In light of the ongoing fuss surrounding the growing oil and gas sector, the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) has seen it fit to host an essay completion for secondary school students with the theme being ‘The Reality of the Oil and Gas Industry in Guyana’.
The competition will be divided into three categories; Forms 1-3, Forms 4-5 and Lower and Upper 6th Form. Each category will have its own sub-topic.
Forms 1-3 will discuss ‘The oil industry in Guyana is a new one coming with only great advantages for the Guyanese people’, while Forms 4-5 will write on ‘Guyana faces potential environmental risks being exposed to offshore explorations therefore plans and policies/strategies for emergency situations must be put in place. Lastly the Lower and Upper 6th forms will discuss ‘The presence of international oil companies in third world countries contributes to accelerated economic development without the need for stringent legal protective measures which would hinder much needed foreign investment and increased national revenue.’
Students are not required to attach their names to their essay; however, they will need an acknowledgement slip signed by the Headmistress of their respective
schools. The essay has a 1500-2000 word limitation and entry forms can be uplifted at The Equity Chambers on Robb Street, Georgetown. The deadline is slated for April 13 and winners will be awarded trophies, books and electronics.
The introduction of this essay competition is what leads to inquiries of the GAWL’s plans relating to women’s participation in the oil and gas sector.
While noting that no individual focus will be placed on women’s involvement as yet, Attorney Chandrawattie Persaud disclosed that the Bar Association of Guyana is planning a discourse on the lucrative sector to assess oil and gas issues relative to the legal profession. This event will be held on Friday March 9 and Saturday March 10.
“No, we do not believe that the duplication of the activity (for women only) is necessary at this time,” she stated. However, Persaud noted that the Association hosts ‘continuing legal education’ and this will be the-go forum for when issues facing women in that sector need to be addressed.
The GAWL also took the opportunity to extend International Women’s Day greetings to all Guyanese women. The statement prepared by the body’s President, Ramon Rookhum, noted that while it is a privilege to have such a celebration in women’s honour, there is still a lot that has to be done to ensure equality and safety of our women. “While we acknowledge that training is undertake and there is continued commitment to provide safe spaces for women to make reports of abuse at stations, there is still insufficiently serious action taken by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to provide victim support,” they stated.
In their statement, the GAWL has committed to continue collaborations with governmental organisations and other agencies in order to provide bring justice for women and children across the country.
