
(l) Depending on the nature of the particular occasion, courtesy precedence

may be assigned to persons who have retired from high offices and other
categories.
177
PARLIAMENT OFFICE RECORDS -Copies of Orders of –in- Council,

the Constitutions etc.
HANSARDS (official Reports and Index of the Debates…)
GECOM Elections Results
HISTORICAL Publications and other texts as referred to on page 25
OFFICIAL GAZETTES of the respective periods
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Oath Books, Minutes (as at first reference,

above)
PARLIAMENT OFFICE NEWSLETTERS – on Mace, Public Buildings

etc.
THE STANDING ORDERS of the National Assembly
Report of the Republic Committee – August 1969
Table of Precedence – Protocol Office, Office of the President.
178
PART IX
COMMITTEES
The Finance Committee of the Legislative Council

Legislative Council Advisory Committees
The Public Accounts Committee
Other Committees
179
COMMITTEES
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
In September 1930, a Finance Committee of the Legislative Council,

comprising all the Elected Members of the Legislative Council, the Colonial
Secretary, the Colonial Treasurer and some of the Nominated Members, was
established.
The duty of the Finance Committee was to examine the Estimates before they
were presented to the Legislative Council.
In 1942, the Finance Committee was reconstituted to consist of the Governor,

the Colonial Secretary, the Colonial Treasurer and all of the Unofficial
Members of the Legislative Council.
The Finance Committee later consisted of all Members of the Legislative

Council with the Financial Secretary as Chairman.
This Committee subsequently went out of existence.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ADVISORY COMMITTEES
In 1943, for the first time, the Governor established three Legislative
Council Advisory Committees along the lines recommended by the Moyne
Commission, except that he himself nominated all of the Members.
Each Committee was chaired by a Member of the Executive Council.
The first three Committees related respectively to the Departments of –

Agriculture (including Fisheries),
Education, and
Public Works.
180
The two main functions of the Committees were to –
(i) examine the lines of legislation, and
(ii) frame the Departmental Estimates.
With the establishment in 1953 of a Ministerial system of Government and

the allocation of portfolios to Ministers, the Legislative Council Advisory
Committees went out of existence.
THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE (Standing Orders Nos. 80 and 82)
There was no provision prior to 1957 for the examination by the Legislature
of the Public Accounts.
A Public Accounts Committee was first established in British Guiana in 1957.

The following were the first Members of the Public Accounts Committee:-
William Oscar Rudyard Kendall (UDP)
Fred Bowman (PPP(J))
Andrew Leonard Jackson (PPP(B))
Rahman Baccus Gajraj (Nominated Member)
Anthony Greaves Tasker (Nominated Member)
The duty of the Public Accounts Committee is to examine the accounts

showing the appropriation of the sums granted by the Assembly to meet
public expenditure and such other accounts laid before the Assembly as the
Assembly may refer to the Committee together with the Auditor General’s
Report thereon.
By tradition, the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee was a Member

of the Opposition.
It is now stated in the Standing Orders of the National Assembly that the
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee must be a Member of the main
Opposition in the Assembly.
181
OTHER COMMITTEES
The present Standing Orders have provided for the establishment of the
following Committees:-
Standing Committees (Standing Orders Nos. 80 and 86):
The Committee of Selection
The Public Accounts Committee
The Constitution Reform Committee
The Committee on Appointments
The Parliamentary Management Committee
The following Sectoral Committees:-

Committee on Natural Resources
Committee on Economic Services
Committee on Foreign Relations
Committee on Social Services

Sessional Select Committees (Standing Orders Nos. 87 to 91):
The Standing Orders Committee

The Assembly Committee
The Committee of Privileges
The Statutory Instruments Committee
Special Select Committees (Standing Order No. 92):
To be nominated by Resolution of the National Assembly
Also in existence, as established by the Standing Orders is
The Committee of Supply (Standing Order No. 72), and

The Business Sub-Committee of the Committee of Supply (Standing
Order No. 74).
182
PART X
SERVICES TO THE LEGISLATURE
The Colonial Secretary’s Office

The Office of the Legislature
The First Staff of the Office of the Legislature
The Parliament Office
The Present Staff of the Parliament Office
The Clerks and the Deputy Clerks
The Hansard Editors
The Sergeants-At-Arms
Mission Statement of the Parliament Office
Drafting of Laws – Chief Parliamentary Counsel
183
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY’S OFFICE
Up to April 1953, there were no Ministries, no Ministers, no Permanent

Secretaries, and no Service Commissions in the Government Service of
British Guiana.
The Colonial Secretary’s Office (CSO), headed by the Colonial Secretary,

was responsible for the administrative functions of the Government of the
Colony. These also included personnel matters – recruitments/appointments,
promotions, transfers, resignations, retirements, salaries and allowances,
pensions, etc.
In performing its functions, the CSO was assisted by two other key Officials
– the Attorney General and the Colonial Treasurer – and by the Heads of the
other Government Departments which were then in existence.
There was also no Speaker up to that time and no separate Department to

serve the Legislature. These services were also provided by the Staff in the
Colonial Secretary’s Office. The Officer designated Clerk of the Legislative
Council was a member of the Staff of the Colonial Secretary’s Office.
Within the CSO, there were Officers who were known as ‘Charge Officers’ who
were assigned and who dealt with and considered specific matters. Matters
were, if necessary, referred higher up – reaching the Colonial Secretary
himself, then the Governor, then the Secretary of State for the Colonies at
the Colonial Office in London.
The Governor of the Colony presided over the meetings of the Executive
Council and also of the Legislative Council as its President. The Colonial
Secretary, the Attorney General and the Colonial Treasurer were ex officio
Members of both the Executive Council and the Legislative Council.
184
The CSO compiled, kept and maintained files, records, reports, publications,
Gazettes, legislation, parliamentary debates, etc. There were files with
correspondence on all matters – matters in general as well as on individuals
which included all the staff in the Government Service of British Guiana
(Personal Files - PFs). These records also included those relating to the
Legislature.
In 1953, a new Constitution was introduced in British Guiana. The

Constitutional arrangements provided, inter alia, for the first time, for –

The introduction of a Ministerial system of Government
(Establishment of Ministries and appointment of Ministers)
The Office of Speaker

(To preside at Meetings of the Legislative body in the place of the
Governor)
The establishment of a new and separate Department – called the Office of

the Legislature – with its own Staff headed by a Clerk of the Legislature – to
serve the new bicameral Legislature (The State Council and the House of
Assembly)
The phasing out, prior to its abolition, of the Colonial Secretary’s Office
and the transfer there from of the Staff and of the responsibilities to the
new and smaller successor Chief Secretary’s Office, and to the new Office
of the Legislature and to the new Ministries and/or other Government
Departments.
These new proposals came into effect from 8th April, 1953.
The Chief Secretary’s Office went out of existence when Guyana became
independent on 26th May, 1966.
The following are some (most) of the Staff of the Colonial Secretary’s Office
from April, 1951, when the Producer of the information herein first joined
185
the Government Service on the Staff of the Colonial Secretary’s Office, to
April, 1953, when that Office went out of existence and the Producer was
taken over to the new Office of the Legislature. There are also some Staff of
the successor Chief Secretary’s Office:-
1. Arthur Alexander Abraham 38. Louis Emile Kranenburg
2. Carlton V. Alert 39. Subadrie Lall
3. Muriel Olga Bardon 40. Lorraine Lee
4. Norman Eleazer Bishop 41. Frank Allan Leubin
5. Patrick Francis Brumell 42. Joan Lewis
6. Eileen Butts 43. Carmen Li
7. Joan Chapman 44. Jack O.B. Lyndsey
8. Thora Chester 45. John Clement David Malone
9. Lionel Clyde Choong 46. Elsa Mansell
10. Harry Christiani 47. Randolph Leland Morgan
11. Richard Archibald Chung 48. Randolph Eric Oswald Moriah
12. Kenneth Hamilton Cregan 49. Frank Alston Narain
13. Alexander Irving Crum Ewing 50. Victor Newton
14. William Peter D’Andrade 51. Hazel Pancham
15. Sheila D’Ornellas 52. Desmond John Parkinson
16. Joyce Elfrida Durham 53. Pamela Paul
17. Gertrude Dyett 54. Neville Pestano
18. Barbara Eleazer 55. Yvonne Phang
19. Gerald Ellis 56. Eustace Henri Reis
20. Joseph Faria 57. Olive Eugenie Rose
21. Duncan Aubrey Farnum 58. John Russell
22. Eugenie Ann Veronica Ferreira 59. Schuler
23. Ernest David Ford 60. Lloyd Searwar
24. Geoffrey Hugh Fryer 61. Theresa Serrao
25. Olga Fung 62. Leonard Denis Shaw
26. Joyce Gittens 63. Greta Ilean Simpson
27. Dorothy Gomes 64. Dhanpat Singh
28. Edith Grannum 65. Colin Small
29. Harold Arthur Grimshaw 66. Guy Norman Spence
186
30. John Gutch 67. Beryl Taylor
31. James Washington Harper-Smith 68. Maisie Tiam Fook
32. Shirley Nancy Ho-A-Yen 69. Daphne Too Chung
33. Robert Montgomery Holder 70. Donald Trotman
34. Walter B. Hope 71. Ena Vieira
35. Rashleigh Esmond Jackson 72. Monica Vincent
36. Grace Jordan 73. Charles Henry Willings
37. Sonny Kong
THE OFFICE OF THE LEGISLATURE

With the introduction in 1953 of a new Constitution, provision was made
for the first time for a Ministerial system of Government and for the Office
of Speaker.
A new and separate Department, which was called the Office of the
Legislature, was established from 8th April, 1953, with its own Staff and a
Clerk of the Legislature as its head, to serve the new Bicameral Legislature
(the State Council and the House of Assembly).
The new Office was accommodated in a part of the eastern section of the top
floor of the Public Buildings, not far from the Parliament Chamber, which
occupied the north-eastern section of the top floor.
THE FIRST STAFF OF THE OFFICE OF THE LEGISLATURE

The first Staff of the new Office of the Legislature, who were all Public
Officers, consisted of the following 12 (twelve) persons:-
From 8th April, 1953

1. Alexander Irving Crum Ewing, Clerk of the Legislature
2. Harold Arthur Grimshaw, Official Reporter
3. Frank Allan Leubin, Official Reporter
4. Robert Montgomery Holder, Official Reporter
5. Frank Alston Narain, Class II Clerk
187
6. Ena A. Vieira, Senior Clerical Assistant
7. Kenneth Carnegie King, Messenger
From 22nd April, 1953

8. Sheila Mary Mittelholzer, Clerical Assistant
From 4th May, 1953

9. Ingram Randolph King, Assistant Clerk of the Legislature
From 11th May, 1953

10. Albert Singh, Messenger
From 16th May, 1953

11. Charles Benjamin Cadogan, Marshal
From 25th June, 1953

12. Lloyd George Rohlehr, Official Reporter
THE PARLIAMENT OFFICE
When British Guiana became Independent as Guyana on 26th May, 1966 –
• the Office of the Legislature was renamed the Parliament

Office
• The Offices of Clerk of the Legislature and Assistant Clerk of

the Legislature were re-designated Clerk of the National
Assembly and Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly,
respectively, and became Constitutional Offices outside of the
Public Service
• The Office of Marshal was re-designated Sergeant-at-Arms.
188
THE PRESENT STAFF OF THE PARLIAMENT OFFICE
Today – just over 53 years since the establishment of the Parliament Office
in 1953 – the Staff has increased from 12 to 56 and the Parliament Office
now has the entire Public Buildings at its disposal after occupying the same
small space in the Building for nearly 40 years and after over a decade of
representations.
The following are the present Staff at the Parliament Office:-
1. Sherlock Ewart Isaacs, Clerk of the National Assembly

