Guyana expands legal and maritime infrastructure for development

Guyana is expanding its legal and physical infrastructure to support rapid national development, according to Attorney General Anil Nandlall. The government is introducing new legislation to govern the oil and gas sectors, including the Local Content Act and recent oil-spill regulations.

Legislative efforts are also targeting judicial efficiency. The government has abolished preliminary inquiries in favor of a ‘paper committal’ process to reduce delays in criminal proceedings. While the High Court backlog has been addressed, Nandlall noted that delays persist within the Court of Appeal.

In terms of infrastructure, the government is developing a legislative architecture for upcoming projects, including a deepwater port and modern harbor facilities. This includes the US$20 million Parika Modern Port and Waterfront Development Project, slated for completion in 2028. Additionally, the US-based Bechtel Corporation is conducting a study for a proposed deepwater port in Berbice.