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Glossary of Parliamentary Procedures
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE in the National Assembly of the Guyana Parliament has been evolving since Guyana attained its independence on May 26, 1966 and moreso from 2003 to the present.
Following the constitutional reform period of 1999-2003, consequential parliamentary reforms have taken place with an expanded committee system, greater oversight of government and a revised Standing Orders in 2006. The establishment of a Special Select Committee to examine and revise these draft Standing Orders in 2008 in the 9th Parliament and its submission of additional changes to these SOs reflect the ever evolving level of parliamentary activities and procedures. In addition, a Special Select Committee prepared a Procedural Manual for Committees which was approved in 2009.
Specific terminology has evolved based on the experiences of other Parliaments in the Commonwealth that captures its intricacies. Because of the technical nature of these terms, and the fact that there was no single work directly related to the context of the Guyana Parliament, the Special Select Committee on the draft Standing Orders in 2009 decided to draft a glossary to provide basic explanations and definitions in a readily accessible form. Much of the terminology employed in Guyana is based on that used in Westminster and is similar to that used in other Commonwealth countries.
This is the first edition of the Guyana National Assembly Glossary and it is anticipated that this will be updated from time to time as the need arises.
It is hoped that this will be a useful tool for Members of Parliament and all those involved in the proceedings of the House, including the media and the public at large interested in the workings of Guyana National Assembly.
Chamber Notes
Narative about the Chamber Notes ...
Petitions
Vacancies
Document
Hansard
Geographical representation by region
Under the current electoral system in Guyana twenty five (25) Members of Parliament are elected from the ten (10) geographical constituencies. These Members are referred to as“Geographic” or “Regional MP’s” that is, they are elected as representatives of GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES, which means that they represent the people living in one of the 10 Administrative Regions of Guyana. The distributions of the 25 seats (as of the 10th Parliament) are as follows:- This will be updated to reflect the 11th parliament.
This page is curently being updated. Please visit again soon for updates
Parliamentary Reports
Who’s who in Parliament
A typical working day
When Parliament is in Session, the National Assembly generally meets. The work of the House is regulated by an elaborate code of procedure. The Government determines the business and the order in which it is taken, although some specific slots and days are given over to Opposition parties and “backbench” Members.
In the Chamber the day’s business always begins with prayers followed by any items of private business, which are taken formally (without debate). The main business of the day is usually set out in the Order Paper.
Constitution
The Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana. It outlines the branches and powers of Government, establishes qualifications and times for elections, lists basic human rights and sets up independent institutions to protect these rights. All laws made by Parliament must be in keeping with the provisions of the Constitution. This means that any law that is in conflict with the Consti¬tution is unconstitutional, in other words, it is not valid.
Since Independence in May 1966, there have been many significant constitutional amendments in Guyana. In 1970 amendments were made proclaiming Guyana a Co-operative Republic. The British Monarch was replaced by a Ceremonial President elected for a fixed term. The 1980 Constitution identified the President as the Head of State and the Supreme Executive Authority and established a system of local democratic organs. There have been 12 amendments to the 1980 Constitution, five of which were temporary in nature, to facilitate the 1992 national elections.
On 1st December, 1994, the National Assembly passed a resolution which established the Special Select Committee to Review the Constitution and directed it to present a proposal for its reform before the 1997 general and regional elections. The Select Committee first met in May 1996. Fifty Public meetings across the 10 regions were convened by the Committee to solicit public participation in the reform process. Many written and oral submissions for constitutional reform were received from all sectors of society. The disillusion of Parliament on 29th October, 1997 precluded the Special Select Committee from finishing its work.
Early in 1999 an Act of Parliament established the Constitutional Re¬form Commission. It successfully completed its tasks and submitted its report to the National Assembly by the due date of 17th July, 1999. The Commission made 171 recommendations for constitutional amendments. All amendments, with the exception of those requiring a referendum, have been passed into Acts of Parliament.
Branches of Government
Guyana is governed by three separate, but complementary, branches of Government: the Legislature (National Assembly), the Executive (President, Cabinet and Government Departments) and the Judiciary (Courts). The power to run the country is divided among the three branches to create a system of checks and balances.
