The Local Content Secretariat is moving to a digital system to cut certificate wait times and widen access in Guyana. Director Michael Munroe announced the plan on day two of a Business Development Forum hosted by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).
He said the changes will include an online portal, enhancements to the Secretariat’s app, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for preliminary document checks.
He said they are currently in talks with a developer to see how they could leverage the government’s digitisation drive. “No longer would you… have to come to the Secretariat,” Munroe said. Applicants will file online and the team will intervene when needed. “Of course, we would reserve the right… to call you in and have a sit-down.”
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He outlined how AI will accelerate reviews of standardized forms. “We’re looking to see how AI could now extract the relevant data… and come up with a preliminary assessment of this application.” He said staff will cross-reference the AI’s recommendation with the uploaded documents before sending files to him for approval.
Munroe acknowledged frustration with delays. “Persons reach out to me incessantly every day to say… it’s been with the Secretariat for a month, two months.” He said clear requirements and faster processing are priorities. “We will try to process your application as fast as possible.”
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A public service level target is also in the works. “I’ve been tasked… to advise… on an indicative timeline… that if you submit your application today, within X amount of days, you will get the decision.”
Munroe said the aim is to register more businesses swiftly so they can compete for opportunities as new petroleum agreements drive demand. “We’re here to promote Guyanese businesses.”
