By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
Georgetown, Guyana – The Government of Guyana will soon table the long-anticipated Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Responsibility Bill 2025, widely referred to as the Oil Spill Bill, in the National Assembly.
This landmark legislation, expected to be introduced next Monday, was confirmed by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall during a press briefing on Tuesday.
According to the Attorney General, the bill is designed to create a modern, comprehensive legal framework governing all aspects of oil spill risk and liability. These include prevention, preparedness, response, and compensation related to petroleum operations—both offshore and onshore.
The bill targets all individuals and entities involved in petroleum activities, including drilling, exploration, production, storage, handling, and transportation of petroleum resources.
“They will be held to the highest standards of operational safety and environmental responsibility,” Nandlall emphasized.
The bill enshrines liability for oil spills or any negligent petroleum activity that results in environmental or personal damage. Importantly, it preserves the right of individuals to approach the High Court for compensation or other remedies for damage to property, person, or the environment caused by such activities.
Nandlall noted that the bill was developed in accordance with international standards, mirroring global frameworks in the petroleum industry.
“It took quite some time to prepare due to its complexity and the care required in its drafting,” the AG said.
Once tabled, the legislation will be widely circulated to allow public scrutiny and stakeholder feedback.
The bill’s introduction comes amid heightened public interest in environmental safety and oil sector accountability, especially with Guyana’s emergence as a major oil-producing nation.
HGP Nightly News will provide continued coverage once the bill is officially tabled in Parliament.