Over 300 locals benefit from third annual ‘Let’s Talk Local Content’ forum at Guyana Energy Conference

SBM Offshore Guyana hosted the third edition of its ‘Let’s Talk Local Content’ Forum at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo on Thursday, February 21. The event, supported by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), reinforced the company’s commitment to ensuring meaningful and sustainable local participation in the energy sector.

As the official local content partner of the conference, SBM Offshore Guyana provided a structured platform for dialogue between industry leaders, policymakers and local businesses seeking to participate in Guyana’s growing oil and gas supply chain.

In his welcome remarks, Martin Cheong, General Manager of SBM Offshore Guyana, highlighted the importance of collaboration in building strong local partnerships.

“Local content is not a once-a-year discussion. It is an ongoing partnership. It requires transparency, preparation and a shared commitment to raising standards together. As our energy sector continues to evolve, SBM’s goal remains clear: to ensure that Guyanese businesses are not only participating but are well-positioned to compete and grow within a globally competitive industry,” he underscored.

Michael Munroe, Director of the Local Content Secretariat, emphasised the government’s commitment to expanding local participation and efficiency in the oil and gas supply chain and noted that the Secretariat recently launched the Local Content Registration Portal which forms part of these efforts. He also emphasised the importance of the forum, describing it as necessary for continuing dialogue to progress the local content push.

“The Local Content Secretariat wholeheartedly and unconditionally endorses this forum and forums like these, and we will continue to support these companies to the extent that they are willing to provide the necessary information to suppliers for them to meaningfully participate in the local content space,” he stated.

Following his speech, representatives from the Local Content Secretariat delivered an engaging presentation on the recently launched online portal with new timelines for the processing of Local Content Certificates for new applications and renewals once all required documents are submitted.

Kathy Smith, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), highlighted the importance of sustained public-private engagement, noting that many local firms have since built capacity. She also urged other local businesses to take advantage of the opportunities.

“The ball is in your court, so no longer can we complain that the opportunities don’t exist, there is a local content legislation… I just want to commend SBM [Offshore Guyana] for ensuring that Guyanese and the regional and international investors have an idea as to what you will need in this country and how you will partake in it,” she posited.

A key feature of the forum was its interactive component. Led by members of the company’s Supply Chain team, the sessions provided practical guidance on how to navigate the procurement process from start to completion. The first segment, led by Nelly Hoodith, Indirect Procurement Lead, Nickeshia DaCosta, Supply Chain Team Lead and Keval Getram, Supply Chain Lead for Turnkey Projects, focused on understanding the Request for Information/Proposal (RFI/RFP) process and how to successfully submit a bid. The second segment, led by Anthony Somaru, HSSE Specialist for Vendor Management and Kevin Best, HSSE Lead, guided participants through the various steps required by a vendor following the award of a contract.

This structured engagement allowed businesses to ask questions directly, gain clarity on procurement requirements and better understand the pathways to integration into the global energy supply chain.

Through this third iteration of the forum, SBM Offshore Guyana continues to demonstrate its commitment to responsible local content development. Through open and transparent dialogue, capacity-building initiatives and strong focus on partnerships, the company remains focused on fostering a capable and resilient local business ecosystem in Guyana, enabling stronger participation in the energy sector.