ERC Budget approved, speaker slams attempt by Opposition to use private correspondence to bolster argument
DPI, Guyana, Monday, November 19, 2018
$194, 808,000 was approved for the Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) operations. This represents an increase of 275 per cent and 68 per cent on the budgeted amount for 2018. The sum was given to the ERC to do as they see fit, according to Finance Minister Winston Jordan.
The issue of the appointment of 10 commissioners was raised by the opposition along with the amount available for the ERC’s work. An issue was raised and deemed improper by the Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland after Opposition’s Member of Parliament (MP) Juan Edghill highlighted that he was privy to a letter highlighting certain issues addressed to the Speaker and copied to Finance Minister Jordan, this reportedly highlighted that the sum allocated was only enough to pay salaries and utilities. It was reiterated that correspondence between the Speaker and any member of the House is a personal matter, and “any excuses indefensible” by Dr. Barton Scotland.
The sum stated was then put to a vote and approved by the House, for the period ending December 2019.
Paul Mc Adam.
Images: Keno George.