Guyana is developing a package of legislative reforms aimed at addressing noise nuisance, indecent and vulgar music, littering and other public order concerns, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall has announced.
Speaking on his weekly podcast, ‘Issues in the News’, Nandlall said the measures are being developed as part of a broader legislative agenda intended to modernise the country’s legal framework and address several longstanding public concerns. ‘We are coming out with a large menu of legislative amendments to deal with noise nuisance, indecent and vulgar music, as well as littering and the deposit of large volumes of garbage. It is going to be a comprehensive set of measures that will treat with all of these matters,’ Nandlall said.
The attorney general also announced that the government is undertaking a review of Guyana’s occupational health and safety legislation, which he described as outdated and unable to adequately address the realities of the country’s rapidly changing economy.
He said the existing regulations, which date back several decades, have not kept pace with developments in sectors such as construction and oil and gas.
Nandlall said the scale and complexity of modern infrastructure projects, including the construction of the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, along with the expansion of the oil and gas industry, have transformed workplace environments and created a need for stronger and more contemporary legislation.
He said updated legislation would strengthen protections for employers, employees, contractors and members of the public while ensuring workplace safety standards reflect current economic realities.
Nandlall said Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith will lead the initiative, with the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Parliamentary Drafting Division providing legal and technical support in developing the new statutory framework.
When completed, the legislation is expected to strengthen occupational health and safety standards and ensure Guyana’s laws better reflect the needs of an expanding economy and evolving workplace environment.