A contingent consisting of representatives from various government agencies and members of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) will be heading to Houston, Texas in May to represent the country at the prestigious Offshore Technology Conference (OTC).
Making the announcement today was the Chamber’s Senior Vice President, Nick Boyer. At a press conference held at the Chamber’s Waterloo Street office, he said that the Chamber was the first to indicate its interest in attending the event which will be held from May 6 to 9.
Boyer noted, however, that other agencies have shown interest in being part of the Guyana delegation. In this regard, Boyer said that the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) called on the Chamber to add other agencies to the mix. As such, discussions are being held with the Energy Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Senior Vice President said that efforts are also being made to have the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) on board.
Further to this, the businessman said that seven of its Chamber members are already on board. Boyer said that while it will be Guyana’s first time having such a presence at the event, every effort will be made to use the opportunity to secure partnerships with seasoned petroleum services companies.
Boyer lauded the opportunity for Guyana to be there, saying that it is one of the biggest oil conferences in the USA, as it attracts over 10,000 attendees. He said, too, that the event allows for energy professionals to exchange ideas and opinions on advancing scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters. Boyer believes that this event is going to provide Guyanese businesses with a fantastic networking opportunity.
The OTC Programme is also expected to feature a special discussion on Guyana. According to the OTC website, the session is expected to bring together experienced representatives from the international oil and gas industry, national government, and non-governmental organisations to reflect upon challenges facing Guyana and debate the oil and gas community’s role in sustainable development.
The panel includes Dr. Mark Bynoe, Head of the Department of Energy; Erik Oswald, Exxon Mobil’s Exploration Vice President of the Americas; and Valerie Marcel, Project Lead for Chatham House’s New Producers Group.
