On May 17, 2025, the National Assembly of Guyana passed the Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Responsibility Bill 2025, marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s capacity to handle oil spills.
The legislation aims to ensure that operators are fully accountable for preventing and responding to environmental disasters. Prime Minister Phillips emphasized that this bill is crucial for protecting Guyana’s ecosystem, especially as the country continues to grow as a major oil producer. He also noted that it draws from global best practices and seeks to build the institutional capacity needed for effective disaster preparedness and enforcement.
Key provisions of the bill include the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework for oil spill management, including prevention, emergency response, and compensation mechanisms.
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is designated as the lead agency to coordinate spill responses and will oversee a new National Oil Spill Committee responsible for training and drills through an Incident Command System.
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat highlighted the acquisition of Guyana’s first capping stack as part of broader regulatory improvements, while Attorney General Anil Nandlall noted that the law addresses previous gaps in disaster preparedness, insurance, and compensation frameworks.
