Georgetown: The National Assembly recently launched its revamped, upgraded parliamentary website,www.parliament.gov.gy, that seeks to provide relevant information to the public in a timely fashion.
The launch took place in the Parliament Chamber, Public Buildings, Georgetown, in the presence of Members of Parliament, Gail Teixeira, Manzoor Nadir, Moses Nagamootoo and Cathy Hughes, a statement from Parliament Office reported.
The MPs and others present lauded the efforts made by all the parties involved in making the establishment of the new site possible and were treated to a guided tour by the Consultant.
Recognising significant short-falls in the previous website, a contract was signed on November 1, 2013, to upgrade the website with consultant Cirrus Multi-media, with funding provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its “Enhanced Public Trust Security and Inclusion Project 2.”
A Planning Committee comprising all Heads of Department and chaired by the Clerk of the National Assembly was established to monitor the project and several meetings were held.
According to the statement, the website is user-friendly and provides relevant information to MPs, members of staff, members of the media, students and the general public on the major aspects of the functions and various activities of the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana.
It includes a media centre, a searchable database of committee reports, records, hearings, votes and other parliamentary documents pertaining to the current Parliament; searchable database of legislative acts, bills, documents laid, resolutions, motions, notice papers, questions and answers, minutes of the National Assembly, subsidiary legislation, petitions and other parliamentary documents.
There is also a special section on budget and financial legislation; an overview of the composition and functions of the National Assembly, including a description of the specific role of the parliamentary chamber and non-plenary bodies (committees, commissions, etc); a “guided tour”(virtual tour) of the parliamentary building; practical information on access to the parliamentary building and library; pictures and contact information for all MPs; summary or complete records of parliamentary debates; and audio and video web telecasting of parliamentary sittings.
Speaking at the ceremony, the statement said House Speaker, Raphael Trotman said the main aim of the website was to provide, efficient, effective, and timely ICT based information services for members and staff, and to make the work of the National Assembly and Parliament Office more transparent.
Trotman also noted that the website can be seen as an essential tool to both foster and enhance a two-way communication between the parliament and people of Guyana.
“Effective communication with citizens builds confidence in Parliament. Creating an environment where citizens have trust in their elected officials promotes a shared commitment to democratic values,” the statement further quoted Trotman as pointing out.
Resident Representative of the UNDP, Ms. Khadijah Musa, underscored the importance of parliaments having the necessary tools to give the press and members of the public full access to parliamentary information. She further commended the National Assembly for reaching this important milestone.
Members of the public can send their comments or suggestions to the email: info@parliament.gov.gy.
You must be logged in to post a comment.