During his maiden presentation before the National Assembly, Opposition Member of Parliament Shurwayne Holder was cautioned by Speaker Manzoor Nadir over making statements without being able to present factual evidence.
Holder commenced his maiden address by accusing the Government of “instructing” the Department of Public Information (DPI) to halt the broadcast of the Opposition’s contributions to the Budget debates.
According to Holder, it was “insulting” that the instruction was given as the former Speaker of the National Assembly and Opposition Member of Parliament Raphael Trotman was making his presentation.
This did not sit well with Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and PPP/C Member of Parliament, Gail Teixeira who had cause to rebuke the statements owing to its lack of facts.
“Mr Speaker, the Honourable Member is making an allegation without evidence; that is not allowed in the House, and therefore if he is making such aspersions, he must be able to prove it, this is not an elections campaign, this is the Parliament of Guyana,” the Minister stated.
House Speaker Nadir then cautioned MP Holder to make statements which reflect fact and if he is challenged, he should be able present such facts if he has them in his possession, otherwise such statement will have to be taken off the record.
