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PNC/R demonstrators disrupt budget presentation

PNC/R PROTEST: demonstrators outside the Ocean View Convention Centre yesterday afternoon.

ABOUT 25 minutes into the 2003 National Budget speech yesterday, Speaker of the House, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran called for a suspension of the Parliamentary proceedings.

Loud chants, banging on the door and the beating of sticks could be heard within the chamber, as members of the main Opposition People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and supporters gathered at the front door of the Ocean View Convention Centre where Parliament was in session.

The protest was led by several members of the PNC/R, including Mr. Raphael Trotman, Mr. Abdul Kadir, Mr. Jerome Khan and Ms. D. Backer.

Persons then entered the Parliament Chambers with placards, interrupting Finance Minister, Mr. Saisnarine Kowlessar in his Budget speech.

Mr. Ramkarran immediately called for the suspension so that members of the Police Force could restore order in the area outside the Parliamentary Chamber.

After about 30 minutes order was restored and the protesters were dispersed.

The Parliamentary proceeding was once again called to order.

Mr. Ramkarran immediately read a statement condemning the actions of the protesters.

According to the Speaker, “The conduct of those gathered outside the door of the Parliament Chamber was extremely disgraceful and disrespectful and an attack of a most extraordinary nature on Parliament, a visible symbol of our democracy.

"Those persons outside are seeking to close down this symbol by desecrating it with their intolerance.”

Mr. Ramkarran further observed that several Members of Parliament were outside, leading the crowd and supporting their behaviour.

He highlighted two members particularly, saying, &#x201CI take this opportunity to condemn in the most unreserved terms their conduct and in particular the behaviour of Mr. Jerome Khan and Mr. Abdul Kadir for marching into the Parliament Chamber with placards.”

He suggested that the Police were in dereliction of their duty in failing to arrest Mr. Jerome Khan and Mr. Abdul Kadir.

The Speaker called on the Police to take the security of Parliament with some seriousness in the future, because similar events have occurred in the past.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud joined the

Speaker of the National Assembly in condemning the behaviour of the PNC/R.

He said their behaviour was most reprehensible and disgraceful.

He added that it should be unequivocally condemned and steps should be taken to ensure that there is no recurrence of such intolerable and reprehensible behaviour.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manzoor Nadir also joined in the condemnation of the irresponsible behaviour of the PNC/R.

"We can have our strong differences but at the same time maintaining our stability. The PNC/R picketing exercise would have been a very notable one had it not deteriorated to this type of behaviour.

"The Leader of the PNC/R and the executives who have been out there should seriously think about how they are hoping to win the respect of the majority of the Guyanese people," said Minister Nadir.

The Opposition Members of Parliament who were present declined to comment on the behaviour of the PNC/R. (GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY - GINA)

March 29, 2003