PPP/Cs grip on Parliamentary power loosens further

Georgetown : The tight grip that was once held on the Parliamentary structure by the ruling Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) was today almost prised loose further when the Selection Committee met to determine the composition of the remaining standing committees.

 In a previous round of voting the combined Opposition (A partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change) had reduced the number of persons to be had on the Selection Committee giving it a one vote advantage.
The persons that had been nominated to sit on the Committee of Selection: Gail Teixeira, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and Indra Chandarpal for the PPP/C
APNU’s representatives on the Committee of Selection are Amna Ally Joseph Harmon, Volda Lawrence, Dr. George Norton and Khemraj Ramjattan holds a vote for the AFC.    
The Committee of Selection has the responsibility of, among other things, nominating Members to Committees and, from time to time, any other matters the Assembly may refer to it. 
At yesterday’s special session at Parliament Buildings the committee meeting ended in a gridlock as the combined opposition has proposed a similar dispensation to that of the Committee of Selection which gives the combined opposition a continued one vote advantage.
When the matter was put to a vote yesterday the opposition had its way much to the annoyance and frustration of the government members.
The Opposition however has not finalized the arrangement and has agreed that they will explore the Tripartite option towards an amicable solution.