Region 3 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY Expresses Concern Over Arrest Following Public Commentary

LEONORA, Guyana, — January 11, 2025, The Essequibo Islands – West Demerara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (R3CCI) notes with concern the widely reported arrest and cybercrime charge involving Region 3 businessman, Mr. Stanley Basdeo. The arrest was made subsequent to the publication of a TikTok video in which Mr. Basdeo expressed frustration about delays in obtaining a firearm licence and referenced what he said he was told about bribery, without naming or identifying any specific official.

Public reporting indicates Mr. Basdeo was charged in relation to the video, granted bail, required to lodge his U.S. passport, and the matter was adjourned to 26 February 2026.

R3CCI supports the rule of law and responsible public discourse. At the same time, we are concerned about the chilling effect this type of enforcement action can have on entrepreneurs, investors, and ordinary citizens who raise concerns about public services and administrative processes. A modern business environment depends on trust, predictability, and the ability to critique systems without fearof criminal sanction, once that critique is not a threat, not incitement, and not a targeted attack on a private individual.

In that spirit, R3CCI respectfully requests public guidance from the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs on a straightforward issue:

Where, specifically, does Guyana’s cybercrime legislation outlaw general critique of public institutions, including the Guyana Police Force, when no human individual is identified, threatened, or incited against?

We ask that the relevant provision, legal rationale, and enforcement threshold be clearly explained to the public so businesses and citizens understand the boundaries of lawful expression.

We note that the Government, through the Attorney General, gave public assurances that cybercrime reforms are not intended to suppress freedom of the press and freedom of expression.

R3CCI stands ready to engage constructively with the Ministry of Legal Affairs and relevantstakeholders to ensure Guyana maintains both public order and a climate where legitimate concerns can be raised responsibly, investigated properly, and addressed transparently.