Hinds to push Bills focusing on Poverty alleviation and Constitutional reform in 13th Parliament – newssourcegy.com

Report on Proposed Legislative Agenda for Guyana’s 13th Parliament and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Advancing Poverty Alleviation in Line with SDG 1

A significant legislative priority for the 13th Parliament will be the advancement of poverty alleviation measures, directly addressing Sustainable Development Goal 1 (No Poverty). This initiative is proposed in response to the paradox of rapid economic growth, largely driven by the oil and gas sector, coexisting with a high national poverty rate.

• According to World Bank data, Guyana’s poverty rate stands at 48.4%, indicating a critical disconnect between economic growth and equitable development. This disparity highlights the need to address SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
• The proposed legislative agenda aims to table specific bills that directly target poverty reduction.
• The objective is to transition the nation from a state of economic growth to one of comprehensive development. This involves not only physical infrastructure but also the development of “human infrastructure,” which supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Strengthening Governance through Constitutional Reform to Meet SDG 16

A second major focus for parliamentary action is comprehensive constitutional reform, a critical component for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The current constitutional framework, last updated 25 years ago, is considered inadequate for addressing contemporary national challenges.

1. Electoral Reform: The immediate priority within the constitutional reform agenda is electoral reform, aimed at resolving systemic issues that have led to post-election confusion and instability.
2. Institutional Integrity: Reform is deemed necessary to address the composition of key bodies such as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to ensure effective and accountable institutions.
3. Separation of Powers: A key concern is the perceived control of the Legislature by the Executive. Constitutional reform is sought to enforce a stricter separation of powers, thereby strengthening Parliament’s oversight function, a cornerstone of SDG 16.
4. Modernizing Legislation: The reform effort will include updating existing laws and introducing new legislation to align the nation’s legal framework with current realities and developmental needs.

While a 20-member Constitutional Reform Commission was established in April 2024, its progress has been limited. The government has indicated plans to re-examine the Commission’s composition following recent changes within the Opposition.

SDG Analysis of the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  The article’s central theme is the push for poverty alleviation. It explicitly mentions the high poverty rate in Guyana and the intention to table bills that directly address this issue.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article highlights the paradox of “rapid economic growth” from the oil and gas industry coexisting with a large percentage of the population remaining in poverty. This points to a significant inequality in the distribution of the country’s new wealth, a core concern of SDG 10.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  A significant portion of the article is dedicated to the need for constitutional and electoral reform. It discusses strengthening Parliament’s oversight function, ensuring the separation of powers, and reforming institutions like the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). These are all fundamental components of building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions as outlined in SDG 16.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Under SDG 1: No Poverty
  • Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions. The article directly supports this target with Dr. Hinds’ statement about the need to “get rid of poverty or reduce it drastically.”
• Under SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all. The call for constitutional and electoral reform is aimed at creating a more inclusive and representative political system, which is a key aspect of this target.
• Under SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The article’s focus on strengthening Parliament’s oversight role, addressing the “runaway Executive,” and reforming GECOM directly aligns with this target.
  • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. The push for constitutional and electoral reform is explicitly aimed at making the country’s decision-making framework more responsive and representative, as highlighted by the statement that Guyana “needs to refresh its constitutional framework as regularly as possible.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For SDG 1 (Target 1.2)
  • Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line. The article explicitly provides a baseline for this indicator by stating, “According to the World Bank, Guyana has a poverty rate of 48.4%.” Progress would be measured by a reduction in this percentage.
• For SDG 16 (Targets 16.6 and 16.7)
  • Progress of the Constitutional Reform Commission: The article implies this as an indicator by noting that a 20-member commission was appointed but “little progress has been made.” The successful functioning and implementation of recommendations from this commission would be a measure of progress.
  • Legislative and Constitutional Changes: The article implies that the introduction and passage of new laws (“to upgrade the laws that need upgrading, to introduce laws that are needed”) and constitutional amendments related to electoral reform and the separation of powers would serve as key indicators of progress.
  • Composition of GECOM: The article cites the “current composition of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)” as a challenge. Changes to its composition to make it more effective and impartial would be an indicator of institutional strengthening.

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table

Source: newssourcegy.com