The Legislature
Parliament consists of the President and the National Assembly. It is the most important branch of the Government that makes the laws, including the highest law in the country, the Constitution. It can also change and amends laws.
The President is not a member of the National Assembly but has the power to attend and address the Assembly at any time. The President has to assent to a bill passed by the National Assembly before the bill becomes law.
The Executive
The Executive branch governs Guyana. The President is the Head of State, the supreme executive authority and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Guyana. The President appoints the Prime Minister and other Ministers and assigns responsibilities to them. The Cabinet consists of the President, the Prime Minister and other Ministers appointed to it by the President. It aids and advises the President in the general direction and control of the Government.
The Judiciary
The Judicial branch vests its authority in the courts. The courts determine and interpret the law. The courts are independent and impartial and subject only to the Constitution and the law.
The Chancellor of the Judiciary is the chief representative of the judicial authority of Guyana.
The Supreme Court consists of the Court of Appeal and the High Court
Speaker’s Rulings
Political Parties
Notice Papers (Questions)
Motions
Minutes
Acts of Parliament
Sittings
Bill Status
International Organisations
Calendar
Speeches in the National Assembly
In the News
Press Releases
Media Centre
Media Centre
Departments
Chamber Business
Chamber Business
About Parliament
The Parliament of Guyana was created by the 1966 Constitution of Guyana, embodied in the Schedule of the Guyana Independence Order, made pursuant to the Guyana Independence Act, 1966. The Guyana Independence Act was passed on 12th May, 1966 and came into force on 26th May, 1966. The First sitting of the National Assembly of the First Parliament of Guyana Parliament was held on the 26th May, 1966. Learn more about the History of Parilament
See list of Parliaments below:
Committee Business
Parliamentary Committees are regarded as extensions of the House, limited by the extent of the authority given to them, but governed in their proceedings by the same rules as those which prevail in the Assembly.
These Committees perform a variety of functions and assist the National Assembly in its work, that is, finding out the facts of a case or an issue, examining witnesses, sifting evidence, drawing up reasoned conclusions and reporting to the National Assembly. They take Parliament to the people and allow direct contact between members of the public and representative groups of Members of Parliament.
Parliamentary Committees in the National Assembly can be categorised as:
(a) Standing Committees;
(b) Sessional Select Committees; and
(c) Special Select Committees.
There is also the Committee of the Whole Assembly: This Committee meets when the entire membership of the National Assembly is sitting as a Committee to consider a Bill or as the Committee of Supply to consider the Estimates/Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure and Statements of Excess.
Types of Committees
Standing Committees
These include:
(a) The Committee of Selection;
(b) The Parliamentary Management Committee;
(c) The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Constitutional Reform;
(d) The Committee on Appointments;
(e) The Public Accounts Committee;
(f) The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Oversight of the Security Sector; and
(g) The Sectoral Committees:
- Committee on Natural Resources
- Committee on Economics Services
- Committee on Foreign Relations
- Committee on Social Services.
Sessional Select Committees
These are:
(a) The Standing Orders Committee;
(b) The Assembly Committee;
(c) The Committee of Privileges; and
(d) The Statutory Instruments Committee.
The difference between Standing and Sessional Select Committees is that the business and proceedings before a Standing Committee do not lapse as a consequence of the prorogation of Parliament but continue in the ensuing session of the same Parliament.
Special Select Committees
These are appointed for any purpose in which they assist the National Assembly. For example, a Special Select Committee can be appointed to consider or inquire into and, if so empowered, to take evidence upon matters and to report their opinion or observation thereon to the National Assembly.
Membership of Committees
As far as possible, the membership of a Committee is composed to reflect the balance of parties in the Assembly.
The membership of Committees varies from six to ten Members excluding the Speaker, if he or she is the Chairperson, and is restricted to Members of the Assembly in accordance with the Standing Orders.
However, the Constitution Reform Committee is an exception since it has power to co-opt experts or enlist the aid of other persons of appropriate expertise.
Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
Parliamentary Committees are usually provided with a Chairperson and, as in the case of a Sectoral Committee, a Vice-Chairperson.
