By Celestine Chacon, January 15, 2025
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has defended the recent decision by Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, to prohibit the use of the term “corruption” in parliamentary debates.
Nandlall addressed the matter during his “Issues in the News” broadcast on Tuesday evening.
The ban has been met with criticism, particularly from the opposition APNU/AFC.
However, Nandlall emphasized that the practice of limiting certain expressions in parliamentary settings is not unique to Guyana.
He explained that it aligns with parliamentary traditions followed by many Commonwealth countries, which inherited their parliamentary systems from Great Britain.
Nandlall pointed out that the use of specific expressions and language in Parliament is governed by longstanding rules designed to maintain order.
He referenced the book Parliamentary Practice by Sir Erskine May, which serves as a guide for parliamentary procedures in Commonwealth nations.
The book outlines the use of Standing Orders, which include lists of prohibited terms and expressions intended to keep debates respectful and civil.
The Attorney General further clarified that the banned terminology list is developed through a consensus process.
The Parliamentary Management Committee, consisting of five members from both the government and opposition sides, collaboratively prepares and agrees on the list of prohibited expressions.
Nandlall reiterated that the aim of these rules is to prevent divisive and inflammatory language, ensuring a conducive environment for constructive dialogue and debate.
This decision to ban the use of the term “corruption” reflects Guyana’s commitment to upholding parliamentary decorum in line with established practices.