AS the government intends to bring improvement to the delivery of government services, and improvement of the business environment, the Electronic Communications and Transaction Bill was last week passed in the National Assembly.

This Bill, which was passed last Thursday, is part of the government’s commitment to move the country forward, as there is an intention to implement e-government services.

During the Bill’s second reading, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Oneidge Walrond told the House that the legislation will deliver a framework with well-defined rules for the conduct of commercial transactions by electronic means.

“This framework will aid in delivering consistency and predictably in the business environment that is indispensable for the sustainability of trade and commerce,” she said.

Similarly, in the public sphere, Walrond said that the Bill will provide the means by which transactions can be conducted with public authorities via electronic means.

Additionally, it will contribute to the improvement in the business environment, and also lead to a radical improvement in the delivery of government services to individuals.

She said, “The Electronic Communications and Transactions Bill is one part of a comprehensive whole with respect to preparing Guyana for the digital economy that is already upon us.”

As the government moves towards modernisation, Minister Walrond referenced several pieces of legislation that are part of a comprehensive plan to facilitate this push, and make Guyana responsive to the demands of the 21st Century.

“Our efforts in bringing these Bills in the ICT Sector are part and parcel of a comprehensive modernisation and transformational agenda. This agenda is all-encompassing, and includes the State, private sector, non-governmental organisations, and individual citizens,” the Minister said.

Against this backdrop, she stated that the fundamental architecture of the Bill includes legal recognition of electronic transactions, specification of technology requirements, and establishment of an administrative framework.

Earlier this year, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney-General Anil Nandlall said that the Bill will formally introduce e-transactions and e-payments across Central Government and the State apparatus.

Just one day prior to the Attorney-General making that statement, Minister Walrond said that the government was creating an environment for businesses to thrive, and as such will provide the legislative framework for this to happen.