However, in a Committee other than a Sectoral Committee, if the Chairperson is unable to attend any meeting, the Committee elects another Chairperson for the day.
Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of a Committee are elected at the first meeting of the Committee with the Speaker or in his or her absence the Deputy Speaker presiding.
When a vacancy arises in either the office of a Chairperson or Vice Chairperson, the Clerk of Committees presides at the meeting for such an election.
Staff
Each Committee is provided with a Clerk, who is assisted by an Assistant Clerk, a Researcher, if necessary, and support services from the Committees Division and sometimes from other sections of the Parliament Office.
As a non-partisan and independent officer, the Clerk of Committees provides procedural advice to the Chairpersons of Committees and their Members and also acts as the administrative officer of Committees.
The Clerk of Committees also serves, equally, all Members of a Committee; he or she performs his or her duties and responsibilities with respect to a Committee in consultation with the Chairperson. The Clerk of Committees acts as a Committee’s liaison with other branches and services of the Assembly.
Publications
Publications
Home
Welcome to the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana
Mission Statement of the Parliament Office – To provide objective, administrative and technical support to the constitutional functions of the Parliament of Guyana and the People of Guyana.
Standing Orders
The National Assembly is made up of representatives of elected political parties who sit within the walls of Parliament to represent the interests of the population. To do its work in an efficient, effective and transparent manner, the National Assembly is governed by a set of rules and guidelines known as parliamentary Standing Orders.
These rules and guidelines are captured in a document known as the Standing Orders of the National Assembly. The Standing Orders outline the day-to-day functioning of the Assembly.
The Standing Orders are developed by a Special Select Committee of the National Assembly. They are enforced by the Speaker.
The Standing Orders of the National Assembly guide the following:
Election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker
Formulation of the Order Paper
Rules of debates
Guidelines for tabling parliamentary Papers, Motions and Bills
Guidance on how questions and debates around those parliamentary Papers, Motions and Bills should be conducted.
Standing Orders also contain rules and guidelines which govern the functioning of Parliamentary Committees. These include: Sectoral Committees, the Public Accounts Committee, Special Select Committees and the Committee of Privileges.
Members of the Assembly have been operating under the same orders since 1969, with a few amendments. The Standing Orders outline procedures for sittings of the Assembly, order of business and introduction of bills, among other matters.
Standing Orders of the National Assembly
How a Bill becomes an Act.
There are two types of laws in Guyana, common law and statute law. Common law is made by the decisions of judges in court cases. Statute law, or law of the land, is made by Parliament.
A legal proposal introduced in the National Assembly is called a bill According to the Constitution, any member of the National Assembly may introduce a bill in the Assembly. However, most bills are sponsored by the Government. Bills relating to the national budget, taxation and other financial matters require the recommendation or consent of the Cabinet.
Whenever the need for a new law arises, officials of the ministries or departments concerned consider proposals. Draft legislation is first consid¬ered by the Cabinet and then submitted to the Assembly by the relevant minister.
The bill is placed on the order paper for introduction in the National Assembly and published in the Official Gazette. The Clerk is responsible for distributing copies of the bill to all Members. When a bill is introduced, it is read for the first time.
According to the Standing Orders, no bill shall be read a second time until seven days have passed from the date of its publication in the Gazette and until it has been circulated to the Members.
During the second reading, a general debate takes place on the bill. The bill is thereafter considered by a Committee of the Whole Assembly, unless the Assembly refers the bill to a Select Committee. Any amendments or changes proposed by a Member to the bill are considered before it is read for the third and final time. Upon the third reading of a bill, no further amendments may be proposed.
A bill passed by the Assembly is submitted by the Clerk to the President for his signature. Only when a bill has been signed by the President does it become a statute law or an act. If the President withholds assent to a bill, it is returned to the Speaker within 21 days with a message stating the reasons for withholding assent. If two-thirds of the Assembly vote to return the bill to the President within six months, he must give his assent to it within 90 days of the presentation to him.
Transportation
This section provides the transportation requirements of the Parliament Office.
