Georgetown: The Municipal and Local District Councils and Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill was the first bill to be passed by the National Assembly during the December 17 sitting.
The bill amends the Municipal and District Council Act, Chapter 28:01, to provide clarity regarding its application with respect to the new local government system. It also amends the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Chapter 28: 03, to ensure consistency in its application as obtains in the Municipal and District Councils Act.
Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, who brought the Bill, stated that contrary to some reports, it was not “onerous” nor does it make it harder for smaller Parties and individuals to contest Local Government Elections. He lamented the decision of the Parliamentary Opposition to walk out during his presentation as he explained that the Bill clarifies statements in the Local Authorities Act that contradict Chapter 28:03 of Guyana’s constitution.
“All this Bill does is to seek to provide clarity to that number and the Proportional Representation List for any Party in a constituency has no bearing”. The legislation is about the right to local democracy and, “handing power to the people.”
Minister Bulkan explained that the requirement for individuals contesting Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to provide 15 to 20 nominees, and for groups and political parties to provide 20 to 30 nominees, has not changed; but the requirement for the Proportional Representation List was amended from 50 to 60 to 100 to 110. He reminded that amendments were tabled by the PPP when they were in government. The minister challenged allegations that government had not consulted stakeholders.
Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson who rose to support the motion stated that the amendment does not in any way affect the rights of individuals in any constituency. “The reason the opposition is absent has nothing to do with consultation. It is a pattern which I do feel they will (use) to frustrate the efforts of this administration to hold local government elections”. The Minister opined that the “walkout” was the beginning of a pattern of the Opposition’s “obstructionist moves against the holding of Local Government Elections”. He urged the other side of the House to meet with his colleague Minister Bulkan for enlightenment, and then they “can in turn enlighten their constituents”.
After the Municipal and Local District Councils and Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill and its amendments was considered in the Committee of the National Assembly, it was passed with no objection.
The next legislation to be presented was the Amended Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Bill Number 15 of 2015, by Attorney General Basil Williams. He stated that the bill caters for several government provisions, adding that the country has made laudable strives in being internationally compliant in tackling money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Among other things, the bill seeks to strengthen customs and due diligence; ensure targeted action, identifying, listing and freezing and unfreezing of asset of assets.
Rising briefly to support the tabling of the amended bill was Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan.
The Financial Institutions Amendment Bill 2015 was piloted by Finance Minister Winston Jordan who explained the legislation was intended to amend section 63 of the Act. This will permit the disclosure of persons’ financial information to the Guyana Revenue Authority from institutions such as banks. This will be done once it is legally required by the GRA.
Minister Jordan outlined the need for the bill particularly in light of those who would attempt to cheat the country of tax revenue. Illegal disclosure of any person’s financial information without legal authorisation would result in stiff financial penalties, as well as a prison term. Minister Jordan, assured that, “Taxpayers’ private information will be protected. Violators will face the full force of the law”. He explained, “Many persons would do whatever they can to avoid, legally or otherwise, to avoid paying taxes. This is not just in Guyana but also around the world”.
Opposition MP Irfaan Ally called for the bill to be sent for review in a Select Committee, citing concerns raised by the Private Sector Commission but this was opposed. In support of the bill, Minister within the Ministry of Finance Jaipaul Sharma indicated that 79 other countries had already passed similar legislation and Guyana needed to move quickly in this regard. He allayed the fears expressed by the Opposition about requests for financial information explaining that it would be a reciprocal arrangement with the Internal Revenue Service of the United States.
The Minister further added that only those with US bank accounts or holders of American passports, (possessing dual citizenship), would be subjected to any inquiries from overseas. This is via a bi-lateral arrangement, Minister Sharma further added. It was this issue, he said, that was causing alarm amongst the Opposition, “This is the nitty gritty that is bothering them”.
Earlier in the day’s sitting, the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related activities Bill was read for the first time.
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