Attorney General Anil Nandlall has confirmed that Guyana will soon implement a national Sex Offenders Registry, addressing recent criticisms over delays in establishing this long-awaited system.
In a statement made Tuesday night, Nandlall responded to an editorial that questioned, “Where is the Sex Offenders Registry?” and criticized the government for perceived inaction on the matter.
Nandlall explained that the registry is included in proposed amendments to the Sexual Offences Act. However, he noted that the draft bill did not make it to the National Assembly before the current parliamentary session concluded.
“We have worked on the Sexual Offences Amendment Bill, which includes the Sex Offenders Registry as part of the proposed changes,” Nandlall stated. “Unfortunately, we did not get the opportunity to take it to the National Assembly before this Parliament ended. So it will go in the next Parliament.”
The Attorney General highlighted that the drafting of the bill followed extensive national consultations conducted in 2023 and 2024. Input was gathered from a variety of stakeholders, including technical legal teams, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, magistrates, police prosecutors, medical professionals, and human rights commissions.
“There were multiple rounds of consultations. We held a national stakeholder forum at Cara Lodge last July, followed by a series of sensitization sessions with police, prosecutors, and other professionals in November,” he explained.
Nandlall expressed disappointment that some critics have overlooked the extensive work completed. “It is important to note that the consultations were open and publicized — yet some who are now writing critical editorials never attended or sent input. Yet today they ask, ‘Where is the Sex Offenders Registry?’,” he remarked.
He assured the public that the final draft is ready and that the government is committed to passing the amendments once Parliament reconvenes. “Despite the criticism, the fact is we did the groundwork and we remain committed. Guyana will have a Sex Offenders Registry. That is not in doubt,” he affirmed.
The proposed registry is expected to enhance the tracking and monitoring of convicted sex offenders, aiming to bolster public safety and protect victims — a measure long advocated for by various stakeholders.
Other News
ALP Condemns Verbal Attack on Movement Leader Dr. Simona Charles Broomes