Procedural and Sale of Legislation
The Procedural and Sale of Legislation section assists with the processing of Bills, Acts and Regulations, and ensures adequate supplies of legislation for distribution and sale.
Registry
The Registry maintains the records of the National Assembly, its Com¬mittees and the Parliament Office. The Registry also provides the messenger service for the Parliament Office.
Human Resources
The Human Resources section is responsible for providing the Parlia¬ment Office staff with the most suitable working environment which allows for job satisfaction, job security, promotional opportunities, training and for their general welfare.
Expenditure, Planning & Management
The Expenditure, Planning & Management unit assists with the fiscal and expenditure planning of the National Assembly and its Committees.
Central Accounts
The Central Accounting unit supports the Parliament Offices execution of its programmes and ensures proper accountability in accordance with the rules and regulations.
Budgeting & Finance
The Budgeting and Finance section supports Parliament Offices operation by ensuring the availability of funds for activities undertaken by the National Assembly, its Committees and the Parliament Office.
Maintenance & Security
This section assists with the maintenance, cleaning and internal security of the Public Buildings.
Hansard
The Hansard section facilitates the production and printing of the verbatim records of the National Assembly (Hansard) and its committees.
Clerk and Deputy Clerk
The Clerk, assisted by the Deputy Clerk, is responsible for the day-to- day operations of the Parliament Office. Their duties include preparing Order Papers and other parliamentary documents for National Assembly sittings, providing procedural advice and information as requested by the Speaker and Members of Parliament, preparing bills as approved by the National Assembly for the Presidents signature and producing and maintaining records of the National Assembly.
The Clerk also serves as the liaison between the Parliament of Guyana and those international organisations in which it holds membership, such as the Amazonian Parliament, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and its Caribbean Regional grouping, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
The Parliament Office is also responsible for all financial disbursement to Members of Parliament with the Deputy Clerk serving as the Accounting Officer. The Deputy Clerk also coordinates all human resources and the physical maintenance of the Public Buildings.
The positions of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk are Constitutional offices; thereto appointments are made by the President acting on advice from the Speaker. All other Parliament Office staff are appointed by the Public Service Commission after consultation with the Clerk.
History of Parliament
The Parliament of Guyana was created by the 1966 Constitution of Guyana, embodied in the Schedule of the Guyana Independence Order, made pursuant to the Guyana Independence Act, 1966. The Guyana Independence Act was passed on 12th May, 1966 and came into force on 26th May, 1966. The First sitting of the National Assembly of the First Parliament of Guyana Parliament was held on the 26th May, 1966.
While the law enacting Guyana’s Parliament came into force on 26th May, 1966, it would be misleading to conclude that Guyana’s Parliamentary system was created at Independence.
In 1831 the three Colonies of Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice were united and the Colony of British Guiana was formed. From the years 1831 to 1928 the Law Making Body of British Guiana was the Court of Policy. The Court of Policy consisted of the Governor, seven official members and eight elected members. The Governor presided in the Court of Policy as its President.
In 1928 a new Constitution was introduced and British Guiana became a British Crown Colony. A Legislative Council was established and replaced the Dutch created Court of Policy.
In 1953 a new Constitution was promulgated and a bicameral legislature, consisting of a State Council and a House of Assembly was introduced. The State Council consisted of nine members. The House of Assembly consisted of a Speaker, three ex officio Members and twenty four Elected Members. The Speaker was appointed by the governor. A new and separate Department, which was called the Office of the Legislature, was established with a Clerk of the Legislature as its head, to serve the new bicameral Legislature. Also in 1953 also a Ministerial system of Government and universal adult suffrage were introduced.
The Legislature that came into effect in May, 1953 was short-lived as in October, 1953 the British suspended the Constitution and an Interim Government was established by the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council, 1953. A Legislative council consisting of a Speaker, three ex officio Members and not more than twenty four Nominated Members was created by this Order on the 22nd December, 1953. The Speaker, who was not an ex officio member or Nominated member of the Legislative Council, was appointed by the Governor.
In 1956 the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was amended. The Legislative Council appointed under the British Guiana (Constitution) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was dissolved with effect from 29th June, 1957.