2. Somna Muridall, Confidential Secretary
3. Lilawtie Coonjah, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly
4. Eleanor Coddett, Confidential Secretary
5. Bibi Baldeo, Principal Assistant Secretary (Finance)
6. Maurice Berthswindel Henry, Head of Committees
7. Rukhmin Chand, Confidential Secretary
8. Oscar Etra Moore, Clerk of Committees
9. Deborah Cadogan, Assistant Head of Committees
10. Claudia Greenidge, Clerk of Committees
11. Debra Gray, Assistant Clerk of Committees
12. Sonia Maxwell, Assistant Clerk of Committees
13. Sherene Warren, Assistant Clerk of Committees
14. Nazir Hoosein, Clerk II (G)
15. Sueanna Reynolds, Word Processor Operator
16. Orwell Ogle, Office Assistant
17. Tanzadell Bentinck, Clerk II (G)
18. Ingrid Ifill, Accountant
19. Debbie St. Hill, Assistant Accountant
20. Letta Barker, Accounts Clerk III
21. Latchmin Sukhoo, Accounts Clerk II
22. Tracy Armstrong, Accounts Clerk II
23. Tisha Thornhill, Accounts Clerk II
189
24. Sofia Husain, Accounts Clerk II
25. Jaitun Haniff, Confidential Secretary
26. Deslyn West, Registry Supervisor (Ag.)
27. Serojanie Ramlall, Typist Clerk II
28. Carla Baird, Typist Clerk I
29. Michelle Singh, Typist Clerk I
30. Dhanram Kungbeharry, Sergeant-At-Arms
31. Etwaroo Jagernath, Assistant Sergeant-At-Arms
32. Desiree Grant, Telephonist
33. Denise King, Maid
34. Parmanand Balgobin, Senior Office Assistant
35. Trevor Balgobin, Office Assistant
36. Hermina Gilgeours, Research & Analytical Assistant
37. Michael Munroe, Research & Analytical Assistant
38. Antonette Schwartz, Librarian III
39. Eaton McKenzie, Librarian II
40. Nicola Wray, Maid/Cleaner
41. Monette Garnett, Expenditure Planning & Management Analyst II
42. Dorwayne Lagadeau, Clerk II (G)
43. Deo Dookie, Systems Development Co-ordinator
44. Avindra Somwaru, Stores Clerk/Expeditor
45. Toshika Xavier, Word Processor Operator
46. Keith Joseph, Driver
47. Anthony Szala, Driver
48. Percival Williams, Driver
48. Debra Westford, Receptionist (Security)
50. Mavernie Richardson, Cleaner
51. Cheryl Thomas, Cleaner
52. Patricia Blair, Cleaner
53. Norah Edun, Cleaner
54. Olga Aaron, Cleaner
55. Wayne Lynch, Compound Attendant
56. Avinash Gariba, Book Repair Assistant
190
THE CLERKS AND THE DEPUTY CLERKS
Prior to 1953, one Officer from the Staff of the Colonial Secretary’s Office,
designated Clerk of the Legislative Council, sat at The Table in the Council
Chamber during sittings of the Legislative Council.
With the introduction in 1953 of a new Constitution providing, inter alia,

for the first time, for a Ministerial system of Government, and the Office of
Speaker, provision was also made for a new and separate Department, the
Office of the Legislature, with its own Staff, headed by an Officer designated
Clerk of the Legislature, to serve the new bicameral Legislature.
The new Staff included for the first time, a Senior Officer, designated
Assistant Clerk of the Legislature, to assist the Clerk of the Legislature as a
Table Officer and at the new Office.
The designations of Clerk of the Legislature and Assistant Clerk of the

Legislature were changed to Clerk of the National Assembly and Deputy
Clerk of the National
Assembly, respectively, from the time of Guyana’s attainment of Independence
(26th May, 1966), and became Constitutional Offices outside of the Public
Service.
The persons who have held the Offices of Clerk of the Legislative Council/
Clerk of the Legislature/Clerk of the National Assembly and Assistant Clerk
of the Legislature/ Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, are as follows:-
Clerk of the Legislative Council

(From Within the Colonial Secretary’s Office)
1947 to 1953 Alexander Irving Crum Ewing, O.B.E.,

Clerk of the Legislative Council
Clerks of the Legislature

(As Head of the Parliament Office)
(Public Service Officials)
191
1953 to 1963 Alexander Irving Crum Ewing, O.B.E.,
Clerk of the Legislature
1963 to 1966 Elwyn Valentine Viapree,

Clerk of the Legislature
Clerks of the National Assembly

(Appointed by the Governor-General (President from Republican status
in 1970), acting in accordance with the advice of the Speaker)
1966 to 2002 Frank Alston Narain, A.A., C.C.H.,

Clerk of the National Assembly
Since 2002 Sherlock Ewart Isaacs,

Clerk of the National Assembly
Assistant Clerks of the Legislature

(Public Service Officials)
1953 to 1954 Ingram Randolph King
1954 Herbert Harold Tross
1954 to 1963 Elwyn Valentine Viapree
1963 to 1966 Frank Alston Narain
Deputy Clerks of the National Assembly

(Appointed by the Governor-General (President from Republican status
in 1970), acting in accordance with the advice of the Speaker)
1966 to 1986 Maurice Berthswindel Henry
192
1987 Ivor Hartman
George Edward Fitzgerald Moses
1992 to 2002 Sherlock Ewart Isaacs
Since 2002 Lilawtie Coonjah
THE HANSARD EDITORS

Hansard is the name given and used by the British, from the name of the first
Printer, to the reports of the proceedings and the verbatim records of the
debates of the Parliamentary bodies.
The name is known and is also used in some of the Commonwealth

Parliaments.
“Parliamentary Debates” is also the name used.
Qualified high speed shorthand writers, designated Official Reporters, on

the Staff of Parliament, record the proceedings and produce copies which
are edited by another Parliament Office Official, designated Hansard Editor,
and printed.
The post of Hansard Editor was first created in Guyana from 1st January,
1968, as a post at the Parliament Office.
The holder of the Office was responsible for the preparation of the Hansard
and for supervising the work of the Official Reporters.
The following are the persons who have held the Office of Hansard Editor:-
1968 to 1978 Eileen Rosalie Cox
1978 to 1984 Cecelia Glysis Pompey
The responsibility for the production of Hansard was handed over to a Private
Contractor following the 1992 General Elections.
193
The first Contractor was Gordon Forte.
The present Contractor is FCE Systems (Leslie Forester).
THE SERGEANTS-AT-ARMS
The post of Sergeant-at-Arms for the National Assembly is a post in the
Public Service with the Public Service terms and conditions of employment.
Prior to 1953, the Office was called Custodian, Council Chamber.
There was no Mace and there were no Mace-bearing duties to be carried out.
With the establishment in 1953 of the Office of Speaker, a Mace was required.
The post of Custodian was changed to Marshal from 1953.
From the time of Independence on 26th May, 1966, the Office was re-
designated Sergeant-at-Arms.
The following are the persons who have held the Office:-
1939 to 1953 Charles Henry Willings,
Custodian, Council Chamber
1953 to 1976 Charles Benjamin Cadogan, M.S.,

Marshal from 1953, Sergeant-at-Arms from 1966
1976 to 2002 Kenneth Carnegie King, M.S.,

Sergeant-at-Arms
Since 2002 Dhanram Kungbeharry,

Sergeant-at-Arms
194
MISSION STATEMENT
OF THE PARLIAMENT OFFICE
The following is the Mission Statement of the Parliament

Office:-
TO PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE AND CLERICAL SUPPORT

FOR THE EFFICIENT CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS
OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, PARLIAMENTARY
COMMITTEES AND SUB-COMMITTEES. ALSO TO
PROVIDE LOCAL SECRETARIAL SERVICES IN RESPECT
OF MATTERS PERTAINING TO THOSE INTERNATIONAL
ORGANISATIONS WITH WHICH THE PARLIAMENT OF
GUYANA HOLDS MEMBERSHIP.
195
DRAFTING OF LAWS - CHIEF PARLIAMENTARY COUNSEL
The Bills which are brought to the Legislative body for consideration and
passing and for assent by the President as Acts of Parliament are prepared
and drafted in the Attorney General’s Chambers by an Officer designated
Chief Parliamentary Counsel.
The Title prior to 1968 was Legal Draftsman.
The present Chief Parliamentary Counsel is Cecil Dhurjon, CCH, SC.
The following are some of the persons who have been involved in performing
the duties of legal drafting:-
Edgar Mortimer Duke
Joseph Alexander Luckhoo (Jr.)
Guya L.B. Persaud, CCH
Sir Shridath Surendranath Ramphal, OE, OCC, CMG, SC
Richard Michael Forbes Delph
Brynmor Thornton Innis Pollard, CCH, SC
Keith S. Massiah, OR

Cecil Dhurjon, CCH, SC
196
COPIES OF ORDERS-IN-COUNCIL—Governors Office –

1930-1957
STANDING ORDERS – 1957 Onwards (Nos. 80.82)
ORDERS FROM COLONIAL SECRETARY’S OFFICE (CSO),

Constitutions of BG and Republic of Guyana (1953 onwards)
PERSONAL FILES – Parliament Office – from the Legislative

Councils, the Legislatures and the National Assembly.
RECORDS OF MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS AND ATTORNEY-

GENERAL’S OFFICE.
197
PART XI
DOCUMENTS
Some Important Parliamentary Documents

Constitutional Instruments
The Standing Orders
Ordinances/Acts
The Parliamentary Library
198
SOME IMPORTANT PARLIAMENTARY DOCUMENTS
The following are some of the important Parliamentary documents:-
The Constitution
This is the supreme law of Guyana and has established the Parliament of
Guyana.
The Standing Orders

These are the rules of the procedure of the National Assembly and are made
by the National Assembly.
Oaths
An Oath is required to be made and subscribed in the National Assembly by
each Member of the Assembly.
Order Paper
An Order Paper is the Notice of and Agenda for a Sitting of the National
Assembly. It contains the business for the Sitting.
Supplementary Order Paper

A Supplementary Order Paper contains additional business for a Sitting.
Bill
A Bill is a proposed law which is brought to the National Assembly for
consideration.
Act
When a Bill is passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the
President, it becomes a law – an Act of Parliament.
Ordinance
Ordinance was the name given to laws enacted by the Legislature prior to
Independence on 26th May, 1966. Act has been the name used thereafter.
199
Statements by Ministers
Ministers can make special statements on important matters at Sittings of the
National Assembly.
Notice Papers (With Motions and Questions)

These contain Notices of Motions and Questions submitted by Members and
approved by the Speaker, for consideration by the National Assembly or for
Answers by Ministers.
Resolutions
Motions passed by the National Assembly become Resolutions of the
National Assembly.
Replies to Questions
These are the Replies given by Ministers to the formal Questions submitted
by Members of the National Assembly.
Budget Speeches
A Budget Speech is the annual financial statement which the Minister of
Finance makes in the National Assembly when he presents to the Assembly
the Estimates of Expenditure for a year and moves the motion for the approval
of the Estimates.
Estimates
Estimates are the Government’s detailed proposals of the revenues and
expenditure for a financial year laid in the National Assembly for approval
by the Assembly.
Supplementary Estimates (Financial Papers)

Supplementary Estimates are brought to the National Assembly during the
year for approval by the Assembly.
200
Minutes
Minutes of the proceedings of each sitting of the National Assembly are
required by the Standing Orders to be prepared by the Clerk of the National
Assembly.
They contain the names of the Members who attend, the decisions taken and
the details of divisions.
Hansard
Hansard is the name given and used by the British, from the name of the first
printer, to the official verbatim reports of the proceedings and debates of the
Parliamentary bodies.
This name is known and is also used in some of the Commonwealth countries.
‘Parliamentary debates’ is also the name used.
Gazettes
The Official Gazette is a document which is published every Saturday by
the authority of the Government. Extraordinary issues of the Gazette are
published on such other days as are required.
The Legal Supplement to the Gazette contains Acts, Bills and Subsidiary
Legislation.
Reports and Other Documents Laid

