Interpretation and Standard Provisions (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2016 (Consolidated)

Summary

This is a general Guernsey statute of general legal application, not a financial services rule. It sets out standard interpretation and construction rules that apply to all enactments (laws, Ordinances and subordinate legislation) made in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, unless a particular enactment expressly says otherwise. It does not itself impose obligations on regulated firms; it is background legal machinery used to read and apply other Guernsey legislation, including GFSC-administered laws.

• Commencement and time rules: Sets default rules for when an enactment comes into force, how periods of time and dates are reckoned, and use of Greenwich Mean Time or summer time.
• Definitions schedule: Provides a schedule of standard defined words and expressions (e.g. document, writing, under, United Kingdom, territorial sea) used across Guernsey legislation unless a contrary intention appears.
• Repeal savings: Preserves rights, liabilities, penalties and pending proceedings arising under a repealed enactment unless the repealing law says otherwise.
• Ordinance and subordinate legislation powers: Clarifies the scope of any statutory power to make Ordinances or subordinate legislation, including power to amend or repeal such instruments.
• Construction defaults: States default rules on gender/number, references to the Sovereign, and references to committees or public authorities whose functions may later be transferred.

Because this Law operates as a default interpretive framework rather than a substantive regulatory regime, it creates no ongoing compliance obligations, filings or deadlines for regulated entities. Compliance officers should be aware of it mainly as an aid to interpreting other Guernsey enactments (including financial services legislation), not as a source of direct duties.