ExxonMobil Guyana and the Centre for Local Business Development opened its Liza Phase One Supplier Development Forum on Monday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in the country’s capital, Georgetown.
Country Manager of ExxonMobil Guyana, Rod Henson, explained that, “We host supplier forums globally but we tailor the forums to clarify the prime contractor roles and responsibilities, to clarify procurement best practices and provide direct access to ExxonMobil and our prime contractors through this exhibition.”
Henson also observed that Guyanese businesses are now moving to develop the technical capabilities that will allow them to equally compete in the sector. Apart from that, he said, “While, ExxonMobil is committed to maximizing Guyanese content opportunities, we are also bound by a duty to be safe, to be environmentally responsible and to develop the nation’s resources cost-efficiently.”
Legal Advisor at the Department of Energy, Joanna Simmons-Homer, in delivering remarks said, Guyana is in an extraordinary process of transformation. To this end, she emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships.
“The DNA of our present and future construct has been altered and this forum seeks to build and bolster a particular strand; that of Guyana’s local businesses as commercial partners. Supplier fora can play a key role in the success of commercial partnerships that literally rely on each other for a worthwhile and long-lasting development.”
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Desmond Sears, urged both suppliers and operators in the sector to work towards maximizing the use of local content .
He said, “They (companies) must utilize locally produced goods and services along with Guyanese labor, direct and indirect oil and gas operations and support services.”
While the Commission is aware that the oil and gas sector is new to Guyana, Sears said those international oil and gas companies, wishing to operate in the sector, must also “consider Guyanese skills in your operations and also, provide scope for the training of Guyanese nationals.”
The Liza Phase One Supplier Development Forum will conclude on Tuesday, December 4 with an exhibition to facilitate networking opportunities between Prime Contractors and the Guyanese business community.