Several Reports and other documents are laid before the National Assembly.
201
CONSTITUTIONAL INSTRUMENTS
The following are some of the Constitutional Instruments:-
1739 On 26th May, 1739, the Dutch established a Constitution.
1891 3rd February, 1891 – The British Guiana Constitution Ordinance,

1891 (No. 1 of 1891)
1928 The British Guiana Act, 1928

Enacted by the British Parliament – 28th March, 1928
The British Guiana (Constitution) Order in Council, 1928

Made by the King in Council on 13th July, 1928
1935 The British Guiana (Constitution) (Amendment) Order in

Council, 1935
1940 The British Guiana (Legislative Council – Extension of Duration)

Order in Council, 1940

Council, 1943

Council, 1945

Council, 1949
1952 The British Guiana (Legislative Council – Extension of Duration)

1953 The British Guiana (Constitution) Order in Council, 1953,
202
provided for the establishment and constitution of a new
Executive Council and a new Legislature for British Guiana
Made by the Queen in Council on 1st April, 1953
The British Guiana (Constitution) (Amendment) Order in

Council, 1953
1953/1954 The British Guiana (Constitution) (Temporary Provisions)

1956 The British Guiana (Constitution) (Temporary Provisions)

(Amendment) Order in Council, 1956
1961 The British Guiana (Constitution) Order in Council, 1961,

with a Constitution for British Guiana Made by the Queen in
Council on 26th June, 1961
1966 The Guyana Independence Act, 1966

Enacted by the British Parliament on 12th May, 1966
The Guyana Independence Order, 1966, with a new
Constitution for Guyana
Made by the Queen in Council on 16th May, 1966
1969/1970 By Resolution No. 26 which was passed by the National

Assembly on 29th August, 1969, the amendments to the
Independence Constitution providing for Guyana’s status as a
Republic from 23rd February, 1970, became effective.
1980 The Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana

Enacted by the Parliament of Guyana by the Constitution of
the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Act 1980 (Act No. 2 of
1980)
Since 1980 Several Amendments have been made to the Constitution.
203
STANDING ORDERS
1928
Standing Orders were in use since the First Legislative Council in 1928.
At the first Meeting on 28th November, 1928, of the First Legislative Council
for British Guiana, Standing Rules and Orders were considered and approved.
1953
The British Guiana (Constitution) Order in Council, 1953, which was made
on 1st April, 1953, by Her Majesty the Queen by and with the advice of Her
Privy Council, established a new bicameral Legislature – a State Council and
a House of Assembly for the Colony of British Guiana.
Article 61 of that Constitution stated as follows:-

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Order and of and Instructions under
Her Majesty’s Sign Manual and Signet, the State Council and the House of
Assembly may from time to time, make, amend and revoke Standing Orders,
including joint Standing Orders, for the regulation and orderly conduct
of their proceedings and the despatch of business, and for the order and
manner in which the Chambers shall confer, correspond and communicate
with each other, and for the passing, intituling and numbering of Bills, and
for the presentation of the same to the Governor for assent.
(2) Until other provision is made under this section, the Standing Rules
and Orders of the Legislative Council, as in force immediately before the
appointed day, shall, with the necessary modifications and adaptations, be
the Standing Orders of the State Council and House of Assembly established
under this Order; and the said Standing Orders may be amended or revoked
by Standing Orders made under the preceding subsection.”
1954
Following the suspension in 1953 of the 1953 Constitution, and the
dissolution of the Legislature (the State Council and the House of Assembly),
204
an Interim Wholly Nominated Legislative Council was established. With the
power vested in him, the Governor of the Colony, Sir Alfred William Lungley
Savage, KCMG, made the Standing Orders for the new Legislative Council.
1961
The British Guiana (Constitution) Order in Council, 1961, which was made
on 26th June, 1961, by Her Majesty the Queen by and with the advice of Her
Privy Council, established a new Constitution for British Guiana. Provision
was made for a new bicameral Legislature – a Senate and a Legislative
Assembly for the Colony of British Guiana.
Section 11 of the Order stated as follows:-

“11. The Governor shall make and cause to be laid before the Senate and the
Legislative Assembly respectively when they first meet such Standing Orders
with respect to the matters mentioned in article 62 of the Constitution as
appear to him expedient to enable the Senate and the Legislative Assembly
to commence the transaction of their business in an orderly manner, but
any such Orders may be amended or revoked by the chamber to which they
relate.”
Section 62 of that Constitution stated as follows:-

“62. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, each Chamber of the
Legislature may make, amend and revoke Standing Orders for the regulation
and orderly conduct of its own proceedings and the despatch of business,
and the passing, intituling and numbering of Bills, and the presentation of
the same to the Governor for assent.”
On 4th September, 1961, the Governor, Sir Ralph Francis Alnwick Grey,
KCMG, KCVO, OBE, made and caused to be laid before the Senate and the
Legislative Assembly Standing Orders for the Senate and the Legislative
Assembly.
205
1966
The Guyana Independence Order 1966, which was made by Her Majesty
the Queen by and with the advice of Her Privy Council, established the
Constitution of Guyana.
The Constitution provided for a Parliament of Guyana consisting of Her

Majesty and a National Assembly.
Paragraph (1) of Article 74 of that Constitution stated as follows:-

“74 (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the National Assembly
may regulate its own procedure and may make rules for that purpose.”
The Standing Orders of the National Assembly were revised in 1969 and were
approved by the Assembly on 19th June, 1969.
1970
The alterations which were made to the 1966 (Independence) Constitution
to provide for Guyana to become a Republic on 23rd February, 1970, did
not change Article 74 of the Constitution and that Article remained and
continued in the Constitution.
1975
On 11th July, 1975, the Standing Orders of the National Assembly were
amended to allow the use of the title “Comrade” in the National Assembly
before a Member’s surname or official designation.
1980
In 1980, the Parliament of Guyana, by Act No. 2 of 1980, enacted a new
Constitution – The Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.
The new Constitution came into operation on 6th October, 1980.
Section 9 of the Act stated as follows:-

“9 The rules and orders of the existing Assembly as in force immediately
before the appointed day shall, until it is otherwise provided for under article
206
165 and article173 of the Constitution, as the case may be, be the rules of
procedure of the National
Assembly and of the Supreme Congress of the People established under the
Constitution, but shall be construed with such modifications, adaptations,
qualifications and exceptions as may be necessary to bring them into
conformity with the Constitution.”
Paragraph (1) of Article 165 of the Constitution stated as follows:-

“165 (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the National Assembly
may regulate its own procedure and may make rules for that purpose.”
1986
On 16th July, 1986, the Standing Orders of the National Assembly were, by a
Resolution of the Assembly, amended to provide for an annual recess for the
National Assembly from 10th August to 10th October.
2006
In 2006, the Standing Orders of the National Assembly were revised.
ORDINANCES/ACTS
Laws enacted by the Legislature of British Guiana prior to Independence
were called Ordinances.
From the time of Independence – 26th May, 1966 – the laws enacted by the
Parliament of Guyana have been called Acts.
From 1928 to 1966 Ordinances
From 1966 (Independence) Acts
207
THE PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY
With the establishment in 1953 of a new and separate Department – called
the Office of the Legislature – with its own Staff, the new Office became
responsible for providing the services to the Legislature and for keeping and
maintaining its own files and records.
Several records were brought over in 1953 from the Colonial Secretary’s
Office to the new Office of the Legislature. These included bound volumes
of Official Gazettes, Resolutions, Messages, Sessional Papers, Ordinances,
Subsidiary Legislation, Parliamentary Debates, Debates of the British House
of Commons and the House of Lords, United States Congressional Records,
Oaths, etc.
Further, additional records were kept and maintained by the new Office of
the Legislature.
The records of the Legislature have been increasing and have kept increasing
and reached a stage a long time ago when there was no longer any further
shelf space available. Records and other documents and files had to be
placed and left on tables, on chairs and even on the floor. No additional
space was forthcoming. The Staff too kept increasing reaching a time when
it became impossible to recruit new staff and even to fill vacancies. The Staff
and the Records of the Legislature outgrew their accommodation.
Immediately following the 1992 elections, which the People’s Progressive

Party won after twenty-eight years, the Producer of the information in this File,
Frank A. Narain, as Clerk of the National Assembly, brought to the attention
of the new President, Cheddi Jagan, the need for more accommodation
and requested that the entire Public Buildings be made available to the
Parliament Office.
The President acceded to the request and in a letter dated 16th December,
1992, informed Frank Narain, that it was agreed to make the Public
208
Buildings available for Parliamentary matters only and placed it under the
administration of Frank A. Narain, Clerk of the National Assembly.
Establishment of Parliamentary Library
A re-organisation of the space in the Building was carried out and the ground
floor of the western wing, which previously accommodated certain sections
and Staff of the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Offices of the Chairman,
Vice-Chairman and some Staff of the National Congress of Local Democratic
Organs, was identified as the place to accommodate a Library for Parliament.
Subsequent to the 1992 general elections, the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) returned to assist Guyana. Parliament
was one of the areas considered for strengthening. USAID held several
meetings on the question of helping the Parliament of Guyana. The Producer
of this File was involved at almost all of these meetings, and kept mentioning
the establishment of a Parliamentary Library as a priority area which
required assistance. After several meetings over a period of several months,
with several Officials, including the American Ambassador in Guyana, the
USAID Officials in Guyana and from the USA, and Officials from the National
Democratic
Institute for International Affairs (NDI), the establishment of a Library for

Parliament was accepted for the grant of assistance.
The National Democratic Institute, a non-governmental organisation based

in the USA, was tasked with the responsibility for the project. Meetings
continued with the NDI Officials who came from the USA. The first NDI
Official to arrive in Guyana was Cara Hesse. She was followed and assisted
by Deborah Ullmer. After Cara Hesse returned to the USA, Deborah Ullmer
was left in charge. It was Deborah Ullmer who established the NDI Office in
Guyana – finding accommodation, staff, furnishings and equipment.
209
Having identified the place for the Parliamentary Library and following a
prepared plan for the Library, work had to be done towards the installing of a
ceiling, the replastering of the walls, the security of the doors and windows,
the acquisition and installation of air conditioning units, the installation
of a new electrical and lighting system, the acquisition of bookshelves, the
acquisition of furniture (desks, research reading tables and chairs), computer
equipment, including printer and scanner, photocopying and fax machines,
telephones, stationery, etc. NDI assisted in advising and in providing these.
Several text books were also obtained and provided by NDI.
The Staffing establishment for the Library was considered and agreed upon.
The NDI provided on a contractual basis, to assist in the establishment of
the new Library and the cataloguing of its books and records, the services
of Doreen Evelyn Holder, a highly qualified, trained and experienced officer,
who held the Office of Deputy Librarian at the University of Guyana. Doreen
Holder was, during the period of her contract at the Parliamentary Library,
also involved in the training of the Parliamentary Library Staff.
Unfortunately, a suitably qualified person was not appointed to head the

