Dear Editor,
I have taken note of a letter published recently that was titled “Does the Local Content Policy apply to Guyanese with dual citizenship?” The reason why I am writing is because I myself have questioned this before and sought clarity so I feel that I can offer some insight to the author based on the research I did and the advice that was given to me not so long ago. In the letter, the writer questioned whether or not the draft Local Content Policy applies to Guyanese with dual citizenship. As a Guyanese with dual citizenship who, like the writer, applied for a job in the oil and gas sector but was unsuccessful, I wanted to know if my dual citizenship was the reason for me not being able to secure the job. I did research thereafter which pointed me in the direction that yes, the existing draft Local Content Policy applies to Guyanese with dual citizenship solely because a Guyanese is anyone with Guyanese citizenship under the Constitution.
I have looked into several jobs within the oil and gas sector in Guyana over the past year and half. I was successful for the ones I wanted but even though offers were made to me for others, I declined simply because they were not the right fit for me. However, what I have gathered over time from paying close attention to the companies operating in the oil and gas sector is that the despite there being a draft Local Content Policy, these companies ultimately have the final say on who they hire. In many cases, foreigners are the ones that secure the jobs because of their qualifications and experiences. At the same time, I have also recognized that there are many Guyanese that reside out of Guyana with impressive qualifications and experiences in the sector. I do not believe that because those individuals have dual citizenships that they should be prevented from working in the sector should they decide to do so. It is only fair that as Guyanese, they are able to return and work freely and from all indication, the Local Content Policy caters for such.
However, I strongly believe that Guyanese should be given first preference as it relates to opportunities in the oil and gas sector. In my opinion, non-nationals should not be placed above Guyanese in the recruitment and selection processes. As such, I think that it is paramount that when the Local Content Policy is finalized within the coming months as noted by news entities, stringent legislations should be put in place to prevent such from happening.
Sincerely,
Anson Paul
