Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs Amanza Walton-Desir has intensified her call for the removal of the ban on the word “corruption” in parliamentary debates, accusing National Assembly Speaker Manzoor Nadir of undermining accountability and stifling critical discourse. The ban, defended by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, using the 19th-century Erskine May Parliamentary Practice, has sparked outrage from Desir, civil society, and the broader public.
Walton-Desir earlier this week came out against the ban, and on Thursday reiterated her viewpoint in a Staborek News’ letter. The parliamentarian criticised the reliance on Erskine May, noting that while it remains a respected guide, it was first published in 1844 and is out of step with modern parliamentary norms. May’s 19th Edition was published in 1976, that is almost half a century ago. She pointed out that parliaments in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other Commonwealth nations do not prohibit the term “corruption” and argued that Guyana must move beyond outdated frameworks.
“Is the Speaker suggesting that we, as a Parliament, are to be shackled by a centuries-old framework that other nations have already adapted to foster transparency, accountability, and open debate?” Walton-Desir asked.
Her appeal comes amid widespread concerns about governance in Guyana. The nation’s poor ranking on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index underscores the failure of successive People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administrations, including the Bharrat Jagdeo government and the current Irfaan Ali-led regime, to address systemic corruption.
Critics argue that despite lofty promises of reform, the Ali administration has failed to tackle corruption, leaving Guyana with a reputation as the most corrupt English-speaking country in the Caribbean.
“The fact that modern parliaments do not shy away from using the term ‘corruption’ underscores its importance in addressing governance and accountability,” Walton-Desir stated. Corruption, defined by the Oxford Dictionary speaks to “dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery,” and is globally recognised as a hallmark of bad governance that undermines institutions, human rights, and sustainable development.
Critics see the Speaker’s ban on the word “corruption” as an attempt to shield the ruling PPP from accountability. Many argue that it aims to obscure widespread corruption under the Ali administration and prevent the opposition and civil society from addressing the issue. “Society rejects dropping such an important word from parliamentary lexicon when it is the only word that best describes the Irfaan Ali government,” said one commentator.
Walton-Desir reinforced the urgency of addressing corruption in Parliament, pointing to Guyana’s commitments as a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the Inter-American Convention against Corruption. She pointed to the fact that “the United Nations and several other multilateral bodies have implemented entire legal and regulatory frameworks to address the problem of corruption demonstrates the significance of this issue – it is one that undermines governance, erodes public trust, and impacts the lives of ordinary citizens.”
In a passionate defense of her stance, Walton-Desir invoked Guyana’s Constitution, declaring, “After all, Article 9 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana provides that Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives. The people of Guyana want to talk about corruption!”
She also rejected claims that her focus on this issue is trivial. “When rules or practices that hinder accountability go unchallenged, they become entrenched,” Walton-Desir argued. “The people of Guyana want to talk about corruption because it is central to addressing the issues that undermine governance and public trust.”
As public pressure mounts, Walton-Desir continues to call on Speaker Nadir to reverse the ban and allow Parliament to serve as a forum for robust, transparent, and meaningful discourse. “Parliament must be a space for confronting critical issues head-on and fostering accountability in service of the people,” she said.
The debate over the prohibition has fueled national discourse, with many urging the government to prioritise reforms that restore public trust in the country’s institutions and governance. Walton-Desir’s challenge reflects broader calls for a more accountable and transparent parliamentary process in Guyana.