Library after Doreen Holder’s contractual appointment ended, and the office
remained vacant.
With Deborah Ullmer’s great assistance, and with finance from the USAID,
the ground floor of the western wing of the Public Buildings was, after several
meetings over several months, transformed into a Library. Valuable advice
and continuous assistance were given by Deborah Ullmer who was assisted
by Staff at the NDI who included Winston Kramer, Paul Adams and Shelida
Walcott.
At the Parliament Office, the Clerk of the National Assembly had the fullest
backing, support and co-operation at all levels and on every occasion
of Sherlock Ewart Isaacs, the Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly and
Accounting Officer for the Parliament Office.
210
The Parliamentary Library also has a special VIP Lounge for M.P.s, washing up
facilities, and facilities for binding and repairing books.
The computers have special library programmes and are connected to internet
with E-mail facilities. With the further assistance of NDI, a Parliamentary
Website - www.parliament.com – and a Parliamentary Guide were launched
early in 2004.
Arrangements were being made and a Programme was proposed for the
formal Opening of the Parliamentary Library, but the Library has still not yet
been officially opened. However, its services are available to and are used by
Members of Parliament as well as the members of the public.
211
PART XII
REMUNERATION
Remuneration of Legislators
Superannuation Benefits for Legislative Service
212
REMUNERATION OF LEGISLATORS
In respect of their services as legislators in the early legislative bodies,
Members of those bodies were not paid for such services.
It was not until 1948, during the life of the Fourth Legislative Council, which
was 20 years after the establishment by the British of the First Legislative
Council for British Guiana that legal provision was first made to remunerate
legislators for their services. Ordinance No. 25 of 1948 made provision for
the payment of remuneration, travelling expenses and subsistence allowances
to the Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils.
The salary of a legislator was then $3,000 per annum.
As no Offices of Speaker and Minister existed at that time, no provision was

made for payments to such office holders.
In 1953, when a new Constitution was promulgated for British Guiana, the
Office of Speaker was established and a Ministerial system of Government
came into operation.
The Constitution itself provided for the payment of the salaries to the holders
of those Offices and even gave the rates, as follows:-
Speaker $5,760 per annum
A Minister with Portfolio $7,200 per annum
A Minister without Portfolio $4,800 per annum
In 1962, a new law entitled “The Ministers, Members of the National Assembly
and Special Offices (Emoluments) Ordinance, 1962 (No.1) was enacted to
provide for the payment of revised salaries to Members. A further revised
213
law was enacted in 1965 as Ordinance No. 7 of 1965. This Ordinance became
and is now Chapter 1:07 of the 1973 Revised Edition of the Laws of Guyana.
The rates of the salaries and allowances payable are set out in a Schedule to
the Act.
While the Parliament can amend its Act as well as the Schedule thereto, it
has, nevertheless, delegated in the Act the power to the Minister of Finance
to amend, alter or vary the Schedule or substitute a new Schedule in the
place thereof, by an Order.
Any Order made by the Minister on this matter must be laid before the
National Assembly within 14 days after it is made.
It has become the practice for the Minister of Finance to amend the Schedule
to the Act to increase the salaries of legislators on every occasion that there
is a general increase in the salaries of Public Officers, with effect from the
same time and by the same percentage increase granted to such Officers.
The salaries and allowances of Members are charged on the Consolidated

Fund and must be paid to the Members.
SUPERANNUATION BENEFITS FOR LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
Prior to 1969, there was no provision for the payment of superannuation

benefits to persons who gave service as legislators.
Legislation to provide for such payments was first enacted by the Parliament
of Guyana in 1969 by the Pensions (President, Parliamentary and Special
Offices) Act 1969. This Act now appears as Chapter 27:03 in the Revised
Edition of the Laws of Guyana.
Under the Act, only persons who were Members of the National Assembly
on 26th May, 1966 (Independence Day), or who became Members of the
214
Assembly after that date, qualify for benefits, and any previous legislative
service of such persons, going back to 18th May, 1953, would count for
benefits.
Members of the National Assembly are required to make contributions to

the pension scheme at the rate of 6% of their salaries. Contributions are
deducted monthly from Members’ salaries and paid to the Accountant
General by the Parliament Office.
A person who has served as a legislator for less than 3 years is not eligible for
a pension but is eligible for a gratuity equal to 1/10 of the total salary paid
to him as a legislator.
A person who has ceased to be a legislator, and has attained the age of 40
years and has –
(i) served for not less than 3 years, will be eligible for an annual pension
at the rate of of a year’s highest salary multiplied by the fraction of 4
years that the aggregate of his service amounts to.
(ii) served for not less than 4 years, will be eligible for an annual pension
at the rate of 1/4 of a year’s highest salary.
(iii) served for not less than 6 years, will be eligible for an annual pension
(iv) served for not less than 8 years, will be eligible for an annual pension
(v) served for not less than 10 years, will be eligible for an annual
pension at the rate of 2/3 of a year’s highest salary.
(vi) served for not less than 12 years, will be eligible for an annual
pension at the rate of 7/8 of a year’s highest salary.
215
Instead of taking a full pension at the above rate, a person may opt to receive
a reduced pension at the rate of 3/4 of the full pension, together with a
gratuity equal to 12 1/2 times the reduction made in the pension.
A Member of the National Assembly who has completed 12 years service may,
at his option, even though he has not ceased to be a legislator, receive the
gratuity which would have been paid to him had he ceased to be a legislator
at that time, and if he is otherwise qualified to receive such gratuity.
The amount paid will be deducted from benefits payable when he ceases to
be a legislator.
Provision is also made in the Act for the payment of benefits to widows,
widowers and children of deceased Parliamentarians.
Allowances in respect of children of deceased Parliamentarians are payable

only while such children are under the age of 21 years and, in the case of
female children, only if they are also not married while under that age.
Although payments of superannuation benefits are made by the Accountant

General’s Department, nevertheless, it is the Parliament Office that initiates
action on this matter and compiles, certifies and supplies the information
required.
Although persons vacate their seats in the National Assembly when Parliament
is dissolved, nevertheless, they are not at that time yet considered as having
ceased to be legislators for the purpose of superannuation benefits.
Under the law, no computation of benefits must be made before 30 days after
a general election.
Those who have been once intoxicated with power, and

have derived any kind of emolument from it, even though
for but one year, can never willingly abandon it.
(Edmund Burke, Irish born Whig Politician, 1791)
216
PART XIII
AFFILIATED ORGANISATIONS
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)

The Caribbean Regional Grouping of the CPA
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
The Amazonian Parliament
The Society of Clerks-at-the-Table in Commonwealth Parliaments
The Association of Secretaries-General
217
THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION
The Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is Her
Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association was founded in 1911. It is

an association of Commonwealth Parliamentarians who, irrespective of race,
religion or culture, are united by community of interest, respect for the rule
of law and human rights and freedoms, and the pursuit of the positive ideals
of parliamentary democracy.
The Association is composed of Branches formed by Members of Legislatures

in Commonwealth countries.
The governing body is the General Assembly which meets annually. The
management of affairs is conducted by an Executive Committee.
Plenary and Regional Conferences and Seminars are held.
Publications include “The Parliamentarian” and two Newsletters.
The Headquarters Secretariat is in London.
On 11th January, 1939, British Guiana, as a Colony, formed with the Members
of the Legislative Council, a Branch of the Association (then called the
Empire Parliamentary Association), affiliated to the United Kingdom Branch
of the Association.
With the attainment of Independence in 1966, the Guyana Branch became a

Main Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Branches are required to make annual financial contributions to the

Association.
218
THE CARIBBEAN REGIONAL GROUPING OF THE CPA
The Caribbean, the Americas and the Atlantic Region of the Commonwealth
Parliamentary Association is the grouping formed by the Branches of the
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in the Region.
The Branches are from the following countries:-
Anguilla Grenada
Antigua & Barbuda Guyana
Bahamas Jamaica
Barbados Montserrat
Belize St. Christopher and Nevis
Bermuda St. Helena
British Virgin Islands Saint Lucia
Cayman Islands St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Dominica Trinidad & Tobago
Falkland Islands Turks & Caicos Islands
Conferences of the Branches in the Region are intended to be held annually

in one of the countries in the Region.
Conferences of the Presiding Officers and Clerks of the Legislative Bodies in

the Regional Grouping are held as far as possible every 2 years.

THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the international organisation of
Parliaments of sovereign states. It was established in 1889.
The Union is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works
for peace and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of
representative democracy.
219
Over 130 National Parliaments are Members of the IPU.
The IPU is financed by the Member Parliaments.
The site of the Union’s Headquarters is Geneva, Switzerland.
Guyana became a Member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 1981.
THE AMAZONIAN PARLIAMENT

The Amazonian Parliament was established several years ago.
It consists of representatives from countries in the Amazonian Region of

South America.
Guyana has attended and participated in some of the Meetings.
THE SOCIETY OF CLERKS-AT-THE-TABLE IN

COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTS
The Society of Clerks-at-the-Table in Commonwealth Parliaments is, as its
name implies, a Society of Clerks and other Officials of the Legislatures of
the Commonwealth.
The Head Office of the Society is at the Palace of Westminster, London.
The Society publishes annually a Journal containing articles on procedure,

privilege and constitutional law in its relation to Parliament.
Members pay annual contributions to the Society.
Guyana has been a Member of the Society for several years.
220
THE ASSOCIATION OF SECRETARIES-GENERAL
The Association of Secretaries-General of Parliaments (ASGP) is an
Association of the Clerks/ Secretaries-General of Parliaments.
It is affiliated to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and also has its

Headquarters Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland.
Guyana joined the Association when it became a Member of the Inter-

Parliamentary Union in 1981.
221
PART XIV
FINAL MATTERS
Visitors to Parliament
Some Parliamentary Firsts and Long Service Records
They Too Made Parliamentary History
Some Parliamentary Family Connections
Some Incidents
Some Notable Changes at a Glance
Other Documents by the Producer
Index
About the Producer
222
VISITORS TO PARLIAMENT
All classes of persons from the high monarch to the lowly poor primary school
child have been visiting our Parliament.
Persons have come from all parts of the world individually, in groups and also
from several organisations.
Some have addressed the Legislative body, some have attended meetings as
visitors, and some have come on tours.
Following the establishment in 1953 of the Parliament Office as a separate

Department to serve the Legislature, the Office introduced and has since
kept a Visitors Book.
The following are a small number of some of the very important persons who
made visits to the Parliament and who signed the Visitors Book:-
1958 Princess Margaret
28th November, 1960 Lord Hailes, Governor-General of the West

Indies Federation
7th February, 1962 The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip
15th March, 1963 Dr. Eric Williams, Prime Minister of Trinidad

and Tobago
11th April, 1963 Errol W. Barrow, Premier of Barbados
11th April, 1963 H. A. Blaize, Chief Minister of Grenada
1963 Duncan Sandys, Secretary of State (UK)
223
February, 1966 Queen Elizabeth II
26th May, 1966 The Duke of Kent
6th October, 1966 H.L. de Vries, Governor of Surinam
25th November, 1966 B. Kaunda, Zambia
29th August, 1967 Milton Cato, St. Vincent
13th October, 1968 Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India
17th February, 1969 Roland Michener, Governor-General of Canada
26th June, 1970 Sedney Jovy, Surinam
21st April, 1971 Singh Dhillon, Speaker of the Lok Sabha

(Parliament of India)
February, 1974 Palitha Weerasinghe, Assistant Secretary-

General, Commonwealth Parliamentary
Association
19th July, 1974 E.L.A. Wynton, Speaker of Surinam
13th September, 1974 Julius K. Nyere, President of Tanzania
11th November, 1974 …. Tolbert, President of Liberia
8th March, 1978 George Price, Premier of Belize

October, 1978 Carlos Andres Perez, President of Venezuela
224
17th November, 1987 Jaime Lusinchi, President of Venezuela
4th March, 1989 Jose Sarney, President of Venezuela
20th March, 1989 The President of Suriname
21st February, 1994 Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of

Edinburgh
26th May, 1995 Runaldo Ronald Venetian, President of Suriname
27th October, 1995 The President of Namibia
1st February, 1996 Arthur Donahoe, Secretary General,

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
9th March, 1997 Basdeo Panday, Prime Minister of Trinidad &

Tobago
4th May, 2001 Owen Arthur, Prime Minister of Barbados
225
SOME PARLIAMENTARY FIRSTS AND LONG SERVICE
RECORDS
Here are some Parliamentary Firsts and Long Service Records:-
The First (Indigenous) People of British Guiana: The Amerindians.
The First Governor of British Guiana: Major-General Sir Benjamin D’Urban,

KCB, KCH (1831)
First Governor-General: Sir Richard Edmonds Luyt, KCMG, DCM (1966)
First President (Titular): Arthur Chung, OE (1970 to 1980)
First President (Executive): Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, OE, SC

