Work of GYEITI stalled for 6 months

Jul 04, 2025 News

…as body questions Govt’s commitment to transparency

Kaieteur News – The Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) is blaming the Government of Guyana for being inactive for the past six months.

In a statement on Thursday, the body said that this raises concerns locally and internationally over the country’s commitment to transparency in the extractive sector. It was explained that the government’s silence followed the publication of GYEITI’s Sixth Annual Report in December 2024. Since then, all functions of the body have come to a standstill, with no explanation from the Ministry of Natural Resources or the GYEITI National Secretariat.

It was stated that efforts by civil society groups and industry representatives to clarify the status of GYEITI have gone unanswered. The International EITI Secretariat has also made multiple inquiries but received no response.

In January 2025, Policy Forum Guyana submitted a list of civil society nominees to the Ministry, requesting formal Letters of Appointment to the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG). No reply has been given to date.

“This lack of engagement poses significant risks for Guyana. Notably, the production of the Seventh Annual Report is now delayed, jeopardising Guyana’s compliance with EITI standards,” it was stated.

Notably, the second Validation of Guyana’s progress is also due this year. It was explained that a poor showing, particularly in the absence of a functioning MSG, could lead to suspension from the global initiative. The matter has already been flagged with the EITI Board.

Concerns have also mounted over the conduct of the GYEITI National Secretariat. The current National Coordinator, whose three-year term has ended, is being accused of bypassing proper oversight and acting as an arm of the ministry.

GYEITI said, “The National Coordinator has operated as an extension of the Ministry of Natural Resources, raising further concerns given his lack of qualifications or experience in the extractive industries, and the perceived politicization of the role. Since the end of the National Coordinator’s 3-year contract early this year, we are unaware of any public call or public advertisement inviting suitable candidates to apply for the position of National Coordinator of the National GYEITI Secretariat – which is the procedure for GYEITI’s transparent contracting of the National Coordinator.”

Further, GYEITI noted that the stalled appointment of the MSG and its non-functioning for the past six months, the impending Validation, and concerns over leadership, competence and independence of the National Coordinator require urgent action. “Continuing silence will undermine Guyana’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance in the extractive sector,” the body added.

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Government of Guyana, GYEITI, GYEITI’s Sixth Annual Report, Stalled

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