Sex offenders registry coming, says Nandlall

Attorney General Anil Nandlall has assured that Guyana will soon have a national Sex Offenders Registry, even as he responded to recent criticism over delays in establishing the long-awaited system.

Speaking on Tuesday night, Nandlall acknowledged an editorial published this week questioning, “Where is the Sex Offenders Registry?” and calling out government for perceived inaction.

He confirmed that the registry is already catered for under proposed amendments to the Sexual Offences Act — but explained that the draft bill did not reach the National Assembly in time before the current parliamentary session ended.

“We have worked on the Sexual Offences Amendment Bill, which includes the Sex Offenders Registry as part of the proposed changes,” Nandlall said.

“Unfortunately, we did not get the opportunity to take it to the National Assembly before this Parliament ended. So it will go in the next Parliament.”

The Attorney General outlined that the drafting of the bill followed wide national consultations dating back to 2023 and 2024. He said the process included input from technical legal teams, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, magistrates, police prosecutors, medical professionals, human rights commissions and other stakeholders.

“There were multiple rounds of consultations. We held a national stakeholder forum at Cara Lodge last July. Then we did another series of sensitisation sessions with police, prosecutors and other professionals in November,” he explained.

According to Nandlall, recommendations from these sessions were incorporated into a final draft. He said he found it “unfortunate” that critics have chosen to dismiss the work done.

“It is important to note that the consultations were open and publicised — but some who are now writing critical editorials never attended or sent input. Yet today they ask, ‘Where is the Sex Offenders Registry?’,” he said.

Nandlall stressed that the final draft is ready and the government remains committed to passing the amendments once Parliament resumes.

“Despite the criticism, the fact is we did the groundwork and we remain committed. Guyana will have a Sex Offenders Registry. That is not in doubt,” he stated.

The proposed registry is expected to strengthen tracking and monitoring of convicted sex offenders and aims to bolster public safety and victim protection — a measure many advocates have long demanded.