(PNC) (1980 to 1985)
First Premier: Cheddi Jagan (PPP) (1961 to 1964)
First Prime Minister: Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, OE, SC (PNC)

(1965 to 1980)
Longest Serving Prime Minister: Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, OE, SC

(PNC) (1965 to 1980)
First Speaker: Sir Eustace Gordon Woolford, OBE, QC (1953 to 1957)
First Elected Speaker: Rahman Baccus Gajraj, CBE, JP
Longest Serving Speaker: Sase Narain, CMG, OR, SC, JP (1971 to 1992)
226
First Ministers of the Government: (PPP) (1953):
Cheddi Jagan
Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham
Ashton Chase
Sydney Evanson King
Joseph Prayag Lachhmansingh
Jai Narine Singh
First Leader of the Opposition: Cheddi Jagan (PPP) (1966 to 1973)
First Deputy Speaker: Janet Jagan (PPP) (1953)
Longest Serving Parliamentarian: Cheddi Jagan (1947 to 1992)
First Women Legislators: (PPP) (1953):

Janet Jagan
Jessie Irma Sampson Burnham
Jane Phillips-Gay
First Amerindian Legislator: Stephen Campbell (NLF) (1957)
First Legislator of African Descent: Alex Benjamin Brown (1891)
Longest Serving Political Party in Government: Peoples National Congress

(PNC) (1964 to 1992)
Longest Serving Clerk of the National Assembly: Frank Alston Narain, AA,
CCH (1966 to 2002)
Longest Serving Parliamentary Official: Frank Alston Narain, AA, CCH

(1951 to 2002)
227
THEY TOO MADE PARLIAMENTARY HISTORY
A legislator gives very special and important service to the Country and to its
people – contributing to the making not only of laws but also of Parliamentary
History.
All legislators – past and present – must therefore be included in a

Parliamentary History.
The following are some questions about a very small number of legislators
whom I have selected as having made history. Do you know who they are?
While this selection has been made by me, it is not my intention to

discriminate. I repeat: All legislators make history.
Here are the Questions:
1. Who was the first President of Guyana?
2. Who was the first President with executive powers?
3. Who was the first Speaker?
4. Who was the longest serving Speaker?
5. Who was the first Deputy Speaker?
6. Who was the only woman President?
7. Who were the Presidents who died while holding Office?
8. Who were the Speakers who died while holding Office?
228
9. Who was the first legislator of African descent?
10. Who was the first legislator of East Indian descent?
11. Who was the first legislator of Amerindian descent?
12. Who was the first legislator of Chinese descent?
13. Who were the first Ministers?
14. Who were the first women legislators?
15. Who was the first Premier?
16. Who was the first Prime Minister?
17. Who was the first Leader of the Opposition?
18. Who was the Governor-General who was killed while holding Office?
19. Who were resigned without their knowledge?
20. Name some persons who crossed the floor.
21. Who was the longest serving legislator?
22. Who was the Leader of the Opposition who died while holding Office?
23. Who was the longest serving Parliamentary Official?
24. Who was the longest serving Parliament Clerk?
229
DO YOU KNOW
WHO THESE PERSONS ARE?
GIVE QUESTIONS ABOUT OTHERS
Being an MP is the sort of job all working-class

parents want for their children –
clean, indoors and no heavy lifting.
(Diane Abbott, British Labour Politician, 1994)
SOME PARLIAMENTARY FAMILY CONNECTIONS

There have been a number of Parliamentary family connections – persons
from the same families being legislators, in some cases in the same and in
others in different legislative bodies, and in some cases from the same and in
other cases from different Political Parties. There have been husbands and
wives, brother and sister, fathers and sons, father and daughter, parents and
son, fathers and sons-in-law, brothers, uncle and nephew, and cousins.
The following are some of the family connections which have come to mind
to the Producer of the information in this File:-
1. The wife of a former President became a President
2. The wife of a former President became a Vice-President
3. The son of two former Presidents became a legislator
4. The son-in-law of a President became a Minister
5. The son of a former Financial Secretary, an Ex-Officio Member,

became a legislator
230
6. The son-in-law of a former Speaker became a Speaker
7. The son of a former Minister became a Speaker
8. The son of a former Minister became a Minister
9. The son of a former legislator became a Minister
10. The son of an Official legislator became the Attorney General and
Minister
11. The brother of an Attorney-General (PPP) became a PNC legislator
12. A brother and a sister were legislators in the same legislative body
13. A husband and wife were legislators in the same legislative body
14. Two Ministers became husband and wife
15. A father and a daughter were legislators
16. Two brothers were legislators in the same legislative body
17. A husband and wife were legislators in the same legislative body
18. The nephew of a former Speaker became a Minister
19. The son of a Parliamentary Secretary became the Attorney General

and Minister
20. Two brothers were legislators, one was the Financial Secretary, an Ex
Officio Member and the other was a legislator
231
21. A father and a son were PPP legislators; the son later became a PNC
Parliamentary Secretary.
22. The son-in-law of a PPP legislator became a PNC Minister.
23. Two cousins were legislators- one PPP, one PNC.
DO YOU KNOW WHO THESE PERSONS ARE ?
DO YOU KNOW OF ANY OTHER FAMILY

CONNECTIONS ?
INCIDENTS
On the lighter side of our Parliamentary history, there have been a number of
incidents, some amusing, some serious, such as -
Boycotting Parliament
Walking out
Sprinkling flour
Pushing down table
Giving a loaf of bread to the Speaker
Making up (powdering) face
Removing Mace from rests below Table and placing it on

the Table
232
Refusing to apologise to the Speaker
Opposition Member sitting in the Prime Minister’s chair
Banging on tables with paper weights
MPs being resigned without their knowledge
Crossing the floor
Suspension of MPs
Prevented by the Speaker from speaking until apology is made
Clerks refusing to carry out the requests of the Speaker
Hiding the Mace
Indecent act
Crowing like a fowl cock
Was there a case of pelting a drinking glass at the Speaker?
And was there a case of an apparent indecent act?
Was there a case of slapping a Reporter?
DO YOU KNOW OF OTHER INCIDENTS ?
233
SOME CHANGES AT A GLANCE
The following are some of the matters in which there have been changes,
and the changes which took place in them, which came to the mind of the
Producer of the Information in the File:-
Name of Country
The Country was called British Guiana from 1831.
From 26th May, 1966, when British Guiana attained Independence, the name
of Country was changed to Guyana.
Status
British Guiana became a British Crown Colony in 1928.
Was granted full internal self-government in 1961.
Attained Independence on 26th May, 1966, and obtained full Commonwealth
status.
Became a Republic on 23rd February, 1970, and continued to be a Member
of the Commonwealth.
President with executive powers from 6th October,1980.
Head of Country
A Governor appointed by the British Monarch was the Head of the Colony
from 1928 to 1966.
When Independence was attained on 26th May, 1966, the Head became a
Governor-General also appointed by the British Monarch.
When Guyana became a Republic on 23rd February, 1970, the Head became
a President (Titular) to be elected by the National Assembly.
With a change in the Constitution in 1980, the Head became a President
(with executive powers) elected at the time of the General Elections by the
electoral voters.
The Flag
Prior to 1966, the British Flag, commonly referred to as the Union Jack, was
the flag used in British Guiana.
234
From the time of Independence on 26th May, 1966, Guyana’s own flag, known
as “The Golden Arrow Head” was put into use.
The Coat of Arms

Although there was a Coat of Arms in use in British Guiana, through an
omission, it was not officially registered, confirmed and assigned to the
Colony until after 1951.
A new Coat of Arms was accepted by the House of Assembly on 26th February,
1966, and was used from the time of Guyana’s attainment of Independence
on 26th May, 1966.
National Anthem
Prior to 1966, the British National Anthem – God save our gracious King/
Queen – was used in British Guiana whenever a National Anthem was
required.
A new National Anthem for Guyana was used from the time of Guyana’s
attainment of Independence on 26th May, 1966.
National Awards
Up to 1970, British Honours were offered to and were allowed to be accepted
by Guyanese.
Guyana proclaimed its own National Honours from the time it became a
Republic on 23rd February, 1970.
The Executive
The Executive body of the Colony of British Guiana was called the Executive
Council.
In 1953 the name Executive Council continued.
In 1961, the Executive body was called the Council of Ministers.
From and since 1966 (Independence), the Executive body has been called
the Cabinet.
235
Name of Legislative Body
The name of the Legislative body of British Guiana from 1928 to 1953 was
In 1953, with a new Constitution, the name was changed to House of Assembly.
There was also a second Chamber called the State Council.
After the suspension of the Constitution that same year, the Interim
Legislative body was again called the Legislative Council until 1961.
From 1961 to 1964, it was called the Legislative Assembly.
There was also during that time a second Chamber called the Senate.
From 1964 to 1966, the name became the House of Assembly.
From and since Guyana’s attainment of Independence on 26th May, 1966,
the Legislative body became the National Assembly.
Constituencies
In 1928, British Guiana had 8 constituencies.
From 1930 to 1953, there were 14 constituencies.
In 1953, there were 24 constituencies.
In 1957, following the suspension of the 1953 Constitution, the number of
constituencies was reduced to 14.
For the 1961 general elections, there were 35 constituencies.
The constituency system was not used for the next elections in 1964 and
since that time.
Number of Elected Members

The number of elected Members in the legislative body started at 14 in 1928
and remained at that number until 1953.
In 1953 the number was increased to 24.
After the 1953 Constitution was suspended that same year, there were no
elected Members in the Interim Legislative Council from 1954 to 1957.
For the next Legislative Council from 1957 to 1961, there were 14 elected
Members.
From 1961 to 1964 there were 35 elected Members.
For the House of Assembly following the general elections in December,
236
1964, the number of elected Members was increased to 53.
For the National Assembly following the general elections on 15th December,
1980, the number of elected Members was increased to 65.
The number of elected Members has remained at 65 since that time.
Presiding Official
From 1928 to 1953, the Governor of the Colony presided over the Meetings
of the Legislative Council.
With a new system under a new Constitution in 1953, a Speaker was appointed
by the Governor to preside in the Legislative body from that time.
A Speaker is now elected and has been elected since 1961 to preside.
Ministerial System
Prior to 1953 there was no Ministerial system in Guyana.
A Ministerial system of Government was first introduced in Guyana in 1953
by the 1953 Constitution, and Ministers were first elected from that time.
Legislative Council Advisory Committees

Legislative Council Advisory Committees were first established in 1943.
They went out of existence in 1953 on the introduction of a new Constitution
providing for a Ministerial system of Government.
Public Accounts Committee

