ACM, Canadian High Commission launch informative booklets on Guyana’s Parliament

Jun 24, 2017 News, http://www.kaieteurnewsonline....-guyanas-parliament/

Intense debates on Bills and Motions, along with the sensational findings of the some parliamentary committees, are often highlighted in the media. But what seldom gets to be part of that spotlight is crucial information on how the Parliament really works to serve its people.

Hoping to bridge the gap in this respect, the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM), the Parliament of Guyana, and the High Commission of Canada to Guyana joined forces to produce two insightful publications titled, “Our House, an Introduction to the Parliament of Guyana”.

The launch of the booklets – one for adults and an illustrated version for school children, along with their online versions – took place yesterday at Parliament Building.

Present at the event were Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Pierre Giroux, President of the ACM Wesley Gibbings, and other officials who were crucial to the successful completion of the publications.

In his brief remarks, Gibbings reflected on his experiences as a parliamentary reporter at one point, and noted that there is a sacred pact between the media and the Parliament, in terms of extending to the citizenry the service of those who offer themselves for office.

The ACM President said that it was quite easy for the entity, which is principally concerned with the freedom of the press, to be associated with such a project.

“We saw it as a natural sort of connection between two institutions,” Gibbings related.

The Canadian High Commissioner also expressed his pleasure to be connected with the project. The envoy said that the initiative is one which opens up a new avenue for a better understanding of the democratic processes.

He said that it will help to foster much stronger communities and encourage greater participation of citizens. Giroux said the booklets also offer new opportunities for widening the discourse on national politics.

He also noted that the Commission is celebrating 150 years of the Confederation of Canada, and in the same vein, sought to reaffirm a long history of collaboration with its partners. In this regard, he said that there are many things which the High Commission, and Canada as a whole, has been promoting. He said that these include protecting human rights, the promotion of gender equality and freedom of expression.

The envoy also noted that the parliamentary booklets were made possible through funding under the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). Giroux stressed that Canada was indeed thrilled to be a partner with the project.

In providing supporting comments, House Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland said that yesterday was noteworthy for Parliament.

Dr. Scotland emphasized that the publications are readable and one would find it easy to carry them around. The House Speaker said that they represent an excellent start and will provide an opportunity for the citizenry, and even those abroad, to learn more about Guyana’s Parliament. He then extended heartfelt thanks to the ACM and the Canadian High Commissioner for their contributions.

The House Speaker also sought to express appreciation to Senior Journalist Nazima Raghubir, whom he understands, was “the moving spirit” of the project. Raghubir served as one of the editors for the publications, alongside Gibbings.

In her remarks to the press, Raghubir extended much credit to the Parliamentary staff, and officials at Intellect Storm – who were instrumental in the design of the webpage for the booklets, among others – for their efforts.

The publications were then officially handed over to the Parliament by the ACM President and the Canadian High Commissioner.

Prior to the official launch, Giddings held a brief session, explaining to members of the media corps, the three aspects of the book – Parliament and Government, Rules of the Game and Parliamentary Sign Posts.

Kaieteur News understands that 3,000 copies were printed, with 2,600 copies handed over to Parliament. The remainder is expected to be split between Canadian High Commission and ACM.

More information about “Our House, an Introduction to the Parliament of Guyana” can be found at https://ourhouse.gy/.

The two ‘Our House – An Introduction to the Parliament of Guyana’ booklets

Useful information for students and adults.