BUYDG Opposes Sexual Offender Registry Bill

The Bartica United Youth Development Group (BUYDG) has formally objected to the Government’s proposed Sexual Offences Amendment Bill, warning that the creation of a Sexual Offender Registry could violate constitutional rights, undermine rehabilitation efforts and inflict lasting harm on offenders and their families.

In a letter dated June 5, 2026, which was dispatched to senior government officials, Members of Parliament, political party leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, human rights organisations and civil society groups, the organisation called for urgent reconsideration of the proposed legislation before it is enacted.

The correspondence was signed by Kellion Leps, a Concerned Mother and Citizen of Guyana, Acting General President of the Bartica United Youth Development Group (BUYDG), and Leader of the organisation’s Prison Reform and Human Rights Division.

Titled “Urgent and Formal Objection to the Proposed Sexual Offender Registry Under the Sexual Offences Amendment Bill – Grave Concerns of Unconstitutionality, Disproportionality, and Irreparable Harm to Fundamental Human Rights,” the letter urged President Irfaan Ali, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, Members of Parliament, the diplomatic community, human rights organisations and civil society stakeholders to carefully examine the implications of the proposed law.

According to BUYDG, while sexual offences—particularly those involving children—are among the most serious crimes confronting society, lawmakers must ensure that any response remains consistent with constitutional safeguards and the rule of law.

“We fully understand that offences involving rape, particularly those involving children, are among the most serious and emotionally sensitive matters confronting any society. We also appreciate that public officials often face tremendous pressure to respond firmly because of understandable public outrage and concern. However, leadership requires more than responding to public sentiment. It requires ensuring that every law enacted is fair, constitutional, proportionate, and consistent with the principles of justice and the rule of law.“

The organisation stressed that its position should not be interpreted as support for sexual violence.

“Our submission should not be interpreted as support for sexual violence or any form of abuse. We unequivocally condemn such acts and support strong measures to protect victims and prevent offending. Rather, our concern is that Guyana’s response must remain grounded in fairness, due process, human dignity, rehabilitation, and constitutional principles.”

BUYDG argued that the registry could amount to a lifelong punishment for persons who have already served their sentences and fulfilled their obligations under the law.

“We respectfully ask whether a person who has already been investigated, prosecuted, convicted, and has fully served the sentence imposed by a court should then be subjected to additional lifelong public punishment through registration and continued stigma. Such a measure may affect not only the individual but also innocent spouses, children, parents, and family members, while creating significant barriers to rehabilitation and reintegration.”

The group warned that the proposed legislation could have far-reaching consequences.

“The proposed legislation has the potential to affect many Guyanese citizens and their families for generations to come.”

BUYDG said its submission outlines an alternative framework focused on prevention, victim support, education, accountability, rehabilitation and long-term community safety, and called on lawmakers to carefully consider the constitutional, legal, humanitarian and social implications of the proposal before taking final legislative action.