A Public Accounts Committee was first established in Guyana in 1957.
There was no provision prior to that time for the examination by the
Legislature of the Public Accounts.
Ex officio Members
In 1928, there were two Ex officio Members in the First Legislative Council
– the Colonial Secretary (redesignated Chief Secretary from 1953) and the
Attorney General.
In 1947, a third Ex officio Member – the Colonial Treasurer (redesignated
Financial Secretary and Treasurer from 1953 and Financial Secretary
237
subsequently) was added to the Legislature.
Since 1961, there have been no Ex officio Members in the Legislative bodies.
Enactment of Laws
Laws enacted from 1928 would have been by the British Monarch and
the Legislative body, the Governor of the Colony assenting thereto in the
Monarch’s name and on his behalf.
Laws had to be submitted for the non-disallowance of the Monarch.
From 1966 (Independence) Bills passed by the Legislative body had to be
assented to by the Governor General on behalf of Her Majesty.
From and since 23rd February, 1970, when Guyana became a Republic, Bills
passed by the National Assembly are to be assented to by the President.
The British Monarch is no longer involved.
Chief Minister
With the establishment in 1953 of a Ministerial system of Government, and
the election by the House of Assembly of the six Ministers, the Ministers
elected one of their number to be their Leader and he was styled “Leader of
the House”.
The 1953 Constitution was suspended that same year.
It was not until in1961 by the 1961 Constitution that the designation Premier
was first used for the chief Minister.
The designation was changed to and has remained as Prime Minister since
1965.
Opposition Leader
Prior to Independence, there was no Office of Leader of the Opposition.
The 1966 (Independence) Constitution established the Office of Leader of
the Opposition in Guyana for the first time.
An appointment to the Office was to be made by the Governor-General.
By the 1980 Constitution, the designation was changed to Minority Leader,
and an appointment was to be made by the President.
Following an amendment to the Constitution in 2001, the designation of the
238
Office was changed back to Leader of the Opposition.
The Leader of the Opposition is now to be elected by and from among the
non governmental Members of the National Assembly at a meeting held
under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the National Assembly.
Forms of Address
In accordance with the Standing Orders, Members are addressed as the
“Honourable Member Mr./Ms ……………….”
On 11th July, 1975, the Standing Orders were amended to allow the use of the
title “Comrade” before a Member’s surname or official designation.
Designation M.P.
From the time of Independence in 1966, Members of the National Assembly
have been designated Members of Parliament and have been allowed to use
the initials “M.P.” after their names.
Mace
No Mace was used in the British Guiana Legislature from 1928 to 1953 while
the Governor presided and again from 1954 to 1957, during the Wholly
Nominated Interim Legislative Council even though a Speaker presided.
The Mace was first put into use in the new elected Legislative Council at its
first Meeting on 10th November, 1957.
When Guyana became a Republic on 23rd February, 1970, the Head of he
Mace had to be changed to discard the Royal symbols.
Recess
There was no fixed period for a recess for the Legislature from 1928 to 1986.
On 16th July, 1986, the National Assembly amended its Standing Orders to
provide for an annual recess from 10th August to 10th October.
Forms of Attire
For attendance at Meetings of the Legislative bodies, male Members have
been wearing a suit (with jacket and tie) up to 1969.
239
In April, 1969, the use of a shirt jac was allowed as an alternative form of
dress.
The wigs and gowns used by the Speaker and the Clerks have no longer been
and are no longer worn since that time.
Prayers
A Christian Prayer was read in the Legislative body.
The Prayer was subsequently amended to omit therefrom the preference
shown to Christianity.
Parliamentary Library
Prior to 1992 there was no Parliamentary Library.
Following the 1992 general elections, steps were taken to establish a Library
for Parliament.
The work on the Library was completed a few years ago but the Library has
not yet been officially opened.
Designation of Clerk
Up to 1953, the designation of the Chief Legislative Official was Clerk of the
In 1953, when a bicameral legislature was established, the designation was
changed to Clerk of the Legislature.
When Independence was attained in 1966, the designation was changed to
and has since continued to be Clerk of the National Assembly.
No. Two Clerk

Prior to 1953, only one Official sat at the Meetings of the Legislative body.
From 1953, when a bicameral legislature was established, provision was made
for an assistant to the Clerk. The designation was Assistant Clerk of the
Legislature.
and has since continued to be Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly.
240
Sergeant-at-Arms
Prior to 1953, there was a legislative officer designated Custodian.
In 1953, the designation was changed to Marshal.
and has since continued to be Sergeant-at-Arms.
Whips
Prior to 1967, there were no Parliamentary Whips.
The Office of Whip first came into being and use in Guyana in 1967.
Parliament Office
Prior to 1953, the services to the Legislature were provided by the Colonial
Secretary’s Office.
In 1953, with the introduction of a new Constitution providing for the first
time for a Ministerial system of Government and a bicameral Legislature, a
separate Office was established to serve the Legislature.
This Office was called the Office of the Legislature.
When Guyana became Independent (on 26th May, 1966), the name of the
Office was changed to and has since that time remained as the Parliament
Office.
Increase in Staff
When the Parliament Office was first established in 1953, there was an
established Staff of 12 persons.
Today – fifty-four years later – the Staff has increased to 56.
Name of Chamber
The name of the hall in which the Meetings of the first law-making body –
the Court of Policy – were held was called the Court of Policy Hall.
This hall occupied the east wing of the upper floor of the Public Buildings
and was used from the time the Public Buildings was first put into use in
April, 1834.
When a Legislative Council came into being from 1928, the name of the Hall
241
became the Legislative Council Chamber, and was more popularly known as
the Council Chamber.
When Guyana became Independent on 26th May, 1966, the name became
and has since continued to be the Parliament Chamber.
OTHER DOCUMENTS BY THE PRODUCER

The following are some other Documents which the compiler of the
information in this File has also produced:-
Information (No.1) Privileges, Entitlements, etc., for Members of the National

Assembly – January 1969 (76 pages)
Information for Ministers of the Government – August 1972 (10 pages)
Notes for Members of the National Assembly – January 1981 (24 pages)
Information on Parliamentarians from 4th January, 1971 to 27th January,

1985 (73 pages) Presented to Mr. Sase Narain, Speaker of the National
Assembly, on the occasion of his 60th birthday
Information Booklet on Staff – Presented to Mr. Maurice B. Henry, Deputy

Clerk of the National Assembly, on the occasion of his 50th Birthday
Prepared in October 1992, the Index to the Standing Orders of the National
Assembly
A Handbook for Members of the National Assembly – October 1992 (78

pages)
Parliamentary Notes and Information for the Members of the National

Assembly and Government Officials – June 2001 (118 pages)
242
Some Historical Facts, Notes and Dates on the Parliament of Guyana –
February 2004 (25 pages)
Booklets with information on the history and work of the Public Accounts
Committee
Several handouts on the Public Buildings, Parliament and Parliamentary

Procedures, for Ministers and other Members of Parliament, Staff of the
Parliament Office, Members of the Youth Parliament, Students of the
University of Guyana, Students of several Secondary Schools including
President’s College and Bishops High School, Members of the Diplomatic
Spouses Association, Members of the Press, and several other groups and
individuals.
243
ORDER, PAPERS, BILLS, STANDING ORDERS, NOTICE

PAPERS, ACTS (ORDINANCES), MINUTES, REPORTS AND
THE WIDE ARRAY OF OTHER PARLIAMENT/ASSEMBLY
– RELATED OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS available in Parliament
Office.
Constitutional Instruments, as listed on page 155.
USAID, NDI/GOVERNMENT OF GUYANA Agreements and

Research – 1993 onwards.
The Ministers, Members of the National Assembly and Special

Offices (Emoluments) Ordinance, 1962 (No. 1); the 1973
Revised Edition of the Laws of Guyana – (Chapter 1:07); the
Pensions (President, Parliamentary and Special Offices) Act
1969, now Chap. 27:03 Revised Edition of the Laws of Guyana.
Commonwealth Parliament Association Records (CPA), IPU,

Amazonian Parliament Records – 1939 onwards.
GECOM’S REGULATIONS GOVERNING ELECTIONS – 1961

