CDC Backs ExxonMobil Oil Spill Simulation to Test National Readiness
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has strengthened its role in Guyana’s disaster preparedness by participating in a large-scale, multi-agency oil spill response exercise hosted by ExxonMobil Guyana, which commenced on Tuesday and concludes today at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.
The drill, facilitated by The Response Group (TRG), simulates offshore spill scenarios to test coordination, communications, and incident command protocols among government, regulatory, and operational stakeholders. The CDC’s involvement signals its mandate to act as the country’s lead coordinating body for oil spill disaster risk management.
Key agencies participating include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the Guyana Fire Service, the Guyana Defence Force, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), and the Guyana Police Force. The presence of these entities underscores the potential complexity of a real spill response, involving environmental, security, and logistical dimensions.
CDC Director General Colonel Nazrul Hussain emphasised that the exercise is part of broader efforts to institutionalise readiness under the New Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Responsibility Act, 2025, and the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP). He affirmed CDC’s commitment “to supporting all national and regional partners in developing a cohesive, well-trained response network that protects people, ecosystems, and economic assets.
