Oil Pollution Prevention Bill to be Presented to Guyana’s National Assembly

A ship off the coast of Guyana. Photo by Guyana PIS.

Introduction of the Bill

Next Monday, the government of Guyana will present the Oil Pollution, Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Responsibility Bill 2025 to the National Assembly.

This new bill sets up a modern and complete legal system to stop oil spills, get the country ready to deal with them, respond quickly when they happen, and make sure those responsible pay for any damage.

Purpose and Scope of the Bill

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, spoke about the bill during his weekly TV programme, Issues in the News.

He explained that because Guyana’s oil and gas industry is growing fast, strong laws are needed to protect the environment and make sure companies work safely.

He said the bill will make sure that all people or companies working in oil and gas—including drilling, exploring, producing, storing, transporting—follow the highest safety and environmental rules.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill also says that anyone who causes an oil spill or acts carelessly with oil must take responsibility and pay for the damage.

It gives regular people and communities the right to take these companies to court if their homes, jobs, or natural surroundings are harmed.

The bill follows global standards for how the oil industry should operate, showing that it is up-to-date and carefully planned.

Preparation and Next Steps

Minister Nandlall noted it took a long time to prepare because it is a complex law and needed careful attention. Once it is introduced in the Assembly, it will be shared widely with the public.

This bill is part of a larger plan to update Guyana’s laws. More bills are expected next week.

Since 2020, the PPP/C government has already passed or updated several oil-related laws, like the Natural Resource Fund law, the Petroleum Activities Bill, and the Local Content Act.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Oil Pollution, Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Responsibility Bill 2025 is a significant step towards protecting Guyana’s environment and ensuring the safe operation of the oil and gas industry. The bill’s provisions aim to prevent oil spills, promote responsible practices, and provide recourse for affected communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the purpose of the Oil Pollution, Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Responsibility Bill 2025?

A: The bill aims to prevent oil spills, get the country ready to deal with them, respond quickly when they happen, and make sure those responsible pay for any damage.

Q: Who will be affected by the bill?

A: The bill will apply to all people or companies working in oil and gas, including drilling, exploring, producing, storing, and transporting.

Q: What are the next steps for the bill?

A: The bill will be introduced in the National Assembly and shared widely with the public. More bills are expected to be presented next week as part of a larger plan to update Guyana’s laws.

Source: Guyana PIS.