— $178M revised laws, reports to strengthen justice, boost investor confidence

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday declared that Guyana’s legal system must evolve in real time to keep pace with a rapidly transforming society, as he underscored the central role of modern, accessible laws in strengthening justice and sustaining economic growth.

Delivering the feature address at the official launch of the Revised Laws of Guyana, updated to December 31, 2022, along with law reports covering 2008 to 2021, the President said a legal framework that is outdated, inaccessible or inconsistently applied undermines justice and weakens public confidence.

“A law that cannot be found has no practical value, a law that is outdated cannot be relied upon, a law that is applied differently depending on who you are undermines justice itself,” President Ali said.

The revised laws, produced at a cost of $178 million, comprise 200 sets of 19 volumes, consolidating amendments and new enactments into a single, coherent body of law. The accompanying law reports capture key rulings from the High Court, Court of Appeal and Caribbean Court of Justice, preserving judicial reasoning and strengthening legal precedent.

President Ali described the initiative as a critical step in reinforcing Guyana’s identity as a law-based society, where governance is anchored in clear, transparent and consistently applied rules.

“Without law, there is no order. Without order, there is only chaos,” he said, warning that unchecked authority and weak legal protections can erode stability and expose citizens to injustice.

He emphasised that the rule of law must go beyond the mere existence of legislation, requiring that laws are clear, publicly accessible and applied equally. In this context, he said the consolidation and publication of the updated laws will reduce uncertainty, improve legal interpretation and enhance the delivery of justice.

“When laws are consolidated, confusion is reduced. When confusion is reduced, disputes are minimised. When disputes are minimised, justice is strengthened,” the President noted.

The Head of State also highlighted the growing importance of digital transformation within the legal system, pointing out that traditional methods of accessing legislation are no longer sufficient.

“The days of searchable websites are long gone. Systems must now be interactive, with deep AI capabilities, allowing citizens to access the law in a practical and meaningful way,” he said.

He stressed that access to justice begins with access to the law itself, noting that citizens cannot assert their rights if they are unable to find or understand the legal framework.

“Justice must not be locked in libraries and chambers. It must be available at our fingertips,” President Ali added.

Linking legal reform to Guyana’s economic expansion, the President said a modern and reliable legal system is essential for attracting and sustaining investment, particularly as the country’s investment portfolio becomes more diverse and globally integrated.

“Investors do not invest in uncertainty. They invest in clarity. They invest in predictability. They invest in the rule of law,” he said.

He pointed to emerging challenges, including differences in international legal frameworks governing trade, property and arbitration, noting that Guyana must adapt its legal system to remain competitive and relevant.

As the country continues its rapid development, President Ali called for the establishment of permanent mechanisms to ensure laws are updated continuously rather than through periodic, project-based efforts.

“In a fast-changing society, the law must keep pace with change. A modern economy demands a modern legal system, and that system must be relevant in real time,” he said.

The President also underscored the importance of legal education and public awareness, urging that greater effort be made to ensure citizens understand their rights and responsibilities under the law.

“Access to law is access to justice. Knowledge of rights is the first step in claiming them,” he said.

He commended the Attorney General and all those involved in the extensive process of revising and compiling the laws and law reports, describing the undertaking as a foundational investment in the country’s governance framework.

“This is not the end of the process, but the beginning of a new standard,” President Ali said. “Let the law be our compass, and justice our destination.”

Meanwhile, also delivering remarks at the ceremony, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, said that the revised Laws and Law Reports “come at a pivotal time when our country is experiencing exponential growth and transformation.”

“Therefore, easy access to an updated and consolidated version of the laws is the sine qua non for access to justice, the rule of law and, indeed, justice itself. It is the bedrock of the social and economic well-being of a strong and vibrant society. It is a critical part of the architecture of any nation that inspires confidence in the economy and attracts investments, both foreign and local. This exercise of the revision and consolidation of the Laws of Guyana is enkindled by the attainment of all these noble objectives,” the AG said.