The Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), a US$100 million commitment by ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess, and CNOOC, continues to play a vital role in Guyana’s socio-economic transformation. Outgoing ExxonMobil Guyana Socioeconomic Manager, Susan Scott, reflected on the initiative’s accomplishments and future potential as she prepares to leave her post.
“It has been my absolute honour to fulfill the role of the socioeconomic manager for ExxonMobil Guyana for the last three years,” Scott shared. During this time, GGI has directly impacted communities nationwide through diverse projects spanning education, agriculture, tourism, and health. Scott emphasized, “We have over 25 projects covering all regions of the country.”
GGI’s approach balances immediate needs with long-term goals, Scott said. For example, its initiatives in education range from technical training programs for the growing oil and gas industry to STEM-focused programs preparing Guyana’s youth for the economy of the future. “We work very closely with stakeholders to know what the needs are in the communities,” Scott explained, adding that GGI also invests in economic development by building local businesses’ HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environment) capabilities.
The initiative’s broad impact has been made possible through extensive collaboration. “GGI is what it is because of the collaboration we have with stakeholders—community organizations, implementing partners, and government agencies,” Scott said. She credits this multi-stakeholder input for ensuring that projects meet the unique needs of communities and deliver meaningful, tangible outcomes.
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Despite challenges, such as launching GGI in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Scott is proud of the progress made. “Coming out of that period, we had a huge amount of energy and passion from stakeholders to start implementing the vision of GGI,” she noted. The initiative has since grown, addressing areas like environmental sustainability, hydroponic agriculture, and health systems—sectors not traditionally associated with oil and gas companies.
Notably, the US$100 million investment by the Stabroek Block co-venturers is not cost-recoverable, a point Scott emphasized. “It is an investment into Guyana… to support projects and opportunities outside of the industry and across the country,” she said.
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Scott encouraged GGI beneficiaries and all Guyanese to seize the opportunities presented by Guyana’s unprecedented economic growth. “We look forward to continuing to work with [beneficiaries], and for them to bring their ideas and passion to GGI,” she said.
