. .. DEBATES JMT JLUME l] PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FIRST PARLIAMENT OF UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF GUYANA.

1st Sittin!J Thursday, 26th May, 1966 (INDEPENDENCE DAY) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

The Assembly met at 11 a.m. [Mr. Speak.er in the Chair] Present: s Honour the Speaker, Mr. A, P, Alleyne Members of the Government Ministers The Honourable L, F, S, Burnham, Q,C, - Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable P, A, Reid • Minister of Home Affairs - The Honoura�le P, S, d'Aguiar Minister of Finance The Honourah]e N, J, Bissember - Ministry of Hou�ing and Reconstruction (Leader of the House) Th� Honourable R, E, Cheeks • Minister of Local Government The Honourable E, F. Correia • Minister of Communications The Honourable Mrs. W, Gaskin • Minister of Education and Race Relations 0 The Honourable L, John - Minister of Agriculture .ti 11.e Honourable H, J, Jordan • Minister of Forests, Lands f and Mines Gr be Honourable M, Kasi• • Minister of Works and Hydraulics e Honourable W. 0, R, Kendal], C,B,E, • Minister of Trade, Shipping and Civil Aviation e Uooourahle D, Mahraj • Minister of Health e Honourable C, A. Merriman Minister of Labour foe Honourab)e J. U. Thomes - Minister of Economic Development ae Dononrab]e S. S. f�mpha], Q,C, • Attorney-General and ,lfinist€ of State Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. D. B. deGroot • · ,rl iamentary Sef:retary. Prime Minister'• Office Mr. O. E. CJarke Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of.BrJucation and Race Relations Mr. J. G. Joaquia, 0.8.E., J.P. • Parliamentary Secretary� Ministry of lrorks and Hydraulics Mr. C. \'. Tu-On1ag • Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Finance Other I/embers Mr. W. A. Blair Dr. J. K. M. Rich.ead Mr. J. Budboo Mr. T. A. S-c•o Mr. C. F. O.an-A-Sue Mr. R. Tello, Depaty Speaker · Mr. P. Duncm. Rev. A. B. Treta• Mr. R. G. 8. Field-Ridley Mr. B. M. S: llaartea, J.P •. Mr. B. Prashad Members of the Opposition • C. D. Jagaa, Leader of the Opposition Mr. B. Lall • A. O.asc Mr• M. Khanf J.P• • B. B. BeDD Mr. Y. AU-y,. • Ra. Karr• Mr. L. Linde · Mr. R. O.andisin� Mr. R. D. Penmtl Mr. B. J. M. Hubbard Mr. M. Poon� Dr. Charles Jacob, Jr. Dr. S. A. 8-jelut Dr. F. B. W. Ra.saboye Mr. E. M. Stelty Mr. M. B.. id, J.P. Mr. S. M. Saffee Mr. J. R. S. Luck Mr. Mr. D. C. Jagaa M. Bhag,nm

Clerk of the National Assembl y \Acting) - Mr. E. V. Viapree Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly (Acting)� Mr. F. A. Narain. Absent: Mr. C. V. Nunt,s - on leave , Mr. E. M. G. Wilson Mr. G. Bowman. 26TH MAY, 1966 Proclamation Appointing Session 6

PRO

PROCLAMAnON By His Excellency Sir RICHARD EDMONDS LUYT, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, upon whom has been conferred the Distinguished Conduct Medal, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Colony of 0 , Vice-Adiniral of the same, etc., etc., etc. RICHARD E. LUYT, GOVERNOR. WHEREAS it is provided by section 4(1} of the Guyana Independ­ ence Order 1966 (hereinafter referred to as 11the Order",) that where the Governor-General has power by or under the Order to do anything for the purposes thereof, such power may be exercised by the Gover­ n ,r and Commander-in-Chief of the Colony of British Guiana at any ' me after the making of the Order to s.1JCh extent as may, in his o·:·inion, be necessary or expedient to enable the Constitution of ·: yana set out in Schedule 2 to the Order (hereinafter referred to 11tht Constitution"} to function as from the t6th May, 1966; AND WHEREAS the Governor-General has power under article 81(1} of the Constitution to appoint by proclamation the place within Guyana at which each session of the Parliament of Guyana sha.11 be held and the time when it shall begin: Proclamation 26TH MAY, 1966 Appointin� Sess..

