Ministry starts talks on local content policy for oil and gas
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) yesterday wrapped up the first in a series of stakeholder consultations on Guyana’s draft Local Content Policy Framework.
A release from the MNR last night said that Anthony Paul, author of the draft policy framework and a geologist by training with vast experience in government and the private sector in oil and gas, led the discussions on the draft policy.
The half-day engagement was held at the Georgetown Marriott Hotel and saw the participation of a number of bodies. These included: Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Private Sector Commission, Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, African Business Roundtable, Guyana Oil and Gas Association Inc. (GOGA), Guyana Bar Association, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana, GoInvest, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).
The MNR release said that the question and answer period following the formal presentations allowed for a vibrant exchange of views and observations regarding the draft document.
In response to the issues raised, Paul explained the limitations of the document’s scope and clarified the terms and definitions used in the document.
Today, Paul will be meeting with the leadership of the GCCI. He will also be meeting today with the active oil companies, including: Esso Exploration & Production Guyana Inc., Repsol Exploracion S.A., Tullow Oil, MidAtlantic Oil & Gas, Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas, CGX Resources Inc., Nabi Oil & Gas Inc., Ratio Oil, GeoLog, and Haliburton.
On Tuesday September 12, 2017, the release said that Paul will meet Chambers of Commerce and regional officials from Berbice.
On Wednesday September 13, 2017, Paul will be engaging with stakeholders in Linden. Participants will include members of Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development (LCICD) and officials of the Regional Democratic Council of Region 10.
The consultations then move to West Demerara and should see the participation of the West Demerara, East Bank Essequibo and Islands Chamber of Commerce and officials of the Regional Democratic Council Region 3. On Thursday September 14, 2017 the team will be in Essequibo to meet with members of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry and officials of the Regional Democratic Council Region 2. On Friday September 15, 2017, the engagement will conclude with an inhouse wrap up to which the media will be invited.