The Canada Guyana Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) has launched the inaugural “Energy Link Up” Conference slated for June 21 and 22, 2024 at the National Cultural Centre.
At the launch held in the boardroom of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association Limited (GMSA) Dr Surendra Persaud, a CGCC board director, said that many business conferences held locally had limitations for attendees due to issues such as seating accommodations/capacity or entry fees that may be too expensive for the average citizen.
The event, which comprises an expo and conference-styled forum, is aimed at attracting “the working class or the average Guyanese” who may be interested in learning the dynamics of the energy sector and its prospects, he told reporters at the launch.
He said many citizens complained about not getting the opportunity to partake in events such as these and the CGCC will be the first to host an event of such magnitude with “a difference, i.e. all inclusive.
“This is a first step in bringing the valuable information and education that is necessary to the average Guyanese, we are all aware of conferences being held and many of our working-class citizens were unable to attend due to a variety of reasons such as the event costs, accommodations.
“So, what we are doing is hosting an event to target the broader scope of society which is the average Guyanese.”
Chief Executive Officer of CGCC Rochelle Parsram said that the “energy link up” which is the first of its kind serves as a gateway to understanding and engaging with the world of energy, making it convenient and valuable to all Guyanese, whereas they can have in-depth knowledge on the sector.
Deeming the event ground-breaking, Parsram said the energy link up will be held under the theme of getting more people involved in energy, which is expected to empower communities, foster knowledge and skill sharing and create job opportunities for Guyanese primarily the working class.
“We believe in making the energy conference accessible and affordable to everyone, which includes from your neighbours to your local business gurus,” Parsram said.
Like Persaud, she said the conference will present the opportunity for participants to delve into the fundamentals of the energy sector, and more apply it to the corporations or ventures.
The CGCC CEO is adamant that once participants understand the dynamics of the energy sector they are strategically positioned for success.
Many will ask how this truly benefits ordinary citizens and according to an event briefing provided to journalists, participants are expected to learn how their respective communities can benefit from the energy sector and the use of clean energy, the available opportunities in the sector, and safety for both on and offshore workers.
Additionally, the conference will also touch on Canada’s commitment to sustainable growth; how Canadian energy enterprises can benefit from Guyana’s energy sector through collaborative efforts.
Meanwhile, Chargé d’affaires at the Canadian High Commission of Guyana Jake Thomas said that the North American country was extremely excited at the joint venture of CGX and Frontera Energy Corporation in the Petroleum Prospecting License on the Corentyne block, approximately 200 kilometres offshore from Georgetown, Guyana.
The joint venture has successfully finished drilling operations without any safety incidents and expects to release the drilling rig in early July 2023.
Thomas also referred to Reunion Gold Inc (a Canadian Gold Exploration and development company) which in 2021 discovered gold at its Oko West Project in Guyana.
Asked by Stabroek News about the number of local and international partners earmarked to attend this event, Chief Executive Officer of Tagman Media Alex Graham who moderated the press briefing said that since the event was in “an initial phase” a definitive figure cannot be provided.
He however said that the CGCC and its partners are hoping to get more companies onboard who are experienced in the energy sector to participate at the conference.
