Smooth implementation of Guyana’s oil projects promised with new Petroleum law

Though lawmakers on the government and opposition sides of the House agreed that a new Bill was needed to regulate the sector, Opposition Parliamentarians asked for the Bill to also pave the way for a Petroleum Commission that would manage the sector as opposed to a government minister.

Opposition Parliamentarian David Patterson, who proposed amendments to the Bill, was keen on having that Commission in place so that it could provide much-needed technical advice to the government.

Bharrat said the government will pursue that Commission, just not now.

“Amending it (the Petroleum Activities Bill) to have the Petroleum Commission now when there is no mechanism in place as to how we will establish that Commission, I don’t think that is something we can consider at this time.

“But Mr. Speaker, we as a government, we are committing that there will be a Petroleum Commission,” Minister Bharrat said.

The second reading of the Bill started just before midnight Thursday and lawmakers from both sides shared their views on it until 06:30 hrs Thursday. Importantly, this legislation was needed before the oil blocks auction.