Qualco Guyana, a subsidiary of the U.S Quality Companies, expanded its footing in Guyana and officially launched its operations with a new location at Friendship on the East Bank corridor.
The company first established a presence in South America’s oil star Guyana in 2019 with a facility at Supply on the East Coast. Quality Companies teamed up with two locals, Latitude and Nexxus Machine Inc., to birth the partnership that created Qualco Guyana.
At a launch event on March 26, Director Dr. Haimwant Persaud shared that over US$8 million has been invested thus far. Additionally, the company places heavy emphasis on ensuring its local staff receives the highest levels of training.
With close to US$2M invested, Qualco Guyana pushing industry-standard training for locals | OilNOW
“Our training model at Qualco is deliberate,” Dr. Persaud stated. “We begin internally, where employees learn skills and standards hands-on, then advance externally, where eligible team members are supported in updating globally recognized certifications.”
In 2023, Qualco facilitated international training for three Guyanese team members who traveled to the United States for offshore training and earned the SPRAT Rope Access Level 1 certification, followed by the prestigious IRATA certification. Their training also covered Sway Log Fluid System, welding procedures, and testing to international standards.
“This April, two more team members will make the journey to the US to continue this path of specialized skill-building,” he added.
Looking ahead, Qualco Guyana plans to focus more on local training programs. “Our intent is not to depend on overseas training. As Guyana’s educational and technical infrastructure expands, with the anticipated opening of the Offshore Training Center, we will increasingly rely on in-country development programs, reserving international travel for highly specialized certification needs,” he continued.
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Komal Singh, emphasized the need for collaboration among local businesses to strengthen their competitiveness in the oil and gas sector. He pointed to Qualco Guyana’s formation through a strategic partnership as a clear example of how companies can “increase their marketability and expand their capabilities beyond a single industry.” By working together, he said businesses can capitalize on each other’s strengths, gain access to greater resources, and position themselves for larger projects.
Young Guyanese cop training opportunity at Qualco HQ | OilNOW
Singh also highlighted that this strategy is crucial for Guyanese companies seeking to meet the high industry standards required in the energy sector and beyond.
U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, in her remarks, highlighted the strong and growing partnership between the United States and Guyana, particularly in the energy sector. She noted that Guyana’s emergence as a key player in the global energy landscape is not only a milestone for the country but for the region and the world.
Theriot also emphasized that companies like Qualco Guyana are contributing to both economic growth and sustainable development, stating, “Qualco’s timely and strategic investment cannot be overstated.” She also pointed out that many US companies are now eager to invest in Guyana, but “they’re just a little late to the game” as the country continues to solidify its presence on the world stage.
Delivering the feature address, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh emphasized that Guyana’s economic landscape is ripe for business growth in various industries. He stressed that the demand for new and innovative businesses spans across every sector, with “opportunities for the establishment of new enterprises, new businesses, and expansion of existing businesses” being prevalent throughout the country.
He added that this reflects the government’s commitment to creating an environment where both local and foreign businesses can thrive and contribute to the country’s ongoing development.
