A national workshop (27-30 August) brought together top officials from across Guyana to strengthen the country’s defences against oil spills.

Organized by RAC/REMPEITC-Caribe through the International Maritime Organization’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP), the event aimed to enhance Guyana’s oil spill preparedness and response capabilities.

Representatives from the Maritime Administration Department, Civil Defence Commission, Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Energy Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, Fire Services, and other key stakeholders participated in the training.

The workshop focused on the relevant skills and knowledge required to effectively manage and mitigate oil spill incidents in Guyana’s maritime and coastal zones. This includes the need for efficient communication and cooperation among various agencies.

Sessions covered crucial areas such as oil spill prevention, emergency response strategies, and the importance of a cohesive national approach to environmental protection. Participants were introduced to the RETOS tool, which helps assess national preparedness levels, and engaged in a table-top exercise to practice managing potential environmental disasters.

The workshop is expected to lead to stronger coordination and a more robust national oil spill contingency plan, ensuring that Guyana is better prepared to protect its marine and coastal environments from potential oil spill incidents.

Source: IMO