President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has signaled a major policy shift regarding the management of sex offenders in Guyana, asserting that a national registry of such individuals “must be made public.”
The announcement, communicated via Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s official Facebook page, confirms that this stance is held by the President, the Vice President, and the full Cabinet.
In addition to this directive on transparency, the President has instructed that the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, which was formally presented to the National Assembly on June 5, 2026, be referred to a Select Committee.
Sending a bill to a Select Committee allows for a more detailed, consultative review process, enabling lawmakers to deliberate on specific provisions before the bill moves toward final passage. This step suggests the government is seeking to ensure the legislation—particularly regarding the public nature of the registry—is robust and effectively balanced with necessary legal protections.
The decision to push for a public registry reflects a broader government priority regarding public safety and accountability. By stating that the registry “must be made public,” the administration is emphasizing a shift toward greater visibility for repeat or convicted offenders to assist in community awareness.
