– Guyana asks for assistance in oil and gas industryThe United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Assistant Administrator and Director for the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, Ms. Jessica Faieta, discussed areas of cooperation with Minister of Governance with additional responsibility for Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman during a courtesy call yesterday, at his Brickdam office.Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman in discussions with the Assistant Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Jessica Faieta (backing camera), and UN’s Resident Coordinator to Guyana, Khadija Musa as Advisor to the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr. Clayton Hall looks onMs. Faieta, who is currently on a two-day visit to Guyana for the United Nations Meeting with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), was accompanied by the UN’s Resident Coordinator to Guyana, Khadija Musa.Mr. Trotman told the UNDP team that with the oil and exploration activities being undertaken in the country, Guyana is looking for best practice approaches from a country which has characteristics to help guide the development of the sector, especially in the area of the drafting of contracts.In this regard, he asked that the UNDP, which he described as a “neutral” partner, support capacity building in that area.Ms. Faieta assured Minister Trotman that his requests will be considered and the UNDP will continue to work with Guyana for its further development.On the issue of Governance, he updated the team on the passage of the Constitution Amendment Act 2015, which was undertaken by the new government, for several state agencies to be given financial autonomy. He further related that the Government is also actively pursuing the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC).Mr. Trotman, in expressing his appreciation for the visit, reflected on the working relationship which Guyana currently shares with the United Nations and the UNDP.He noted that it is one which has always been fruitful. |