Natural Resources Minister presents UNDP Rep. with draft Local Content Policy

Feb 12, 2021 News

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat

Kaieteur News – During a virtual meeting yesterday, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, presented Mr. Jairo Valverde, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with a copy of Guyana’s Draft Local Content Policy. The Minister also used the opportunity to further talks for continued support in the areas of local content and strategic planning for the natural resources sector.

Minister Bharrat stated that the UNDP has been very supportive to the Government of Guyana and the work it has been doing in the oil and gas sector. “As such, we see UNDP as a partner in the development of this new sector, which is expected to grow exponentially over the next couple of years,” Bharrat expressed. He was keen to note that the government will be working on its legislative agenda, along with placing focus on institutional strengthening, capacity building, and local content. These are all areas being worked on immediately to complement the rapid growth of the oil and gas industry, the Natural Resources Minister posited.

Further to this, Minister Bharrat pointed out that the Government’s legislative agenda will be advanced to obtain more benefits from the oil and gas industry for all levels of Guyana’s workforce. However, it must be done in a manner that is transparent and consultative which will lead to strong policies and legislation, the Minister concluded.