As Guyana evolves, Jagdeo says copyright laws may be needed

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday said the country’s “historic” position on copyright laws may have to change and Guyana should now embrace modern copyright laws to protect local creatives and intellectual property.

Jagdeo explained that the introduction of copyright laws was a contentious matter years ago.

Though there has been acceptance that local artistes should be protected, he said consideration was given to ‘Guyana- specific’ legislation.

As Guyana evolves and modernises now, however, the Vice President believes that it may be the time to craft and implement such legislation.

“I believe our artistes should be protected, I hope that we can advance it.

“I think it’s time actually that we start strengthening our platform because the economy is becoming more modern and we need new types of business,” Jagdeo said at a People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) press conference on Thursday.

The Vice President also said he strongly supports the protection of locals.

On copyright that affects foreign material, Jagdeo believes that locals now have a higher disposable income and have already embraced ventures that require paid access to content. Such ventures include streaming sites like Netflix. So he contended that his views on copyright, or the lack thereof, have now changed.