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

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali, on Monday, underscored the central role of law in national development, declaring that “a society without laws cannot endure,” as he delivered feature remarks at the launch of the Revised Laws of Guyana (2012–December 31, 2022) and the Law Reports of Guyana 2008–2021.

The event, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, highlighted efforts to modernise and consolidate the country’s legal system.

“We are to practice something that is alive,” the President stated, emphasising that the law must be understood within its broader context.

“The laws of Guyana are part of a much larger infrastructure—it is part of the international frame.”

He stressed that legal systems must evolve continuously, noting that “the revision of laws will be a normative process in our life moving forward.”

The Head of State also pointed out that laws enable “intellectual reasoning in our decision making” and ensure “soundness in the legal precedence.”

Dr Ali traced the historical evolution of legal systems, from “subjective retribution to fixed penalties” to modern principles such as the rule of law, describing it as “an important concept for us in this region and for the global community.”

He added that laws must remain “applicable and adaptable and practical in the world in which we live.”

Addressing contemporary challenges, President Ali identified technology and digitisation as a key issue, stating that legal systems must move beyond static platforms.

“The websites now must be interactive… with a deep AI (Artificial Intelligence) backbone,” he said, noting that such systems are “no longer a luxury, but part of a revolutionised system.”

He also pointed to issues such as political polarisation, globalisation, declining public trust, and access to justice, stressing that the legal system must respond effectively.

“Our judiciary… we are all making the investments that will allow us to meet these challenges successfully,” he asserted.

In a strong defence of the rule of law, the President warned against abuse of systems and unchecked authority.

“A society without laws cannot endure. Without rules to restrain power, authority becomes unchecked,” he said, adding: “Without law, there is no order. Without order, there is only chaos.”

The Head of State further stressed that laws must be clear, accessible, and consistently applied. “A hidden law is no law, an outdated law is an unreliable law, an inconsistently applied law is an unjust law,” he declared.

Turning to the significance of the revised legal volumes, President Ali explained that consolidating legislation reduces confusion and strengthens justice.

“When laws are consolidated, confusion is reduced. When confusion is reduced, disputes are minimised. When disputes are minimised, justice is strengthened,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of law reports in preserving judicial reasoning.

“Law Reports capture the thinking of our judges. A judgment not recorded is a lesson lost, a lesson lost is justice weakened,” he stated.

The President emphasised that improved access to law is fundamental to justice.

“Access to justice begins with the access to the law itself… when citizens cannot find the law, they cannot follow it,” he said, adding that “justice must not be locked in libraries and chambers. It must be available at our fingertips.”

Looking ahead, he called for continuous updates to the legal system, noting that “in a fast-changing society, the law must keep a pace with change.”

He linked this to Guyana’s economic transformation, stressing that investors rely on “clarity… predictability… and the rule of law.”

“Confidence in the economy begins with confidence in the law,” President Ali said, describing the launch as “more than the unveiling of volumes,” but a step toward strengthening the foundation of justice.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, said the landmark project is aimed at revising, consolidating, and reporting the laws of Guyana, underscoring its vital role in advancing the country’s economic growth and democratic governance.

PIVOTAL TIMING

Speaking at the event, Nandlall highlighted the pivotal timing of the initiative, noting that it, “Comes at a pivotal time when our country is experiencing exponential growth and transformation.”

He cited the International Monetary Fund’s 2025 assessment that Guyana’s economy is projected to grow at an average of 14 per cent per year over the next five years, fuelled by oil production and strong non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

The Attorney General emphasised the importance of a robust statutory framework, stating, “A robust and modern legislative framework is required to govern the particular undertaking… by these very laws politicians and administrators are held accountable to the citizenry, and the citizens’ rights and freedoms are guaranteed and protected by Article 65 of our supreme law, the Constitution.”

The project encompasses two key components: the revision and consolidation of the laws of Guyana, and the publication of law reports from 2008 to 2021.

Nandlall said that the revision process involved consolidating legislative provisions, removing repealed sections, reorganising principal acts, updating language, and incorporating subsidiary legislation.

Approximately 325 pieces of subsidiary legislation were revised as part of the exercise.

The printing of the revised laws—known as the “red volumes”—was funded by the Government of Guyana at a cost of $178,640,000, producing 200 sets of 19 volumes.

Law reporting, the second component, involves recording significant judicial decisions from Guyana’s High Court, Court of Appeal, and the Caribbean Court of Justice. Nandlall stressed its importance for legal consistency, citing the doctrine of precedent.

“The principle promotes consistency and predictability in the law.”

The project cost $92,085,000 and included printing 750 sets of 14 volumes of the Guyana Law Reports.

He further acknowledged key contributors, particularly Professor Velma Newton, praising her “energy, diligence and perseverance” in ensuring the success of both projects.

The Attorney General concluded by highlighting the ongoing nature of law revision and reporting:

“Law revision and consolidation and law reporting will remain a priority of our government. The goal is for the Attorney General’s Chambers to be fully equipped with the legal and technical capacity so that continuous law revision and law reporting can be realised,” he said.

The launch represents a significant milestone in modernising Guyana’s legal system, ensuring access to justice, supporting economic confidence, and maintaining the rule of law.

The launch was attended by government ministers, heads of the disciplined forces, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Roxane George-Wiltshire, SC, judges, magistrates, retired judges, diplomats, members of the Bar, and state attorneys.