IN the heart of Guyana’s rapidly evolving oil and gas industry, small but impactful enterprises are making waves, not only through the services they deliver but also by who’s behind them. One such enterprise is New Horizon Logistics, led by Managing Director Keranga Greene, which is among the growing number of women-owned businesses breaking into a sector long dominated by men.

Registered with the Local Content Secretariat (LCS), New Horizon Logistics offers a diverse range of services tailored to support the oil and gas supply chain. Their services include license brokerage, procurement, public tender consultation, and even ocean/sea freight services from Florida to Georgetown. As a registered entity under the LCS, New Horizon Logistics is well-positioned to access opportunities and serve the needs of multinational oil operators while remaining deeply rooted in Guyana’s national development priorities.

“We are now looking for more space, our brand is looking for more space…It is a demand now that we have more, and we have more on hand. After all, they cannot wait for us to ship things in anymore, because everything is moving at such a fast pace,” Greene expressed. Greene reiterated that the oil and gas industry is growing and that the company and, by extension, the shipping industry are expanding at a ‘ridiculously’ fast pace.

New Logistics’ success story echoes a broader push by the Secretariat to ensure small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs)—especially those owned by women—have a seat at the table. Since becoming operational in January 2022, the Secretariat has prioritised giving Guyanese companies first preference in procurement and hiring within the oil and gas industry, with its Local Content Register acting as a key gateway.

According to the agency, a women-owned business is defined as one in which a woman or group of women holds at least 51% of ownership. To date, an estimated 75 women-owned businesses are registered with the Secretariat. It represents a significant leap forward for women seeking to break into a high-stakes industry once considered out of reach. However, New  Horizon Logistics’ story showcases that women-owned businesses can also thrive in Guyana’s oil and gas sector.

The Secretariat has executed several outreaches and introduced programmes aimed at increasing registration among women entrepreneurs. These efforts include guidance on eligibility, tailored workshops, and access to a growing network of suppliers and contractors. By focusing on capacity development, the Secretariat is helping ensure that local women are not only participants but key stakeholders in Guyana’s energy transformation.

For Greene, the message is clear, “Tap in now, don’t wait. Look for your space. Get up your investment. Get up your business plan, which is very crucial. Know exactly what stationery the sector would have a demand for and stock up on those.”

As Guyana’s energy economy continues to develop, it’s critical that the development narrative includes inclusive growth. Businesses like New Horizon Logistics are proving that women don’t just belong in this space, they lead in it.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.