Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud has told the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) that Parliament is central to accountability and public participation in Guyana, highlighting consultations on legislation and the work of parliamentary committees.
According to a statement shared by Parliament, Persaud addressed the General Debate of the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, under the theme, “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.”
She said good governance should improve citizens’ daily lives through opportunities, protection of rights and transparent and accountable systems supported by legislation and policies informed by data.
“In Guyana, we bring Government closer to people – from our coastal villages to Indigenous and riverain communities,” Persaud said, pointing to engagements with the President and Cabinet in communities and through digital platforms.
She said these arrangements facilitated participation by young people, women, persons with disabilities, the private sector and civil society.
Persaud cited the National Toshaos Council as a forum bringing leaders from 253 Amerindian villages together with the President and Cabinet to discuss issues affecting their communities. She also highlighted the allocation of 15% of carbon-credit revenues to Indigenous communities under the Low Carbon Development Strategy.
“The Government of Guyana’s purpose is clear: every citizen must share in Guyana’s progress,” she said.
Among the initiatives she outlined were housing support for more than 53,000 families, free university education, technical and vocational training and scholarships for approximately 30,000 persons. She also referred to expanded healthcare, support for vulnerable groups, digital connectivity and infrastructure development.
Turning to Parliament, Persaud said its consultations and committee system enabled citizens to contribute to legislation and national policy beyond proceedings in the Chamber.
She listed legislation on family violence, local content, electronic communications and transactions, the Natural Resource Fund and the Gaming Authority Bill as having benefited from national consultations. The Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2026, had been referred to a Special Select Committee for further discussion, she noted.
However, consultation on the government’s 2021 Natural Resource Fund legislation had been contested. Stabroek News reported that the bill was passed on December 29, 2021, despite calls from civil society organisations and the opposition for its referral to a Special Select Committee for further consultation and scrutiny.
Persaud also highlighted the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the four parliamentary sectoral committees — Economic Services, Social Services, Natural Resources and Foreign Relations — as mechanisms through which stakeholders could provide evidence and perspectives on national issues.
The PAC’s ability to provide timely scrutiny of public expenditure has remained a concern. Kiskadee Watch reported in September that committee chairman Vishnu Panday had warned that the body was six years behind in examining Auditor General’s reports, with infrequent meetings and absenteeism contributing to the backlog.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill subsequently announced that he would propose a plan to bring the committee’s examination of accounts up to date. Panday said he would await the details but would not support an approach that compromised scrutiny of the outstanding reports.
Persaud further pointed to the Youth Parliament and Speaker’s Debates as opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills and gain practical exposure to parliamentary proceedings.
She urged greater cooperation among parliaments on inclusive finance and accessible digital governance, while protecting privacy and maintaining public accountability.
Discussion