| The Peoples’ Progressive Party has condemned what they call the disrespectful conduct of PNCR-1-G Member of Parliament Aubrey Norton in the National Assembly on Thursday last during a debate on a Motion commemorating Commonwealth Day the theme of which was, “Women as Agents of Change.”At a recent meeting of the Guyana Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) at which the Opposition was represented, it was decided that a non-controversial Motion would be presented which would be supported by all political parties represented in the National Assembly.The party stated that the Motion, which had been in the possession of PNCR Leader Robert Corbin since last year, and which could not conceivably have caused offence to the PNCR, was moved in the National Assembly by Prime Minister Sam Hinds.According to Freedom House, the PNCR-1-G appeared to have no objection to the Motion because it raised none and suggested no amendment prior to the Sitting.During the Prime Minister’s presentation,Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic, he commended the late Desmond Hoyte for his role in donating a large portion of Guyana’s forests for the Iwokrama project to be managed by the Commonwealth.According to Freedom House, after some preliminary remarks, Norton launched into a vicious attack on the Guyana Police Force and the Government of Guyana, completely ignoring the decision of the CPA and the protocol associated with Motions such as the one he was addressing. It was only after going on ‘ad infinitum’ that Speaker Ralph Ramkarran, whose tolerance in permitting departures from relevance is well known, intervened.After allowing Norton more latitude than is normal, the Speaker intervened and pointed out the decision of the CPA,Wholesale NFL Jerseys Online, the irrelevance of Norton’s contribution and the fact that the Motion was in Corbin’s possession since last year.“Taking umbrage at the Speaker’s ruling, Norton engaged in unseemly conduct and proceeded to denigrate the Speaker’s integrity…He refused to apologise as a result of which he was deservedly disallowed from continuing his presentation.”The walk out of the Opposition after the Speaker’s ruling, and the PNCR’s later statement justifying it and attacking the Speaker, not only demonstrate their disrespect for the Commonwealth, as well as for the theme of the motion “but is insulting to Speaker Ramkarran who has treated both sides of the House with courtesy, respect and impartiality throughout his two terms of office.”Following the walk out PNCR MP Amna Ally, during a press briefing on Friday, told the media that despite the party’s declared support for the Motion,NFL Jerseys Authentic China, Ramkarran barred PNCR MP Norton from concluding his presentation unless he apologised for an alleged infringement.Norton and the party Acting Chief Whip,Cheap NHL Jerseys, Deborah Backer, sought clarification from the Speaker on the specific infringement,China Jerseys Authentic, but were denied a response from the Speaker.According to Ally, this prompted AFC’s MP,Cheap NHL Jerseys, Raphael Trotman and other PNCR speakers to withdraw from any further participation in the debate and walk out of the National Assembly.She pointed out that The Motion called on the National Assembly, inter alia, to “recognise during the observance of Commonwealth day 2011, the Commonwealth’s significant contribution to Guyana and other member countries in the promotion of peace, representative democracy and individual liberty and sustainable human development.” and, “reiterate its recognition and support for the efforts of the Commonwealth to address emerging and old challenges and its endeavors to promote a world of freedom, equality,NFL Jerseys China Cheap, development and prosperity for all peoples, especially the young and women.”As such the PNCR MP posited that it was obvious that the PPP was embarrassed at the exposure of their dismal record in promoting democracy, individual liberty, freedom and equality, as they sought to deem Norton’s contribution irrelevant.“The Speaker then attempted to restrict the remarks of. Norton on the grounds that the Motion was a consensus Motion that had been forwarded to the Leader of the Opposition since last year…Whether the Motion was sent to the Leader of the Opposition or had the support by the PNCR were not in question and certainly irrelevant.”She said that the issue was whether the Motion did not provide an opportunity to review the record of the PPP/C Administration in the context of the Rule of Law and the promotion of Democracy. |
