Speaker unsure of No – Confidence Motion’s fate; says it could languish on Order Paper

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Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman. [iNews' Photo]

 

By Kurt Campbell

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman.

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman says the outcome of the pending No Confidence Motion cannot be anticipated, taking into consideration the many possibilities that surround it.

He alluded that one of those possibilities is that it could remain on the Order Paper for several months; awaiting a debate.

“Motions of this kind have sometimes languished on Order Papers for in excess of a year,” the Speaker told reporters gathered at the Parliament building on Tuesday, September 30.

He says when the ongoing annual recess ends on October 10, the Parliament staff is ready and rearing to resume and complete the work of the Assembly.

The Alliance for Change had submitted a motion; expressing no confidence in the Donald Ramotar led administration. The Speaker has since noted that the motion which has caused much national and international attention, qualifies for a debate.

“The Motion as unprecedented as it is. does qualify for a debate as it meets internationally accepted standards… All my research supports the opinion that the motion is in its proper form… It’s now for the Mover [Moses Nagamootoo] to indicate if and when he is prepared to move ahead with the debate.

The Speaker noted that the debate could last for months and could see all MPs debating, or at least all those who wish to speak on it.

Trotman said too that he has communicated with the Secretary General of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and his regional parliamentary colleagues, alerting them that the National Assembly in Guyana may require guidance and support relative to the Motion.

“I intend to Honour the oath of office which is to uphold the constitution and laws of Guyana and protect and preserve the integrity and independence of the Parliament of Guyana without fear or favour.”

Meanwhile, the Speaker said there is a full agenda of critical issues to be addressed too when the House resumes. These include the Anti – Money Laundering Bill, the Telecommunications and Public Utilities Commission Bill, the Education Bill and the Customs Amendment Bill among others.

No date has been set as yet for the first sitting of the House.

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2 COMMENTS

  1. It’s strange that the Speaker has now revealed that the No Confidence Motion can drag on for a long time. If he was to step down as Speaker because of the sexual assault allegations then the deputy Speaker(PNC) would have to preside until a new Speaker is nominated. That would be another AFC affiliated member. Is he now indicating to the govt to make sure he stays in office? And how can this be done?
    “Keep the police away from me and I will try my best to stall the motion forever.”

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