In 1957 general elections were held and the PPP Jaganite under the leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan won the elections. A second Legislative Council constituted under the (British Guiana (Constitution) Temporary Provisions) Orders in Council 1953 and 1956 was appointed. The Legislative Council consisted of the Speaker, three ex – offcio members, fourteen elected members and eleven nominated members.
In 1961 a new Constitution was established and a bicameral legislature consisting of a Legislative Assembly and a Senate was created. The Senate consisted of thirteen members, who were appointed by the Governor. Of the thirteen members, eight were appointed by the Governor in accordance with advice of the Premier, three were appointed by the Governor acting in consultation with such persons as, in his discretion, he considered could have spoken for the political points of view of groups represented in the Legislative Assembly by members constituting the minority and two were appointed by the Governor acting in his discretion. The Legislative Assembly consisted of thirty five (35) members elected under the electoral system of First Past the Post. Elections were held in May 1961 and the Peoples Progressive Party won 21 of the 35 seats in the Legislative Assembly. A Council of Ministers consisting of a Premier and nine other Ministers was also created. The Council of Ministers had general direction and control of the country and was collectively responsible to the Legislature .The Council of Ministers and the Premier were all members of the Legislative Assembly. The Premier was appointed by the Governor as a Member of the Legislative Assembly who was best able to command the confidence of a majority of members of the Legislative Assembly. Dr. Cheddi Jagan was appointed Guyana’s first Premier on the 6th of October, 1961.
See also:
The Mace
In ancient times, a Mace was a weapon of defence. A Mace is now a ceremonial symbol of authority and is used in Commonwealth Parliaments. In Guyana, a Mace was used for the first time on 10th Septem¬ber, 1957. It was made of silver gilt.
When Guyana became a Republic on 23rd February, 1970, the head of the Mace, which depicted British Royal Arms, was replaced with Guyana's Coat of Arms. The head of the present mace was designed by the Ministry of Information and Culture. The original stem, which is one hundred and forty-five and a half centimeters in length, depicts a Victoria Regia Lily, one of the largest water lilies in the world, first discovered in British Guiana during the reign of Queen Victoria. The stem also includes representation of a rice plant in full bearing and a sugar cane in blossom, representing two of Guyana's principal products.
On entering and leaving the Parliament Chamber, the Speaker is pre¬ceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms bearing the Mace on his right shoulder. When the National Assembly is in session, the Mace is placed on the Clerk's table, with its head pointing towards the Government side of the Chamber. When the Assembly meets as a Committee of the Whole Assembly, the Mace is placed below the Clerk's table.
When the Mace lies upon the table, the House is in session;
When under, it is a Committee;
When out of the House, no business can be done;
When from the Table and upon the Sergeant's shoulder, the Speaker alone manages.
Parliamentary Committees
Parliamentary Committees are regarded as extensions of the House, they are Assembly.(art. 165 (1)).
These Committees assist the National Assembly with its work, that is, finding out the facts of a case or an issue, examining witnesses, sifting evidence, drawing up reasoned conclusions and reporting to the National Assembly. They take Parliament to the people and allow direct contact between members of the public and representative groups of Members of Parliament.
Parliamentary Committees in the National Assembly can be categorized as
Standing Committees;
Sessional Select Committees; and
Special Select Committees.
There is also the Committee of the Whole Assembly: this is when the entire membership of the National Assembly is sitting as a Committee to consider a Bill or as the Committee of Supply to consider the Estimates/Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure and Statements of Excess.
Special Select Committees
These are appointed for any purpose in which they assist the National Assembly. For example, a Special Select Committee can be appointed to consider or inquire into and, if so empowered, to take evidence upon matters and to report their opinion or observations thereon to the National Assembly.
Sessional Select Committees
These are
The Standing orders Committee
The Assembly Committee
The Committee of Privileges; and
The Statutory Instruments Committee
The difference between Standing and Sessional Select Committees is that the business and proceedings before a Standing committee do not lapse as a consequence of the prorogation of Parliament but continue in the next ensuring session of the same Parliament.
Constitution Reform Committee
The Constitution Reform Committee is responsible for the purpose of continually reviewing the effectiveness of the working of the Constitution and making periodic reports thereon to the National Assembly, with proposal for reform as necessary.
