By mid-2025, a second local catering consortium is anticipated to launch, targeting Guyana’s oil and gas industry. Dr. Martin Pertab, Director of the Local Content Secretariat, made this announcement at the Local Content Summit.
Dr. Pertab said discussions with international and local partners are ongoing. “This year…we want to introduce a second one,” he stated.
The first consortium, which is already operational, provides catering services to all three Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operating offshore Guyana. Pertab said it represents an achievement, with major investment in local produce and suppliers.
“They invest quite a lot in building out local pricing and farmers, local suppliers, etc.,” he noted.
He explained that the new consortium will build on this model to boost local participation and increase competition.
“Once there is competition… that will help us to expect also to zoom in on the kind of opportunities that exist,” he added.
Dr. Pertab said this initiative is part of wider efforts to expand local content in the oil and gas sector. Guyanese employment in the industry is projected to grow from 6,500 in 2024 to 7,500 this year. He also said local content spending is expected to rise from US$620 million last year to US$650 million in 2025.
Investments in training and capacity building are set to see the most dramatic increase—from just under US$4 million to US$4.6 million this year. “That has to do with investment in fabrication, supply chain, procurement contracts, etc.,” Dr. Pertab said.
He also highlighted that Guyanese companies are expanding into higher-value services, including subsea work and premium training.
Dr. Pertab said that the Secretariat is working to reduce barriers for small and medium-sized firms. He said the goal is to create a more level playing field, allowing more local businesses to compete in the sector and build long-term capacity.
Guyanese Achieving Together Enterprises (GATE) is the current consortium of local catering and food service operators.
