A bill to regulate downstream natural gas operations is among several pieces of legislation being drafted, as Guyana strengthens its legal framework for the rapidly expanding energy and other sectors.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall made the announcement on Day Three of the Guyana Energy Conference at Marriott Hotel.

Nandlall noted that his chambers are preparing a comprehensive environmental bill, updated waste management laws to cover oil and gas activities, a data bill and a trust bill.

“We have also an oil and gas corporation bill that will deal with the downstream activities of natural gas, as you know we’re building that capability. We have a gas to shore project being completed, that will be completed by the end of this year. We already have the main statutory cradle for that sector,” the AG said.

He went into details about some of the other bills being crafted.

“We are doing a complete overhaul of the Companies Act. A consultant has it and he will be doing consultations with the private sector and all-important stakeholders. We are working with Jamaica, the UAE and other countries in crafting a robust, accountable and responsible framework for a junior and a senior stock market,” he explained.

The UAE is also among the countries collaborating with Guyana to draft laws governing ports.

While several private ports have been or are in the process of being built, such as the TriStar Shore base and the new Parika Stelling being developed, government also aims to have a deep-water port built in Berbice.

The AG emphasised that Guyana’s rise as a major oil producer has been supported by strong institutions and the rule of law. As such, Nandlall warned that weak legal systems can undermine resource wealth.