(Kaieteur News) – Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat was on October 6, formally appointed to represent Guyana, Latin America and the Caribbean on the Board of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) for the 2026–2029 term.
Bharrat’s appointment was first announced on June 30, when he was named Principal Member of the EITI Implementing Country Constituency on the international board.
The natural resources minister 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.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat
The global conference, scheduled for October 8 and 9 in Brussels, will bring together representatives from governments, the extractive industries, civil society and international organisations to discuss transparency and governance in the natural resources sector.
Bharrat is expected to contribute to discussions on natural resource governance and will participate in a panel titled “Golden opportunities: Securing shared benefits from artisanal and small-scale gold mining.”
The panel will examine ways in which artisanal and small-scale gold mining can deliver more equitable benefits while supporting livelihoods and promoting responsible mining practices.
Minister Bharrat said the conference provides an opportunity for the region to share its experiences in natural resource governance while contributing to international efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in the extractive sector.
“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 EITI is an international initiative focused on improving transparency and accountability in countries where natural resources play a significant role in the economy.
Source: Kaieteur News
