§ 42. Mr. T. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of persons arrested or charged in British Guiana since 1924 in connection with disturbances caused by demonstrations, and the terms of the proclamation, dated 12th 355 August, 1933, which restricts or forbids the right of assembly, and the circumstances which are held to justify its continuance?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)I regret the figures which the hon. Member desires are not available. If the proclamation to which he refers is still in force I have no doubt that the local authorities are satisfied that the circumstances render this desirable, and I should not be prepared to interfere with their discretion in this matter. As the proclamation is of some length, I will arrange for a copy to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the proclamation:
§ THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE (EXTRAORDINARY) OF BRITISH GUIANA.
§ Published by Authority of His Excellency the Governor.
§ Georgetown,
§ Saturday, 12th August, 1933.
§ PROCLAMATION
§ By His Excellency Sir EDWARD DENHAM, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Colony of British Guiana, Vice-Admiral of the same,
§ &c., &c, &c.,
§ EDWARD DENHAM,
§ Governor.
§ Whereas it has come to the knowledge of the Government that persons who are desirous of making representations with regard to the conditions of their employment are being advised to assemble or congregate or process in large numbers at Georgetown or on the way thereto in support of such representations;
§ And whereas an assemblage of numbers of persons in such circumstances is likely to lead to accidents, disturbances and breaches of the peace and to the injury of persons;
§ And whereas it is essential to the peace and comfort of all inhabitants of the Colony that law and order shall always be maintained and preserved:
§ Now, therefore, I do hereby proclaim and make known to all persons as follows:—
- 1. That for the reasons given no such procession or assembly of persons will be permitted to form or gather or proceed towards, from or in the City of Georgetown, and that all such processions and assemblies will be dispersed:
- 2. That the above prohibition will in no way prevent such persons or their
356 representatives submitting any representations, petitions or appeals they may wish to make for the consideration of the Government through the channels for such presentation either through the Heads of Department concerned, the Immigration Agent General or through a Member of the Legislative Council in the ordinary course or by a request that a deputation of a selected body of persons, which shall be strictly limited in numbers, be received by Government: - 3. That assurance is given that all such matters will receive the early and careful attention of Government.
§ Given under My hand and the Public Seal of the Colony at Government House, Georgetown, Demerara, this twelfth day of August, 1933, in the twenty-fourth year of His Majesty's Reign.
§ GOD SAVE THE KING.
§ By His Excellency's Command,
§ T. MILLARD,
§ Acting Colonial Secretary.