Parliament to convene within 14 days

Donald Ramotar

President Donald Ramotar has directed that steps be taken to convene a sitting of the National Assembly within the next 14 days, the Office of the President (OP) announced yesterday.

“Having been apprised of the Leader of the Opposition’s recent statement in the media with regard to talks between himself and the President, there is no longer any benefit to the country for any further delays in convening a sitting of the National Assembly,” a statement from OP said.

The government reiterated that the convening of a sitting of the National Assembly must be done in accordance with the Standing Orders and long-cherished parliamentary practices. The government had a number of pending legislative matters before the House prior to the annual recess. Further, there are important financial papers relating to the development of the country and growth of the economy that need to be urgently addressed, the statement said.

It made no reference to the AFC’s pending no-confidence motion which could see elections being held within three months once the motion is passed.

Earlier yesterday, PPP/C Chief Whip Gail Teixeira had told Stabroek News that government will indicate a date for