The Committee has the power to co-opt experts or enlist the aid of other persons of appropriate expertise to assist in its work.
Committees
Committees of the Whole Assembly
A Committee of the Whole Assembly is appointed in pursuance of a resolution that the Assembly will immediately or at a specified future time, resolves itself into a Committee for a stated purpose.
Each time the Assembly resolves itself into a Committee of the Whole Assembly on a specific matter, a new Committee is created. Once that Committee has completed its business it ceases to exist.
Committee of Selection
The Committee of Selection is appointed, as soon as possible, after the beginning of Parliament and has the responsibility of, among other things, nominating Members to Committees and, from time to time, any other matters the Assembly may refer to it.
Parliamentary Management Committee
The Parliamentary Management Committee has been established by Resolution No. 16 of 2003 of the National Assembly of the Eighth Parliament of Guyana.
It has to consider and decide on matters relating to the business of the National Assembly and such other matters which it may wish to consider or may be referred to it by Committees of the National Assembly.
Public Accounts Committee
The Public Accounts Committee examines the accounts showing the appropriation of the sums granted by Parliament to meet public expenditure and other accounts laid before the Assembly and referred to it by the Assembly along with the Auditor General’s Report.
The Public Accounts Committee also exercises general supervision over the functioning of the Office of the Auditor General in accordance with the Auditor General’s Rules, Policies and Procedures Manual.
Further, the Public Accounts Committee nominates the members of the Public Procurement Commission for approval by the National Assembly, and, thereafter, for appointment by the President.
Constitution Reform Committee
The Constitution Reform Committee is responsible for the purpose of continually reviewing the effectiveness of the working of the Constitution and making periodic reports thereon to the National Assembly, with proposal for reform as necessary.
The Committee has the power to co-opt experts or enlist the aid of other persons of appropriate expertise to assist in its work.
Committee on Appointments
The Committee on Appointments has the responsibility to
(a) identify the appropriated bodies for consultation in the appointment of the relevant members of Commissions established under the Constitution, conduct the necessary consultation with them and, where necessary, receive nominations from appropriated bodies;
(b) make recommendations to the National Assembly; and
(c) report to the National Assembly in relation to each Commission as soon as possible upon the discharge of its functions in relation thereto.
Parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Security Sector
The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Security Sector has the responsibility to examine the policies and administration of the entities in the security sector, namely the Disciplined Forces of Guyana.
The Committee has the power to co-opt experts or enlist the aid of other persons of appropriate expertise, whether or not such experts or persons are members of the National Assembly.
The Four Sectoral Committees
The four Sectoral Committees are:
1. the Natural Resources Committee
2. the Economic Services Committee
3. the Foreign Relations Committee; and
4. the Social Services Committee.
The Sectoral Committees, in the exercise of their responsibilities, have the power to examine all policies and administration for each sector to determine whether the execution of Government policy is in consonance with the principle of good governance and in the best interest of the nation.
Standing Order Committee
The Standing Order Committee has the responsibility to consider from time to time and report on all matters relating to the Standing Orders which are referred to it by the Assembly.
Assembly Committee
The Assembly Committee has the responsibility to consider and advise the Speaker upon all matters connected with the comfort and convenience of Members of the Assembly.
Committee of Privileges
Any matter which appears to affect the powers and privileges of the Assembly is referred to this Committee whose duty is to consider any such matter and to report thereon to the Assembly.
Statutory Instruments Committee
The Statutory Instruments Committee shall have the duty of considering all such instruments (as defined by the Interpretation and General Clauses Act for the time being in force) as under the authority of any law are to be laid before the Assembly, and are to be subject to negative resolution within the meaning of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act.
Parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Security Sector
The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Security Sector has the responsibility for examining the policies and administration of the entities in the Security Sector, namely, the Disciplined Forces of Guyana.
Membership of Committees
As far as possible, membership of a Committee is composed to reflect the balance of parties in the Assembly.
The membership of Committees varies from six to ten Members excluding the Speaker if he is the Chairman and is restricted to Members of the Assembly in accordance with the Standing Orders.
