13 more annual local content plans get approval

THE Ministry of Natural Resources has announced the approval of 13 additional annual local content plans for the reporting year, 2023.

These plans serve as a testament to the unwavering commitment of both the government and industry stakeholders toward the sustainable development of Guyana’s natural resources sector.

The approved plans ensure that the exploration and production activities undertaken by the companies will maximise local participation, promote economic diversification, and foster social development.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, in the company of the Director of the Local Content Secretariat Dr. Martin Pertab, and the ministry’s Legal Officer, Michael Munroe, signed the companies’ Letters of Approval at the ministry’s Kingston office on May 24.

The approved companies were Bourbon Guyana Incorporated; CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited; Guyana Deepwater Operations (SBM Offshore); Guyana Shore Base Incorporated; Noble Drilling

Guyana Incorporated; SLB Guyana; Stena Carron Drilling Limited; Tenaris Guyana Incorporated; Tullow Guyana B.V.; Weatherford Trinidad Limited (Guyana); Tiger Rental; Sustainable Energy Solutions, and OEG Energy Inc.

The Local Content Act states that contractors, sub-contractors, and licensees operating in Guyana’s petroleum sector must submit a Local Content Annual Plan, outlining in detail their procurement, employment, and capacity development plans for the reporting year. Just last week, the ministry greenlit the annual plans of five oil majors operating in Guyana, including the Stabroek Block operator, ExxonMobil Guyana.

As part of the signing, Minister Bharrat reminded that local content is of paramount importance to the government and people of Guyana. He said that it ensures that the development of our natural resources translates into tangible benefits for our people, generating employment opportunities, and fostering the growth of local businesses.

Commenting as well,

SLB’s Managing Director, Sharlene Seegoolam stated, “At the heart of SLB’s values is the principle of recruiting locally. We take immense pride in hiring and collaborating with exceptional individuals from Guyana.”

Meanwhile, Noble Drilling’s Local Content Manager Mrs. Renatha Khan – Bovell remarked, “This approval is a representation of our milestones/ commitment throughout the lifespan of our contract where we offer support to the economic development in the local communities.”

The Ministry of Natural Resources remains committed to the effective implementation and monitoring of local content policies, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance.

The government will continue to work closely with the approved companies and all stakeholders to foster an enabling environment that empowers local businesses, develops local capacity, and promotes sustainable development in the natural resources sector.

Child rapist’s life sentence reduced to 20 years

MARK Campbell, who is currently serving life imprisonment for two counts of sexual activity with a child under the age of 12, had his sentence reduced to 20 years by the Court of Appeal on Monday.

In 2017, Campbell was tried before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Georgetown High Court.

It is alleged that he first engaged in sexual penetration of the boy during the month of September 2011 when the child was six years old. He again committed the act on July 10, 2013 when the boy was eight.

A 12-member jury found Campbell guilty on both counts, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 30 years in jail.

Campbell had moved to the Court of Appeal, claiming that his conviction could not stand. He is asking that his sentence be set aside since it was unfair, too severe, and excessive.

The appeal was heard by Chancellor (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud.

In handing down the court ruling on Monday, the Chancellor found that the trial judge did not abide by the sentencing guidelines when sentencing Campbell for the crime.

The Court reduced Campbell's sentence to 20 years on each count, which will run concurrently.

It was ordered that the time Campbell spent in pre-trial custody be deducted from his sentence.

According to reports, Campbell was asked by the boy’s mother to take care of him while she worked the night shift.

Campbell allegedly sodomised the boy on the dates mentioned while his mother was at work.

In 2018, Campbell was handed another life sentence after confessing to raping a five-year-old boy on April 16, 2013.

The sentence was handed down by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, who ordered that Campbell be eligible for parole after serving 30 years.