Local Content Summit - Guyana

Local Content Summit 2026 - Reflections on Day 2

One week ago today, the Local Content Summit 2026 concluded with another day of engaging discussions, practical insights, and valuable networking opportunities.

Held on June 3, 2026, at the Four Points by Sheraton Houston Events Centre, Georgetown, Day 2 continued the conversation under the theme, From Policy to Prosperity: Unlocking Opportunities Through Collaboration.

Participants explored strategies for strengthening local participation, building capacity, supporting business growth, and expanding opportunities across multiple sectors of the economy.

As we reflect on the final day of the summit, we share some of the moments that captured the energy, engagement, and collaboration that defined the event.

Thank you for capturing LCS 2026

Behind every memorable event is a team committed to capturing the moments that tell the story.

As we continue reflecting on the success of the Local Content Summit 2026, we extend our sincere appreciation to photographers Deonarine Chand and Koaito Grant for documenting the energy, engagement, and key moments throughout the summit.

Held on June 2 and 3, 2026, at the Four Points by Sheraton Houston Events Centre, Georgetown, the summit brought together stakeholders from across the public and private sectors under the theme, From Policy to Prosperity: Unlocking Opportunities Through Collaboration.

Thank you for helping preserve the moments, conversations, and connections that made this year's summit such a success.

Our co-creators in action at the 4th Edition of the Local Content Summit 2026, Abbigale Loncke and Anita Ramprasad

Every successful event begins with an idea, but it takes vision, commitment, and collaboration to bring that idea to life.

Today, we recognise the co-creators of the Local Content Summit, whose leadership, dedication, and belief in the importance of meaningful dialogue helped shape this platform for engagement and knowledge sharing.

Through their efforts, the summit brought together government officials, business leaders, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from across Guyana to explore solutions, share experiences, and identify opportunities for growth under the theme, From Policy to Prosperity: Unlocking Opportunities Through Collaboration.

Held on June 2 and 3, 2026, at the Four Points by Sheraton Houston Events Centre, Georgetown, the summit stands as a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.

Thank you for your vision and commitment to advancing conversations that support national development and local participation.

📸 Photo Credit: Koaito Grant

Local Content Summit 2026, Reflections on Day 1

One week ago today, industry leaders, policymakers, private sector representatives, entrepreneurs, and development partners gathered for Day 1 of the Local Content Summit 2026 under the theme, From Policy to Prosperity: Unlocking Opportunities Through Collaboration.

Held on June 2, 2026, at the Four Points by Sheraton Houston Events Centre, Georgetown, the summit provided a platform for meaningful discussions on local content, workforce development, investment, business growth, and opportunities across Guyana's rapidly evolving economy.

As we look back on the opening day, we share some of the moments, conversations, and connections that helped set the tone for two days of insightful dialogue and collaboration.

Flashback to Day 1 || LOCAL CONTENT SUMMIT 2026

As oil and gas activity continues to expand in Guyana, local businesses are being encouraged to position themselves to capture growing opportunities within the sector.

Speaking during the Local Content Summit 2026, Caribbean Area Director for Baker Hughes, Jon Rhodes, revealed that the company spends approximately US$45 million annually on local suppliers, employment and capacity development in Guyana.

Highlighting the opportunities ahead, Rhodes noted:

"Exxon and the other operators come, they drill more wells, they explore, they find oil and gas. The tier one companies get more work, and then the work has to flow down onto local suppliers."

He also stressed that businesses seeking to benefit from the sector's growth must maintain high standards.

"Safety is non-negotiable for an oil and gas company," Rhodes said, adding that suppliers must consistently deliver quality services while maintaining strong governance and compliance standards.

📸 Photo Credit: Koaito Grant

THE QUESTIONS KEPT COMING. THE CONVERSATION KEPT GROWING.

One of the standout moments of Day 2 was the incredible level of audience engagement during our Q&A sessions.

Attendees didn't just listen. They participated.

Thought provoking questions, insightful perspectives, and meaningful dialogue transformed each discussion into a collaborative exchange of ideas.

From local content implementation and workforce development to business growth, investment opportunities, and economic diversification, participants took the opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders and experts on the issues that matter most.

This is what the Local Content Summit is all about: bringing people together, sharing knowledge, challenging perspectives, and creating pathways for progress.

From Policy to Prosperity: Unlocking Opportunities Through Collaboration.

📸 Photo Credit: Koaito Grant

Flashback to Day 1 || LOCAL CONTENT SUMMIT 2026

Evie Gurchuran, CEO, Gurchuran Investments

"Agility has been the one thing that our company has had to adopt quickly and continuously."

Sharing her company's journey from a small coffee business to a major service provider within the oil and gas sector, Evie Gurchuran said adaptability has been critical to growth.

She noted that businesses must understand workforce capacity, maintain proper documentation, strengthen governance practices and carefully manage finances as they scale.

"It's really a journey, especially if you've been in it from the start. Governance, adaptability and understanding your capacity are essential for sustainable growth."

Discussion: Industry Insights and Outlook

Theme: From Policy to Prosperity: Unlocking Opportunities Through Collaboration

📸 Photo Credit: Koaito Grant

Flashback to Day 1 || LOCAL CONTENT SUMMIT 2026

Filisha Duke, Women in Energy (WIE) and Sure Gig Group

"The most common mistake is waiting for an opportunity before preparing for it."

Filisha Duke urged businesses seeking opportunities in the oil and gas sector to focus on readiness long before contracts become available. She emphasised the importance of compliance, strong governance, financial management, health and safety standards, and strategic partnerships.

"Invest in your people, strengthen your systems, build strategic partnerships and continuously improve. When opportunities arrive, you'll be in a much stronger position to compete and deliver."

Discussion: Industry Insights and Outlook

Theme: From Policy to Prosperity: Unlocking Opportunities Through Collaboration

📸 Photo Credit: Koaito Grant

Flashback to Day 1 || LOCAL CONTENT SUMMIT 2026

Deepa Singh, General Manager, Arrow Oilfield Services

"Learn the industry you want to serve and build your systems around its requirements."

Speaking on the roundtable discussion on Industry Insights and Outlook, Deepa Singh highlighted the importance of understanding industry standards and establishing strong systems from the outset.

She said businesses must invest in building capable teams, implementing robust health, safety and quality management systems, and remaining patient as they grow within the oil and gas sector.

According to Singh, success requires adaptability, continuous improvement and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of clients and the industry.

Discussion: Industry Insights and Outlook

Theme: From Policy to Prosperity: Unlocking Opportunities Through Collaboration

📸 Photo Credit: Koaito Grant

Day 2 || LOCAL CONTENT SUMMIT 2026

President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Rafeek Khan, is encouraging Guyanese to view rising demand and high prices as business opportunities rather than challenges.

Speaking during a panel discussion on "Beyond Oil: Expanding Opportunities Across the Economy," Khan said there remains significant room for investment and expansion across multiple sectors.

"Do not just complain about high prices. Every time you see a high price, ask yourself if there is an opportunity to produce that product locally," Khan stated.

He noted that Guyana is still underproducing in several areas of the economy, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors willing to innovate and collaborate.

"We are underproducing in almost every sector. Whether it is housing, furniture, food processing or construction materials, opportunities exist for those willing to invest and collaborate," he said.

Khan also underscored the importance of partnerships and collaboration, noting that businesses can achieve greater success by working together to meet growing local and regional demand.

Discussion: Beyond Oil: Expanding Opportunities Across the Economy

Theme: From Policy to Prosperity: Unlocking Opportunities Through Collaboration

📸 Photo Credit: Koaito Grant