By Chamanlall Naipaul
SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Mr. Harry Narayen (Ralph) Ramkarran has described present conditions of the Parliament as “unrecognisable compared to what it was in 2001 when he assumed office.

In an interview with this newspaper, Mr. Ramkarran asserted that the most significant development in Parliament between 2001 and 2007 has been the increased engagement between government and opposition, particularly at the level of the Special Committees.

Asked what has been the key factor in this development, the Speaker explained that the parties have recognised Parliament as the preferred forum to debate matters of national concern and have been working towards fulfilling that recognition.

He noted that changes in accordance with the aspirations of Parliament have been forthcoming, but the pace needs to be accelerated. This he feels largely depends on the political culture.

“If I had the power I would drag the political faster than what it is now,” Mr. Ramkarran reiterated.

One of his major concerns though is the repeated contention on television that the National Assembly is a “rubber stamp” and that it has not changed since the era of authoritarian rule.

Mr. Ramkarran asserted that Guyana’s Parliament is one of the best equipped and facilitated in the region.

“Our Parliament is far more engaged in the work of the government than even some of the larger parliaments.

However, he concedes that maybe this continuing “rubber stamp’ perception is part of “our fault” in that the Parliament does not have a Public Relations Department and as such the workings of the House is not adequately disseminated to the public.

Moves are currently being made, he disclosed, to have a small Public Relations Department established.

One of the major plans to enhance the work of Parliament Ramkarran disclosed is the establishment of its own Hansard production unit, and this will be done through assistance from the Canadian government. Negotiations are ongoing in this regard, he added.

It is intended, Ramkarran said, to have the production period reduced to seven days when the Hansard production unit is established.

Currently, Hansard production is done through a private contractor but in this arrangement it takes one year to produce, Ramkarran said.

The Speaker noted too that the Parliament is now beginning to see the beneficial effects of the reforms implemented during the eighth Parliament such as the work of Special Select Committees.

There has been increased numbers of motions and questions, mainly by the opposition, as well as increased activity resulting in a greater workload, Ramkarran observed.

On the functioning of Committees, he observed that some of them, particularly the Appointive Committee have a large volume of work and has a great deal of responsibility which it has been discharging favourably.

Ramkarran pointed out also that other Committees have been equally hard working as well, including the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), headed by Ms. Volda Lawrence of the People’s National Congress Reform, and the Parliamentary Management Committee.

With respect to the Sectoral Committees, the Speaker opined that they may not be meeting as frequent as desired, but perhaps this is due to their agendas not being so “crowded.” In addition, he said these Committees are still developing their capacity to monitor and examine government’s policies as fully as desired.

Touching on the quality of debates in the national Assembly, the Speaker assured that the level has always been high and can become higher if additional facilities are provided for parliamentarians.

In this regard, Ramkarran disclosed that the provision increased access to the internet and nine laptop computers is imminent.

He indicated that a large sum of money to upgrade the library through funding from the Inter-American Development Bank is in the making, while under the Fiscal and Financial Management Programme the National Assembly will be upgraded through the help of experts.

When these projects materialise parliamentarians will be able during the course of debates to conduct more effective research and exploration which will help improve their quality, Ramkarran asserted.

As regards amendments to existing Parliamentary Standing Orders, Ramkarran said it is an outstanding matter and this so because the advice of the Special Select Committee came after the Standing orders were approved. However, there will be a second review in the next three months, he pointed out.

On the issue of autonomy for the financing and appointing of parliamentary staff, the Speaker said this is moving apace and the Parliamentary management Committee has consented for a study of the Auditor General’s office to be done with the aim of using it as model.

Dealing with the Freedom of Information Bill proposed by the Alliance For Change, Ramkarran disclosed that it has not been proceeded with at the request of that party.