Law Reform Commission urged to focus on AI, Silica City laws

…as 3 reappointed members sworn in

Three members of the law reform commission were sworn in on Tuesday before President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who urged them to examine and make recommendations for laws that deal with, among other things, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Silica City.
The swearing in of three members of the law reform commission, whose terms had expired, was done at the Office of the President. Taking their oaths of office, were Attorneys-at-Law Teni Housty, Clarissa and Deenawatie Panday, who were initially appointed in August 2021. They will now serve another three-year term.

According to President Ali, the reappointment of the members to this important commission, is a nod at the good job they have been doing. However, it is also in an effort to ensure continuity and avoid disruptions to the work programme.
“Your commitment to modernising and perfecting our nation’s legal framework is commendable. Your re-appointment represents an affirmation of confidence in your ability to continue the work that you have commenced. The work of the law reform commission is critical, in the continued development and refinement of our legal system.”
“Stability and consistency within the commission, are vital for achieving these objectives. Frequent changes in the composition of the commission, could jeopardise the progress made,” Ali further said.
The President meanwhile had some recommendations of his own to make, on areas in which the commission should focus their work. One such area was in Silica City, is the government’s ambitious city project up the Soesdyke/Linden highway which, according to President Ali, will need new laws to ensure its environmental sustainability. Another area is in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“I want to pause here and ask the law reform commission to also look at some of the challenges we will face in national life, that are immediate. AI is one such challenge. How are we going to ensure that the body of our laws are protected, our institutions are protected and we develop a cross-cutting basis through which we can address the challenges of AI and digitisation. The Attorney General has been working assiduously on this matter, him and his team,” President Ali said.
The Head of State also cited the climate, the environment and biodiversity as other areas that must be examined. He noted the importance of the Law Reform Commission examining the entire body of laws, in the context of these areas, to see where the gaps exist.
“As you’re aware, good lawyers find good arguments, and many times, the principal act still leaves loopholes in the entire legal framework. And part of our work is to close those loopholes, wherever they exist. Your term will also coexist with the constitutional reform, the consultations,” he said.
“So, it’s a dynamic process over the next three years. And we would like to see some synergy. I would expect also members of the law reform commission, to be present at some of the consultations. So that you too can have an understanding as to what the issues are from the people.”
The remaining members of the law reform commission include Dr. Marie Correia, Everton Singh-Lammy and Lenox Shuman. In January of this year, Emily Dodson was sworn in as the new Chair.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has been making steps to prepare the population for AI.
Meanwhile, countries around the world have already been moving to set up legislation to govern AI. Risks include deepfake technology- AI technology that can manipulate video to mimic real persons engaged in detrimental acts.
A master plan has already been drafted for Silica City, Guyana’s inaugural modern and sustainable project. The plan was handed over to the Government, and unveiled at the International Building Expo. Design of the master plan was done by the University of Miami following a request made by the PPP/C Administration.
At Silica City, 3,800 acres of land have been set aside for infrastructural work, which is already underway. This includes creating 100 residential/smart homes outfitted with the newest energy-saving technologies. In addition, space has been earmarked for shopping centres, apartment complexes, condos, hotels, restaurants, green areas, and other facilities.
Silica City aims to address the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, as well as the issues associated with the growth of non-coastal urban settlements. The project, however, is still in the first phase, and the Guyana Government had previously disclosed plans to acquire and develop approximately 10,000 acres of land to further enhance the area.
The Law Reform Commission in Guyana is a crucial entity responsible for the regular updating and alignment of the country’s laws with global legislative trends. Its responsibilities encompass prioritising and establishing a programme for legal reforms, preventing legislative stagnation, and serving the executive and national interest.
The Law Reform Commission (Amendment) Act 2021 – No. 2 of 2021 received Presidential Assent on February 16, 2021, thereby allowing persons who hold a variety of qualifications to sit on the commission.
Further, in August 2022, the Constitution Reform Commission Bill, which seeks the establishment of a Constitution Reform Commission to review the country’s supreme laws, was passed. (G3)