SCIENCE, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is more than a collection of school subjects. STEM shapes how we live, work and solve problems. It drives the technology we depend on daily, powers our infrastructure, and helps developing nations like Guyana find innovative ways to address unique challenges.
As an emerging oil and gas producer, Guyana’s transformation is being powered by STEM. This is not only evident in the advanced technology aboard Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels but across multiple sectors that influence the lives of everyday citizens.
On the renewable energy front, the country’s largest hybrid 5 MW solar power station at Onderneeming in Region Two is a powerful demonstration of science and engineering at work. The US$10.4 million investment is expected to save approximately $447 million in fossil fuel costs each year and reduce more than 6,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
STEM has also transformed the way Guyanese access financial and healthcare services. Local banks have embraced digital technology, allowing customers to conduct transactions from the comfort of their homes or while on the go. Guyanese can now open bank accounts online, a service that would have been unimaginable a decade ago. In healthcare, dozens of telemedicine sites now operate in hinterland regions, using digital platforms to connect patients with medical professionals hundreds of miles away.
Even sectors not readily associated with STEM are evolving through innovation. Agriculture, for instance, is becoming increasingly science-driven. The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) recently commissioned a state-of-the-art biotechnology laboratory capable of producing over one million disease-free plantlets each year.
The introduction of nano-fertiliser technology for rice and other crops is improving yields while reducing nitrogen use and environmental impact. Additionally, the Agriculture Information System (AIS) is digitising farm data, allowing for better land management and faster decision-making through real-time mapping and monitoring.
Similarly, in aquaculture, new approaches to fish and shrimp farming are combining biology, engineering and data analysis to create more efficient and sustainable systems. These examples reflect how STEM is quietly reshaping industries that have sustained Guyana’s economy for decades.
Behind this national transformation are the people who make STEM possible: engineers, technicians, data analysts, researchers, teachers and students. Their collective efforts are driving progress in every major sector and proving that STEM is not confined to laboratories or offshore platforms.
Nevertheless, there is still more to be done to strengthen Guyana’s STEM foundation. Greater emphasis on public awareness and education will ensure that more citizens understand how science and technology can be applied to their daily lives. The government has made notable strides in this regard, particularly through the annual STEAM Fair, which combines the Arts with STEM and provides a space for young innovators to display creative solutions to real-world problems.
The private sector has also become an important partner in advancing STEM development. Through the Greater Guyana Initiative, oil companies ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC have been hosting an annual two-week STEM camp that brings together 100 students from across the country. Participants are mentored, inspired and challenged to think critically about how STEM can help to shape Guyana’s future. In addition, these and other oil and gas companies continue to provide scholarships, internships and specialised training opportunities that allow more Guyanese to build the technical skills needed in a rapidly changing economy.
Together, these efforts are helping to create a pipeline of local talent ready to drive innovation and build the industries of tomorrow. STEM is not a niche field; it is a vital tool for national development and sustainable growth. It shapes how we live, how we work and how our future will be built. When applied with purpose, STEM becomes a powerful engine that accelerates innovation, drives new industries, expands economic opportunity and propels Guyana towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.
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.