However, the Constitution Reform Committee is an exception since it has power to co-opt experts or enlist the aid of other persons of appropriate expertise.
Access to the Public Buildings
Access to the Public Buildings
The Public Buildings belong to all Guyanese; it is part of our national heritage and the centre of our democracy. Visitors are welcome, and are expected to cooperate with our security measures at all times.
Access to the Gallery
You can visit the public gallery of the Parliament Chamber in the Public Buildings at any time when the House is sitting. Please come to Parliament’s main entrance, check in with Security, and ask for directions to the public gallery. The public gallery opens 30 minutes before each sitting.
Please note a visit to the public gallery is not part of a standard guided tour of Parliament.
• Only accredited members of the press may sit in the press gallery.
• Official guest of members of Parliament have preference for seating in the Public Gallery.
To ensure that Parliament remains accessible to the public we have implemented some simple security guidelines. Please take note of them before and during your visit.
• Searches, similar to those used in airports, will be conducted on entry.
• Mobile phones must be turned off.
• Cameras cannot be used, except by accredited Media personnel.
Dress code in the Chamber and while conducting official business
Visitors’ to the public gallery must dress in a manner which will not detract from the respect for the dignity of Parliament and must comply with the general standards of dress for Members of Parliament. In particular:
• Do not wear revealing, brightly coloured and/or denim-material clothing;
• Do not wear Jerseys/tee shirts, short pants, track pants, sandals and slippers;
• Do not engage in conversations while the Clerk of the National Assembly is reading the prayers;
• Do not engage in loud conversations when the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Clerk of the National or any other Member of Parliament is speaking;
• Do not seek to engage or speak to Members of Parliament;
• Do not use mobile phones; and
• Do not heckle, laugh loudly or cheer during or after a Member’s speech;
As far as possible, try to restrict your movements while Members are speaking.
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Access for guided tours
It is possible on some days for groups to tour the Public Buildings and receive a brief orientation on the history of the Parliament as well as the work of the Parliament. It is imperative that these sessions are pre-arranged in order to ensure that there is no conflict with the schedule of the Parliament. Here are the general rules for visits to the Parliament Chamber.
1. Persons interested in visiting the Public Buildings are asked to contact the Public Relations Officer, Ms. Onieka Alphonso-Walton, on Tele No. 226-8457 or via email onieka.walton@parliament.gov.gy or proparliament@gmail.com.
2. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 01:30 pm to 03:30 pm are the days and times scheduled for visits to the Parliament Chamber on non-meeting days. Please note that these days are subject to change in the event that there is a sitting of the National Assembly.
3. A maximum of 80 students, accompanied by teachers, are allowed at any one time on non-meeting days.
4. On meeting days a maximum of thirty students, accompanied by two or three teachers, are allowed at any one sitting of the National Assembly, and students are to be seated at least fifteen (15) minutes before the start of the sitting.
5. There is to be no eating or drinking in the Chamber at anytime.
6. Persons visiting Parliament are kindly asked to dress appropriately.
N.B. Visits to the Parliament Chamber are privileges extended by the Clerk on behalf of the Speaker of the National Assembly. These privileges can be curtailed at anytime if the above-mentioned rules are not strictly adhered to.
Disabled access
If you need special help to enjoy your visit to Parliament because of a disability, please let us know. We’re here to help you.
Please note in particular:
• Disabled visitors to Parliament may be set down on the forecourt to Parliament House.
Observe a select committee hearing
The Public is advised to consult the select committee meeting schedule to find out when select committees are hearing evidence in public. The schedule shows which committees are due to meet in the coming week and which meetings are open to the public. (This information is subject to change at short notice.)
Parking
There is no parking in Parliament grounds, but disabled visitors may be set down on the forecourt.
Barricades on Sitting Days
Though cognizant of the inconvenience that the barricades cause on sitting days, it would be a failure on the part of the National Assembly if it were not to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of its members. The Guyana Police Force, following consultations with the Parliamentary Management Committee, has designed a structure of erecting barricades in the immediate environs of the Public Buildings to ensure the members are secured on sitting days.
