…As the nation undergoes ‘transformative’ changes

GUYANA is at the forefront of transformative legal reform, addressing the nation’s rapid economic and social changes, according to Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC.
During his recent appearance on Trinidad’s CNC3’s ‘Morning Brew’ show with host Jason Williams, Nandlall discussed the upcoming Criminal Justice Reform Conference and highlighted the extensive legislative changes taking place in Guyana.
The conference, scheduled for July 10–11, 2024, at the Marriott Hotel Georgetown, is a collaborative effort among the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Attorney General’s Chambers of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Academy for Law.
Funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), this event promises to be a pivotal moment for legal experts, policymakers, and advocates dedicated to advancing criminal justice reform.
Nandlall highlighted the necessity of evolving Guyana’s legal framework to keep pace with the country’s dynamic economic growth.

“So, it’s no secret that Guyana is engaging in and enjoying transformative changes in its economic base, financial affairs and in every area of social and national life that comes with it, the need for changes in the legal sector. Because if the changes in the legal sector are not made, then you will have a country that is moving apace with the legal system left behind and that can’t happen or else you will have anarchy,” Nandlall stated.
Highlighting the comprehensive scope of legal reforms, Nandlall pointed out significant advancements across various sectors, including criminal justice, civil justice, social services, agriculture and energy.
“We have perhaps the most aggressive legislative agenda in the Caribbean,” Nandlall noted, pointing to recent and forthcoming legislative measures.
Among the notable forthcoming reforms is a new law abolishing preliminary inquiries, which Nandlall described as a critical step toward expediting the judicial process.
Additionally, Guyana has recently enacted legislation to institutionalise plea bargaining and plea agreements, modernising its legal approach to criminal justice.
Extradition laws are also undergoing significant changes in Guyana with the Fugitive Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2024 expected to be debated soon in the National Assembly.
Nandlall explained that the traditional extradition process has often been bogged down by procedural complexities.
“What is necessary to fight crime across borders is law that allows you to bring persons into a country for trial from another country and to take persons to another country for trial…The bill aims to streamline this process recognising the close-knit relationship between the Caribbean and North America.,” Nandlall explained.

He stressed the importance of international cooperation in tackling crime, particularly with the growing influence of technology in criminal activities.
“There is a recognised need for a mechanism that allows for the smooth and just transition of offenders between jurisdictions. This will ensure justice while maintaining stringent legal standards,” the Attorney General said.
According to him, these legislative efforts are aimed at protecting Guyanese citizens and the national economy.

He said, “We have passed several pieces of legislation to ensure transparency and compliance with international financial and regulatory standards. This is crucial for making our economy compliant with global standards while supporting the country’s developmental agenda.”
Discussing the upcoming conference, Nandlall expressed high expectations for the event’s impact on the region’s criminal justice system.
The conference will explore and interrogate many important themes. The creme de la creme of the personnel would be there… And I’m hoping we will have frank discussions and we are going to make resolutions that will enhance the system across the region,” he said.
As such, he hopes the conference will be the beginning of a continuous collaborative effort, rather than a one-off event.
The event aligned with the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government’s transformative agenda aims to revolutionise the way the judiciary operates and to ensure the correct interpretation and application of laws, which is crucial for the country’s development.
This year, the justice sector received $6.8 billion, which is said to be a catalyst for the advancement of Guyana’s legislative agenda, which aims to foster transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and efficiency.