AS 2023 comes to a close, a reflection on the developments within the oil and gas sector for the year shows several wins for local content, the industry’s growth, and the people of Guyana who are benefitting from the proceeds of the sector.
High on the agenda for ExxonMobil is the company’s commitment to local content development. In fact, in the most recent update, it was disclosed that nearly 6,000 Guyanese workers are supporting their operations in country, and two-thirds of the oil and gas workforce are locals. Additionally, over US$1.2 billion was spent in Guyana’s economy since 2015 on more than 1,500 Guyanese suppliers.

These remarkable accomplishments speak to the extent of investment in building the capabilities of Guyanese and local businesses.
The company’s support and empowerment through training programmes have been vital in driving workforce and supplier development in the country. The efforts to groom local talent and build capacity of the Guyanese workforce have been channelled through one of their initiatives, the establishment of the Centre for Local Business Development in 2017, which serves as a business hub for the oil and gas sector.

The Centre has been instrumental in delivering training which is designed to enhance the competencies and skills of individuals and businesses in various sectors. Presently, there are seven courses and three mentorship programmes that are offered. These programmes cover a wide array of areas such as Offshore Oil and Gas and Gas to Energy, Procurement, HSSE, Cashflow Management, QuickBooks, Costing, and Budgeting, while the mentorship programmes cover HSSE Management Systems, Project Management and Entrepreneurship.

So far, over 5,000 Guyanese have accessed courses that the CLBD offers. Of the over 7,000 companies that registered with the Centre, 66 percent are local businesses. Through these efforts, ExxonMobil and its co-venturers have ensured that Guyanese citizens can access valuable resources that will enhance their business’ growth.
In 2023, the CLBD continued its series of outreaches to benefit individuals who may not have easy access to training or resources. The aim is to educate persons and businesses on the available opportunities in both the public and private sectors. This year, outreaches were held in Berbice and Linden. By actively engaging with the communities, the Centre was able to create meaningful partnerships, foster local development through training and mentorship, and bridge some of the existing gaps to empower more individuals with knowledge and skills.

There have also been multiple Requests for Information (RFI) sessions facilitated by the CLBD which allowed potential bidders to ensure that they correctly interpret the requirements and also provided a platform to gain clarity. The impact of these efforts is tangible as we witness a growing number of successful local businesses emerging in Guyana and serving the petroleum sector. The capacity-building initiatives implemented through the Centre have not only created employment opportunities but also fostered innovation and economic diversification.
As we reflect on the events of 2023, it becomes evident that capacity-building of Guyanese companies has remained a top priority. The training programmes made available by the CLBD have played a significant role in facilitating this. By investing in education and training, the full potential of our Guyanese people can be unlocked, paving the way for a prosperous future.