Speaker to consider proposed changes for Code of Conduct by civil society members

Aug 09, 2015 News

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Several members of civil society are of the belief that the Code of Conduct for Parliamentarians needs to be more than mere moral suasion. They insist that it should be strengthened to such an extent that decisions which stem from its implementation should be insulated from any legal challenge.
This sentiment, among others, was expressed during a meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland and members of the Coalition for the 1823 Monument.
In speaking with one of the members of the Coalition, popular columnist, Freddie Kissoon, said that the Speaker has agreed to consider their proposed changes.
Kissoon explained that the Code of Conduct for Parliamentarians should seek to expel certain individuals from attaining such a prestigious office if they are found to be engaged in questionable behaviour such as racial incitement. In this regard, he pointed to former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who he said has done so before and during the 2015 General and Regional Elections.
Kissoon said, “We had initiated a picket for four persons to not be appointed to Parliament from the People’s Progressive Party’s ticket and those persons are former President Bharrat Jagdeo, Bheri Ramsaran, Anil Nandlall and Ganga Persaud. These persons were engaged in questionable behaviour that the society had condemned but most importantly we had isolated Jagdeo not only for certain types of questionable behaviour but we thought he crossed the line that no Guyanese should, and that is racist incitement.”
The columnist continued, “We felt that was a cardinal sin…When Jagdeo made certain unforgiveable, racist statements during the elections of which I can repeat, we felt he had disqualified himself from holding one of the highest offices in this land. The Opposition Leader is no inconsequential office. It is funded by the State to keep a watch on the government. He or she sits in Parliament and monitors the government.”
“In most situations, people feel comfortable that a government is being watched and that watchdog is looking after its interest. But the Opposition leader, like the President, should speak for all and be aware of the interests of all being violated. Half of this nation cannot trust Jagdeo to look after their interest… He has made some atrocious statements in relation to the very nature of African Guyanese…”
Kissoon said that he wants some lines of moral demarcation to be included in the Code of Conduct. He emphasized that the Code of Conduct should prevent Jagdeo from being in Parliament.
Further, the columnist said that the Code of Conduct should not impose a voting process in Parliament for passing certain judgments regarding the behaviour of Ministers. He said that instituting such would more than likely see members of Parliament voting along party lines.
Significantly, too, Kissoon argued that having a Code of Conduct would be senseless if the decisions can be challenged in the court. He reminded that there have been several instances where the acting Chief Justice, Ian Chang made rulings stating what the National Assembly can and cannot do regarding its own business. He insisted that the Code of Conduct must be protected by the principle of separation of powers.
The new Government is set to approve new regulations to govern the way Ministers and Parliamentarians behave in office.
The proposed code of conduct was discussed on Tuesday by the Cabinet of Ministers and will be used as a guide for not only Ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs), but holders of public office, Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman had said.
The document is expected to address issues of transparency and corruption, misconduct in public office and bribe taking.
Over the years, the behaviour of public officials has seen very little actions or sanctions taken against public officials despite persistent allegations. The new administration had vowed to pass laws that ensure sanctions against guilty persons.
According to Trotman, within three weeks, the Cabinet of Ministers will be meeting in a retreat to discuss and approve the Code of Conduct as they have been looking at best practices that prevail in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and even Africa. The regulations will be adjusted to fit the Guyana situation.
President David Granger had also spoken on the Code of Conduct, insisting that there would be law and order during his tenure.
He had said, “Our government will be one of difference and I will be able to demonstrate that there will be accountability in my administration. To ensure this, I have drafted a Code of Conduct which they will all sign on to and be called on to adhere to it. Misbehavior would not be tolerated.”
Picture saved in Sunday as Kissoon
Caption: Representatives of the Coalition for the 1823 Monument during their meeting with House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland

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