Ramps Logistics (Guyana) Guyana dropped its claim for damages in the case it had brought before Guyana to secure its Local Content Certificate, which was initially refused.
Ramps Director, Shaun Rampersad, informed the government in a letter that it dropped the claims.
“Furthermore, we have no other claims against the Minister/ Ministry of Natural Resources, Director of Local Content Secretariat/ Local Content Secretariat, or any other arms of the Government of the Republic of Guyana,” Rampersad wrote.
The letter appears to be an olive branch to the government of Guyana after a spat over the Local Content Secretariat’s past decision not to issue a Local Content Certificate to the company. The documentation is for companies that qualify as Guyanese companies according to the definition of Guyana’s Local Content Act 2021. Guyanese companies are given preferential treatment in the issuance of contracts in the sector, as mandated by the law. It was important for Ramps to pursue the recognition, as it had business with Exxon that was in jeopardy. Ramps took the Secretariat to Court and won. Shortly after receiving its certification, as ordered by the Court, Ramps benefitted from a contract extension by Exxon.
In the letter, Rampersad said, “I am writing to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to working closely with the Government of the Republic of Guyana in realising its local content goals. We deeply value the government’s vision of fostering economic growth, promoting indigenous industries, and maximising the participation of local businesses in national development.”
He said Ramps recognises the significance of local content in driving sustainable economic development.
“To this end, Ramps utilises its years of industry knowledge and experience together with its innovative technology and intellectual property to improve the capability and efficiency of the logistics industry in Guyana. We believe that utilising our expertise and technology, we can assist in achieving the Government’s vision of transforming Guyana into a world leader,” Ramps stated.
Ramps was also earlier this year cleared of fraud charges brought against it by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). The tax and customs regulator had claimed Ramps made several untrue declarations. But after calling several witnesses to testify over the trial period, Magistrate Dylon Bess ruled that Ramps had no case to answer to and dismissed all charges against the company. Following the judgment, Ramps had said it remains committed to contributing to Guyana’s growth.
