– 65 MPs sworn-in amid calls for unity to confront threats to Guyana’s sovereignty
– Parliamentary Secretaries appointed
The 13th Parliament convened Monday with the first sitting held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. All 65 members – representing the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) as well as the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) took their oaths of office as Members of Parliament (MPs). In the APNU camp, leader Aubrey Norton did not return to Parliament, sending instead businessman Terrence Campbell to lead the party’s Parliamentary group. For the WIN camp, its leader Azruddin Mohamed led his 16-member contingent into the ACCC in grand style. However, Manzoor Nadir who served as Speaker of the National Assembly in the 12th Parliament was re-elected to serve in that capacity for the next five years with Dr Vishwa Mahadeo as his Deputy.
The experienced legislator has had a long and distinguished career in national politics, having served as a Member of Parliament for six terms—first elected in 1992 as leader of The United Force (TUF) political party. An economist by profession, Nadir later served for a decade in the Cabinet of the then PPP/C Government, holding Ministerial portfolios in Tourism and Labour between 2001 and 2011. Delivering his inaugural address to the 13th Parliament, Nadir thanked Members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to carry out his duties with fairness, dignity, and impartiality. He urged all MPs to emulate these principles and to stand together, particularly on issues concerning Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “By electing me once again, as your speaker of the National Assembly. This is not just a personal honour.
It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of our beloved Guyana, and the values we hold sacred. Throughout my life, I’ve had the distinct privilege to serve our great nation. Three terms dedicated as an ordinary Member of Parliament, to the service of all people.
Two terms, as a Cabinet Minister, and one term as speaker. Today, I accept this honour for the second term. I am reminded that our journey together as a nation is a collective march towards progress and greatness.
A shining example of a country evolving and growing that places us in the forefront of development for the 21st century,” Nadir said. Additionally, the Speaker underscored the importance of mutual respect and decorum in parliamentary proceedings, reminding members that the Assembly represents the “beating heart of the people’s agenda for progress.”
Turning to external challenges, Nadir called for national unity amid threats to Guyana’s sovereignty. “I urge us all in the performance of our duties. To uphold mutual respect, and to act always with dignity and decorum. Our conduct must reflect the honour of this house.
And especially the expectations of our people. This assembly is not merely a chamber for legislation. It is the beating heart of the people’s agenda for progress.
In the face of external threats and challenges. Such as the provocations from Maduro. Let us stand united.
Resolve in our defence, Guyana’s borders and sovereignty. Our unity is our strength. Together, let us advance the cause of Guyana. forging a legacy of peace, prosperity, pray, and greatness,” he added. On the other hand, unlike Nadir’s appointment, Vishwa Mahadeo’s election as Deputy Speaker was contested. While he was nominated by the PPP/C Government, the Opposition WIN party had also nominated their Prime Ministerial Candidate Tabitha Sarabo- Halley to be the Deputy Speaker.
However, the ruling party used it’s 36-seat majority to successfully elect Mahadeo to the post. Dr Mahadeo is a MP for PPP/C and a medical doctor by profession.
Parliamentary secretaries
Furthermore, over 30 parliamentary secretaries were elected to serve following recommendations by President Dr Irfaan Ali. The list includes Prime Minister (PM), Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony; Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat; Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud; Minister within the Office of the PM, Kwame Mc Coy, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill; Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha with Vikash Ramkissoon as his junior; Housing Minister Collin Croal with Vanessa Benn as his junior; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Charles Ramson with Steven Jacobs as his junior; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand with Pauline Sukhai as the Junior Minister; Minister of Education Sonia Parag; Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues and Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar.
Some of the new faces that have been introduced to the Cabinet will also serve as parliamentary secretaries, including Minister of Public Service Zulfikar Ally, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek, Minister of Labour, Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith, Thandi McAllister and Mischka White Griffith.
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