This week, the Guyanese government introduced two significant bills in the National Assembly, aimed at modernizing the country’s approach to dispute resolution.
The bills in focus are the modernized Arbitration Bill and the Criminal Procedure Plea Agreement Bill.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, presented the bills for the first time on Monday, emphasizing that these legislative measures are designed to modernize the nation’s approach to settling disputes.
Arbitration Bill: The Arbitration Bill, which seeks to repeal the Arbitration Act of 1916, has undergone extensive consultations with international firms. The proposed legislation aligns with the UN Commission on International Trade Law’s Model Law on Arbitration.
The bill aims to position Guyana as a hub for commercial arbitration, fostering job creation and revenue generation. Earlier this year, the government established the arbitration unit to facilitate capacity building for the implementation of this new legislation.
Attorney General Nandlall summarized the bill, stating, “A bill intituled an act to facilitate domestic and international arbitrations by encouraging the method of arbitration as a method of resolving disputes and for connected purposes.”
Plea Agreement Bill: The Plea Discussion, Plea Agreement, Plea Assistance Agreement Bill is introduced to enable defendants and prosecutors to reach agreements before a guilty verdict is rendered.
This bill, expected to repeal the Criminal Procedure (Plea Bargaining and Plea Agreement) Act of 2008, aims to address the significant backlog of cases in the criminal justice system.
Attorney General Nandlall presented the Plea Agreement Bill, stating, “Bill no. 19 of 2023, a bill intituled an act to establish a system of plea discussion, plea assistance and plea agreements in criminal procedures and matters connected thereto.”
Both pieces of legislation are aligned with the government’s vision of building a robust and modern legislative framework, consistent with the changing times.
These bills, once enacted, will contribute to enhancing the legal landscape in Guyana and promoting efficient and contemporary approaches to dispute resolution.
Reporting for NCN News, Josiah Williams.