ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge recently provided an update on the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), highlighting its support for the University of Guyana and the sustainable development of hinterland communities.
The GGI, which is a partnership between ExxonMobil and its Stabroek Block co-venturers, aims to build capacity and support non-oil sectors in the country.
Since its inception in 2021, the US$100M initiative has committed approximately half of the GY$20 billion to diversify the economy, with ongoing efforts focused on vocational training, educational infrastructure, and rural economic development.
Routledge emphasized that while ExxonMobil’s core operations are centered on oil and gas, the company remains dedicated to contributing to the broader economy.
“The whole intent of GGI is to ensure that we are contributing to the diversification of the economy,” he said, adding that the initiative is designed to help equip the Guyanese workforce with the skills needed to thrive beyond the oil industry.
A key partner in the initiative is the University of Guyana (UG), where ExxonMobil is investing in new infrastructure to support the country’s next generation of engineers and technicians.
“We are building a new engineering and technical building at UG, which will include laboratories and classrooms to help expand and improve programs,” Routledge explained. This investment aligns with the university’s goal to develop a skilled workforce that can support Guyana’s growing economy.
Routledge also highlighted the ongoing collaboration with technical and vocational education and training institutions (TVETs), focusing on practical skills such as electrical work and welding. These programs are vital as they address the immediate demand for skilled labor in both the oil and non-oil sectors.
In addition to education, the GGI is making strides in supporting sustainable economic development in Guyana’s hinterland regions. Smaller-scale projects are being tailored to meet the unique needs of these communities, where access to resources and services can often be limited.
One such project is the “Egg Sandwich Project,” an innovative initiative aimed at providing local communities with sustainable sources of protein through poultry farming. This project not only helps address nutritional needs but also fosters economic growth in remote areas.
“These projects, while smaller in scale, are focused on long-term sustainability,” said Routledge.
“They help build resilience in hinterland communities and provide them with economic opportunities that are not solely dependent on oil and gas.”
The update on the Greater Guyana Initiative comes at a time when the country’s rapid growth and oil-driven boom have spurred increased interest in sustainable development. W
hile the oil sector remains a key driver of Guyana’s economic prosperity, projects like the GGI are crucial in ensuring that the benefits of this growth are felt across all sectors and regions of the country.
