Dear Editor,
I couldn’t help but imagine what a chutney singer’s lyrics would sound like, accompanied by some tassa drumming, as he or she pictures Nigel Hughes, leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and top-notch attorney, arguing that his law firm’s work with oil companies should fall under the Local Content Act. This Act was meant to ensure the wealth from Guyana’s oil and gas industry reaches local businesses and citizens. And sure, when I think of crucial oil sector services, law firms are right at the top of my list! What’s an oil rig without a solid legal contract holding it together, right? Like chutney without rum, it just doesn’t work!
So, as the chutney singer writes the lyrics, they will think it is a genius move for Mr. Hughes to claim that his legal services qualify under the Act. But why stop there? Let’s throw in artisanal lattes, custom tailoring, and fancy stationery design too. After all, these are vital to the oil industry’s smooth running—imagine the horror if oil execs had to drink bad coffee or wear ill-fitting suits! In this spirit of inclusivity, let’s extend the Local Content Act to cover every local service out there, no matter how loosely related to oil and gas. Let’s make sure every Guyanese gets a piece of this oil boom, whether they’re drilling or just making sure the paperwork looks nice.
A hypothetical claim by Mr. Hughes would not just be about his law firm; it’s a wake-up call for us to rethink what local content means. With such visionary thinking, Guyana could become a utopia where every service, no matter how small, enjoys the glow of oil wealth. We’ll be dancing to the beat of prosperity, making sure every little man and woman gets their fair share of the black gold.
Sincerely,
Keith Bernard
