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‘We need to give the Parliament back to our people,’ says Trotman
By Kiana Wilburg
“The perception of politicians being seen as demigods needs to be changed. We have to change the notion that politicians are to be served by the people. The reality is that the politicians are here to serve the people.”
Those were the candid remarks of Raphael Trotman, Speaker of the National Assembly when he addressed members of the public at an engaging meeting at the African Heritage Museum, recently. The theme was “How Parliament Works.”
Raphael Trotman
Trotman explained via a power point presentation, several topics of interest, among them, the functions of the National Assembly, history of Parliament in Guyana and some aspects of the new dispensation.
However, what sparked much interest among the invitees was the “Question and Answer’ segment.
As Trotman responded to some of the questions asked, he highlighted that it is necessary to educate citizens on how Bills are passed, what is a petition and how it can be presented; and what is a motion.
Trotman also drew attention to the fact that for the past nine years there has been no ombudsman. “This is an issue that was recently brought up in parliament.”
“We have lots of good laws but we are not honouring them. Often laws are passed in Guyana but sometimes we lack the capacity to implement them.”
Further, in an interview with Kaieteur News, Trotman who was previously invited by the Linden Trust Forum and later, by the African Heritage Museum to basically explain how parliament works, stated, “What I realized based on what I’ve gathered at this session, is that we need to educate our people on how their government works. They are thirsty for knowledge.”
He added “There needs to be more workshops like these. We have been to several schools but based on the questions asked at the meetings I have attended thus far, it is clear that we need to branch out.”
Trotman concluded that he hopes to have more workshops on how parliament works. “It is the people’s parliament and we shouldn’t shut them out. It is hoped that through these exercises, the profile of the National Assembly would be lifted and made more interesting and responsive to the people.
“The ordinary man needs to be very concerned about the anti-money laundering Bill which could have serious implications on his daily life. It certainly isn’t an issue that should be taken lightly.”
“It can affect his ability to send and receive remittances as well as his ability to do good banking.”
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