NOW THEREFORE, in pursuance of section 4 of Lie Order t...... article 51(1) of the Constitution, and by virtue and in exercise all power s thereunto enabling me, I do hereby proclaim that session of the ParliWllent of Guyana shall be held in the ParliamEc • Chamber at the Public Buildings_. Geor!!etown, Guyana, and shall b {\ gin at. 11 o'clock in the forenoon on Thursday the 26th �1ay, 1966.

Given under my Hand and the Public Seal the Colony at Government House, Briti Guiana, this 17th day of May, 1966, and the fifteenth year of Her Majesty's Reign. GOD SAVE THE QUEE�. By His Excellency's Command, (Sgd.) R. A. Cheong, Secretary to the Office of the Governor.' Prayers 26TH MAY, 1966 Prayers 10

Prayers thank Thee that Thou didst ins pire the minds of our The Clerk read the following: Leaders to call into consul­ tation those Representative� "Except the Lord build the who by their wisdom and by house, they labour in vain Thy guidance were responsible that build it: except the for the grant of Independence Lord keep the city, the to this country. watchman waketh but in Bless our Most Gracious vain. " - [Psalms 127: Verse Soverei gn Lady Elizabeth II, l.J Queen o f Guyana , and a l 1 1 10.come let us sing unto those who are set in author­ the Lord; let us make a ity in this land. Grant to joyful noise to the Rock of those who have been called to our Salvation. serve in this place, wisdom Let us come before his and understanding, that they presence with thanksgiring, may ever in their delibera­ and make a joyful noise un­ tions, keep constantly in to him with psalms. mind, the well being of the For the Lord is a great peoples of this land and that God, and a great King above alJ they do may be to the all gods. honour and glory of Thy Holy In his hand are the deep Name. places of the earth; the Grant that 1n this strength of the hills is place truth and justice, his also. liberty and righteousness may The sea 'is his, and he ever flourish and abound, and made it; and his hands that, as we seek to kn ow Thy formed the dry land. will, we may have strength O come, let us worship and power to fulfil it to the and bow down; let us kneel glory of Thy Holy Name and before the Lord our Maker. the good of all mankind.d For he is our God; and we are the people of his "By all: pasture, and the sheep of "Our Father who art in his hand. Today if ye will heaven, Hallo wed'b� thy name. hear his voice; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will Harden not your heart, be done in earth as it is in as in the day of provoca­ l:ieaven. tion, and as in the day of Give us this day our daily temptation in the wilder­ bread. ness: 11 [Psalms 95: Verse And forgive us our tres­ l - 8,J passes, as we forgive them that trespass against us. "Almighty and Eternal And lead us not·into temp­ God we humbly b�seech thy tation, but deliver us from ble-s.sings as we meet to cele­ evil: For thine is the kingr brate the attainmen� of In­ dom, and the power, and the dependence of this green land glory, for ever and ever, 11 of Guyana, especiall )(,. do we Amen. 11 Admission of 26TH MAY, 1966 Their Royal Highnesses 12

OATHS Mr. Speaker: The Cle rk Assistant will conduct Their The oath of allegiance and Royal Highnesses into this Hon­ the oath of office were made and ourable Chamber. subsc ribed by the Honourable �he Equerry and the Assist­ Shridath Surendranath Ramphal, ant Clerk proceeded to the Q.C., Attorney-General and Minis­ Committee Room. The Speaker ter of State and by Dr, Julius ce Richmond. and the Clerk preceded by the Kenrick Makepea Serjeant-at-Arms (with Mace) proceeded to the Bar (all SUSPENSION OF SITTING persons standing). At 11.10 a.m. the sitting was Their Royal Highnesses, Their suspended. Excellencies, and the Retinue entered the Chamber and were 11. 25 a.m. rece ived by the Sp eaker, (His Royal Hig hrress un­ On resumption covered). The procession moved forward and the Speaker moved forward to his posi­ Mrw Speaker: Hon. Members, tion. be seated. His Royal Highness, ffis =The Equerry knocked tliree Excellency, and the Private times on the north-western Secretary passed by the left door of the Chamber, which of the Table and proceeded to was opened by the Serjeant­ their places on the Dais. at-Arms. The Equerry in­ formed the Serjeant-at-Arms Her Poyal Highness, Her that the ('ueen's Representa­ Excellency and the Lady-in­ tive sought admission. The Wai ting passed by the rili,ht Serjeant-at-Arms closed the of the Table and proceeded t� door.] their places on the Dais.

