APART from increasing Guyana’s capital base by producing oil offshore this Caribbean nation, ExxonMobil has invested millions of dollars into social projects over the years, an act which has earned the company the World Petroleum Council Excellence Award (WPCEA) for Social Responsibility.

According to a press statement from ExxonMobil, the company was recognised for its efforts to build local economic capacity, protect the environment and support communities in Guyana.

The objective of the WPCEA is to distinguish companies, institutions or any public or private organisation engaged in the oil and gas industry for promoting or operating with high excellence standards.

Community Relations Manager, Suzie De Abreu, accepted the award on the company’s behalf at the ongoing 23rd World Petroleum Congress in Houston, Texas, on Monday. She was accompanied by Community Relations Advisor, Ryan Hoppie.

“We are pleased to be recognised for our work in building Guyanese capabilities to support oil and gas and the broader economy,” De Abreu said.
She added: “This work to accelerate local content and our social responsibilities started with economic and industrial baseline surveys and engagement with key stakeholders to identify priorities, leading to the establishment of the Centre for Local Business Development in 2017, before the final investment decision was made for Liza Phase 1 project.”

To date, more than 3,000 Guyanese companies have registered with the centre and accessed training in several areas.
Support for the centre is now part of the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), which, the company said, epitomises its commitment to long-term capacity building in Guyana.

It is a 10-year pledge of G$20 billion by ExxonMobil Guyana and the other Stabroek Block co-venturers, Hess and CNOOC to advance their commitment to improve regional economic development, education and healthcare outcomes, and promote sustainable economic diversification in Guyana.

To date, in addition to supporting the centre, the Greater Guyana Initiative has engaged the Council for Technical and Vocational Education (CTVET), providing curriculum and equipment support necessary to produce graduates for new and growing industrial settings.

“We have also partnered with the University of Guyana in several areas, including support for professors of practice, improved campus security, and setting up ‘Zoom rooms’ to enhance learning across the various campuses,” the oil giant said.

Additionally, the ExxonMobil Foundation made a US$10 million commitment in 2018 to train Guyanese for sustainable job opportunities and expand community-supported conservation.

ExxonMobil Guyana has also invested more than G$2.5 billion in various programmes that are geared at advancing STEM education, empowering communities, women and youth and supporting environmental sustainability.