Police intervention at Parliament ‘unacceptable overreaction’
–Private sector
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) yesterday said that the involvement of the police at Parliament in the ruckus on Monday around PPP/C MP Juan Edghill was an “unacceptable overreaction”.
It also said that MPs have a right to seek clarification and full understanding of the budget and that the debate “should not be hijacked”.
In a statement, the PSC said that it noted with great concern the events which occurred on Monday.
“The objective of Parliament is to allow deliberation on questions of interest to the nation, and to arrive at the will of the Assembly in a civilized manner. The Private Sector Commission firmly believes that Parliament is the forum where its members must be free to challenge each other, including the Honourable Speaker, as they pursue the relentless representation of the people of Guyana.
“The procedures to be followed by Members of Parliament in the conduct of their deliberations are clearly set out and the methods for dealing with dissenters are also established. Members enjoy certain privileges when seated in Parliament and, if these are abused, are subject to disciplinary action as determined by the Speaker in consultation with the Privileges Committee. The involvement of law enforcement, apart from being an unacceptable overreaction, is an unfortunate occurrence. It does not augur well for our democracy. Any such display of lawlessness should never reoccur”, the PSC said. It added that the damage has already been done but the Commission expects that all involved will critically review the events of Monday.
“The Private Sector Commission believes that, in the interest of the nation, Parliamentarians have a right to seek clarification and a full understanding of the Budget as approved by Parliament. The debate should not be hijacked. The Budget affects the life of each and every Guyanese and discussions around it are necessary. There should be patience and understanding on both sides of the floor”, the PSC added.