The Serjeant-at-Ar•s: Your The Equerry, the A.D.C., Honour, His Royal Highness the the Clerk and the Assistant Duke of Kent, the Representative Clerk took their places. of Her Majesty Elizabeth II, Serj Queen of Guyana, and Her Royal The eant-at-Arms placed Hi�hness the Duchess of Kent, the Mace on the Table and seek admission. took his pl ace. His Royal Highness bowed to • Mr. Speaker: It is the will the ritht and to the 1 eft.J of the honourab le National Assembly that they be admitted. His Royal Highness Pray be Let the door be opened. [The seated. door was opened by·the Serjeant­ at-Arms.J [Ad person s sat.] 13 Welcome to H.R.H. 26TH MAY, 1966 The Duke of Kent 14

Wr. Speaker: Your Royal "Music, when soft voices die" , Highness, on behalf of the Mem� vibrate in the memory. Once bers of this honourable National again to you and your Duchess I Assembly, whose servant I am in say welcome to this Chamber. this place, I extend to you and your Duchess a cordial welcome to LETTERS PATENT this Parliament Chamber, the highest tribunal in this sove­ The Clerk read the following: reign and green land of Guyana. I aw happy to do so on this great "EL I Z ABETH TH E and historic day, a day on which SECOND by the Grace of eacl1 of us in this territory can God of the of say in the words of Sir \\'alter Great Britain and Northern Scott, 11This is my own, my native Ireland and of Our other land". Realms and Territories Queen De­ Here, sir, seated before you fender of the Faith To.Our are those who, by the suffrages trusty and.we]] beloved of their fellow citizens, have Sir Richard Ed mond s Luyt been chosen to express the Popu­ Knight Commander ofOur Most lar Will, that supreme element in DistinguishedOrder of Saint a parliamentary democracy. On my Michael and Saint George right sit the hon. Ministers and Knight Commander of Our Roya] Members of the Coalition Govern­ Victorian Order upon whom has ment led by that great Guyanese been conferred the Distin­ the Prime Minister, tne Honour­ guished Conduct Medal Gov­ able Forbes Burnham, Queen's ernor-General of GuyanaOur Counsel. trusty and well be loved Aubrey Percival Alleyne Opposite, sit the Hemb8rs of Esquire Speaker of theNa­ the Official Opposition, ied by tional As sembly of Our an equally great Guyanese, the Parliament of Guyana and Our Honourable Dr. Cheddi Jagan, People of Guyana Greeting: Dental Surgeon. These are the Whereas by th� Guyana Inde­ people who engage, .in this place, pendence Act 1966 provision in the sacred and soul-absorbing is made for the attainment by business of law-making, and of Guyana of fu�l� responsible shaping the desti�ies of tbp status within the Common­ 'thousands of Guyanese entrusted wealth And Whereas in pur­ to their care. suance of the provisions of the Constitution set out in You and your Duchess are the Guyana IndependenceOrder reportedly well travelled, but I 1966Our Parliament of Guyana venture the hope that the ex- has been summoned to meet for periences you both gain in this C!rtain arduous and urgent land of Creek water and Labba affairs concerning the gov- may, in the words of your fellow ernment thereof And Whereas Englishman, John Keats, like We are desirous of marking 15 Speech from 26TH MAY, 1966 The Throne 16

