Prospect of Berbice oil refinery raised at Guyana, US meeting

The potential for the setting up of an oil refinery in Berbice was among several issues which were discussed when a delegation from the United States embassy engaged officials of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment yesterday. According to a release from the Natural Resources Ministry, the high- level delegation from the US embassy yesterday paid a courtesy call on Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud  at his office to discuss investment in the natural resources sector and potential areas for future collaboration.

During the meeting, the US officials pledged their support to the government in key areas within the natural resources and environmental sectors.

In photo, Minister Robert Persaud (back to the camera) in discussion with US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Thomas Pierce.

According to the release, several areas of the sector were discussed during the meeting including the potentials of an oil refinery in Berbice, soil waste and environmental management and the participation of Guyana and the US at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from June 20-22.

During the discussions, Persaud highlighted that the country is open to investment and is looking forward to participating with other countries and agencies to promote sustainable development and the benefits of a green economy. He noted that the opportunity will be utilized to showcase Guyana’s ecological service and biodiversity to the global economy.

Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy, Thomas Pierce expressed the US government’s commitment to continue working with the local authorities in supporting its initiatives to build capacity in the natural resources and environmental sectors.

Among those present at the meeting were Shyam Nokta, Advisor to the President; Dr  Indarjit Ramdass, Executive Director of the  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and  Commissioner of the  Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Karen Livan who attended on behalf of the  government.

Eric Moore, Economic Officer, US Embassy; Indran  Amrithanayagam, First Secretary/Director South America Environment, Science, Technology and Health Office, American Embassy  attended the meeting  on behalf of the US authorities.