By Josiah Williams
Today marked the commencement of a four-day National Oil Spill Contingency Planning Workshop at the Guyana Police Force Headquarters.
This workshop is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance Guyana’s preparedness and response capabilities in the event of an oil spill.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips opened the workshop, emphasizing its role in strengthening the country’s oil spill response strategies.
He highlighted that the government is finalizing the draft National Oil Spill Prevention and Management Bill, which will soon be introduced to the National Assembly.
This legislation aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for managing oil spill incidents and improving overall preparedness.
The workshop will focus on reviewing and potentially revising the 2020 National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP).
Prime Minister Phillips reassured the public of the government’s commitment to environmental protection and effective spill response.
He stressed the importance of a robust preparedness plan and ongoing public awareness initiatives.
The workshop is organized by the Civil Defence Commission in collaboration with the Maritime Administration Department, with support from the International Maritime Organization and the United Nations Environmental Program—Regional Coordinating Unit for the Caribbean Environment Program.
The forthcoming legislation will be subjected to public scrutiny, and feedback will be incorporated before it is presented to the national assembly.