The atmosphere during the session was one without hostility, with pledges from both sides of the House pledging to put Guyana first.

Before the convening of parliamentary business, leader of the PNC/R, Mr. Robert Corbin was formally elected as the Leader of the Opposition which post was vacant following the death of Mr. Demond Hoyte.

Following his election, Mr. Corbin pledged to always put Guyana first in order to create the foundation for a better country for the future generation.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ms. Gail Teixeira in congratulating Mr. Corbin on behalf of the Government described the occasion as an "historic day" citing the opportunity for the continuation of the dialogue and constructive engagements between President Bharrat Jagdeo and the Leader of the Opposition. This, she added, would contribute towards the building of confidence in Guyana.

Mr. Winston Murray, extending congratulations on behalf of the PNC/R described Mr. Corbin's participation in parliament as "a beacon of light", expressing confidence that he would contribute towards leading for a better and brighter Guyana.

Ms. Sheila Holder and Mr. Ravi Dev of the Guyana Action Party/Working People's Alliance and the Rise Organise and Rebuild parties respectively also expressed similar sentiments on Mr. Corbin's election.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Harrinarine (Ralph) Ramkarran said Mr. Corbin has been elected at a "critical juncture" observing that when the Parliamentary Sectoral Committees are appointed the volume of parliamentary work would significantly increase.

Ms. Teixeira also successfully piloted two motions which received unanimous support. However, Parliament could not complete its business with the motions because of an adjourment to facilitate Members of Parliament attending the funeral of the late Senior Counsel, Donald Robinson.

The first motion dealt with the establishment of a Parliamentary Management Committee, a new feature of Guyana's parliamentary system.

The motion seeks to ensure a more effective and efficient management of the parliamentary business through a greater participation of the opposition Members of Parliament, thereby deepening the democratic culture, Ms. Teixeira pointed out, adding that it would also foster stronger relations between parliamentary parties and modernise the manner in which the National Assembly operates.

Mr. Corbin in extending his party's support for the motion described as "breaking new ground observing that it is introducing a new system of parliamentary mangement but expressed regret that his predecessor Mr. Hoyte who was involved in the initial stages of the motion was not present for the occasion.

Noting that the long gestation period for proposals to become a reality, Mr. Corbin urged not to look backwards, instead to look forward.

He also acknowledged the input of CARICOM which contributed towards the establishment of the Committee becoming a reality following the Herdmanston Accord negotiated between former president Janet Jagan and Mr. Hoyte.

Ms. Holder in supporting the motion described it as a "flickering light of hope on the horizon" adding that it would help to nurture a democratic culture.

Mr. Dev also supporting the motion said governing essentially is the management of social conflicts and that the establishment of the Committee would contribute significantly towards the resolution of conflicts.

The other motion sought to have the establishment of a Parliamnetary Committee of Appointments with the right to make nominations to the various service commissions-the judicial, police, teachers and ethnic relations.

Ms. Teixeira noted that nowhere in the English-speaking Caribbean or CARICOM exists such a system, making Guyana being ahead in the operation of parliamentary systems.

Chief Whip of the PNC/R, Lance Carberry spoke in support of the motion but a formal vote could not have been taken because of the adjournment of the session.

Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj placed before the House the report (Symonds Group Strategic report) of the preliminary investigation to assess the extent of the review of the operations of the Guyana Police Force.

The investigation was conducted by the Regional Police Adviser to Her Majesty's Government following a request by the Government of Guyana in 1999.