Amcham Guyana on June 8, hosted its 5th Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Conference under the theme Building out a health and Safety Culture for a safer Guyana. The conference was sponsored by SBM Offshore, Marriott, IRP, Haliburton,MACORP and ACE consulting group, with branding supported by Shaw’s media. Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce Guyana (AmCham), Richard Leo acknowledged the conference’s origins to the vision and leadership of the Chamber’s founders, including current President Iman Cummings and Minister of Public Service and Efficiency Zulfikar Ally. He underscored that as Guyana’s economy diversifies, fostering a strong health and safety culture across all industries, remains essential. He encouraged businesses to view health and safety as an investment rather than a cost, noting that protecting workers reduces downtime, boosts productivity, and demonstrates value for employees. He highlighted U.S. firms in health and safety standards, he expressed hope that Guyana will increasingly prioritize quality and long-term value over short-term cost considerations. This year’s conference focused on three key pillars: strengthening building standards, driving a stronger Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) culture, and promoting workplace health and wellness.
John Crippen, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission underscored the vital role of U.S. companies in driving knowledge transfer and technology adoption. He noted that Guyana has a unique opportunity to build a strong foundation for sustainable growth that improves the lives of its people. Reaffirming the shared values between the United States and Guyana, he also expressed his support for the many U.S. companies participating in the conference.
Key highlights from the conference included: A panel discussion “Built to last from policy to practice” highlighting the importance of executive buy-in , visible commitment and continuous improvement. Panelists also discussed the opportunities of how technology can be leveraged to prevent incidents, improve operational performance and importantly improve communication to bridge the gap from design to delivery. Dr. Mahendra Carpen underscored the importance of preventative healthcare and regular medical screening. Noting that heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death and disability, he encouraged greater focus on weight management and routine testing for hypertension and diabetes. Dr. Carpen also highlighted the impact of stress and inadequate sleep on overall health, calling for increased awareness and healthier lifestyle practices. The conference also provided practical guidance on HSSE requirements in procurement and tendering processes. Valesa Allie of Halliburton shared insights into the key HSSE criteria used by operators and contractors when evaluating bids, while highlighting common shortcomings that can affect supplier competitiveness. Her presentation offered valuable recommendations for companies seeking to strengthen their HSSE systems and improve their prospects in the marketplace. Investing in safety fosters a culture of accountability, responsibility and operational excellence.
