The Guyana government will conduct a six-month consultation to identify additional goods and services that Guyanese businesses can supply to the oil and gas sector and related industries.
Senior Petroleum Coordinator at Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources Bobby Gossai said the exercise will involve communities across the country. Region Three will be included as the government examines opportunities beyond the 40 areas already covered by the Local Content Act.
Gossai made the announcement during an oil and gas stakeholder engagement at the Leonora Technical and Vocational Education Training Centre in Region Three on August 6.
“We are embarking on a campaign that we will roll…out over the next six months to engage with all communities in every part of the country to see what else we, the Guyanese people, can supply to the oil and gas sector and related industries,” he announced. The consultation is intended to identify demand for goods and services that could be met by businesses in different regions.
Gossai said Region Three companies should consider what they can supply to the petroleum industry and other sectors developing around energy projects.
“When I say opportunities, that is goods and services that can be sourced from Region Three to supply the market, not only the oil and gas sector, but the other sectors and related industries for energy in Region Three,” he added. Gossai cautioned that registration under the local content framework does not automatically result in work, noting “it does not automatically give you the opportunity that you want.”
He urged companies to continue investing in their capabilities and pursue opportunities based on long-term demand rather than one project or temporary contract. Gossai also encouraged businesses to collaborate where they lack the assets, personnel, or resources required to execute larger scopes of work.
“See what advantage you can bring to your neighbor or your friends, and form partnerships with each other so that you can undertake any of the tasks that [are] available,” he said.
He identified transportation, maintenance, catering, and accommodation among the services businesses could consider as industrial activity expands.
The Local Content Act, enacted in December 2021, established minimum participation requirements for Guyanese companies and nationals in a range of activities supporting the petroleum sector.
