Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, is encouraging Guyanese, both at home and in the Diaspora, to evaluate what skills are needed in the oil and gas industry and look at specializing in some of those areas.
At a news conference at his office on Monday, Mr. Greenidge said, “If you are a Guyanese with skills in engineering then ensure that you are aware of the range of skills that the industry needs and that you specialize in a manner that is consistent with their needs.”
He warned that if Guyanese are not thinking along this path then they run the risk of being overlooked by foreigners, who are more qualified for positions in the sector.
The Minister stated, “That is the challenge that faces us to ensure that first of all people recognize where the opportunities lie because they don’t. Buying and selling is not going to be an advantage for us. Traditionally, many of our businesses are accustomed to buying cheap and selling expensive. You can’t compete with international companies if that is your business. You have to add value.”
At the same time he also noted that the oil and gas industry the world-over prides itself on upholding the highest industry standards and, therefore, it matters not if a country is new to the industry, the same principles of high standards must be applied.
“The services that you are acquiring have to be from agencies that are internationally certified. It is not a question of buying something from (someone) because he is a Guyanese or acquiring the services from someone simply because they are Guyanese. It is necessary to ensure that they are certified not by the company but at an international level. It is a major constraint.”
The Minister also acknowledged that Guyana not only lacks sufficient trained professionals in the emerging oil and gas sector but also in mining and other areas associated with the natural resources sector.
Mr. Minister. No truer words were ever spoken. The economy in Guyana must change from a market based to a skill based. And it is so simple with this eager young small population level in Guyana.
However there will be market for ALL types of goods and the foreign would much prefer to purchase local if at all possible. This is where the Minister of Finance comes in. Time to lower duties and import VAT across the board to a point where it does not pay to avoid them. Phase out duty free with the implementation of low duties and save all sorts of headache. It will level the playing field and in the long run put more money in Government coffers.
Mr. Minister, I agree with you that there must be skilled and qualified persons to work on this project but you should have thought of this before. How many years have you known of this gas and oil research before it took place in Guyana? Why has anything been done to get Guyanese and educate them in this field so that they can earn a better living and be a product of Guyana success. According to you it sounds like Guyanese are stupid and the only thing they know is buying cheap and selling expensive Well Mr. Minister you have to do more research on Guyanese because many of my country men and women who are living abroad have top jobs as a matter of fact they can even educate you. You see my fellow country men and women who is still living in Guyana needs a little help from their educators people like you who would look at their potentials and educate them further so that they can become successful citizens living in their own country.
Thumbs up Mr. Greenidge. However do not forget to remember that when a position is being advertised internationaly. Many highly qualified persons apply. When these persons are hired, they must be well paid, because they will be coming with all their knowledge and experience.