Latest update August 18th, 2026 10:07 AM
Todd slams budget for ignoring electoral, forensic and justice reform
(Kaieteur News) – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Dexter Todd has criticised the government for failing to allocate funds toward key legislative reforms in the 2026 Budget – arguing that the budget neglect urgent changes to electoral laws, the Coroner’s Act, and broader forensic and criminal justice systems.
MP Todd made those comments during day four of the 2026 Budget Debates. He chided government parliamentarians, saying that speeches delivered over the first three days of the debates focused on the number of seats held by political parties in the National Assembly were misplaced. Instead, he argued that the government should prioritise the establishment of a national development committee that reflects all stakeholders and interests across the country.
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Dexter Todd
Turning to the need of electoral reform, the MP referenced reports from international observers following Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections. “May I remind you, in case you did not read the EU (European Union) observers report, ‘do not be mistaken. Do not confuse a smooth and peaceful elections for a free and fair elections in this country,” Todd stated.
He noted that while government MPs have spoken extensively about priorities during the debates, the budget fails to prioritise legislative reform. “What must be prioritised in this budget is definitely addressing the problems at GECOM (Guyana Elections Commission),” he noted.
Referring again to the observers’ report, Todd said it highlighted structural deficiencies and the undue advantage of incumbency arising from the use of state resources. Todd believes that the budget should reflect the government’s intention to pursue electoral reform. “Nothing in this budget for the use of biometrics…no they don’t want biometrics. They don’t want clean voters list,” Todd said.
“Mr. Speaker, there is absolutely nothing in this budget. There is nothing in this budget which advances a legislative agenda,” the MP added. Turning to the need for wider legislative reform, Todd referenced the death of Adriana Young, a resident of Hyde Park, Parika, whose body was discovered in the pool of the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, Essequibo Coast, on the morning of April 24, 2025, nearly 20 hours after she was reported missing. She was last seen by her around 13:01 hrs on April 23 while swimming in the hotel’s pool. Two autopsies were later conducted,one in Guyana and another in the United States, amid public concern over the handling of the investigation into her death.
Holding up a placard bearing Adriana’s image, Todd asked, “What has the government learned about that matter,” adding, “We call for justice. We call for justice. We call for reforming of the laws.”
Todd argued that the budget should include comprehensive reform of the Criminal Code, particularly in relation to investigations and the use of forensic science. He highlighted that Guyana inherited its Coroner’s Act from the United Kingdom but that it is now outdated.
“The United Kingdom has moved past. They have moved to amendments, way up to 2024. The entire Commonwealth Caribbean have moved past but Guyana stands still… They have moved past to ensure that the coroner’s act ensure that they are used in relation to experts, persons who are identified to be on a national forensic authority body,” Todd said.
He added, “We advocate that this budget, in order that we see real change and justice for our people, will include changes in relation to those laws.”
Pointing to other national tragedies, the MP referenced the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 20 children in 2023, as well as the recent incident in which four men were found dead following suspected chemical exposure aboard a cargo vessel docked at a wharf on Water Street, Georgetown. He stressed that these incidents demonstrate serious gaps in Guyana’s forensic capacity.
“Guyana lacks the expertise forensically to investigate and to do these matters. The budget is silent on it. Budget is silent on it. It makes no provision for that,” he noted.
He concluded by stating, “We (must) ensure that the systems and the legislations that are in place are reformed to ensure that they (citizens) can benefit.”
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