Sherlock Isaacs, Clerk of the National Assembly, has clarified that Members of Parliament (MPs) can receive their salaries either through bank transfers or in cash. This announcement follows the recent closures of bank accounts for several candidates associated with the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party, led by US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, which secured 16 seats in the National Assembly.
Isaacs explained, “We pay by bank and we can pay by cash. If I’m told that persons don’t have bank accounts, I’ll then pay them in cash.” He emphasized that it would be the responsibility of the MPs to manage their funds.
With its 16 seats, WIN is set to become the main opposition party, with Mohamed expected to be the Opposition Leader. Isaacs noted that the Opposition Leader will be elected by opposition members during a dedicated meeting convened by the Speaker of the House.
The proposed parliamentary slate for WIN includes notable former APNU-AFC ministers, such as Dawn Hastings-Williams, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Natasha Singh-Lewis, and Duarte Hetsberger, many of whom have faced account closures due to their ties to sanctioned individuals.
Isaacs confirmed that he has received the names of all 65 MPs who will serve in the new Assembly. The composition includes the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) with 36 seats, WIN with 16, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) with 12, and the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) with 1.
“I received the letter from the Chief Elections Officer declaring 65 persons to be members of the National Assembly,” Isaacs said, adding that he is awaiting a proclamation from the President to set the date for the first sitting, where members will take their oaths and elect the Speaker.
He outlined the process for the first parliamentary session, stating, “According to the standing orders, the first business will be the election of the Speaker. I will conduct the election, asking for nominations and proceeding with the voting.”
The Clerk also highlighted the clerical work ahead, including preparing registers and coordinating with the Accountant General for salary payments.
National Assembly Clerk Awaits Presidential Proclamation for First Sitting
