Guyana can become an EITI Candidate by year end

Mar 23, 2017 News

---

– Nat’l Coordinator
– says citizens will be able to play more active and meaningful role in management of nation’s natural resources

By Kiana Wilburg
It is very possible that Guyana could become a candidate country within the fold of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
This is according to the National Coordinator of the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency

Initiative (G-EITI) Secretariat, Dr. Rudy Jadoopat, who provided the media yesterday with an update on Guyana’s application.
EITI is an international body that was established in 2003 with the aim of making it harder for governments and companies to hide the truth about the proceeds garnered from the extractive industries.
The companies in the extractive sector report on what they are paying the government and the government reports separately on what it received from the companies in the sector. A report is then prepared by a Multi-Stakeholder Group. The document, among other things, will highlight whether the number data collected from the two add up or if there is an irregularity.
At a briefing held at the Cara Lodge Hotel, Jadoopat explained that Guyana must be praised for intensifying its efforts in recent years, to satisfy EITI candidate sign-up requirements.
The official noted that the Government of Guyana had announced its commitment to implement the EITI Standards since May 2010. He said that Guyana and EITI even signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2012, which paved the way for Guyana to be assisted with its preparation of EITI candidacy.
He added that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank and the Carter Center provided assistance to the Government and supported its efforts towards EITI candidacy. Jadoopat said it is expected that this will continue.
Jadoopat also asserted that Guyana has stepped up in achieving meaningful progress towards eligibility to apply for EITI candidacy. He pointed out that the coalition government has since reaffirmed the country’s commitment to EITI and announced the establishment of the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
Following this was the appointment of a National Coordinator and a Deputy Coordinator on February 1, last. A Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG), which is one of the requirements of EITI, was officially launched on February 15, last.
Jadoopat explained that the MSG G-EITI comprises 12 members, nominated by Civil Society, the Extractive Industry and Government in the ratio 4:4:4. He said that there are also 12 alternates – one for each member from the respective sectors.
Additionally, the National Coordinator said that the MSG G-EITI has agreed to hold regular meetings, at least once a month. He noted that Sub- Groups have been formed to actively engage in finalizing Terms of Reference, a Confidentiality Agreement and a Work Plan.
Jadoopat also said that focus will soon be shifted to the preparation of the application for EITI candidacy. He said that the MSG hopes to submit its initial candidate application by June/July, 2017.
“Barring any unforeseen obstacles, The Cooperative Republic of Guyana can become an EITI candidate before the end of 2017. Additionally, in order to set the stage to implement the EITI Standard nationally, measures will be taken to assist the MSG in making decisions on how the EITI process should work in Guyana,” Jadoopat expressed.
He said that other measures will see moves being made to embark on comprehensive data and information compilation on the governance of the extractive sectors of Guyana, preparation of regular reports and issuance of recommendations for improving sector governance.
The National Coordinator said that efforts will also be geared towards the design of a comprehensive public awareness campaign to promote and explain the work of the Guyana EITI and also inform public debate and seek recommendations.
Jadoopat also explained that the Multi-Stakeholder approach is central to the operation and philosophy of the EITI, as it reflects on how the G-EITI is governed and implemented. He said that the G-EITI Multi-Stakeholder Group, like in other EITI countries, has been established to oversee EITI implementation.
“The MSG is the main decision-making body responsible for setting objectives for EITI implementation, producing EITI Reports, and ensuring that the findings contribute to public debate. A fully functioning MSG is essential for Guyana to be accepted as an EITI Candidate country and for the successful EITI implementation thereafter,” the National Coordinator asserted.
He continued, “The EITI Standard contains some minimum requirements related to the role, rights and responsibilities of the MSG that can help ensure efficient MSG oversight of the EITI implementation process.”
Jadoopat added that the government, as stipulated in the International EITI Standard 1.4, has committed to working with Civil Society and Companies.
The official said that the government has been instrumental in ensuring that the preconditions for EITI candidacy are satisfied.
“It has unequivocally and boldly announced its commitment to work with civil society and companies. Also, the government has agreed to ensure that there are no obstacles to civil society’s participation in the EITI processes. It agreed to refrain from actions which may result in narrowing of, or restricting public debate in relation to the EITI implementation.”
Furthermore, Jadoopat took the opportunity to encourage all to consider it their civilian duty to actively participate in the activities and work of the G-EITI.
He stressed that all stand to benefit from improved governance of the country’s natural resources. With this in mind, he reiterated that better informed citizens can play an active and meaningful role in the G-EITI.
“The value of your role has been given pivotal prominence in the EITI standard. This is a great opportunity for you to have a say in the management and governance of your natural resources, the natural resources of your native country,” Jadoopat concluded.

---

---