Parliament should not function at the convenience of the executive – TIGC

May 26, 2026 News

---

(Kaieteur News) – Transparency International Guyana Chapter (TIGC) has called for a more regular convening of parliament, warning that the legislative body cannot continue to operate at the “whims and fancy” of the government if democracy and accountability are to be upheld in Guyana.

In a recent statement, the body said parliament, as the legislative arm of government, is a “vital and equal system of accountability and transparency” and should not function irregularly or at the convenience of the executive.

“Guyana’s parliament cannot continue to operate as if it is a chartered boat cruise to some remote island, occurring every now and then at the operator’s whims and fancy,” the organisation stated, noting that the Government of Guyana must not treat its electoral mandate as “executive fiat to do as it wishes, when it wishes, for as long as it wishes, and for its convenience, expediency, and necessity.”

Apart from concerns over the functioning of Parliament, the group also criticised a developing culture of weak accountability in public life. It said it was troubled that political leaders appeared comfortable receiving salaries while Parliament was not constituted or while parliamentary committees remained inactive. “Now we have Parliamentarians receiving money while there is no parliament constituted. And even when constituted, there are parliamentary committees that do not meet,” the statement said.

The organisation further pointed to a series of troubling governance issues, including a corporation allegedly paying no taxes while receiving tax receipts, and a parliamentarian reportedly admitting before the Caribbean Court of Justice that he had never read the Constitution despite swearing to uphold it.

According to TIGC, these incidents signal a “settling culture” that could undermine both the economy and social order if left unchecked. The organisation also criticised silence from civil society and national institutions, saying there had been only “a whimper” instead of strong public condemnation. It called on religious bodies, professional associations, the judiciary, and other organisations to “wake up and speak up” on issues affecting governance and accountability.

The organisation joined growing calls for the National Assembly to have regular sittings supported by “a meaningful work programme and robust engagement.”

After more than three months of dormancy, government announced last week that the national assembly will meet on June 5, 2026.

The announcement followed recent report by Kaieteur News, where officials of the diplomatic community issued a call for the convening of the house.

The diplomatic missions of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union emphasised the critical role of parliamentary oversight, transparency and democratic governance amid Guyana’s nearly 100-day absence of parliamentary sittings, stressing that strong legislative engagement is essential during a period of unprecedented economic expansion and national transformation.

In a joint statement, the international partners underscored the importance of maintaining an active and functioning parliament to ensure accountability, public scrutiny and inclusive decision-making, noting that parliamentary oversight remains a cornerstone of any democratic society and warning that prolonged inactivity within the National Assembly could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions and governance processes.

EU Ambassador Luca Pierantoni spoke to Kaieteur News recently about the necessity of active governance. “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,” he said.

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 continued.

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.”

Leader of the Forward Guyana Movement and Member of Parliament, Amanza Walton had also mounted calls for the reconvening of parliament, which last met in February of this year.

---

• Executive, legislative body, Parliament, TIGC, Transparency

---