The prolific oil and gas industry in Guyana has been a focal point of economic development, fueling numerous opportunities for locals to participate and thrive.
One such success story is that of Kevin Sawh, a 25-year-old who recently graduated as part of Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc.’s (OHGI) first Guyanese Search and Rescue (SAR) Rear Crew class. Sawh’s journey to this milestone is a testament to the potential for Guyanese in the oil and gas sector.
“I attended Leonora Technical Institute where I did level one welding,” Sawh began, outlining his initial steps into a technical career.
His journey then took him to the Guyana Fire Service, where he trained as a firefighter and part EMT.
“I thought it would be a good idea to join, especially coming from the Guyana Fire Service. It’s always been in my blood to render aid and assistance to anyone in need,” he shared.
Sawh’s selection for the SAR training was rigorous, focusing on physical fitness, water confidence, and helicopter underwater escape training. The process was undeniably challenging.
“It was intense, that’s for sure. You had to show you were capable of rescuing both yourself and someone else in desperate moments,” he recalled.
The training took him to Nova Scotia, Canada, for simulated exercises before returning to Guyana for offshore training.
“We did some simulated training in Canada and then came back to Guyana, where we did offshore training until June 26,” Sawh explained.
Sawh’s achievement is a beacon of hope for many Guyanese who feel opportunities in the oil and gas sector are limited.
When asked about the common perception that there are no opportunities for locals in this industry, Sawh responded passionately, “I don’t know why they keep saying that. I was just scrolling Facebook when I saw this ad and thought, ‘This is interesting. Why don’t I give this a try?’ I did my best, put my best foot forward, and completed all that was required.”
His advice to fellow Guyanese is straightforward: “Chase your dream. Just go after it. Don’t limit yourself and don’t let anybody tell you differently.”
Sawh believes that with the continuous discovery of oil and the increasing need for skilled workers, the opportunities are there for the taking.
“With all these oil blocks and the constant discoveries, there are more jobs. Only a lazy mind would say, ‘I can’t do this!’”
Sawh’s story aligns with the broader narrative of local employment growth in Guyana’s oil and gas sector.
According to the national budget reading by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, the industry is set to hire over 1,600 Guyanese between 2024 and 2026. This projection builds on the growth facilitated by the Local Content Act, with over 6,000 Guyanese already employed in the sector.
The Finance Minister also highlighted a substantial increase in contracts for locals, with procurement of goods and services projected to reach US$721 million in 2023, up from US$700 million in 2022. Reflecting on his training, Sawh shared insights into his acquired skills, particularly in rescue operations.
“One of the skills I learned as a rescue swimmer is to master the technique of a proper swimmer, using equipment in the aircraft to carry out missions on land, water, or even sinking vessels,” he said.
Sawh’s experience highlights the professional and technical growth that such training programs offer.
As Sawh looks to the future, he is already preparing for the next step in his career.
“We’re doing some EMT training at the moment, and maybe in the next couple of months, I’ll move on to the next level as a hoist operator,” he revealed.
His dedication and continuous pursuit of professional development embody the spirit needed to succeed in this evolving sector.
Sawh’s journey from a technical institute graduate to a member of Guyana’s first local SAR Rear Crew is an inspiring narrative of perseverance, opportunity, and growth.
His story is a hallmark that highlights the individual achievements possible within the oil and gas sector and serves as a rallying cry for other Guyanese to seize the opportunities available.
Guyana is actively training its citizens to participate in the country’s growing oil and gas sector.
The Port Mourant, Berbice, Guyana’s Technical Training College Institute Inc. was commissioned on February 9—an initiative largely led by SBM Offshore Guyana, Stabroek block partners ExxonMobil, Hess, CNOOC, and the government of Guyana.
US$13 million has been invested in the facility simulator dubbed FacTor. This has allowed Guyanese to receive training locally instead of traveling abroad.
The government is also actively engaging oil and gas companies operating in Guyana to explore partnerships and training opportunities for Guyanese citizens.
