The Essequibo Islands – West Demerara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (R3CCI) has expressed strong condemnation regarding the arrest and cybercrime charges laid against Region Three businessman Stanley Basdeo. His arrest followed the publication of a TikTok video where he voiced frustration about delays in obtaining a firearm license and referenced alleged bribery, without naming any specific officials.
Reports indicate that Basdeo has been charged with cybercrime in connection to the video, granted bail, and required to surrender his U.S. passport. The case is scheduled for adjournment on February 26, 2026.
In a statement, R3CCI emphasized its support for the rule of law and responsible discourse, while expressing concern over the potential chilling effects such enforcement actions could impose on entrepreneurs, investors, and citizens raising concerns regarding public services and administrative processes. The chamber stated, “A modern business environment depends on trust, predictability, and the ability to critique systems without fear of criminal sanction, provided that such critique does not constitute a threat, incitement, or targeted attacks.”
The R3CCI called for public guidance from the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs on the specifics of Guyana’s cybercrime legislation, particularly about the limits of lawful expression concerning general critique of public institutions. The organization requested clarification regarding the legal provisions, rationale, and enforcement standards applicable when individuals do not identify or threaten any specific person.
Additionally, the R3CCI noted assurances from the government that the reforms would not suppress freedoms of the press or expression. The chamber expressed readiness to engage constructively with the Ministry of Legal Affairs and other stakeholders to foster an environment where legitimate concerns can be responsibly raised and transparently addressed.
The R3CCI’s statement follows criticism from various opposition parties, including the Azruddin Mohamed-led We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), which accused the Guyana government of infringing on free speech rights by charging Basdeo with cybercrime. WIN Member of Parliament Odessa Primus called for the charges against Basdeo to be dropped, emphasizing that such actions could intimidate others from speaking out about corruption.
Leaders from other political parties, such as APNU’s parliamentary leader Terrence Campbell and Amanza Walton-Desir of the Forward Guyana Movement, also condemned the charges. Walton-Desir argued that the cybercrime laws should address genuine digital harms rather than penalize individuals for sharing complaints online.
Critics express concern that charging Basdeo not only undermines individual rights but may also jeopardize the health of the country’s democracy. The dichotomy between the president’s public stance on fighting corruption and the criminal charges against the complainant raises serious questions. Walton-Desir highlighted that treating speech as a cybercrime conflicts with efforts to establish transparency regarding corruption allegations.
In conclusion, the R3CCI and various political leaders have called for a reevaluation of the approach to public discourse, emphasizing the importance of protecting freedom of expression in addressing issues of corruption and governance in Guyana.
