My company was overlooked in favour of overseas investors

Dear Editor,

The International hotels and offices that will be built here are greatly appreciated by all Guyanese.  Our government is also making investments in our infrastructure and economy to ensure that our citizens lives happy, secure, healthy, beneficial and productive lives. As investors aim to provide hospitality and services to Guyana by way of hotels, banking, Oil & Gas sectors and services to not only Guyanese, but also tourism and business class of persons entering our country. Our citizens have seen the building plans that will be constructed and are amazed at the transformation our country will be undergoing. I must congratulate our President and cabinet on the passing of the Local Content Law towards the Oil & Gas industry.

We remain optimistic that our government will consider the inclusion of Local Content policy towards the construction industry, establishing jobs and employment for Guyanese contractors and construction workers. We are proud to say our company Fire Sprinkler & Safety Equipment Services is Guyanese owned and operated. Our company has been registered for over 7 years in the fire protection services sector; we specialize in Fire Sprinklers protection systems installation. We have worked as a subcontractor for GEICO Construction Company installing Fire Sprinklers system for Schlumberger Guyana Houston. Our company has been sending letters of interest to participate in the building of these wonderful buildings, when we follow up or ask if our company would be considered, we are told that the overseas workers will be do the work.

This is very unfair to us as a Guyanese company, that foreign investors will invest in our country to gain profits and not include the Guyanese workforce jobs. Others, like electricians, painters, and interior decorators, won’t be able to find work. All of this may provide employment for Guyanese, but Guyanese businesses are not taken into consideration. We would be appreciative of the chance to work for and alongside foreign investors. Guyanese contractors and businesses are aware that work must be completed in accordance with international standards, and our organization complies with all NFPA regulations. To enable Guyanese to participate in the creation of this wonderful country, we implore our President and Cabinet to please take into account a Local Content policy toward the construction sector.

Sincerely,

Vishul Ishwaridin 

Fire Sprinklers & Safety Equipment

Services