Attorney General, Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall, wants Guyanese to know that they must not take the rights and protections guaranteed under the Constitution for granted. However, he believes that there is a delicate balance between those rights and what may constitute a violation of the same rights.

Speaking at a human rights forum on Monday evening, the Attorney General said the Constitution provides for all citizens to enjoy a number of rights and freedoms without offending others.

On the question of freedom of speech, AG Nandlall said while Guyanese are guaranteed freedom of speech under the constitution, that freedom cannot be used to offend someone else in a libelous or slanderous way.

“Yes, you have freedom of speech, but that freedom of speech, does not authorize you to libel or slander me. In the exercise in your freedom of speech you have to be careful not damage my character and reputation. You have a freedom of speech but that does not authorize you to incite a reign of terror or excite racial hostility in a country on your Facebook post,” the Attorney General stated.

The AG said the rights of Guyanese are protected in the Constitution so much so, that those rights cannot be taken away from them, either by any law or any action of the state or government authority. 

“So, if we are to live in a civilized and ordered society, then the same rights and freedoms that the constitution gives you must be balanced against the rights and freedoms of your neighbour. For example, you have a right to play music, but your neighbour has a right to enjoy peace and quiet,” the Attorney General noted.

He said Guyana continues to introduce legislation to further enhance human rights practices, but for those to work, there must be a general shift in society, where persons must understand their responsibility and what is require of them.

“No freedom is absolute, you have a right to free speech, but you cannot shout fire fire in a crowded cinema because it will cause mayhem. You have a freedom of movement, but you cannot drive down a one-way street, so all freedoms have restrictions and qualifications,” the AG said. 

The Government has faced some criticism over the filing of cyber crime charges against a number of persons, including Opposition members, for statements made on social media.

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