A landmark bill aimed at the management and administration of public data was passed yesterday in Parliament after hours of heated debate.
The bill, titled the The Open Data Bill 2024, is designed to provide a framework for the transparent and responsible use of public data, marking a significant step toward modernizing governance in Guyana. Though the bill received initial support, it was not without controversy, particularly following heckling from the Opposition about the Attorney General’s handling of the bill in light of his ongoing legal dispute with social media advocate Melly Mel, over an alleged information leak.
The Open Data Bill 2024 aims to promote transparency, innovation, and effective governance by mandating the publication of public data in accessible and open formats. This also encourages public participation in the use of data while ensuring the safeguarding of personal information. This bill forms a key part of the government’s broader legislative agenda, which includes initiatives like the Data Protection Act and the Digital Identity Act. Together, these laws create a comprehensive framework to protect individual rights while positioning Guyana to lead in the digital age.