-by Kimberly Giddings

The government is intensifying efforts to ensure Guyanese workers in the oil and gas sector receive equal pay as their foreign counterparts when performing the same jobs.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat says that, after a decade of experience in the industry, many Guyanese now possess the qualifications, skills, and expertise to justify equal salaries.

He believes the industry has reached a stage where the experience and expertise of the local workforce can no longer be overlooked. He noted that many Guyanese now have up to ten years of experience in the oil and gas sector, while others have accumulated eight or five years of industry experience.

“We have Guyanese with degrees and skill set and certification that can match some of the expat workers. And that is why we’re making the call now to say that if we have Guyanese workers that have comparable skill set experience academic background as an expat worker, that is the same skill set, then they should get the same salary,” the minister said.

Minister Bharrat says the government’s position is not about special treatment, but about ensuring equal pay for equal work.

He says the proposal has already been raised with major oil companies and contractors, including Exxon, and the response has been positive.

“We are not asking for anything unlawful. We are asking for something that is fair. That if your Guyanese and I am an expat, you have five years’ experience in the oil and gas sector, your reservoir engineer. you are the expat and the Guyanese. I have five years’ experience. I have the same kind of qualification for you, like you. Both of us are working on a drill ship offshore. Then the salary that you receive, I should receive too,” he explained.

The Natural Resources Minister also said major oil and gas contractors, including SBM Offshore and MODEC, support the government’s push for equal pay for Guyanese workers.

He noted that both companies already have pay systems based on qualifications and experience and are expected to ensure their contractors follow similar standards to remain compliant with Guyana’s laws.