ExxonMobil says operations not directly impacted by labour shortages

Even with ramped up production, U.S oil giant ExxonMobil Friday said shortages of skilled labourers in Guyana has not directly affected its offshore operations.

“There is no direct impact on Exxon’s operations to date,” President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge told a media conference at the company’s Duke Street, Georgetown office.

He acknowledged that the situation may pose a problem in the future but said a lot of effort by its local suppliers and contractors have prevented direct impacts on the company.

There are public comments of other local productive sectors and the wider private sector feeling the brunt of these shortages now that citizens are upskilling and taking up jobs in the industry.

Routledge said there are 1, 500 Guyanese businesses supporting ExxonMobil’s operations and he believes they have found innovative ways to get the workforce with the skills needed.

Notwithstanding, he said, collectively the situation could become more challenging.

“As the government spends more money on infrastructure, it can become harder and harder, Routledge added.

He said the company continues to train as much locals as possible but said the government must decide on the right immigration policy. There has long been talks within the government about importing labour to meet the shortfall.

President Irfaan Ali said last month that with new projects developing all across Guyana, the limited availability of human resources is a growing challenge that can stall works.

This comes as Guyana, over the past few years, has experienced substantial economic growth linked to an expanding oil and gas sector. The growth in that sector is contributing to the development of other productive sectors.

The President said re-migrants are aiding efforts. Already, Dr. Ali said many people are returning from Suriname, Barbados and other Caribbean countries.

Over the last few decades, reports show, skilled Guyanese left for those countries in search of job opportunities. The government, through diasporic engagements, has encouraged Guyanese with skills and capital to return home.

But there has been talks of importing foreign labour.