onwards
Daily, Weekly Newspapers.
Author’s personal Notes and Diaries.
244
INDEX
Aaron, Joseph N., 53, 56 Association of Secretaries-General, 173
Abbreviations, 19 Assistant Clerks, 145,
About the Producer, At end after Index Atkinson, Albert, 76
Abraham, Diane, 60 Attire, 54, 122, 189
Abraham, Michael A., 61, 64 Austin, Dr. John, 77
Abrahams, Enid B., 64 Bacchus, Khadim, 67
Ackman, Margaret M., 53, 56 Backer, Deborah J., 71, 74, 77
Acts/Ordinances, 153, 159 Baird, C. Leone, 55
Adams, Paul, 161 Baksh, Samad A., 67
Adams, Sandra M., 71, 74 Baksh, Shaik K.Z., 67, 70, 73, 76
Addressing the Speaker and Members, Baldeo, Harrinarine, 67
127 Bancroft, Kenneth B., 53, 56
Advisory Committees, 137 Bancroft, Rajcoomarie, 74
Ahamad, Aftabuddin, 68 Barrow, Dunstan, 68, 71
Ainsworth, Donald A.N., 60, 63 Basir, Isahak, 61, 64
Alexander, Arthur A., 66, 68 Belgrave, Cyril C., 57, 61, 64, 67, 70, 73
Alexander, Vincent L., 74 Bend-Kirton-Holder, Agnes W., 60, 63
Ali, Mohamed Irfaan, 76 Beniprashad-Rayman, Bissoondai, 60,
Allen, Genevieve P.R., 74 63
Allen, Ivor, 71, 74 Benn, Brindley H., 43, 45, 49, 67
Alleyne, Aubrey Percival, 48, 50, 51, 105 Benn, Brindley H.R., 76
Ali, Fazil M., 67, 70 Bernard, Deryck M.A., 63, 68, 74
Alli, Husman, 67, 70, 73 Bhaggan, Basdeo, 60
Allocation of Seats, 89 Bhagwan, Moses, 49
Ally, Amna, 63, 68, 74, 77 Bicameral/Unicameral Legislatures, 118
Ally, Asgar, 67 Bill, 153
Ally, I., 64 Bipat, Walter, 60
Ally, M., 60, 63 Bishop, Rudy, 60, 64
Ally, Mohamed Yacoob, 49, 53 Bisnauth, Rev. Dr. R. Dale A., 67, 70, 73
Ally, Nasir, 74 Bissember, Neville J., 48, 53
Ally, Roshan, 53, 57 Blair, William A., 49
Amazonian Parliament, 172 Bovell-Drakes, James, 63
Ambrose, Edgar L., 53, 56 Bowman, George, 49
Amerindians, Arrival of, 24 Branco, Lilian M., 53, 56
Andries, Kelly, 71 Brouet, Gwenneth A., 68
Anthony, Dr. Frank C.S., 76 Brown, Alex Benjamin, 31
Armogan, Milton, 60 Budget Speeches, 154
Arthur, Lennox, 63 Budhoo, Jagnarine, 49, 53
Arthur, Owen, 178 Burnham, Jessie Irma Sampson, 114
245
Burnham, Linden Forbes Sampson, 31, Colonial Secretary’s Office, 141
48, 50, 52, 55, 58, 61, 109, 111 Combined Court, 29
Burnham, Viola V., 62 Committees, 137
Bynoe, Colin, 71 Commonwealth Parliamentary
Bynoe, Edith M., 60 Association, 31, 36, 171,
Bynoe, Phillip, 68 Comrade, 57, 127
Cadogan, Charles Benjamin, 148 Constituencies, 83
Caldeira, John B., 49, 60 Constituent Assembly, 58
Calistro, Neville, 63 Constitutional Instruments, 153, 155
Campbell, Frank A., 59 Coonjah, Lilawtie, 147
Campbell, Stephen, 49, 179 Corbin, Robert Herman Orlando, 56,
Canada, Governor-General of, 54 59, 62, 68, 74, 75, 77, 113
Carberry, E. Lance, 71, 74, 77 Correia, Eugene F., 48, 53
Carmichael, Fitz U.A., 56, 59 Corrica, Malcolm, 53, 56, 59
Carrington, Winslow G., 53, 55 Council of Ministers, 44
Carter, Martin W., 52 Council of Policy and Justice, 29
Chan, M. Shree, 67, 70 Court of Justice, 29
Chan-A-Sue, Charles F., 49 Court of Policy, 29, 31, 32
Chan-A-Sue, Leonard I., 53 Cox, Eileen R., 147
Chand, Komal, 67, 70, 73, 76 Crum Ewing, Alexander Irving, 31, 146
Chandarpal, Indranie, 67, 70, 73, 76 Cumberbatch, Mortimer, 64
Chandarpal, Navindranauth O., 70, 73 Custodian, 148, 189
Chandisingh, Ranji, 49, 53, 59, 62 d’Aguiar, Peter Stanislaus, 46, 48, 54
Changes at a Glance, 185 Dalchand, 58, 61
Charles, Nellie, 60, 64 Daniel, Patricia, 64
Charlie, Matthew R., 71 Danny, Dave D., 77
Chase, Ashton, 49, 107, 109 Dates of Elections, 88
Cheeks, Randolph E., 48, 54 David, Reynold, 68
Chief Parliamentary Counsel, 149 David-Blair, Judith, 74, 77
Chin, Allan A., 60 Davidson, Elaine B., 60, 63
Chin, Ginewing, 63 Deen, Mohamed Idris, 64
Chowritmootoo, Isaac, 60 De Freitas, Kelvin Wesley
Chowritmootoo, Joshua P., 56, 59 DeJesus, Cyrilda A., 71
Chung, Arthur, 31, 57, 58, 179 Delph, Richard M.F., 149
Clarke, Oscar E., 49, 53, 54, 56, 59
Clerks of Parliament, 51, 146 Denham, Sir Edward, 33, 102
Clerks’ Chairs, 51 Deputy Clerks, 51, 145
Clerks’ Table, 51 Deputy Speakers, 105
Coat of Arms, 50 DeFreitas, John S., 71
College of Keizers, 29 DeGroot, David B., 49
Collymore, Clinton C., 57, 61, 64, 67, DeJesus, Cyrilda A., 64
70, 73
246
DeSantos, Bernard C., 67, 70, 73, 76 First Arrivals, 12, 23
DeSouza, F. Vibert, 67, 70 First Legislative Council, 32
DeSouza, Joseph M., 67, 70 First Ministers, 39, 109
Dev, Ravi, 72, 74 First Past the Post Electoral System, 82
Deygoo, Edith, 64 First Staff of Office of the Legislature,
Dhurjon, Cecil, 149 143
Dindayal, 58 First Women Legislators, 113
Discoverie of Guiana, 12, 23 Flag of Guyana, 50, 185
Discovery of the Country, 23 Forester, Leslie, 147
Dissolution, 129 Forte, Gordon, 147
Documents, 153 Fowler, Eugene H.A., 53, 56, 60, 63
Documents by the Producer, 191 Fox, Dr. Desrey, 76
Domingo, B.L., 64 Franchise, 81
Doobay, Harry, 60, 63 Franklin, Everall N., 77
Dorrick, Abel, 61 Fraser, Geoffrey A., 70
Douglas-Jones, Sir Crawford, 102 Fredericks, John
Dress for Sittings, 54, 122, 189 Fredericks, Patricia, 60
Duke, Edgar Mortimer, 149 Fredericks, Roy, 60, 63
Duke of Edinburgh Fung-On, George E., 67, 70
Duncan, Philip, 50, 53, 56 Gajraj, J. Ronald, 73
D’Urban, Sir Benjamin, 102, 179 Gajraj, Rahman Baccus, 31, 46, 51, 52,
Edwards, Clarice A., 64 54, 105
Edwards, Shirley V., 67, 70, 73, 76 Ganie, Mohamed Hoosain
Elected Members Ganpatsingh, Milton L., 71
Elections Dates, 88 Gaskin, Winifred, 48
Electoral Systems, 82 Gazettes, 154
Elliot, Ernest B., 77 Geddes, Claude L., 64
Estimates and Supplementary, 154 Geographical seats, 82
Evans, Randolph, 67 Gilbert, E.F., 60
Evan Wong, Robert Victor, 33 Gill-Mingo, Joyce, 56, 60, 63
Ex Officio Members, 107 Goveia, Andy, 68, 71, 74
Families, 182, Governments, Parties Forming, 98
Family Connections, 182 Governor-General of Canada, 54
FCE Systems, 147 Governors, 51, 103
Felix, A.B., 60 Governors-General, 51, 54, 103
Ferreira, Jennifer A., 63, 68 Gowns and wigs, 54
Fernandes, Desmond, 77 Gray, Cecil
Field-Ridley, Royden G.B., 49 Green, Hamilton, 34, 52, 55, 59, 61,
Field-Ridley, Shirley M., 53, 55 62, 65, 111
Finance Committee, 36, 137 Greenidge, Carl B., 63
Financial Representatives, 29 Grey, Sir Ralph F.A., 103
247
Guggisberg, Sir Frederick, 32, 102 Jacob, Dr. Charles R., Jr., 49
Guiana, the name Jagan, Dr. Cheddi, 31, 49, 53, 57, 61,
Habibulla, Azamudeen, 63 64, 66, 68, 70, 109,110, 111, 112
Hamid, A. Maccie, 49, 53 Jagan, Derek Chunilall, 33, 49, 53, 66,
Hamilton, Joseph L., 71 69, 72,105
Hanoman, Dr. Hughley H., 67, 70 Jagan, Janet, 31, 57, 61, 64, 67, 69, 71,
Hansard, 147, 154 105, 111, 113
Hansard Editors, 147 Jagdeo, Bharrat, 70, 71, 72, 74, 75, 111,
Harding, Dr. Faith A., 63, 68, 71 Jairam, K.V., 60
Harewood-Benn, Yvonne V., 59, 63, Jaiserrisingh, Satti, 56
Harper, Dr. Oliver M.R., 55 James, Basil, 57
Hartman, Ivor, 147 James, Una, 67
Haynes, William, 53, 56 Jeffrey, Dr. Henry B., 67, 70, 73, 76
Henry, Maurice B., 147 Joaquin, John Gabriel, 49, 53
Hesse, Cara, 161 John, C.M. Llewellyn, 48, 53
Hicks, Andrew, 71 Johnson, Urmia E., 59, 63
Hinds, Denzil, 61 Jonas, Keith M.E., 56
Hinds, Samuel Archibald Anthony, 67, Jones, Kenneth, 60
68, 70, 71, 73, 76,111 Jordan, Robert J., 48, 52
Holder, Doreen Evelyn, 161 Joseph, Dr. Dalgleish, 71, 74
Holder, Sheila V.A., 74 Kadir, Abdul, 74
Kasim, Mohamed, 48, 52, 56
Hope, Frank E., 55, 59 Kendall, William O.R., 48
House of Assembly, 38 Khan, Jerome, 74
Hoyte, Hugh Desmond, 33, 53, 55, 59, Khan, Kadim A., 71
61, 65, 68, 71, 72, 74, 111, 112 Khan, Mohamed F., 76
Hubbard, H. Jocelyn Makepeace, 49 Khan, Ricky, 74
Hukumchand a/k Parag, 68 Khan, Y., 64
Hussain, Wahid, 56 King, Ingram R., 146
Incidents, 183, King, Dr. Kenneth F.S., 55, 68
Insanally, S. Rudolph, 73, 76 King, Kenneth Carnegie, 148
Interim Legislative Council, 41 King, Sydney Evanson, 109
Internal self-government, 45 Kings and Queens, 101
Inter-Parliamentary Union, 30, 31, Kissoon, Alston A., 67, 70
61,172, Kissoon, Jailall, 63
Introduction, 11 Kissoon, Vanessa, 77
Isaacs, Sherlock Ewart, 146, 147 Kowlessar, Saisnarine, 73
Jack, Hubert O., 55, 59 Kramer, Winston, 161
Jackson, Rashleigh E., 59, 63, 142 Kumar, Ganraj, 57
Jackson, Sir Donald Edward, 31, 105 Kungebeharry, Derek, 148
Jackson, Sir Wilfred E.F., 102 Kwayana, Eusi, 64
248
Lachhmansingh, Dr. Joseph Prayag, McAllister, James K., 74, 77
110 McDavid, Sir (Edwin) Frank, 35, 107,
La Cruz, Eugene, 67 110
Lalbahadur, Lallbachan, 57 McGarrell, S.I., 64
Lall, Goberdhan Harry, 49, 53 McKenzie, Dr. Patrick L., 68
Lall, Kellawan, 76 McRae, A., 60
Lall, Dr. Moti, 67, 70 Meetings, Places of, 119
Land of Many Waters, 12 Melville, Edwina, 63
Latchminarayan, Bhagmattee, 60, 64 Melville, Shirley J., 74
Lawrence, Volda A., 71, 74, 77 Merriman, Claude Alfonso, 48
Leader of the House, 110 Michener, Roland, 54,177
Leaders of the Opposition/Minority Ming, C. Stanley, 74
Leaders, 112 Mingo, C.V., 56
Legal Draftsman, 149 Ministerial system, 15
Legislative Assembly, 45 Ministers, Non-Elected, 113
Legislative Bodies, 97 Ministers, the First, 109
Legislative Council Advisory Minister without Portfolio, 110
Committees, 36, 137 Minority Leaders/Leaders of the
Legislature/Parliament, 117 Opposition, 112
Lethem, Sir Gordon J, 103 Minutes, 154
Library, 160 Mission Statement, 148
Limerick, Patricia Anita, 53 Mohamed E., 64
Linde, Lloyd, 49 Mohamed, S. Feroze, 57, 61, 64, 67,
London, Howard, I., 60 70,73
Lord, Wellesley T., 42,109 Mohan, Heeralall, 70, 73
Lowe, Sherwood A.J., 71 Monarchs, 101
Luck, J.R.S., 49 Moore, Stanley S. A., 59
Luckhoo, Edward Victor, 54, 103 Moses, George E.F., 147
Luckhoo, Joseph Alexander, 149 Motions, 153
Lumumba, Odinga N., 70, 73, 76 M.P., 51
Lusinchi, Jaime, 178 Munroe, Joyce M., 60, 63
Luyt, Sir Richard Edmonds, 50, 51, Murray, Winston S., 63, 68, 71, 74, 77
103, 179 Nadir, Manzoor, 68, 71, 73, 76
M.P., 128, 188 Nagamootoo, Moses V., 67, 70, 76
Mace, 124, 188 Nandlall, Mohabir A., 76
Mahraj, Deoroop, 48 Narain, Frank Alston, 18, 34, 66, 143,
Maitland-Singh, Jean, 59 146, After Index
Manickchand, Priya D., 76 Narain, Sase, 31, 54, 55, 57, 58, 61, 62,
Marshal, 51, 148, 189 65, 68, 105, 179
Marshall, George, 64 Naraine, S.S., 55, 59
Massiah, Keith S., 149 Nascimento, Christopher A. (Kit),56, 59
249
National Anthem, 50, 185 Parties Forming Governments, 98
National Congress of Local Patterson, David, 77
Democratic Organs, 93 Patterson, Shirley Merle (Same as
National Democratic Institute, 161 Shirley Merle Field-Ridley)
National Top Up Seats, 82 Paul, Bagot, 67
Nawbatt, Harry Narine, 76 Persaud, Balchand, 53
Neendkumar, 76 Persaud, Basil, 64
Nestor, Lurlene A., 74 Persaud, Bhola, 53
Ng-See-Quan, Simon H., 68 Persaud, Guya L.B., 149
Ninvalle, Steve P., 76 Persaud, Narbada, 57, 61
Nissar, Mohamed, 56 Persaud, Parmanand, 76
Nokta, Harripersaud, 58, 64, 67, 70, Persaud, Robert M., 76
73, 76 Persaud, Reepu Daman, 49, 53, 57, 61,
Non-Elected Ministers, 113 64, 65, 67, 70, 73
Non-Elected Parliamentary Persico, Jean M.G., 63, 68, 71
Secretaries, 113 Peterkin, Myrna E.N., 74
Northcote, Sir Geoffrey Alexander Peters, Albertino, 71
Stafford, 35, 102 Peters, Ivan, 68
Norton, Aubrey C., 71, 77 Phillips-Gay, Jane, 114
Norton, Dr. George A., 74, 77 Places of Meetings, 119
Notice Papers, 153 Pollard, Brynmor T.I., 149
Nunes, C. Vernon, 49 Political Affairs Committee, 36
Political Parties, 86
Oaths, 126, 153 Pompey, Cecelia G., 147
Odie-Ali, Stella, 63 Poonai, Mohendernauth, 49
Office of the Legislature, 51, 143 Popular Party, 31
Official Members, 107 Portuguese, 23, 24
Opposition Leaders, 112 Potter, Robert Cyril Gladstone, 50
Order Paper and Supplementary, 153 Prashad, Hari, 49
Ordinances/Acts, 159 Prashad, Manniram, 76
Owen, George D., 102 Prashad, Seeram, 56, 59, 63
Ownership of the Country, 23 Prayers, 126, 189
Panday, Basdeo, 178 Precedence, Table of, 130
Parliament Chamber, 119 Preface, 11
Parliament Office, 51, 144 Premiers, 48, 110, 188
Parliamentary Documents, 153 Present Staff of Parliament Office, 144
Parliamentary Library, 160,189, President of Suriname, 65, 178
Parliamentary Secretaries, Non- President of Venezuela, 65, 178
Elected, 113 Presidents, 104
Parris, W.A.L. Haslyn, 62 Presidents of Upper Houses, 107
Parties Allocation of Seats, 89 Presiding Officials, 104
250
Prime Ministers, 50, 111, 188 Remuneration to Legislators, 165
Primo, R.N., 60 Renison, Sir Patrick Muir, 103
Prince Philip, 47 Replies to Questions, 153
Producer, About the, After the Index Republic, 54
at the end Resolutions, 153
Proportional Representation System, Richards, Joan, 68
82 Riehl, Clarissa Sabita, 68, 71, 74, 75, 77,
Prorogation, 129 106
Public Accounts Committee, 137 Rise, Organise and Rebuild Guyana
Public address system, 54 Rodney, Lawrence E., 67, 70
Public Buildings, 30, 66, 119 Rodrigues, Eustace S., 71
Queen Elizabeth II, 50 Rodrigues-Birkett, Carolyn, 73, 76
Questions and Replies, 153 Rohee, Clement J., 67, 70, 73, 76
Raatgever, William John, 105 Roopnaraine, Dr. Rupert, 71
Rai, Balram Singh, 43, 45 Rose, Sir David James Gardiner, 51, 54,
Rajkumar, Ramesh C., 73 103
Raleigh, Painting of, 13 Rules of Procedure
Raleigh, Sir Walter, 12, 13 Saffee, Sheik M., 49, 53
Ramdas, Kumkaran, 67, 71, 73 Sahoye-Shury, Philomena, 53, 70, 73, 76
Ramjattan, Khemraj, 67, 70, 73, 77 Salaries, 165
Ramjohn, Dr. Subhan Ali, 49 Salim, Abdul, 53, 56
Ram Karran (Boysie), 49, 53, 57, 61 Sallahuddin, 59
Ramkarran, Hari Narayen, 36, 70, 72, Sancho, Thomas Anson, 49
74, 75,105 Sankat, Ramsundar, 70
Ramotar, Donald R., 67, 70, 73, 76 Sarney, Jose, 65, 178
Ramphal, James Isaac, 42,109 Savage, Sir Alfred W.L., 103
Ramphal, Sir Shridath S., 52, 55, 149 Sawh, Dharamdeo, 63
Ramratan a/k Balkarran, 67, 70 Sawh, Satyadeow, 70, 73
Ramsahoye, Dr. Fenton H.W., 49, 53 Scott, Keith, 77
Ramsahoye, Lyttleton E., 56 Seating Arrangements, 123
Ramsammy, Dr. Leslie S., 70, 73, 76 Seats Allocated to Parties, 89
Ramsaran, Dr. Bheri S.,73, 76 Seeraj, Dharamkumar, 76
Ramsaroop, Bishwaishwar, 53, 55, 59 Selman, Africo, 77
Ramson, Charles R., 70 Semple, Rose I., 64
Ramson, Joseph G., 56 Senate, 107
Rashid, Harun, 59 Sergeant-at-Arms, 51, 147, 189
Rayman, Philomena A., 56, 60 Sergeant-at-Arms’ Chair, 51
Recess, 65, 128, 189, Settlers
Reid, Ptolemy A., 48, 52, 55, 59, 111 Shadick, Bibi S., 73, 76
Referendum, 58 Shahabuddeen, Dr. Mohamed, 59, 62
Remington, Ivan, 53 Sharma, C. Gowkarran, 60, 63
251
Shirt jac, 54, 122, 189 Tello, Rupert C., 49
Singh, Dr. Ashni K., 76 The United Force, 66, 68
Singh, Cora A., 60 Thomas, Dr. Clive Y., 68
Singh, David A., 53 Thomas, James Henry, 49
Singh, Doodnauth, 73, 76 Thomas, Jeffrey R., 53, 56, 59, 63
Singh, Harold L. B., 60 Tiwari, Bidiawattie, 60
Singh, Jai Narine, 110 Too Chung, Cyril Victor, 46, 47, 49, 54,
Singh, M. Feilden, 54, 57, 61, 64,112 107
Smith, Chantalle L., 77 Tross, Herbert H., 146
Smith, Whitney, 50 Trotman, Rev. Alex B., 49
Society of Clerks, 172 Trotman, Enerva, 64
Sources of Information, 20 Trotman, Raphael G.C.,71, 74, 77
Spaniards Tyndall, Joseph A., 59
Speaker’s Chair, 51 Tyndall, Kenrick, 68
Speakers, 105 Ullmer, Deborah, 161
Staff of Colonial Secretary’s Office, Unicameral/Bicameral Legislatures, 118
142 United Force, 44
Staff of Parliament Office, 143,144 Upper Houses, Presidents of, 107
Standing Orders, 54, 153, 157 Upper Houses, Vice-Presidents of, 107
State Council, 107 Van Sluytman, Ralph C., 53, 56, 57, 59
Statements by Ministers, 153 Vandenburg, Calvin, 60
Stephens, Magnus, 64 Van West-Charles, Dr. Richard A., 59, 63
Stoby, Eugene M., 49, 53, 56 Venezuela, President of, 65,178
Stoby, Sir Kenneth Sievewright, 51, Viapree, Elwyn Valentine, 31, 146
103 Vice-Presidents of Upper Houses, 107
Subhan, Neaz, 71 Vieira, Anthony, 77
Subnauth, David, 68 Voting age, 54
Sukhai, Pauline R, 67, 70, 73, 76 Wade, Jennifer, 77
Sukhu, Sydney H., 56, 60 Waddington, Sir (Eubule) John, 35, 102
Sukul, Chandricka, 56 Walcott, Huldah B., 60
Superannuation Benefits for Walcott, Shelida, 161
Legislators,166, Webster, Jennifer I., 76
Supreme Congress of the People, 93 Westford, Dr. Jennifer R.A., 73, 76
Supreme Organs of Democratic Wharton, Henry M.S., 49
Power, 93 Whittaker, Norman A., 76
Suriname, President of, 65, 178 Whips, 190,
Systems of Elections, 82 Wigs and gowns, 54, 189,
Table of Precedence, 130 Willems, Lola E., 56
Taylor, Hugh A., 56 Williams, Basil, 77
Teekah, Vincent R., 53 Williams, Matheson, 68
Teixeira, Gail, 67, 70, 73, 76 Williams, Mervyn, 77
252
Williams, Robert E., 59, 63
Willings, Charles Henry, 148
Wilson, Earl M.G., 49, 53
Women Legislators, The First, 113
Woolford, Sir Eustace Gordon, 34, 10
Woolley, Sir Charles Campbell, 103
Wrights, Conrad E., 53, 56, 60
Xavier, C. Anthony, 70, 73
Zaheeruddeen, M., 53, 56
Zephyr, Winslow Martin, 34, 67, 69,
70, 72, 105
253
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
In 1951, Frank Alston Narain, at the age of 19 years, joined the British Guiana
Civil Service at the Public Buildings in Georgetown, as a Class II Clerk in the
Colonial Secretary’s Office, the highest office with the responsibility for the
administration of the Colony. There he worked with several Officers including
the Clerk of the Legislative Council. When, in 1953, a new Constitution,
providing, inter alia, for a Ministerial system of Government, was introduced,
and Ministries were established, the Colonial Secretary’s Office was phased
out and a new and separate Department – the Office of the Legislature – was
established to serve the new Bicameral Legislature and Frank Narain was
taken over to that Department in the same Public Buildings from its first day,
8th April, 1953.
He remained at that new Department for 49 more years and obtained all
his promotion there, from becoming in 1966, the Clerk of the National
Assembly – Head of the Parliament Office and Chief Executive Officer to the
Parliament of Guyana.
He has been on Parliamentary Training Attachments at Westminster,

