Mr. Garrick J. RICHARDSON
According to Article 57, paragraph 3 of the Constitution, Parliament holds the authority to appoint, suspend, and dismiss the Secretary General. This position is of central importance within the legislative branch, as the Secretary General ensures the smooth functioning and continuity of parliamentary operations.
The responsibilities entrusted to the Secretary General are broad and multifaceted, including:
Assisting the Presidium in carrying out its duties and ensuring its decisions are effectively implemented.
Supporting meetings of the Faction Leaders, helping to facilitate dialogue and coordination among the political groups.
Providing legal and procedural advice to the President of Parliament, particularly during sittings and deliberations, to ensure compliance with established rules and practices.
Advising Members of Parliament individually on matters related to their roles and responsibilities.
Preparing meetings, including the development of agendas, supporting documents, and logistical arrangements.
Managing the parliamentary secretariat, which serves as the administrative backbone of Parliament.
Overseeing the overall budget of Parliament, ensuring that resources are allocated and used responsibly.
Ensuring the timely availability of documents to Members, thereby facilitating informed debate and decision-making.
Guaranteeing that accurate minutes are produced and maintained for all public meetings, contributing to transparency and historical record-keeping.
The Presidium, acting as a supervisory body, oversees the work of the Secretary General and the secretariat to safeguard efficiency, accountability, and proper functioning.
In cases where the Secretary General is impeded, absent, or otherwise unavailable, their duties are assumed by one of the Acting Secretaries General, ensuring that the essential work of Parliament continues without interruption.