By A. Bacchus – OilNOW
CAMSOL: Bringing business solutions to you with a personal touch
On March 8, the world will observe International Women’s Day. It is a day that we acknowledge the gender inequalities and challenges facing women and renew our commitment to propelling the empowerment of our womenfolk forward.
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) over the last two years has been reporting about the heightened challenges that women are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, women are resilient. Guyanese women are intuitive, creative, strong, and versatile. These qualities are well-reflected in the person of Ms. Christine Camacho, a young Guyanese woman who channeled her strengths and skills to make a place for herself in the oil and gas sector after the pandemic had a negative economic impact on her.
Ms. Camacho’s long-time goal was to establish her own business and create a lasting legacy. Then, in 2020, she was made redundant at her place of employment as a result of the pandemic. Armed with determination, a high level of competence and her experience, she established CAMSOL—a name derived from ‘Camacho Solutions’. She told of her desire to personalise the solutions her business provides in terms of quality and reliability, hence the incorporation of her name into the business’ name.
CAMSOL is a service company that provides Administrative Business support to other companies. “We are like an assistant on demand for companies. Our core service assists foreigners to obtain their necessary Visas or extensions of stay / Work Permits in Guyana. We also act as an agent for foreign companies to perform business on their behalf in Guyana. Other services range from procurement to airport meet and greet, facilitating business trips in Guyana and other concierge services,” Ms. Camacho explained
She acknowledged the challenges that she has encountered along the way. Among them is the newness of the company within the industry. “It has been challenging at the beginning due to the company not being established long enough to demonstrate its capacity to service the oil and gas sector in terms of resources and expertise. However, with much research, strategizing, continuous improvement and capitalising on learning opportunities, the company is picking up pace,” she revealed. Despite these challenges, Ms. Camacho is resolute in her drive for success. She has embarked on capacity-building initiatives that are geared towards meeting the stringent requirements of the petroleum sector.
CAMSOL completed the Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Management System Mentorship Programme offered by the Centre for Local Business Development in December 2021. The business was among 24 other companies that were the first in Guyana to undertake and complete the programme. “We are currently scheduled to pursue the Financial Management System and Budgeting trainings offered by the CLBD in March,” Ms. Camacho divulged.
Asked about what inspired her to pursue a place in the oil and gas supply chain, she said, “The success of many other phenomenal women and the interest of foreign investors in Guyana convinced me that there is room for my business as well.”
Her advice to others who are looking for opportunities within the sector is to offer a solution where they see a need or demand. “Where you can offer a solution, there is business, and if not now, then when? The sector is growing rapidly in terms of more oil discoveries and increasing demands for local products and services, especially with the Local Content Law in place. Offer a solution which is feasible for you and the end users. Stay committed and one year later, ten years later or more, you will be surprised to see how far you have come,” she posited.
Support, she noted, is essential to the success of a business. Reflecting on her growth over the years, the entrepreneur reminisced on the immense support from a few resource persons who encouraged her to pursue her entrepreneurial potential. “Ms. Allison Daniels, Ms. T. Cumbermack-May, Mr. Geoffrey Ijumba, Mr. Shameer Mohamed, Mr. Deo Persaud, and most importantly my husband and business partner, Mr. Dale Hing,” she listed with appreciation.
CAMSOL’s website will soon be accessible at www.camsolgy.com and Ms. Camacho can be contacted at [email protected] ; [email protected] or [email protected].
