KAIZEN Environmental Services (Guyana) Incorporated (KESGI) officially launched its Environmental Laboratory Thursday on High Street, Kingston, and disclosed that the company is seeking to develop a “world class” Waste Treatment Facility in Guyana. KESGI is an extension of Kaizen Environmental Services, a Canadian company, which specialises in environmental management services and also has a branch in Trinidad and Tobago. Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of KESGI Mr Douglas DeFreitas noted that for the 25 years the company has been in existence, it has been able to provide efficient environmental services. As a result of their stature, the company has eyed expanding globally and for the past two years, the CEO noted that they have developed an interest in Guyana and sought to invest here even before the discovery of oil.
Additionally, Chief Technical Officer of KESGI Anja Seejoor said that Guyana’s geographical location and the fact that it is the only English-speaking country in South America were also contributing factors.
He noted that in Trinidad and Tobago, the company was initially contracted to “clean up” the Natural Gas Company and in Guyana, they will be hoping to achieve this same feat while establishing the world-class facility.
Meanwhile, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said that government is committed to ensuring that policies and legislation are in place to effectively manage the environment in keeping with its mandate of sustainable development.
He pointed out that the Green Development Strategy is one such initiative that has been spearheaded by the Government and involves a collaborative approach from all stakeholders.
Minister Harmon lauded the company for its foresight in setting up office here, and stated that its intention to work with the government, members of the local business community and other stakeholders to contribute to effective environmental management in Guyana is one which is well aligned with the government’s plan for the sustainable management of the environment.
“The environment underpins our very existence through the provision of an appropriate set of conditions to sustain life…. But we are constantly reminded that due to the current global realities of climate change, food loss and economic crises, that the environment is always in flux,” he said.
As part of its launch, KESGI also presented bursary awards to two top performing Chemistry students and announced that later this month, it will commence classes for a Certificate Programme in Environmental Management, which will be offered through the Critchlow Labour College. The company intends to include Diploma and Associate Degree programmes in the same field, in the near future.