THE first batch of 13 Guyanese mariners was inducted Wednesday within the Oil and Gas sector at El Dorado Offshore (EDO) at Lot 23, Brickdam Stabroek, Georgetown, Guyana.Present at the event were ExxonMobil officials, Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA) officials and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson. Minister Patterson congratulated members of the batch and urged them to make Guyana proud as government had mandated the hiring of local staff with the aim of training and capacity building.

He said government is looking into regulations for the industry and by year-end there should be a draft. Enoch Samuels, one of new staff, said the personnel who are undergoing training are being taught all aspects of the job in order to ensure a safe working environment that is effective and efficient. He said when the team goes into operations their respective skills will be put to the test on the rig.

Guyanese National, Kerri Gravesande is the Country Manager at El Dorado Offshore, who has been working in the Oil and Gas Sector for many years, throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. She said that she decided to return to Guyana and use her skills and knowledge to work with the players in the Guyana Oil and Gas Industry to create new opportunities for her fellow Guyanese.

She explained that El Dorado Offshore works to ensure Guyanese persons have the right training and guidance to access jobs with the Guyanese Oil and Gas sector.

“EDO will induct its first batch of Guyanese Nationals to board Edison Chouest Vessels. Edison Chouest currently supports Exxon Mobil Operations Offshore Guyana,” she said.

The Country Manager said EDO’s Services range from Expatriate Management to Operational Ground Support (including Shore Base Management), for International Energy Companies, manpower supply and HSSE Management with its associated Services and Procurement.

“EDO has placed strong emphasis on its human capital value, highlighted by the Company’s commitment to Capacity and Competency development. They have adopted this strategy in order to support Guyana’s developing Energy Sector,” she explained.