USAID launches project to strengthen Parliament

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded International Republican Institute (IRI) officially launched the Guyana Leadership and Democracy Programme (LEAD) project on Wednesday evening, which is expected to bolster the functioning of the National Assembly.
The project, which was launched at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown, will focus on fortifying the National Assembly by encouraging consensus building; and working with civil society and the public to boost citizens’ engagement with the National Assembly and all parties to support the legislature’s role as an effective deliberative body.

Speaking at the event, United States Ambassador to Guyana D Brent Hardt expressed excitement about the programme, deeming it as timely. “Guyana’s National Assembly is grappling with serious issues that will shape the future of the country, how successfully the parties navigate these will help shape the future for the people of Guyana,” he noted.
Consensus-building
The ambassador made reference to whether the parties can have effective local governance or reliable, environmentally friendly power or be able to deter crime and violence and prevent financial crimes that distort economic development.
He underscored that his country recognised that the new dispensation in Parliament could pose many challenges which, if not handled with a spirit of compromise and a focus on national interest, can lead to a stalemate and frustration.
“That’s why we asked the State Department and USAID in Washington to support a specially-tailored democracy and governance programme here to enhance the National Assembly’s functioning and encourage consensus.”
Hardt disclosed that over the past few months, there have been meetings with stakeholders from across the political spectrum to help shape the outline of the programme, identify priorities, and chart a path toward successful implementation. He lauded the stakeholders who gave their time, while positing that their perspectives and feedback have been invaluable in identifying priorities for advancing democracy and strengthening political processes to achieve consensus and constructive political engagement.
Citizen education
The ambassador disclosed that one of the core messages heard from all stakeholders and all parties was the critical importance of holding local government elections. In light of this, he voiced his hope that all parties can come together today “to approve the legislation before the assembly and pave the way for elections this year”.
Hardt asserted that the U. S. through USAID will immediately support citizen education effort in preparation for the local government elections and renewed local governance.