By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs, Dr. Dexter Todd, says his party will intensify its engagement with the government on several critical legislative priorities — electoral reform, cybercrime legislation, the terrorism act, and police powers of arrest — all aimed at strengthening justice and protecting citizens’ rights.
Speaking exclusively with HGPTV Nightly News, Dr. Todd disclosed that APNU parliamentarians are conducting a comprehensive review of Guyana’s electoral laws, in response to judicial observations that have exposed weaknesses in the system.
“Electoral reform remains one of our top legislative priorities,” Dr. Todd affirmed, noting that the opposition will push for a modernised and transparent legal framework to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
He added that the review will also examine the financial implications of the proposed reforms, with recommendations to ensure accountability and fairness in future elections.
Cybercrime Legislation Under Scrutiny
Dr. Todd confirmed that draft motions to review the 2018 Cybercrime Act are in circulation, citing widespread concern from citizens who feel unable to freely express themselves online without fear of victimisation.
“People still feel that they are not allowed to exercise their right to freedom of expression or disclose information,” he said. “That’s something we need to look at carefully.”
The Act — introduced under the former APNU+AFC administration in 2015 — has long faced criticism for provisions that allegedly conflict with constitutional rights. In 2022, Attorney General Anil Nandlall announced plans to amend the legislation to align it with United Nations conventions, but Dr. Todd says more comprehensive revisions are needed.
Revisiting the Terrorism Act
The Shadow Minister also weighed in on the application of terrorism-related charges, referencing public unease following cases such as those involving Adrianna Younge, Ronaldo Peters, Leon Forgenay, and the Henry Boys.
“Some of these cases were charged under the terrorism act, but they do not fundamentally fit that classification,” he noted.
Dr. Todd argued that the Director of Public Prosecutions’ discretion in such matters must be guided by clearer legislative standards to prevent misuse and ensure justice is served within the intent of the law.
Police Powers and Human Rights
Turning to human rights, Dr. Todd expressed serious concern over alleged abuses of power by law enforcement officers, particularly regarding unlawful detentions.
“The law clearly stipulates that a person may only be held in custody for a maximum of seventy-two hours while active investigations are conducted,” he explained. “However, it is our belief that this provision has been significantly misused, leading to violations of individual rights.”
He said the opposition intends to review the Constitution and related statutes to ensure that police powers of arrest are exercised responsibly and that the rights of all Guyanese are protected.
“Certain legal provisions have been improperly applied and, in some cases, outright abused by those responsible for enforcing the law,” Dr. Todd asserted.
Dr. Todd reaffirmed APNU’s commitment to working constructively with the government on these pressing legal reforms while ensuring that justice, human rights, and accountability remain at the core of national governance.
