Law Reform Commission urged to examine legislation to cover issues related to Artificial Intelligence

President Irfaan Ali today charged the Law Reform Commission to prioritize immediate challenges facing the country, but to also explore new areas to provide legislative cover.

The President today appointed Mr. Teni Housty, Ms. Clarissa Riehl and Ms. Deenawatie Panday to the Commission. The Three are joining the Commission’s Chairperson Emily Dodson and Lennox Shuman.

In brief remarks, the President urged the Commissioners to be bold in their approach and said the Commission must be able to recommend steps and amendments to the laws that can help to foster and build a modern legal framework.

“I want to ask the Law Reform Commission to also look at some of the challenges we will face in national life that are immediate—A. I (Artificial Intelligence) is one such challenge and how are we going to ensure that the body of our laws are protected and our institutions are protected and develop a cross-cutting basis through we can address the challenges of A.I and digitization,” the President noted.

Artificial Intelligence refers to computer or software generated intelligence.

The President said because of the change in dynamics in the international community on issues such as climate change, the Commission should be able to analyse existing laws with a view to rectify gaps and offer solutions.

He said the Commission should also engage the private sector to ensure legislation is in place to enhance its sustainability.

“Outside of that I think the Law Reform Commission, should proactively engage the private sector from a business perspective to see areas where their competitiveness could be further enhanced, areas in which their sustainability can be further advanced,” the President charged.

The Law Reform Commission was also encouraged to work hand-in-hand with the Constitutional Reform Commission, which will be examining a full reform of Guyana’s Constitution.