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Georgetown, Guyana — Parliament saw spirited exchanges yesterday as Prime Minister Mark Phillips presented the Open Data Bill for its second and third reading, framing it as a cornerstone for digital transformation and improved transparency. While the opposition indicated support for the initiative, A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) MP Annette Ferguson produced an incisive delivery, highlighting what she saw as significant flaws in the legislation and its implementation framework.
PM Phillips: Transparency, Innovation, and Collaboration
Prime Minister Phillips described the Open Data Bill as transformative, emphasizing its potential to make public data accessible under open licenses. He argued that the bill aligns with international best practices, fosters collaboration across sectors, and enhances governance through data-driven decision-making while safeguarding privacy.
However, Ferguson challenged the government’s claims of transparency and accountability, questioning the bill’s readiness and execution strategy.
Ferguson: “A Flawed Framework”
MP Ferguson expressed disappointment with the government’s lack of consultation on the bill, suggesting that critical stakeholder input was overlooked. “As lawmakers, we are duty-bound to ensure that our constituents are educated and made aware of what the new law is seeking to address,” Ferguson said. She argued that many citizens remain uninformed about the purpose and implications of such legislation.
Turning her attention to the bill’s exemptions, Ferguson questioned why data from the President and Commissions of Inquiry would remain inaccessible until final reports are concluded. Citing the delayed release of Guyana’s national census data, she warned that such exemptions could be misused to withhold critical information.
“How can we expect citizens to trust this legislation when we are still awaiting data that should have been released months ago?” Ferguson asked.
Criticism of the Commissioner of Information
Ferguson was particularly critical of the Commissioner of Information’s role, which is central to the bill’s implementation. She argued that the office is underutilized and ill-equipped to handle the expanded responsibilities mandated by the legislation.
Citing previous public statements and personal observations, Ferguson questioned the commissioner’s competence and accountability. “This gentleman is not doing anything,” she declared, alleging that taxpayers’ money was being wasted on an office that provides little value.
Her strong criticism extended to the government’s decision to assign additional duties to the Commissioner of Information. “Why entrust a crucial role to an office that has already failed to meet its current responsibilities?” Ferguson asked, calling for a reevaluation of the implementation structure.
Calls for Clearer Implementation and Public Awareness
Ferguson also expressed concerns about the bureaucratic hurdles in government systems, suggesting that these could undermine the bill’s objectives of innovation and efficiency. She called on the government to clearly outline the technological innovations and strategies it plans to employ under the bill.
The opposition MP emphasized the need for robust public education campaigns to ensure citizens understand and engage with the legislation. “We have a moral responsibility to educate our people,” she asserted, warning that the bill’s benefits would be undercut if the public remained unaware of its provisions.
Support with Reservations
Despite her criticisms, Ferguson noted that the opposition supports the bill in principle but urged the government to address its shortcomings before implementation. “The people of Guyana deserve laws that work in their best interests, not policies that fail to meet the mark,” she concluded.
Government Faces Renewed Pressure
Prime Minister Phillips has framed the Open Data Bill as a critical step toward modernizing governance, but Ferguson’s interrogation of the bill exposed significant gaps in execution and trust-building. The government faces growing calls to ensure that the bill’s implementation framework addresses key concerns about transparency, efficiency, and public engagement.
