Guyana led the way as CARICOM now looks to criminalise public violence as terrorism – Nandlall

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is now actively considering a legal approach Guyana adopted over two decades ago, Guyana’s Attorney General Anil Nandlall revealed on Tuesday night, touting Guyana’s legislative foresight in treating violent public unrest as acts of terrorism.

Speaking during his weekly ‘Issues in the News’ commentary, Nandlall said CARICOM has begun exploring legislative measures to combat rising violent crime in the region — including gang violence and indiscriminate shootings — by designating such acts as terrorism.

According to him, this mirrors legislation Guyana implemented following the deadly crime wave of 2002.

“We are 22 years ahead of them,” Nandlall asserted, “What they are now trying to do, we have already done — since 2002.”

The development comes in the wake of mounting regional concern over public safety. A sub-committee established by CARICOM’s leadership at its 48th Regular Meeting has drafted a report outlining the increasing threat of reckless violence in public spaces — including attacks that have injured women and children — and the need to label such incidents as terrorism to ensure swifter justice.

The report recommends two legal frameworks for CARICOM states to consider: amending existing anti-terrorism legislation to encompass public violence, or creating new laws altogether. This approach would mirror the path Guyana took through Section 309(A) of its Criminal Law (Offences) Act, amended to penalise acts committed with intent to “strike terror” in the public.

The conversation comes as Guyana’s government faces criticism for laying terrorism charges against dozens of people arrested in recent unrest following the death of Adriana Younge. Nandlall defended the move, citing widespread incidents of looting, arson, and assaults — including targeted attacks on Chinese-owned supermarkets and members of the public — as justification.

“This is a terrorist act in a public place,” he said. “Those who are saying this is the wrong charge, I say to you: look at what’s happening across the Caribbean. We are proud to be leading by example.”