-to represent Guyana, Latin America and Caribbean region

Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Vickram Bharrat was appointed on October 6, to represent Guyana, Latin America and the Caribbean region on the Board of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Minister Bharrat’s appointment was first announced on June 30. He was named Principal Member of the EITI Implementing Country Constituency on the international board and will represent the region for the 2026–2029 term.

Minister Bharrat is currently in Brussels, Belgium where he participated in the 68th EITI Board meeting held at the Centre Albert Borschette as part of the programme for the 2026 EITI Global Conference.

At the EITI Global Conference, which also takes place in Brussels on October 8-9, Minister Bharrat will contribute to discussions on natural resource governance. He will participate in the panel “Golden opportunities: Securing shared benefits from artisanal and small-scale gold mining”, which will explore how the sector can deliver more equitable benefits while supporting livelihoods and responsible mining.

The minister said the conference will provide a platform to share the region’s experiences in natural resource governance and contribute to global 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.

“As members, we must continue to focus on practical ways to support livelihoods and strengthen accountability across the extractive sector.”

The 2026 EITI Global Conference brings together representatives of governments, industry, civil society and international organisations to discuss transparency and governance in the extractive sector.