premises in the form afore­ said AND We do further direct the importance of the opening and enjoin that these our of the first meeting of the Letters shall be read and said Parliament and of show­ proclaimed at such place or ing Our special interest in places as Our said Governor­ the we lfare of Our Loyal General shall think fit with­ Subjects in Guyana and for as in Guyana In Witness where­ much as for certain causes We of We have caused these Our cann ot conveniently be pre,s­ Letters to be made Patent ent thereat in Our Royal Witness Ourself at Westmin­ Person Now Know Ye that We ister the eighteenth day of trusting in the discretion May in the fifteenth year of fidelity and care of Our me.st Our Reign. dear and entirely beloved Cousin Edward George Nicholas B Y T H E Q C E t N Paul Patrick Duke of Kent H E R S E L F S I G N E D Knight Grand Cross of Our W I T H H E R O W N Royal Victorian Order do give H A N D 'I and grant by the t�nor of COLDSTRc.>-ilv1 these Presents unto him full I, Sir Ge org e Phillips power in Our name to hold Our Coldstream, K.C.B., Q.C., Parliament of Guyana and to Cl erk of the C ro wn in open and declare and cause to Chancery, do hereby Certify be opened and declared the that the above is a tr ue causes of holding the same co py of Her Majesty's and to do everything which Letters Patent under the for Us and by Us shall be �reat Seal bearing date the therein done Willing that he eighte enth day of May, shall hereby convey to Our 1966. said Parliament and People 11 (Sgd.) Coldstream. Our Royal message of goodwill and Our assurance of Our earnest prayer for the bless­ SPEECR FROM THE THRONE ing of Almighty God on the new Constitution of Guyana His Royal Highness: I have and for the continued pros­ it in Command from The Queen to perity and happiness of all read the following Speech on Her Our Loyal Subjects in Guyana Majesty's behalf: Commanding also by the tenor of these Presents as well all His Royal Highness covered, and every the said Governor­ and seated, read the followinlt' General the said Speaker of the National Assembly as al] "Mr. Speaker, Honour­ others whom it concerns to able members of the National meet in Our said.Parliament Assembly. My Government of that to the same Duke of Kent Guyan.a, as a result of the they diligently intend in the Guyari.,a Independence Act to 17 Speech from 26TH MAY, 1966 The Throne 18

which I gave my assent on tne My Government is grate­ 12th day of May, 1966, is now ful to the Prime Ministers of the Government of an inde­ the other Member countries of pendent Soverei gn State with the Commonwealth for agreeing full and absolute responsi­ to the acceptance of Guyana bility not only for internal as a Member of the Common­ affairs but also external wealth of Nations and has as affairs, Commonwealth rela­ one of its objectives the tions and defence. My Gov­ development of the closest ernment in the United Kingdom and most harmonious r-elations after more than one hundred possible with other members and fifty years has now laid of the Commonwealth; for thus down its responsibilities and it-feels it can make a con­ ceases to have any authority tribution to the universal in and over Guyana. acceptance of the dignity and In assuming their new equality of man, and the responsibility, my Ministers cause of world peace. propose to be guided at all times by the spirit of the Meanwhile, my Govern­ Guyana Constitution, the pro­ ment is particularly anxious visions of which were care­ to further the cause of fully worked out at the In- regional co-operation as 4e�endence Conference of between Guyana, its neigh­ 1965, and subsequently ap­ bours and the nations of the proved-by this Legislature of Caribbean and regards the what was then British Guiana Caribbean Free Trade Area on 4th May, 1966 - a con­ Agreement which was signed at stitution which is based on Dickenson Bay, Antigu a, on •consultative democracy. 15th December, 1965, by Antigua, and Guyana, ln its approach to as an important step in this external affairs my Guyana direction. Government will have regar d for the principles upon which At home, a seven year stands the Charter of the development programme has United Nations and it will be been drafted, and approved by its desire and intention to the Legislature. This pro­ pursue a truly independent gramme which promises the policy while establi shing, �xpenditure in the pu�lic mai�taining and strengthening sector alone of approximately good relations with those $300 million is aime d at nations which themselves increasing rapidly and support those principles. In significantly the gross keeping with this intenti�n national product and national it is proposed to ma�e appli­ income per capita and laying cation for the admission of the foundations of a strong Guyana as a member tof the and economically sound Guyana United Nations. where want, poverty and un- 19 Speech from 26TH MAY, 1966 The Throne 20

[H.R.H. THE DUKE OF KENT] wounds which have been in­ flicted by recent difficul­ employment will be abolished. ties in our society, the The productivity of our na­ Government will pursue tion will have to be in­ urgently the rehabilitation creased considerably and the of displaced persons and fruits of this productivity others who have suffered so fairly divided. There will that all of them may be be place neither for exploi­ better able to contribute to tation nor sl oth. the harmonious progress of Guyana. The successful execu­ tion of this pr ogramme is My Government will dependent upon the enthusi­ pursue with determination a astic and intelligent co­ policy aimed at the preser­ operation of all sections of vation of law, the establish­ the nation and community. ment of true equality and11 the enshrinement of j us tice. It is proposed by my Government to re-organise the entire system of local gov­ [His Royal Highness handed ernment basing it on univer­ the Speech to the Speaker. s al adult suff rage, an electoral system of propor­ The Speech was laid on the tional representation, simi- Table by the Speaker. 1 ar to that which obtains at the centre, and. to confer on the various municipalities His Royal Highness uncovered.] and district councils wider responsibilities for social PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM services. HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN The Government will embark immediately on imple­ Cfhe Private Secretary handed menting the policy of doing to His Royal Highness a Personal everything to further the Messa ge from Her Majesty the interests of Amerindians and Queen. to bring them into the stream of.full citizenship and pro­ All stood.] gPess. In particular the Amerindian Lands Commission His Royal Highness read the will be appointed and given following: every facility to carry out its task of ensuring and "I have entrusted to my protecting the Amerindians' cousin, the Duke of Kent, the rights to their lands. duty of acting as my repre­ sentative at the celebrations In pursuance of its of. 'the independence of your intention to bind up the couri�ry. 21 Address 26TH MAY, 1966 of Thanks 22

