Speaker Manzoor Nadir Warns MPs Against Disclosing Confidential Committee Material Ahead of M.V. Barima Debate

By Javone Vickerie | HGP Nightly News|

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament against publicly disclosing confidential committee evidence, testimony, or internal deliberations. The directive comes just days before the government is set to face intense questioning in the National Assembly regarding the state-operated M.V. Barima disaster.

The formal reminder was dispatched in a letter by Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs, acting on instructions from Speaker Nadir. The correspondence urged all parliamentarians to review Standing Order 101, which governs the confidentiality of committee proceedings, and Standing Order 103, which strictly prohibits the premature publication of evidence before a committee formally reports to the House.

Strict Guidelines on Protected Material

Under the cited Standing Orders, parliamentarians are prohibited from releasing protected documents or committee testimony through press statements, media interviews, social media posts, or other public channels without explicit authorization:

• Standing Order 101: Mandates that all evidence, documents, and deliberations of parliamentary committees remain strictly confidential until officially presented to the Assembly.
• Standing Order 103: Bars the premature publication or leaking of witness testimony or committee findings prior to the formal tabling of a committee report.
• Scope of Restriction: While the directive restricts the leak of unreleased committee material, it does not prevent MPs from debating public issues, questioning ministers, or speaking on information already available in the public domain.

                       [ PARLIAMENTARY STANDING ORDERS GUIDELINE ]
                                            │
       ┌────────────────────────────────────┴────────────────────────────────────┐
       ▼                                                                         ▼
 [ Standing Order 101: Confidentiality ]                 [ Standing Order 103: Publication Restrictions ]
 - Cover committee deliberations & draft reports          - Prohibits premature release of evidence
 - Protects unreleased documents & testimony              - Applies to press releases, interviews & social media
 - Remains in force until formally reported to House     - Requires committee authorization for early release

Opposition Pushes for Urgent Parliamentary Debate

The timing of Speaker Nadir’s directive has drawn heightened political attention as Parliament prepares to convene on Monday amid mounting public outcry over the tragedy.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Dr. Terrence Campbell has formally submitted a request under Standing Order 12 to suspend the Assembly’s ordinary agenda for an urgent debate on the M.V. Barima. Dr. Campbell is calling for parliamentary consensus on the establishment, composition, and terms of reference for an independent Commission of Inquiry (COI).

“The proposed inquiry must examine the ferry’s maintenance history, seaworthiness, passenger and cargo records, crew conduct, regulatory oversight, and the adequacy of search-and-recovery efforts,” Dr. Campbell noted in his filing, adding that the panel should be empowered to recommend criminal or disciplinary action where negligence is uncovered.

While the government has pledged to establish an independent COI, it has not yet published the panel’s membership or complete mandate. Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has confirmed that a motion of no confidence against Public Works Minister Juan Edghill is currently under consideration, setting the stage for a tense parliamentary session on Monday.