Members of the National Assembly are currently undergoing a two-day parliamentary forum on anti-corruption.
Sir Kevin Barron addressing the participants at the opening ceremony of the anti-corruption parliamentary forum held at the Marriott Hotel
The forum is a partnership between the Guyana Parliament and the United Kingdom’s Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The UK delegation is being led by UK parliamentarian, Sir Kevin Barron and includes another UK parliamentarian, Lord Callanan, David Melding of the National Assembly for Wales, Eve Samson Clerk of the European Union Scrutiny Committee – House of Commons, and Rachel Atkins from the CPA-UK.
During the opening ceremony on Thursday at the Marriott Hotel, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, said this forum will enhance the knowledge of MPs on corruption. He noted too that it is a good step for parliamentarians as well as the public to be aware of the existence of corruption, recognise the signs of corruption and to feel bold enough to take steps to combat corruption.
“The potential for corruption is pervasive in our daily lives as we undertake the responsibilities entrusted to us. Whenever we must interact with the public or indeed with one another, whenever we must deliver services and ensure that the improvements slated for a particular area or regionsare fairly and evenly distributed,whenever contracts are to be granted or works undertaken, there exists the potential for corruption,” the Speaker posited.
UK parliamentarian, Sir Kevin Barron and Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland at the head table
Dr Scotland outlined that the fight against corruption is an ongoing process and this forum will take Guyana further along the anti-corruption road. He mentioned some of the country’s noteworthy achievements along this line such as the National Assembly passing Resolution Number 19 of 2013 giving birth to the four Parliamentary Sectorial Committees, the passage of the Integrity Commission Bill in July 1997 and its accidence to the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
The speaker added that these progressions overtime has resulted in the revised draft Code of Conduct for members of the National Assembly and public office holders. Moreover, Dr Scotland outlined that the fight against corruption needs to be a collaborative effort hence he expressed appreciation to the UK delegation for sharing their experience.
Meanwhile, UK parliamentarian, Sir Kevin Barron posited that his team brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge on corruption and anti-corruption measures, and is also looking to learn from their Guyanese counterparts as well.
“What we want to share with you is our approach to these matters… our approach in the British Parliament, where we had to wrestle with some of these issues, very difficult issues some occasions. It is not easy for politicians to sit and judge other politicians… We hope to leave here in two day’s time, strengthening both the Guyanese Parliament in terms of how it approaches issues around the conduct of members and also wider issues of corruption, and also the British Parliament as well,” Sir Barron remarked.
During the two-day plenary sessions on Thursday and Friday, Guyanese MPs over the two days, benefiting from presentations made by both Guyanese and UK Members of Parliament on several areas, including corruption, the role and use of Codes of Conduct, creating robust anti-corruption institutions and key areas of anti-corruption work in natural resources.