My husband and I recall 11.45 a.m. with pleasure the kindliness ADDRESS OF THANKS and the warmth of the welcome we received from the people The Prime Minister (Mr. of Guyana during our visit to Burnham): Your Royal Highnesses, you earlier this year. The Mr. Speaker, may I, on behalf of memory of that happy experi­ the,Parliament of Independent ence enables us to picture Guyana, and the people of this the enthusiasm with which you new nation, express gratitude, will now be celebrating your first of all, for Your Royal country's independence. Highness'� undertaking the duty, we hope with pleasure, of repre­ It is with especial senting Her Gracious Majesty the pleasure that I welcome you Queen of Guyana, on the opening to the Commonwealth of Na­ of this first and significant tions. session of the National Assembly of Guyana. My thoughts are with you today. I send you my Today is historic primarily good wishes �nd I pray that because we are indulging in an God may bless and guide you exercise, the first of its kind throughout the coming years. by the Parliament of Guyana. But there is another significance (Sgd.) Elizabeth R. about today's date, for in the 11 Year of Our Lord 1789 on the 26th 26th May, 1966. of May, there was established a Constitution by the Dutch, much [All sat.] more liberal than the Constitu� tion which was substituted for it CONSTITUTIONAL INSTRUMENTS in 1928, and I have a feeling that today we are redressing the [The Private Secretary handed events of 1928 by opening our the Constitutional Instruments to Parliament on the same date on His Royal Highness.] which a relatively liberal Con­ stitu tion, subsequently sus­ pended, was established. His Royal Highness: It is now my solemn duty and privilege We have come to the end of to hand you, Mr. Prime Minister, the road of colonial rule, and as a representative of the people not without significance to our of Guyana, the Constitutional minds is the fact that Her Instr uments embodying an Inde­ Gracious Majesty, Queen of the pendent Guyana. United Kingdom is Queen of Guyana. [Applause.] Our associ­ ation with , our member­ [The Prime Minister received ship of the Commonwealth, are the Constjtutional Instruments, matters of free and untrammelled laid them on the Tabl e 1and re- choice by the representatives of sumed his seat.] the people of Guyana. 23 Address 26TH MAY, 1966 of Thanks 24

