US Congressional Reps and Guyanese MPs Exchange Experiences on Stronger Legislative Practices at IRI Forum

The International Republican Institute (IRI) hosted a forum on May 2 and 3, 2023, consisting of two half-day sessions at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown. United States (U.S.) retired Congressional Representatives David Price and Erik Paulsen, former Deputy Chief of Staff and District Director Karen Glaser, and Guyanese Members of Parliament (MPs) exchanged experiences on stronger legislative practices.

MPs representing Guyana’s government and opposition parties engaged in the forum.

In her opening remarks at the first session, U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch said, “It is truly my sincere hope that everyone participating will come together to exchange ideas and possible solutions, not only with the former congressmen and professional chief of staff, but also with the government as a representative parliamentary institution that speaks for all Guyanese citizens.”

 Ambassador Lynch encouraged MPs to actively engage in discussions because their contributions “give life to the democratic values that we all collectively cherish” and expressed U.S. commitment to

supporting Guyana’s democracy to become stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira delivered opening remarks on the second day.

Government and Opposition MPs acknowledged the high level of professionalism practiced by the Parliamentary staff in delivering support and expressed optimism about finding ways to foster greater cross-party collaboration.

Resident Programme Director Carin Mirowitz said, “IRI looks forward to continuing to support the work of leaders building Guyana’s democratic resilience.”

IRI’s legislative forum was among several activities being delivered with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) to strengthen engagement among Guyanese leaders and citizens, especially marginalized groups like youth, women, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities.

Ganesh Mahipaul MP, of A Partnership of National Unity (APNU), said the engagement was fruitful and illuminating. In a social media post the MP stated “while the discussion was very informative, it became evident that our systems and constitutions have fundamental differences”. As such, he informed, “the visiting delegation gained a greater understanding of the uniqueness of the American system compared to our Guyana system, with contributions coming from all sides of the room.”