Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat has been appointed to the Board of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), where he will represent Guyana and the Latin America and Caribbean region for the 2026–2029 term.
Bharrat’s appointment was confirmed on October 6, following his selection earlier this year as the Principal Member of the EITI Implementing Country Constituency.
He is currently in Brussels, Belgium, where he represented the region at the 68th EITI Board meeting on October 7 at the Centre Albert Borschette.
The meeting forms part of the programme for the 2026 EITI Global Conference, which is being held in Brussels from October 8 to 9.
The EITI Board is responsible for overseeing the initiative’s work on transparency and accountability in countries where oil, gas and mining are significant parts of the economy.
For Guyana, Bharrat’s appointment comes as the country continues to expand its oil and gas industry while remaining an implementing country under the EITI framework.
At the global conference, Bharrat is expected to participate in discussions on natural resource governance and will join a panel titled “Golden opportunities: Securing shared benefits from artisanal and small-scale gold mining.”
The panel will examine how artisanal and small-scale gold mining can deliver greater benefits to communities while supporting livelihoods and responsible mining practices.
Bharrat said the conference provides an opportunity for countries in the region to share their experiences in managing natural resources and contribute to international efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability.
“Our countries have different experiences, but we share a common responsibility to manage our natural resources transparently and ensure that their benefits reach our people and communities,” he said.
He added that EITI members must continue focusing on practical measures to support livelihoods and strengthen accountability across the extractive sector.
The 2026 EITI Global Conference brings together representatives from governments, the extractive industries, civil society and international organisations to discuss transparency and governance in the sector.
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