GCCI President calls for Guyanese to have more space in oil & gas sector

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith, is advocating for Guyanese companies to be given more safeguards and meaningful opportunities to participate in the country’s burgeoning oil and gas sector. She made these remarks on Thursday during the Chamber’s 2026 Energy Luncheon, held under the theme “Beyond the Barrel: Oil, Gas, Growth, and the Guyanese Contractor.”

According to Smith, over the years, local businesses have made the necessary investments, built capacity and even established partnerships to take part in the oil and gas sector. She says that while local content has facilitated that increased participation, there needs to be more support for Guyanese businesses.

“I have watched [local] contractors transform themselves. I have seen small operators grow into companies with a larger number of employees. It is possible. Not easy, but possible. What is required is clarity about what the market wants, what it will pay, what certification you need, what insurance you must carry, and what financial controls you must demonstrate. Clarity about partnership,” she stated. It is against this backdrop that Smith called for the Government to carve out spaces for local businesses. She pointed out that while the Chamber is not opposed to foreign companies, they must not be more privileged than Guyanese.