We must ensure Guyanese benefit from the future we are building — PM

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said that opportunities for local businesses and citizens must be provided to ensure Guyana’s long-term economic development, particularly in the oil and gas industry.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring that all avenues in the oil economy are made available to local businesses and all Guyanese during his remarks at the official launch of the Guyana Supplier Forum earlier today.

The two-day event is hosted by Exxon Mobil and its Stabroek Block co-ventures, with help from the Centre for Local Business Development at the Leonora Stadium in Region Three.

Prime Minister Phillips said that the government’s commitment is to all Guyanese.

“We will create a prosperous country where every Guyanese must have a full and successful life through quality education, access to good-paying jobs, opportunities for entrepreneurship, home ownership, and economic stability.”

He also stressed that systems are being put in place and that the government will continuously work on facilitating needed changes to make Guyanese competitive and to ensure prosperity.

“Our speedy establishment of the Local Content Act and Local Content Secretariat was one of the first and most significant steps that guarantee the consideration and prioritisation of our people.”

He said that for Guyanese to truly benefit from the promising future ahead, “we must put in place adequate development, employment, and training of the local workforce. We must also make tangible investments in suppliers’ development so that they can meet the demand for procuring supplies and services locally. Such an investment can be seen in the hosting of this forum today”.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of industry standards and procedures to the sector, emphasising the importance of local businesses adhering to these standards to fully benefit from the industry.

“One of the main advantages of this emerging sector is that its operations are at an international standard, with stringent and high-level operating requirements. As such, working within the industry, whether as a partner or an employee, calls for requirements that will ensure our local businesses rise to that level as well. So forums, such as these, create a platform for people to find out what they need and how they can achieve those requirements.”

Country Manager of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, spoke at the forum’s opening and reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to supporting socioeconomic development and improving the quality of life in its communities.

The aim of the event is to create an avenue for local businesses to interact directly with ExxonMobil Guyana and the Prime Contractors about upcoming procurement opportunities in the oil and gas sector, including the Gas-to-Energy Project.