The Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) marked a major step in building national safety capacity with the graduation of 26 participants from the NEBOSH International General Certificate programme. The ceremony was held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on November 21.
According to a GGI release, the 11 week programme began in September 2024 and was fully funded by GGI. It trained instructors from 11 public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, combining in-person and virtual learning before the final NEBOSH examinations in late November.
The qualification strengthens occupational safety and technical education within Guyana’s TVET system at a time when the oil and gas sector is driving demand for a safety-conscious workforce.
Patrick Chinedu, Director of the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), opened the ceremony by stressing that safety must be central to all training settings. He said a strong safety culture prepares learners for real industry standards.
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Reflecting on the partnership, LearnCorp International President Phil Doody highlighted the value of applying global best practices through local collaboration. He told graduates, “Your expertise will be critical in shaping a safer workplace, influencing national development and ensuring Guyanese workplaces meet global standards.”
Delivering the feature address, Dr Ritesh Tularam, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), underscored the national significance of upskilling TVET instructors. He said, “Your decision to pursue the NEBOSH qualification reflects a profound sense of responsibility. A recognition that safety is at the heart of sustainable development, productivity and human dignity, given the rapidity of the developmental trajectory that we are currently experiencing and that is enveloping this beautiful country of Guyana.”
Graduates shared their pride in completing the programme. Linden Technical Institute’s Dexter Bellamy said, “The NEBOSH safety training campaign has resonated with us deeply. To our colleagues, it represents a collectively forward effort to move beyond basic compliance and toward a culture founded on responsibility, mutual care and continuous improvement.”
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ExxonMobil Guyana’s Socioeconomic Manager, Lorna Carlson, delivered the charge to the graduates: “You are not just graduates, you are guardians of safety, champions of best practices and role models for every technician, engineer and professional who will follow in your footsteps.”
Also delivering remarks was Robert Harris, Safety Operations Integrity Management System (OIMS) Supervisor at ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, who commended the graduates for their commitment to advancing national development.
The initiative was executed through collaboration among GGI, the Ministry of Education, CTVET, and LearnCorp International. The partnership adapted global standards to local needs, strengthened institutions and supported long-term national development goals.
The Greater Guyana Initiative is supported by Stabroek Block co-venturers ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess Guyana Exploration Limited, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited. Through its ten-year program, GGI continues to invest in education, training, economic development and healthcare to build a competitive workforce and support sustainable growth beyond the oil and gas sector.
