As Guyana continues to assert its position as a new and emerging petro-state, citizens are being made aware of the role they can play in the new and emerging sector.
A “Get Prepared” charge is being repeatedly sounded with the hopes that locals will make the effort to undergo training, certification and enhance standards across sectors in preparation for oil production here.
On Friday, staff of several government agencies along with children from various youth groups and secondary schools, including public servants in training at the Bertram Collins College were brought together for a forum on Guyana’s future in oil and gas.
Organized by the Ministry of the Presidency and the Department of Energy, the event which was held at the National Cultural Center sought to provide knowledge on what has been done in preparation for oil production in 2020 and the next steps to be undertaken.
Those in attendance were first treated to a cultural presentation of songs, dance and drama before the lone speaker, Department of Energy Director Dr Mark Bynoe made his presentation.
Bynoe said with 16 wells now discovered, Guyanese have moved from excited in the initial stages to cautious optimism and now a realization that Guyana is on the cusp of something great.
“Transformational change must not become only a cliché but reality,” he urged those present.
In order to achieve this, Dr Bynoe believes that all Guyanese must come together to ensure that the requisite foundations are laid.
He boasted that already, 13000 Guyanese employed within the new sector with US$100M injected in the local economy over the last year.
“These are exciting times,” he said but hasten to add that excitement is not the only ingredient to get Guyana where it needs to go.
Notwithstanding, Dr.Bynoe encouraged Guyanese to keep themselves fully abreast of development in the sector.
“It is not your aptitude that will determine your altitude but ultimately your attitude… stop thinking about what oil and gas will bring and start thinking about how you can contribute to the economic development and welfare the country,” Bynoe added.
Provided a range of statistics, Bynoe also revealed that 25 Guyanese are currently being trained out of 70 to be employed on Guyana’s first Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel (FPSO) – Liza Destiny.
He said for those Guyanese desirous of also getting there and gaining employment, it will not happen just because they are Guyanese but rather based on their preparation.
He said there are skills to be developed but it must be targeted and strategically developed.
