ATTORNEY-GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., has assured the public that the Engineers Bill will be ready for implementation before the end of this year.
During his programme “Issues in the News,” on Tuesday, Nandlall specifically pointed to the government’s commitment to ensuring the completion of the bill despite the intricate process involved in legislation drafting.

The Engineers Bill is a crucial piece of legislation for Guyana, aiming to regulate and standardise the engineering profession. Its implementation could positively impact various sectors, including infrastructure development and construction.

Nandlall disclosed that the mechanism is in place for bill scrutiny before it reaches Parliament and he later pointed out the pivotal role played by the legislative subcommittee of cabinet.
“There is a mechanism within our government that treats with bills before they reach Parliament. In both the cabinet and from cabinet, there is a legislative subcommittee of cabinet that examines the bill once cabinet sends it to that committee,” he said.

Detailing the journey of the Engineers Bill, Nandlall highlighted its recent examination by the cabinet subcommittee, where recommendations were made specifically regarding its governance structure.

He explained that that subcommittee has asked that that governance structure of the bill be refashioned and modified to make it more transparent and to make it more accountable.
To address these recommendations, a consultant was enlisted, tasked with implementing the directives of the cabinet subcommittee, which Nandlall said is a work in progress.
Acknowledging the delays in the process, Nandlall highlighted the complexity of legislative drafting, describing it as “a very time-consuming exercise.”
He underscored the significance of meticulous scrutiny, stating, “Every word has to be scrutinised and looked at in a particular context to ensure that the intent of the drafter is clearly reflected or is reflected as clearly as possible.”

Despite the challenges, Nandlall assured that the Engineers Bill would be ready for parliamentary consideration before the year’s end.
“It will be ready certainly before the end of this year,” he reassured
The bill aims to register and regulate the engineering profession in Guyana, ensuring high standards and ethical practices. Members of the Engineers Association have been calling for the bill citing its significance.

Recently, there have been concerns about contractors’ bids matching engineers’ figures identically, raising questions about potential collusion or irregularities in the bidding process.
This issue highlights the need for proper regulation and oversight in the engineering and construction sectors.
The Government of Guyana is also focusing on developing infrastructure for parking industrial and heavy-duty machinery, recognising the potential of the country’s natural resources.
This initiative could benefit from the implementation of the Engineers Bill, as it would ensure that qualified professionals oversee such projects, maintaining quality and safety standards.