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Georgetown, Guyana — Robust parliamentary debate over the Open Data Bill, a proposed landmark initiative spearheaded by Prime Minister Mark Phillips to modernize governance and foster transparency, took center stage yesterday as opposition MP Amanza Walton-Desir pilloried the government’s proposition in a detailed critique. While acknowledging the bill’s transformative potential, Walton-Desir expressed concerns about its perceived inadequacies and called for stronger institutional and legal frameworks to ensure its effective implementation.
Prime Minister Phillips, presenting the bill for its second reading, hailed it as a transformative piece of legislation that would open up public data for use in accessible formats under an open license. He framed it as part of Guyana’s broader push toward digital transformation and sustainable development. However, Walton-Desir, speaking on behalf of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), contended that the proposed legislation fell short of its lofty ambitions.
Walton-Desir: “A Pandora’s Box Without Safeguards”
Addressing the National Assembly, Walton-Desir emphasized that while open data can drive innovation, transparency, and socioeconomic growth, it also carries significant risks if not supported by a robust framework. She noted that the Bill’s 17 clauses failed to adequately address critical issues, including cyber security, privacy breaches, and unauthorized data manipulation.
“Without a sufficiently robust legal framework, you are literally opening Pandora’s box,” Walton-Desir warned. She highlighted the absence of provisions for issues such as identity theft, phishing, economic espionage, and intellectual property theft, which she argued are vital considerations for any open data initiative.
Walton-Desir also criticized the reliance on the current Commissioner of Information to oversee the act, citing challenges with the office’s existing performance. “We cannot pour new wine into old wineskins,” she remarked, questioning whether the office had the capacity to manage the expanded responsibilities envisioned under the bill.
Proposing a Data Commission
Walton-Desir outlined a bold alternative: the creation of an independent, multi-member Data Commission to oversee the implementation of open data policies. Such a commission, she argued, would ensure impartiality, enhance accountability, and provide technical expertise for monitoring compliance.
“The establishment of a Data Commission could have significant benefits, including improved transparency, greater efficiency, and increased public trust,” she explained. She suggested that the commission should include representatives from civil society, academia, the private sector, and public authorities, operating independently from ministerial control.
Walton-Desir also stressed the need for public education to ensure citizens understood the benefits and implications of open data. “We cannot talk about open data without engaging the public and taking them along this journey,” she said.
Calls for Select Committee Review
While Walton-Desir acknowledged the government’s commitment to innovation and digital governance, she questioned whether the bill in its current form was a genuine attempt at meaningful reform or simply an exercise in “ticking boxes.”
“The people of Guyana deserve serious and meaningful legislation,” Walton-Desir stated. She urged her parliamentary colleagues to send the bill to a select committee for further refinement, allowing for broader input and improvements to the proposed framework.
Government’s Vision vs. Opposition’s Concerns
Prime Minister Phillips defended the bill as a progressive step aligned with international standards, emphasizing its potential to enhance citizen engagement and government accountability. He reassured Parliament that the legislation had been carefully crafted to balance innovation with data protection.
However, MP Walton-Desir’s clinical criticisms underscored the opposition’s view that the government must take a more comprehensive approach to such a pivotal initiative. Her call for stronger safeguards and institutional reforms highlighted the critical importance of ensuring Guyana’s open data policies meet the highest standards of transparency and security.
