The reason remains unknown. But, Guyana Standard has been able to confirm that several private sector bodies were left out of an oil and gas-related forum that was hosted today by the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Safety Forum and Trade Show was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.
Guyana Standard had reported that the event was being held to impress upon the private sector the importance of having Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Management Systems in place so that it can be in a better position to access most of the oil and gas supply chain opportunities.
However, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Gerry Gouveia indicated that the commission was basically excluded from the exercise that was supposedly geared to benefit the private sector. Gouveia told Guyana Standard that he knew nothing about the event until today. He said too, “I know, for sure, that the GCCI (Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry) knew nothing about it either.”
Gouveia said that the PSC does not feel slighted but he is indeed surprised that “any foreigner would come into Guyana, hold a symposium and do not involve the local private sector.”
Gouveia, who is one of the more prominent businessmen in Guyana, said, “They made a choice, they obviously got their own plans to operate without the private sector and local content is not part of their policy.”
Guyana Standard inquired if the PSC would be willing to work with the Trinidad Chamber moving forward, Gouveia responded in the positive. He said that he has no qualms engaging in talks with the chamber but noted, “They have not made any overtures to talk to the private sector. But, my philosophy is that I am very open up to working with my Caribbean brothers and sisters in an atmosphere of mutual respect.”
Guyana Standard reached out to the Energy Chamber for comment but all efforts proved futile.