[-HE PRIME MINISTER] Tomorrow, no doubt, we as Guyanese will indulge in our After 150 odd years of usual political conflicts and British rule, and in some cases ideological differences, but misrule, we are now independent. today to my mind, is above such But we harbour no bitterness. relatively petty matters, for Bitte rness, we feel, is for today Guyana is history. Today children and the intellectually we say goodbye to the British as underdeveloped. It is difficult, masters, and we shake hands with nay impossible, to change the them as friends and colleagues. facts of past history, and in the [Applause.] It is difficult to circumstances, though we welcome say more. A descendant of those with enthusiasm our new status, who were brought here against we are prepared not to spend the their will, one who has known the time ahead of us abusing those embarrassment of being a colonial who once dictated to us, but object - I am moved and all I can rathe r to seek means of co­ say now is, "Thank you sincerely operating with them to our mutual Your Royal Highness, and please advantage - shall I say self­ be good enough to convey to Her interest. Majesty the Queen, our thanks, our gratitude, and our under­ taking to make Guyana an out­ standi ng member of the Common­ I desire on this occasion, to wealth, we hope, surpassing those reqaest you, Your Royal Highness, who have been independent members to convey to Her Gracious Majesty for years before us. Thank you." the Queen, the kind feelings [Applause.] which we hold towards her as Head of the Commonwealth, and as a Dr. Ja gao: Your Royal High­ person whom we have met, seen, nesses, Mr. Speaker, the severing admir ed, and in some cases, of the British colonial tie in loved. I shall ask Your Royal Guyana, and the attainment of Highness0 to convey to the Queen political rndependence are wel­ of Guyana, the loyalty of the come features of the struggle of people of the independent nation _this country and its people for a of Guyana, who are happy to have better life. These features in her as their Queen. The days today's context, do not, however, ah�ad are going to be difficult, guarantee the realization of the and in the circumstances, we are better life we all seek. They heartened and encouraged by Her merely represent a further stage, Majesty's kind wishes, and also an advancement in the continuing by the asseverations of friend­ struggle. ship and willingness to assist coming from other Govel"ilments in I wish to thank their Royal the Commonwealth, more particu­ Highnesses the Duke and Duchess larly in the present circum­ of Kent, as representatives of stances, from the Government of Her Majesty the Queen, for theirhand the United Kingdom. presence in this House t.o 25 Address 26 TH MAY, T966 of Thariks 26 over the new Constitutional In­ As the Leader of the Opposi­ struments. But lest our position tion, I have accepted invitations � this historic ceremony be to consult with the hon. Prime misunderstood, it is necessary Minister, on +he making of ap­ for me to observe that the people pointments to those important whom my party represents hold public offices, which form the considerable reservations. The pillars of Constitutional-Gov­ fonn of the Constitution being ernment, but I regret to say that handed down at this time is one on no occasion, has there been which perpetuates divisions in any measure of agreement. The our society, and entrenches result is that those people, whom minority rule. The Constitution my party represents, are denied has failed to lay the foundation any participation· in the govern­ for national unity. The funda­ mental process. Consultation has mental rights which the Consti­ amounted, in practice, to no more tution seeks to safeguard are, in than an intimation, on many a great measure non-existent,and occasions, of the names of per­ the Government has provided sons whom the inflexible Govern­ evidence in great abundance of ment wished to prefer to high its intention to render all t!lffice in this Government. safeguards nugatory. Detention without trial.has plagued the Besides, political independ­ country since July, 1964, when, ence has beP.n attained under the by a constitutional Amendment, continuation and consolidation of the United Kingdom .Government foreign economic control and the gave to the Governor, acting maintenance of the Colonial type without advice, powers to detain of economy, based on primary pro­ without trial. duction and extraction. This has 11.55 a.m. already detracted from the living standards of the working people. This power was made to ap­ Debt burdens are already in­ pear, by the world press and creas ing with the resulting radio, to have been exercised by pressure on the economy. The the Government, of which I was annmlly rec11rring budgetary the head. The powers were, in deficits will inevitably mean fact, arbitrarily exercised by dependence on other Governments the Governor, to the detriment of for budgetary support. In these the members and supporters of the circumstances, there is no pros­ People's Progressive Party. pect for real independence in Abuses of these powers, now external affairs and the protes­ transferred to the Government, tations of the Government, of and the extension of such State pursuing a neutral policy, are of Emergency, beyond the date of illusory. the attainment of Independence, have generated fear in our land The People's Progressive e.nd have frustrated the efforts Party has been the victim of of many of our people iµ their repeated constitutional manipula­ struggle for peace 6.',;d security. tions designed to keep it out of Death of 26TH MAY, 1966 Sir Eustace Woolford 28

