-by Nakasia Logan
Stakeholders within Guyana’s Creative Industry are welcoming Government’s proposal to start consultations on strengthening Guyana’s Copyright and Intellectual Property Framework. The move is being hailed as a crucial step towards unlocking new opportunities for artists, producers and creatives and advancing the Government’s vision for the Orange Economy.
At a recent press conference, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that consultations on copyright and intellectual property legislation could begin soon.
“On the issue of copyright, we have to have some consultation as to what form it will take.And I’m saying that maybe it’s time we start those consultations because I want to hear Guyana or artists and everyone on this issue. I feel strongly about it. So maybe we should move this up on the agenda and start a consultation on that,” he said.
Producer and Chief Executive Officer of Kross Kolor Records, Burchmore Simon, welcomed the move. He believes modern intellectual property legislation would significantly benefit local creatives while opening new economic opportunities.
“The biggest drawbacks or fears is that if you have the modern legislation, it’s going to put people out of business.That is the biggest policy ever. In fact, if you modernise the legislation, people will make more money because then the world becomes your market for legitimate goods and services. And we would just have to champion Guyana as a new frontier,” he said.
The Orange Economy, which focuses on monetizing creative and cultural industries, has been identified by the Government as a key area for economic diversification. In the 2026 budget, the Government injected $3.7 billion, aimed at transforming the nation’s cultural and creative sector into engines of economic growth.