Ramotar, Trotman meet on parliamentary issues
Written by Kwesi Isles
Wednesday, 01 February 2012 17:51
An annual State of the Nation address to the National Assembly was among the issues discussed when Speaker of the House Raphael Trotman met President Donald on Wednesday.
Speaking to Demerara Waves Online News (www.demwaves.com) Trotman said they met at the invitation of the president and discussions were centred on parliamentary matters.
The Speaker said he suggested that the president address the Assembly annually instead of only at the opening of the new parliament which occurs with the election of a new government.
“He said he would consider it,” Trotman stated noting that it was neither a yes nor a no. “I think it would further our democracy, I suggested that it could be after the recess in October or even before the budget.”
President Ramotar is scheduled to address the Assembly on February 10.
Trotman noted that the meeting was cordial and that no “contentious or thorny” issues were discussed but he added that he did seek the president’s affirmation that there was no “continued bitterness” over his election as Speaker.
The ruling PPP/C administration has decried the APNU and AFC uniting to elect Trotman with their one seat majority, calling it a departure from the convention where the ruling party gets the Speakership.
Also discussed was using the tripartite arrangement the parties have forged to deal with contentious issues outside of parliament the Speaker related.
Trotman said he will also be looking to meet with the Leader of the Opposition David Granger. He met media representatives on Tuesday to discuss ways of improving the working relationship between the operatives and the parliament.
Written by Kwesi Isles
Wednesday, 01 February 2012 17:51
An annual State of the Nation address to the National Assembly was among the issues discussed when Speaker of the House Raphael Trotman met President Donald on Wednesday.
Speaking to Demerara Waves Online News (www.demwaves.com) Trotman said they met at the invitation of the president and discussions were centred on parliamentary matters.
The Speaker said he suggested that the president address the Assembly annually instead of only at the opening of the new parliament which occurs with the election of a new government.
“He said he would consider it,” Trotman stated noting that it was neither a yes nor a no. “I think it would further our democracy, I suggested that it could be after the recess in October or even before the budget.”
President Ramotar is scheduled to address the Assembly on February 10.
Trotman noted that the meeting was cordial and that no “contentious or thorny” issues were discussed but he added that he did seek the president’s affirmation that there was no “continued bitterness” over his election as Speaker.
The ruling PPP/C administration has decried the APNU and AFC uniting to elect Trotman with their one seat majority, calling it a departure from the convention where the ruling party gets the Speakership.
Also discussed was using the tripartite arrangement the parties have forged to deal with contentious issues outside of parliament the Speaker related.
Trotman said he will also be looking to meet with the Leader of the Opposition David Granger. He met media representatives on Tuesday to discuss ways of improving the working relationship between the operatives and the parliament.