IFAAD Urges Gov’t to Fast-Track AI Legislation to Prevent Discrimination and Harm

The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) is calling on the Government of Guyana to urgently begin drafting comprehensive legislation to regulate the development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning that a lack of legal and ethical safeguards could put vulnerable populations at serious risk.

In a press statement issued by Pt. Ubraj Narine, former Mayor of Georgetown and current Vice Chairman of IFAAD, the institute emphasised the need for a national AI bill to be brought before the National Assembly. Narine stressed that as AI continues to integrate into critical sectors such as education, healthcare, security, employment, and public administration, Guyana must not wait for harm to occur before taking action.

“We are at a critical juncture,” Narine said. “AI holds tremendous potential to advance our development goals, but it must be used responsibly. Guyana must not wait for a crisis to occur before putting safeguards in place. The time for proactive governance is now.”

AI Use Without Oversight Could Deepen Inequality, IFAAD Warns

IFAAD’s warning comes amidst a global reckoning over the societal impact of AI systems, particularly regarding their potential to perpetuate bias, violate privacy, and exacerbate inequality. According to the institute, Guyana risks replicating or even amplifying these issues if it fails to establish proper oversight mechanisms.

The organisation notes that the most at-risk groups — including children, low-income communities, and historically marginalised populations — could be disproportionately affected by unregulated AI use, especially in government and public-facing services.

Key Legislative Priorities Outlined

IFAAD is urging the legislative arm of government to focus on five critical areas in the proposed AI bill:

1. Transparency and Accountability – Require clear documentation and public disclosure of AI decision-making processes, particularly when used in government operations or public services.

2. Ethical Standards – Mandate the design and deployment of AI systems that align with human rights principles and respect individual dignity.

3. Data Protection – Enact strong privacy laws to prevent the misuse and unauthorized sharing of citizens’ personal information.

4. Bias Mitigation – Legally obligate developers and institutions to test AI systems for discriminatory impacts and implement safeguards against algorithmic bias.

5. Public Oversight and Inclusion – Establish a national AI oversight body with input from civil society, academia, technical experts, and affected communities.

IFAAD is also calling for widespread public consultation to ensure that any new law reflects the lived experiences, concerns, and values of all Guyanese. The organisation stressed that legislation without public engagement risks being out of touch or ineffective in addressing real-world challenges.

Call for Collaborative Action

IFAAD has pledged its support in working alongside legislators, civil society organisations, and international partners to shape an inclusive and forward-thinking AI governance model for Guyana.

Legislation must not be reactive; it must be visionary, Narine emphasised. The vice chairman is advising the Government that Guyana should not miss out on the opportunity to lead the region in building ethical, rights-based AI frameworks

With AI technologies becoming increasingly embedded in public life, IFAAD’s call should hopefully force policymakers to act.