Once proper consultations are completed with the relevant stakeholders, the Local Content Panel which was established in August by the Irfaan Ali administration will submit its report in November.
This was noted in a missive that was sent to the media today by the Ministry of Natural Resources. The panel which consists of PNC/R’s Carl Greenidge; Trinidadian Expert, Anthony Paul; Businessman, Shyam Nokta; Certified Fraud Examiner, Floyd Haynes; former Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC) Carvil Duncan, and TT’s former Energy Minister, Kevin Ramnarine, is tasked with devising recommendations that will inform the country’s Local Content Policy. The panel is also required to review all existing initiatives and policies relating to local content in the petroleum sector and to provide guidance for the development of Guyana’s Local Content Legislation.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat noted that he met with the members of the panel yesterday and used the opportunity to underline Government’s commitment to Local Content and to have in place a Policy as well as Legislation soonest. He emphasized the need to maximize opportunities for goods and services produced by Guyanese or sourced locally and to take advantage of opportunities that exist now, even as plans are afoot for the future. A primary priority is to ensure that as many Guyanese, including small businesses and semi-skilled labour benefit from the oil and gas industry, the Natural Resources Minister stated.
Guyana Standard understands that the panel has been meeting regularly and with support from the Ministry, and will be reaching out during the month of October to key stakeholders in Government, Private Sector and Civil society to solicit inputs and perspectives.
