Silence Surrounds Extractive Industries Transparency Oversight Efforts

By Mark DaCosta-In a troubling turn for our Guyana’s commitment to transparency in the extractive sectors, the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) has ground to a standstill over the past six months. Following the release of its Sixth Annual Report in December 2024, the Initiative’s operations have ceased without formal explanations from either the Ministry of Natural Resources or the GYEITI National Secretariat. This stagnation jeopardises not only our nation’s reputation for good governance but also compliance with crucial EITI standards.

Established to enhance transparency and accountability in our extractive industries, GYEITI plays an essential role in ensuring that revenues from natural resources contribute positively to our economy. It involves a multi-stakeholder framework — primarily involving government representatives, civil society, and industry stakeholders — to provide oversight and promote best practices. However, GYEITI’s operations have become alarmingly inactive, raising questions about the functioning and integrity of this critical body.

Concern has been growing among stakeholders who are anxiously awaiting clarity on the appointment of new members to the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG). This group is integral to the Initiative’s governance structure. Despite repeated requests from civil society members and representatives from the extractive sector, the silence from the Ministry and the Secretariat has been deafening. Additionally, efforts by the International EITI Secretariat to obtain updates have remained unanswered, further compounding the situation.

In January 2025, Policy Forum Guyana, tasked with overseeing the MSG’s civic elections, submitted nominations for new civil society representatives to the Ministry of Natural Resources. Unfortunately, these submissions have met with a complete lack of response, raising eyebrows not just locally but on an international scale. This inertia carries significant ramifications: the preparation for GYEITI’s Seventh Annual Report is at serious risk of delay, putting Guyana in jeopardy of once again facing penalties due to non-compliance. Past failures to meet deadlines have already placed us on probation, a situation that could be exacerbated if the current delays persist.

Adding to the mounting concerns, GYEITI is due for its second Validation later this year. Following the modest results of the initial assessment — and the already evident lack of proper governance — a second unsuccessful evaluation could lead to our nation being suspended from the global EITI initiative. These developments have drawn notable international attention, prompting the International Secretariat to escalate the matter to the EITI Board.

While the onus of appointing the MSG firmly lies with the Minister of Natural Resources, scrutiny is increasingly directed towards the National Secretariat. Criticism has surfaced regarding its unwillingness to provide necessary updates and a failure to uphold the integrity of the GYEITI process. Alarmingly, the National Coordinator, who has been in office for an extended period, consistently disregarded the MSG’s role as an oversight authority. Operating as if beholden solely to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Coordinator’s lack of relevant qualifications in the extractive realm and the perceived politicisation of the role raises significant red flags, particularly in a sector so critical to the nation’s economic viability.

Moreover, since the conclusion of the National Coordinator’s contract at the start of this year, there has been an apparent absence of any public advertisements or calls for new candidates to apply for this vital position. The lack of transparency in appointing the National Coordinator runs contrary to GYEITI’s foundational commitment to open governance and accountability.

Urgent action is paramount as silence and stagnation threaten to undermine not only compliance with international standards but our nation’s dedication to the principles of transparency and accountability in the management of our natural resources. The future of GYEITI’s operations hangs in the balance, shining a spotlight on our governmental processes that must engage effectively to protect our homeland’s interests in the extractive sector. It is imperative that we demand answers and action to navigate through this crisis, reaffirming our nation’s commitment to good governance and integrity in the governance of our resources.