CGX Energy, a Canadian-based oil and gas exploration company operating in the Guyana/Suriname basin, has announced the appointment of world renowned scientist and Director of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) of University of Guyana· (UG), Dr. Suresh Narine to its Board of Directors. The new appointee currently teaches and conducts research at the University of Alberta in Canada but, despite his numerous responsibilities, still finds time to fulfil his local public service obligations.
CGX, which intends to begin drilling for oil in this country, shortly, said it was proud to make the announcement.
The company pointed out that Narine, who hails from Herstelling, East Bank Demnerara, was named, in 2011, as one of Canada’s ‘Top 40 Under 40 Leaders.’
CGX noted that he has an impressive academic career that includes numerous awards, among them the prestigious ‘Growing Alberta Leadership Award for Innovation’ received in 2005 for pioneering the development of technology to produce polyurethanes from vegetable oils.
In 2005, Narine accepted a presidential appointment as the Director of IAST, a role which he maintains, together with his academic appointment as Senior Professor for Trent University, his alma mater, in the Departments of Physics and Astronomy and Chemistry and as Director of the Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research.
He is currently the Ontario Research Chair in Green Chemistry and Engineering and the NSERC/GFO/ERS Senior Research Chair in Lipid Derived Biomaterials.

Contributions
Narine was awarded the Guyana/Canada Special Achievement Award in 2007, for his work in the development and commercialisation of biofuel technology in Guyana and, in 2011, he received an award, from Guyana, for his contributions to Science and Technology in Canada and in this field towards the development of Guyana.
CGX said his knowledge and innovative thinking will be invaluable in advising its team in establishing Guyana-based training programmes for skilled labour and management, in activities related to social responsibility and impact and in sound environmental approaches.
“We look forward to his participation on our Board,” said Mr. Kerry Sully, Chairman of CGX.
Commenting on his CGX Board membership, Narine said: “Guyana currently spends more than 40 percent of its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) on imported fuel. The country’s developmental trajectory has been significantly impaired due to this crippling dependence on foreign fuel.
“The spectre of domestic petroleum sources, however, is also accompanied by concomitant social and environmental risks. As a country, Guyana needs to invest in the human capital and social structure required to ensure the proceeds of petroleum are managed for the common good, while ensuring that it continues to commit to a low carbon development agenda, including alternative energy and materials development.
“I am delighted, therefore, to be on the board of CGX, a company which has clearly articulated its social responsibility to Guyana and its environment and to playing an influential role in ensuring that Guyana’s approach to domestic petroleum is thoughtful and strategic.”
Narine, who was· appointed a professor at the age of 28, attended Providence Primary School and Queen’s College (QC) in Guyana, then Trent University and the University of Guelph in Canada.