The History of Parliament at Independence

TIMES INT'L

The Parliament of Guyana was created by the 1966 Constitution of Guyana.

The Guyana Independence Act was passed on May 12, 1966 and came into force May 26, 1966. The First sitting of the National Assembly of the First Parliament of the Guyana Parliament was held May 26, 1966.

However, according to parliament.gov.gy, strictly speaking, Guyana’s parliamentary system was not created at Independence.

In 1831, the three colonies of Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice were united, and the colony of British Guiana was formed. From the years 1831 to 1928, the law making body of British Guiana was the Court of Policy.

The Court of Policy consisted of the governor, seven official members and eight elected members. The governor presided in the Court of Policy as its president.

In 1928, a new constitution was introduced and British Guiana became a British Crown Colony. A Legislative Council was established and replaced the Dutch created Court of Policy.

In 1953, a new constitution was publicized and a two-tier (bicameral) legislature, consisting of a State Council and a House of Assembly, was introduced. A ministerial system of government and universal adult suffrage were also introduced in 1953.

The Legislature that came into effect in May 1953 last only until October 1953 however, after the British suspended the Constitution and an interim government was established by the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council.

In 1956, the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was amended. The Legislative Council appointed under the British Guiana (Constitution) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was dissolved with effect from June 29, 1957. When the 1957 general elections were held, a second Legislative Council was appointed.

Then, in 1961, a new Constitution was established, and a bicameral legislature consisting of a Legislative Assembly and a Senate was created. The Senate consisted of 13 members, who were appointed by the governor. The Legislative Assembly consisted of 35 members elected under the electoral system of First Past the Post.

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