Latest update March 12th, 2026 9:56 PM
Nandlall signals major legal overhaul
…1893 Evidence Act, Companies Law, Trust Framework to be modernised
(Kaieteur News) – Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has announced that several key pieces of legislation, including the 1893 Evidence Act, the Companies Act, and the Trust Law will undergo significant amendments in the upcoming year.
These updates are intended to modernise outdated laws and align them with current legal, economic, and technological realities. During his weekly appearance on the “Issues in the News” program, Nandlall explained that many of these laws have become irrelevant in today’s world and require modernisation. He emphasised that crucial changes are expected to come into effect by 2026.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC
Nandlall specifically highlighted the need for an overhaul of the Evidence Act, which is currently based on the 1893 law of the United Kingdom. “Nothing that was relevant in 1893 can be relevant now,” he stated, adding that the existing Evidence Act is outdated and was created in a different era. “We are now moving into digitalization,” he pointed out, noting that a modern Evidence Act must reflect this new reality.
The Attorney General stressed that under the new legislation, the way evidence is stored and presented in courts, tribunals, and other judicial and quasi-judicial bodies will be significantly altered. “A new Evidence Act is long overdue and is already in use in many countries around the world,” he said.
In addition to the Evidence Act, Nandlall also addressed the need to amend the Companies Act. While acknowledging that the current law, which has been in place for over 30 years, is a strong foundation, he emphasized that the commercial landscape has changed significantly. “We have new and critical concepts that have emerged in commerce and business practices, particularly in areas like money laundering,” he explained. “Our laws must be updated to meet international standards.”
Consultations on the proposed amendments to the Companies Act have already begun, with input from legal professionals, the accounting profession, and the Private Sector Commission. Another law Nandlall discussed was the Trust Act. He pointed out that Guyana currently lacks a formal Trust Act, which is essential for the country’s growing economy and expanding financial sector. “The doctrine of trust and the machinery of trust are crucial components of equity law and are used for a variety of purposes,” he said. “As our economy continues to grow and our financial sector becomes more sophisticated, it is important to have the legal mechanisms that a Trust Act provides to protect our financial system.”
Nandlall emphasised that these changes are necessary to ensure that Guyana’s legal framework remains modern, competitive, and capable of handling the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Sir. Ronald Sanders
The GHK Lall Column
Weekend Cartoon
