Global EITI sounds alarm on Govt. power grab

Nov 19, 2025 News

…amid fallout over Ivor English’s appointment

(Kaieteur News) – Policy Forum Guyana (PFG), the former convenor of the civic component of the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) of the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) recently met with international representatives of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and will soon be issuing a correspondence to the Board regarding the Guyana government’s attempt to control the group.

In a statement PFG said a virtual meeting was held on November 15 which brought together persons from EITI chapters in Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and Australia, with messages of solidarity from civil society board representatives of Ukraine and Peru. Local participants included PFG trustees, MSG-Civic selectors, former civic and industry representatives from sectors of the GYEITI MSG, national NGOs, and Amerindian representatives from three regions.

During the meeting, PFG pointed out that its contention was not the reinstatement of PFG as ‘convenor’ of the civic component of the MSG, but the ruling party’s attempt to “capture the GYEITI MSG politically”.

It explained, “Despite already exerting significant influence through a GYEITI Secretariat that functions as a department of the Ministry of Natural Resources that controls all financial, staffing, and communications decisions, the Government now seeks full control through monopolizing the selection of MSG members.”

The EITI Standard 2023 defines civil society organizations as “non-governmental organizations including trade unions, issue-based coalitions, faith-based organisations, Indigenous Peoples’ movements, the media, think tanks and foundations,” explicitly recognizing the media as part of this space.

Stemming from the discussions, it was unanimously agreed that an open letter would be dispatched to the International EITI Board, which meets this week in Armenia. The letter seeks the Board’s endorsement for a formal intervention stating that the Government of Guyana’s approach to civic appointments is incompatible with the independence of all sectors as required by the EITI Standard 2023 and a public statement from the EITI Board affirming this position.

The group also agreed that PFG would circulate the open letter locally and internationally and only recognize meeting(s) convened in accordance with EITI Standard provisions.

As such, PFG noted that it does not recognize the meeting scheduled for November 20 at the Marriott Hotel, with the Government-appointed convenor Dr. Ivor English, as valid.

The appointment of English was announced by the Ministry of Natural Resources on November 8, 2025. Stakeholders have condemned the appointment over government’s failure to follow stipulated guidelines for his appointment.

In proposing a path forward to settle the ongoing tension, PFG recommended that the Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat reconvene the Co-Chairs of the previous MSG to review and approve any proposed approach to MSG selection.

Further, that the Co-Chairs should validate the lists of nominees originally submitted by the extractive industries and civil society sectors as an interim measure to allow the MSG to resume its work.

PFG also suggested, “The International Board should consider launching an early Validation, assessing Guyana’s readiness and compliance with EITI requirements. In preparation, a subcommittee should be established to develop long-term recommendations for public consultation. Members of this committee should include former MSG representatives from all three sectors.”

The statement was signed by 19 notable individuals and organizations including the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA); Amerindian People Association (APA) – Graham Atkinson; Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI); Red Thread; Stitching Projekta (Suriname); Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (Trinidad and Tobago) and Green Heritage Fund (Suriname) among several others.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

control, EITI, Government, MSG, PFG

Latest News