GGI supports Step Change Safety Campaign, strengthening capacity with 26 new NEBOSH-certified instructors

The Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) proudly marked a significant milestone with the inaugural graduation of 26 participants from the NEBOSH International General Certificate programme, which was held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel. Launched in September 2024, this 11-week programme, fully funded by the Greater Guyana Initiative equipped instructors from 11 public TVET institutions across Guyana with globally recognised safety knowledge and critical thinking skills. The programme combined in-person sessions with virtual learning, culminating in the NEBOSH examinations in late November. This achievement represents a significant step in strengthening occupational safety and technical education within Guyana’s TVET environment.

The programme empowers graduates to foster safer learning environments and workplaces, aligning with international standards. As Guyana’s oil and gas sector expands, the demand for a well-trained, safety-conscious workforce grows ever more critical. This initiative directly supports that goal.

Patrick Chinedu, Director of CTVET opened the ceremony by emphasising the importance of safety in all training environments. He emphasised that for TVET programmes, a strong safety culture is essential because it prepares learners for real world industry standards.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Phil Doody, President of LearnCorp International, highlighted the value of delivering global best practices through local partnerships, noting, “Your expertise will be critical in shaping a safer workplace, influencing national development and ensuring Guyanese workplaces meet global standards.”

Dr. Ritesh Tularam, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), Ministry of Education, delivered the featured address and underscored the broader significance of upskilling TVET instructors stating, “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 certification. Dexter Bellamy of the Linden Technical Institute shared that the programme supported their professional growth and prepared them to shape safer training environments noting, “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.”

Lorna Carlson, Socioeconomic Manager at ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, delivered the charge to the students, reminding them that, “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.”

The initiative was delivered through collaboration with the Greater Guyana Initiative, Ministry of Education, the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), and LearnCorp International. This collaboration ensured that global standards were adapted to Guyana’s local context, strengthening institutions and contributing to long-term national impact.

Also present at the graduation and delivering remarks was Robert Harris, Safety OIMS Supervisor, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited. During his remarks, he reinforced the importance of safety training and commended the graduates for their commitment to advancing national development.

The Greater Guyana Initiative is supported by the Stabroek Block Co-venturers – ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess Guyana Exploration Limited, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited. Through this ten-year programme, GGI is investing in capacity-building initiatives across Guyana with a focus on education and training, economic development, and healthcare. These efforts aim to strengthen the local workforce, enhance the competitiveness of Guyanese businesses, and lay the foundation for sustained economic growth beyond the oil and gas sector.