[DR. JAGAN] 'Ille Pri•e Minister: Fate and nisto ry play strange tricks. office. We are nonetheless con­ Today, we are celebrating our fiden t that, despi te these country's accession to Independ­ manip ulations, the People's ence, and today, it is my painful Progressive:Party can be triwn­ duty to make reference to the phant at future elections, if passing last week, of Sir Eustace these are fairly held.· Parlia­ Gordon Woolford, formerly a Mem­ menta ry democracy has an im­ ber of the Court of Policy, a portant place in this country, Member of the Legislative Coun­ and a heavy onus lies on all of cil, Speaker of the House of us, but more particularly on the Assembly, Speaker of the Legis­ Government, to see that it works. lative Council, and an outstand­ The People's Progressive Party, ing member of the legal profes­ the vanguard of Guyana's struggle sion. Perhaps, this Motion, for national liberation, is con­ which I am about to move, befits, vinced that liberty is achieved in some measure, what we are only when it has been struggled celebrating today. Although, for and·-won. It cannot be a gift r Sir Eustace, in his later years, of charity. I or the people or" could hardly have expected to Guyana, real freedom is still a find great sympathy from young prize to be won, and win it �e radicals like myself, as far as will, and as a re-united free his political views were con­ people. cerned, it is to be noted and remarked, that in 1928, when the [His Royal Highnes� the Duke British Government suspended the of Kent and Her Royal Highness Constitution of British Guiana, the Duchess of Kent then wi thdrew Mr. Woolford, as he was then, was from the Chamber.] one of the staunchest opponents of that suspension. In his day, MOTIONf . he was a radical and progressive. DEATH OF Perhaps in �is later days, he was not sufficiently radical for us, SIR EUSTACE WOOLFORD, but that cannot prevent us from O.B.E., Q.C. paying tribute to a man, who, in his youth, was nndeniably a "Be it resol ved that nationalist of the highest order. this Assembly record its deep As a man, who, as he grew older, � regret at the recent death of was a person of great charm and Sir Eustace Gordon Wool ford, undoubted distinction, the Leader O.B.E., Q.C., and pay tribute of the Opposition and myself, no to the long, distinguished doubt, will recall his great and devoted service which he capacity, when he was Speaker in rendered to Guyana and to 1953. Parliament and direc t that an expression of its sympathy be 12.05 p.m. conveyed to his relatives." - And tho•,1g h he irritated us by [The Pri•e Minister.] ret'using.to entertain a particn- · Death of 26TH MAY, 1966 Sir Eustace Woolford 30 lar Motion, one could not help associate myself with his remarks recognising the skill of the on the occasion of the tragic gentleman who could differentiate death of Sir Eustace Woolford. between the actual knowledge of I say tragic death because it has the landing of the British troops occurred just a few days before and the official intimation by this ceremony in this Chamber. the Governor that the troops had Sir Eustace was one of those landed. individuals who braved the estab­ lishment of the ol d order . He fought violently, and it is still It was my pleasure and honour a pleasure to read the statements to have been a junior member of made by myself and others who the prof3ssion which he adorned. were associated with me in that A tribute to him in that capacity has already been paid in the per·iod when the first suspension proper place·. I am convinced of the Constitution took place in that whatever differences of our land. political persuasion might have existed between myself and the It is true that the passage late Sir Eustace, we cannot but of time mellows some of us: some accept the fact that he was a of us get grey hair, some of us distinguished son of Guyana, a have falling hair, some of us become more conservative, and brilliant lawyer, a parliamen­ par excellence, others continue in their re­ tarian and one volutionary tradition. I support whose name must certainly adorn the h o n . Pr i m e Min i s t e r i n histo ry when it comes to be regretting the fact that one such written, especially in the con­ as this great freedom fighter text of Independence. became more cautious and defended the establishment of the old In the circumstances, I beg order. However, that does not to move: "That this Assembly detract from the heroic struggle record its deep regret at the in which he participated during recen t death of Sir Eustace the first period of the national Gordon Woolford, O.B.E., Q.C., liberation in modern times. I and pay t rib u t e to the 1 o ng , feel that all of the young na­ distinguished and devoted service tionalists on the political scene w:':iich he rendered to Guyana and should read and study carefully' to Parliament and direct that an some of the writings by Sir expression of its sympathy be Eustace, so that they may be conveyed to his relatives," as is better armed to face the future the custom. struggles in our country.

The Leader of the:-:)nposition I would like to ask, in keep­ (Dr. Jagan) has intimat;d ihat he ing with our feelings on this will second this Motion. occasion, that the House stand for one minute in silence in Dr. Jagan: I wish/to Join memor y of one of our fallen the hon. Prime Min!�'tir and to heroes. 31 Death of 26TH MAY, 1966 1/r. Stephen Campbell 32

