A Pharmacy Bill is also scheduled for debate at today’s sitting.

Responding to whether the differences over the Kidnapping Bill have been ironed out, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon replied in the negative, but noted that the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) intends to move ahead notwithstanding the concerns.

Dr. Luncheon said Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj has sought to allay the fears by the PNC/R relating to the exercise of discretion, pointing out that it will be in the hands of the courts.

The Kidnapping Bill (N0. 15 of 2002) was deferred by Parliament during its final sitting for last month.

Minister Gajraj, in requesting the deference, had informed the House that that some more time was needed to resolve issues surrounding the provisions of the Bill.

The Bill, which was introduced in Parliament on December 5 last year, provides for "the punishment of the offences of abduction, wrongful restraint and wrongful confinement, for ransom and other related offences and for matters incidental thereto".

Observers had said that both the Government and Parliamentary Opposition should take a close look at the recent debate in Trinidad and Tobago about the twin-island republic’s own proposed kidnapping legislation, since Trinidad, like Guyana, has been experiencing a spate of kidnappings in recent times.

Meanwhile, Dr. Luncheon disclosed that several Parliamentary Committees have been meeting during this week. These include the Appointive, Public Accounts and Parliamentary Affairs Committees, the Committees of Privilege and Selection and the Committee on Constitutional reform.