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Deputy Speaker attending democracy forum in Canada
…as Guyana Parliament stays shut for nearly 100 days
(Kaieteur News) – Even as international concern deepens over Guyana’s nearly 100-day parliamentary shutdown, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Vishwa Mahadeo, is in Ottawa, Canada participating in the 74th Meeting of the ParlAmericas Council and the 22nd ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly, where issues of democratic governance, parliamentary cooperation and institutional accountability are high on the agenda.
Dr. Mahadeo is representing Guyana at the high-level hemispheric gathering being held at the Senate of Canada from May 19 to 22, 2026, bringing together parliamentary leaders from across the Americas and the Caribbean to discuss governance priorities, democratic strengthening and regional cooperation.
The engagement comes at a time when Mohadeo’s own parliament has not been meeting and key committees have yet to be established.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Vishwa Mahadeo
On Wednesday this newspaper reported Western diplomatic missions representing the United States, Britain, Canada and the European Union calling for the immediate reconvening of Parliament, warning that legislative oversight is essential to democratic governance and accountability amid Guyana’s rapidly expanding oil economy.
In a statement the Parliament office said the Council meeting, held at the Senate of Canada, brings together parliamentary leaders from across the hemisphere to review governance matters, financial reports, institutional updates, and strategic priorities for the 2026–2027 period. According to the official agenda, discussions include, inter alia:
- The annual audited financial statements and financial report
- Update on the new ParlAmericas project funded by Canada
- Consideration of the 2026 – 2027 Work Plan
- Review of the Gathering Declaration
- Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- A high-level political dialogue with Canada’s Associate Deputy Minister responsible for the Americas
According to the Parliament office, Dr. Mahadeo’s participation underscores Guyana’s continued commitment to regional parliamentary collaboration, democratic governance, and multilateral engagement. “As a Council Member, he contributes to shaping ParlAmericas’ strategic direction and ensuring that the perspectives of Caribbean legislatures remain central to hemispheric dialogue,” the statement read.
The 22nd Plenary Assembly, which follows the Council meeting, from May 20 – 22, 2026, will convene Parliamentarians from across the Americas and the Caribbean to address shared priorities, strengthen inter parliamentary cooperation, and advance collective action on issues affecting the region.
ParlAmericas is the hemispheric parliamentary institution that promotes parliamentary diplomacy, cooperation, and democratic strengthening across the Americas and the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, locally questions continue to mount regarding the inactivity of Guyana’s Parliament. The National Assembly has not convened since the passage of the 2026 National Budget on February 14, prompting criticism from opposition parties, civil society stakeholders and sections of the diplomatic community.
Opposition party Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) recently wrote several regional and international organisations including ParlAmericas itself raising concerns over what it described as the effective suspension of parliamentary democracy in Guyana.
The party argued that the prolonged absence of parliamentary sittings weakens democratic oversight during a period of unprecedented petroleum revenues and major public expenditure, while also highlighting the failure to constitute several key oversight committees.
International diplomatic missions have similarly stressed the importance of parliamentary accountability, legislative scrutiny and democratic participation as Guyana navigates its ongoing economic transformation.
On Tuesday EU Ambassador Luca Pierantoni in an invited comment emphasised the necessity of active governance, stating, “We look forward to intensive parliamentary engagement that will enable Guyana to advance its ambitious reform agenda. The work of Parliament is essential in fulfilling the democratic principles shared by Guyana, the Caribbean Community and the European Union.”
The U.S. Embassy in a statement underlined the link between legislative oversight and the nation’s ongoing economic boom, noting that, “A well-functioning parliament with legislative oversight is an important part of democratic governance.”
“Such oversight is important to safeguard Guyana’s continued economic growth and transformation and represent the voices of its their citizens,” the embassy said.
Meanwhile, Canadian Ambassador Sébastien Sigouin stressed the importance of the rule of law and the functional mechanisms of a healthy democracy during this pivotal era for the nation. He observed, “As you know, Canada attaches great importance to democratic institutions, parliamentary accountability, media freedom, and the rule of law, particularly as Guyana undergoes rapid transformation. We would encourage Members of Parliament, across party lines, to make full use of the mechanisms and levers available to them to ensure that the National Assembly plays its essential role in considering, scrutinising, and debating the government’s ambitious agenda.”
A spokesperson for the British High Commission told Kaieteur News that “effective parliamentary institutions are a key pillar of democratic governance. The work of Parliament is an important component of Guyana’s ongoing economic growth and inclusive democratic participation.”
Prime Minister Mark Phillips said he is “unable to say” when the legislative body will meet.
Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs confirmed with Kaieteur News that no date has been set. “I do not know,” he said while clarifying that the date for the sitting of the National Assembly is set by the government.
“Meetings are convened by the government; they would instruct the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs,” he reminded.
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Another “outing” overseas by Mansoor Nadir’s assistant/deputy speaker of Parliament, learning how DEMOCRACY WORKS in other country, except
in Guyana.
On his return, he will inform president Ali of procedures in democratic
norms that’s lacking in Guyana’s Parliament and Ali will just dismiss him.