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Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana

The Constitution of Guyana recognizes the right of every person to an environment that is not harmful to his or her health or well-being and the duty of every citizen to participate in activities designed to improve the environment and protect the health of the nation. Access to information is guaranteed within the framework of the freedom of expression. No person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of participating in the management and decision-making processes of the State. Constitutional guarantees are provided for in case of violation of such rights.

Right to a healthy environment (article 149 J)

Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to his or her health or well-being.

Access to information (articles 40(1) and 146(1))

Every person in Guyana is entitled to the basic right to a happy, creative and productive life which includes the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, namely freedom of conscience, of expression and of assembly and association.

Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, that is to say, freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference, freedom to communicate ideas and information without interference and freedom from interference with his correspondence.

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Public participation (articles 13, 38A and 149C)

The principle objective of the political system of the State is to extend socialist democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens in the management and decision making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.

To ensure that Guyana is a democratic State with a healthy economy, the State shall facilitate the engagement of citizens in activities designed to achieve their sustainable livelihoods; encourage and support the self-mobilisation of citizens: and provide appropriate support to any group which is, or is claiming to be, under threat of marginalisation.

No person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of participating through co-operatives, trade unions, civic or socio-economic organisations of a national character, in the management and decision-making processes of the State.

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Public participation in environmental matters (article 25)

Every citizen has a duty to participate in activities designed to improve the environment and protect the health of the nation.

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Public participation / Cities (article 71(1))

Local government is a vital aspect of democracy and shall be organised so as to involve as many people as possible in the task of managing and developing the communities in which they live.

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Public participation / Gender (article 29)

Women's participation in the various management and decision-making processes, whether private., public or state, shall be encouraged and facilitated by laws enacted for that purpose or otherwise

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Access to justice (articles 133, 153, 154A and 192)

If any person alleges that any of the provisions of articles 138 to 151 (inclusive) has been, is being or is likely to be contravened in relation to him, then, without prejudice to any other action with respect to the same matter which is lawfully available, that person (or that other person) may apply to the High Court for redress.

An appeal to the Court of Appeal shall lie as of right from decisions of the High Court final decisions given in exercise of the jurisdiction conferred on the High Court related to the enforcement of fundamental rights and freedoms.

Any person may apply to the Human Rights Commission for redress alleging that any of the rights has been, is being or is about to be contravened in relation to him or her, then, without prejudice to any other action with respect to the same matter which is lawfully available.

The Ombudsman may investigate any action taken by any department of Government or by any other authority to which this article applies, or by the President, Ministers, officers or members of such a department or authority, being action taken in exercise of the administrative functions of that department or authority. A complaint may be made be a person aggrieved himself or by any person duly authorised to represent him.

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