Govt to activate tougher litter laws, expand penalties and enforcement

The government is moving to activate long-standing but underutilised litter regulations as part of a national drive to curb environmental violations.

Speaking on his weekly podcast “Issues in the news”, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, said that while comprehensive regulations published in 2013 under the Environmental Protection Act provide an extensive legal framework to tackle littering and related environmental offences, many of these provisions have never been fully operationalised.

The regulations establish offences for littering in public places, from motor vehicles, and on both public and private premises.

They also empower local authorities to appoint wardens with significant enforcement powers, including the authority to remove derelict vehicles, initiate legal proceedings, and enforce environmental standards across communities.

The AG said the government intends to expand the scope of the regulations while strengthening penalties and enforcement mechanisms.

“We have a fairly good framework in place, which, of course, I will review with the intent of expanding its scope, increasing its penalties, and making its enforcement easier.”

Minister Nandlall explained that the Summary Jurisdiction Offences Act will be reviewed and amended. It will include new offences for littering, increased penalties, prison time for repeat offenders and community service.

Under the existing framework, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and local authorities are responsible for waste management and enforcement, while wardens may be vested with powers to investigate offences, enter premises, and initiate prosecutions.

The regulations also allow for collaboration with the Guyana Police Force to support enforcement efforts.

The move forms part of a broader government initiative to address littering, noise nuisance, and environmental degradation, as authorities intensify efforts to promote cleaner communities and strengthen compliance nationwide.