Revised laws of Grenada

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Parent Category: Dec 2011

Category: Week ending Dec 24th, 2011

Published on Monday, 26 December 2011 11:44

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Attorney General Rohan Phillip has expressed regrets that it has taken 20 years for the laws of Grenada to be revised.

Addressing a sitting of the House of Representatives last week Friday which was altered to accommodate the presentation of the Revised Laws of Grenada, the Chief Legal Advisor to government said he hopes to have annual revision of the country's laws.

"Our laws should never have a 20 plus year lapse before we have a new revision," he told Parliament.

Phillip was high in praise of all those who contributed to the revised laws in particular former Attorney General Jimmy Bristol.

"...Had it not been his (Bristol) visionary initiative, we would not have had the 2010 Revised Laws", he said.

The ceremony was also attended by Petros Compton, representing LexisNexis, publisher of the revised edition of the laws as well as David Desbro, partner of DESBRO Associates International and Special Adviser to LexisNexis throughout the Commonwealth.

According to Speaker of the House of Representatives, George Mc Guire, the presentation of the revised laws of Grenada marks the culmination of an effort that was undertaken by the Crown, Senate, House of Representatives and certain legal luminaries who were entrusted with the tasks of revising the laws of Grenada.

He said the occasion signifies to some extent the flowering of their democratic ideals that are deeply rooted and founded on a sacred principle which states that "we must not let our laws fall into disrepair but must constantly revise them for the health and balance of a democratic society".

In addressing the parliamentary sitting, Compton applauded the efforts and leadership of the Government of Grenada in deciding to undertake the venture.

"Your government, Mr. Prime Minister, is a shining example to the Commonwealth and to the region in this respect", he said.

Compton described the project as a very high-risked one that demanded accuracy and quality assurance due to the fact that the 1990 edition of the laws were over 20 years out of date and that much of the legislation was amended.

He disclosed that LexisNexis and the Government of Grenada have entered into a six-year arrangement that is extendable to handle future law revisions.

He said that LexisNexis delivers nearly 50% of its over three billion $US portfolio over the Internet and as a result the electronic publishing of the 2010 Revised Laws of Grenada makes for viewing internationally.

"Mr. Speaker improved access to the laws will directly benefit the public as well as the legal community," he said, adding that the people will become more knowledgeable about the laws, investors and donors will view the laws transparently and are more likely to consider investment and financial support for the country's development.

A copy of the revised laws was presented to Prime Minister Tillman Thomas who reminded the House of the importance of law revision.

For persons willing to access the Internet copy of the laws, PM Thomas says they can do so by first obtaining a license.

He described the occasion as "a great day for Grenada" and for all those who are committed to democracy, justice and freedom.

The revised laws of Grenada were also welcomed by President of the Grenada Bar Association, Dr Francis Alexis, who expressed confidence in the competence of LEXISNEXIS, one of the largest legal publishers in the world.

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