[The H.oisembly stood in in the same political party as silence for one minute.] Mr. Campbell. It was seldom my experience, prior to 1965, to Mr. Speaker: Please be have agreed with him on many seated. major matters of political significance, but it was always my pleasure to sit next to him, Question put, arrJ agreed to. to admire his deep humanity, his unusual and distinctive sense of carried. 1/otion humour, and his great devotion to the ca.use of the people from amongst whose ranks he sprang - DEA.Tlf OF the Amerindians. He was an MR. STEPlfEN CAMPBELL Amerindian and he never forgot that. His chief concern was "Be it resolved that always the furthering of the in­ this Assembly record its deep terests of the Amerindians and regre6 at the recent death of giving them an opportunity to Mr. Stephen Campbell and pay enjoy those services and facili­ tribute to the devoted ser­ ties' which he and I, too, con­ vice which he rendered to sidered should be their just Guyana and to Parliament and deserts by virtue not only of direct that an expression of their being Guyanese citizens, its sympathy be conveyed to but by virtue of the fact that his widow, children and rela­ they were the indigenous in­ tives.11 - [1be Prime Minis­ habitants of this land of Guyana ter.] to which country they gave the name "Guiana" the land of many The Prime Minister: Mr. waters. Speaker, death has been unkind to us. It seems.as though we can never have joy and pleasure with­ But, perhaps, Mr. Campbell out a substantial admixture of did die with some feeling of sadness, for just a few days be­ satisfaction - satisfaction that fore the assumption of Independ­ he wa s the person primarily ence by our country another responsible at the Constitutional notable parliamentarian died. I Confe renc� of 1965 for those refer to Mr. Stephen Campbell provisions in the Constitution who, .at the time of his death, and subsequent legislation which was the Parliamentary Secretary seek to give to the Amerindians for Amerindian Affairs in the my their rights to their lands and Government which it is honour an opportunity to develop those to head. lands for t.!leir economic benefit. No dout� he also must have got Mr. Campbell came into the some satisfaction from the fact Legislature in 1957; he spent that he was one of the architects nine years in this House. It was of the Independence which, today, never my experience to have been we celebrate. 33 Death of 26TH MAY, 1966 Mr. Stephen Campbell 34

12.15 p. m. his goal, that is, the elevation and well-being of the Amerindian It is my proposal that a people. fitting memorial be created, whether in the form of a statue As the Prime Minister said, or of an endowment t9 a peculiar­ on his death-bed he may have been ly Amerindian project, to the happy at the thought that many of memo r y o f t he late St e phen the things which he had been Campbell. fighting for have been partially achieved. The regret is that he is not with us on this occasion I would desire to move that in this House. this Assembly record its deep regret at the recent death of Hon. Members on this side of Mr. Stephen Campbell and pay the House who knew him would like tribute to the devoted service to express condolences to his which he rendered to Guyana and family and those who are left t� to Parliament and direct that an mourn his loss. expression of sympathy be con­ veyed to his sorrowing wido�, The Minister of Finance children and relatives. (Mr. d'Aguiar): I should like to join with the two other leaders The unkindness of death in of our political parties in pay­ this instance is tempered, I ing tribute to a member of my hope, by an appreciation on our party for whom I had the very part that Mr. Campbell has left highest and deepest respect. I behind him a name at which some am proud of the fact that it was of us may grow pale, a name to my pa rty that first took an point a moral anrt adorn a tale. Amerindian to represent Amerin­ dian affairs at Conferences which were held in London on three Dr, Jagan: I rise to second occasions, and I am proud of the the �otion moved by the Prime way in which Mr. Campbell carried Minister on this another sad out that representation. occasion for this House. Like him, I knew Mr. Campbell for Mr. Campbell impressed every­ sever al years. While we both body, as he has impressed both shared the same interest in the the Prime Minister and Dr. Jagan, welfare of the Amerindian people by hi s abid ing honesty and and while we may have differed as simplicity, which were attributes • to _the. methods which should be that seemed to be naturally nsed to bring about the welfare associated with him. Anyone who of the Amerindian people, never­ met him could only feel that here theless I held him in.my esteem was an honest and sincere man, and respect because of the deep fighting for what he believed. convi ctions and the almost single-minded purpose and deter­ It is a great loss to me personally and to our party, and mination with which he! pursued Welcome to 26TH MAY, 1966 New Members 36

[MR. O' ,f.\GU IAR] Attorney-General and LO the hon. Member Dr. Richmond, who take we all join with deep sincerity their seats in this House for the · · I in supporLing this Motion. n rst time today.

Question put, and agreed to. ADJOURNMENT

Motion carried. Resolved, "That this Assembly do now adjourn to a date to be Bissember.J WELCO�E TO NEW �EMBERS fixed." - [Mr.

\1 r • Spea k e r : I de s ire to Adjourned acc ordingly at e}.-r,end a welcom e to the hon. 12.20 p.m.