London, and at Stormont, Northern Ireland, and has attended Parliamentary
Conferences in seventeen Countries of the Commonwealth, where he also
attended meetings and had discussions and exchanged views with his
counterparts.
He has, over the years, been invited to talk and has talked to hundreds of
persons about our Parliament – its composition, its role, its powers and
functions, its special procedures, etc. These have included the Ministers
and other Members of Parliament, the Diplomatic Spouses, Parliamentary
and Government Officials, Students of the University of Guyana and of
Secondary Schools, Members of the Youth Parliament, Representatives of
the Press, and several other groups and individuals.
254
He has prepared and distributed several handouts on Parliament.
He was granted three National Awards – the Guyana Independence Medal

(1966) (PNC Administration), the Golden Arrow of Achievement (A.A.) (1978)
(PNC Administration), and the Cacique’s Crown of Honour (C.C.H.) (1998)
(PPP Administration), for long and dedicated service of a consistently high
standard.
After fifty-one years of service, thirty-six as Clerk of the National Assembly, all
associated with the work of Parliament, all in the same building, still officially
called the Public Buildings, but more popularly known as the Parliament
Building, in Georgetown, Frank Narain, at the age of 70 years, retired in
2002, from the Government and Parliamentary Service of Guyana.
He is perhaps the longest serving Clerk and the longest serving Parliamentary
Official in the Commonwealth.
255

Guyana Parliament History 2009-1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Guyana Parliament History 2009-1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Guyana Parliament History 2009-1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Parliament of Guyana

Knowledge is of two kinds.

With the Compliments of

Part III - Legislative Periods, Names of Legislative Bodies,

Part V – Supreme Organs of Democratic Power

Part VI - Legislative Bodies

Part VII - Officials

Part VIII - Some Miscellaneous Matters

58. Prayers Read in the Legislature 126

Part X - Services to the Legislature

81. Ordinances/Acts 159

Part XII - Remuneration

Part XIII - Affiliated Organisations

Part XIV – Final Matters

Parliamentary Training Seminar for MPs

Why was I Chosen?

We know what happens to people

I therefore accepted the challenge.

Long Preface and Introduction

The facts which I am giving will be actual facts, without justifying or

Arrival of the Amerindians

The Name Guiana

Arrival of the Europeans

Sir Walter Raleigh and his Book

Arrival of the Europeans

The British from 1803

British Guiana from 1831

Continuation of Dutch Institutions

The 1891 Constitution

The Court of Policy

The First Legislative Council by the British for British

The Westminster system, procedures and practices, with modifications

England is the Mother of Parliaments.

The First Legislative Council consisted of 30 persons: The Governor, 2 Ex

New Features from 1953

Dissolution of the 1953 Legislature

I noted all of these matters as being matters for consideration in a

As I kept researching, I kept adding regularly more and more related

Notes with Information

Because of the part played by the British Monarchs, I subsequently added to

Several important Parliamentary and Parliamentary related events with dates

There is also historical information on the Parliamentary Documents and on

Was there a case of pelting a drinking glass at the Speaker?

Was there a case of slapping a Reporter?

Parliamentary Firsts and Long Service Records

I consider the information in this File as a great and valuable compilation,

I do hope that my File will serve as a useful reference for Parliamentary

AA Golden Arrow of Achievement (Guyana National Honour)

Constitutions of British Guiana and of Guyana

Reports on the General Elections for 1964 and 1973

Constitutional Development in Guyana 1621 – 1978 by Dr. M.

Parliamentary Minutes and Debates

Parliamentary Oath Books

The Children’s Story of Guiana by E.L. De Weever

Entries in his personal diaries from 1964

Programmes for Functions

Other personal records

The West on Trial by Dr. Cheddi Jagan

A Destiny to Mould – Selected Discourses by Forbes Burnham