Latest update January 21st, 2025 5:15 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Minister Raphael Trotman clarifies

Mar 02, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
My attention was drawn to a story appearing on page 9 of your Monday, February 29, 2016 edition under the caption: “Nandlall plans to challenge ‘even votes’ bill passage”, and I wish to address a few matters in response.
Firstly, the editorial comment contained in the story that “had a division been called for by the opposition where each vote would have had to be registered, the bill, which dealt with tax charges, would have failed as it required a majority” is surprising and wholly misinformed and erroneous. The public needs to be reminded that because of the uniqueness of the 10th Parliament (and now the 11th with a razor-thin majority), a system was devised by the Speaker that introduced the ringing of a bell to alert members absent from the Chamber, but within the precincts of Parliament Buildings, that a division had been called and they were required within one (1) minute to enter the Chamber, and take their seats. Hon. Member, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, was in the Members’ Lounge and would have responded immediately if the division was called for. Therefore there was no likelihood whatsoever of the bill being defeated.
Secondly, it is a well established Commonwealth parliamentary practice for the vote to be taken by an audible expression of “yea” or “nay” and for the presiding officer, the Speaker, to determine the vote by whether the “yeas” or “nays” were louder in their support of the measure before the House. On the evening of February 26, 2016, the Honourable Speaker made such a determination based on the response, and it was for the Opposition to exercise its right to challenge that determination at the time, and not after. Erskine May on Parliamentary Practice is quite clear that a decision of the House is like the “judgment of the Court” and cannot be reversed or rescinded; except by a specific motion brought to do so. The parliamentary opposition has every right to approach the High Court if it wishes to, but the challenge will fail. I am grateful for the opportunity of clarifying what the established practice on these matters is so that the populace will not be misled.
Hon. Raphael G. C. Trotman, M.P.
Minister of Natural Resources

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | January, 21st, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Mainstay Goldstar FC secures promotion to Elite League Season 7

Mainstay Goldstar FC secures promotion to Elite League Season 7

Jan 21, 2025

Kaieteur Sports- Mainstay Goldstar FC has officially earned its place in Season 7 of the Elite League following a 1-0 victory over Mahaica Determinators FC in the Qualification Play-Off Finals held...
Read More
Matthews’ all-round brilliance powers Windies to nine-wicket hammering of Bangladesh

Matthews’ all-round brilliance powers Windies...

Jan 21, 2025

Slingerz FC wants Shabazz

Slingerz FC wants Shabazz

Jan 21, 2025

Stepton Barton, ‘Superman’ Lewis, Pompey, Roger among the gold’s

Stepton Barton, ‘Superman’ Lewis,...

Jan 21, 2025

Powerlifting Federation commends Government for unprecedented investment  

Powerlifting Federation commends Government for...

Jan 21, 2025

Statistician Charwayne Walker expresses appreciation for former footballer Birdette Marshall

Statistician Charwayne Walker expresses...

Jan 21, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]