The Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) has marked another milestone in strengthening national safety standards with the graduation of 26 instructors from the NEBOSH International General Certificate programme. The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health is a UK-based examination board offering qualifications in health, safety, environment and wellbeing management. The ceremony was held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, concluding the 11-week course launched in September 2024.
Fully funded by GGI, the programme trained instructors from 11 public TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) institutions using a blend of in-person and virtual sessions before the final NEBOSH examinations in late November. The certification boosts occupational safety and technical education across the TVET system, a critical need as Guyana’s expanding oil and gas sector drives demand for a highly trained, safety-conscious workforce.
Director of CTVET, Patrick Chinedu, opened the ceremony by stressing that safety must remain central to all training environments, noting that strong safety culture prepares learners for real-world industry expectations. LearnCorp International President, Phil Doody, highlighted the importance of applying global best practices through local partnerships, telling graduates their expertise will help shape safer workplaces and influence national development.
Delivering the feature address, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), Dr Ritesh Tularam, said the graduates’ decision to pursue the qualification reflects a deep sense of responsibility, emphasising that safety is fundamental to sustainable development and productivity, especially as Guyana continues its rapid growth.
Graduates also shared their pride in completing the programme, while ExxonMobil Guyana’s Socioeconomic Manager, Lorna Carlson, charged them to be “guardians of safety” and role models for future technicians and engineers. ExxonMobil Safety OIMS Supervisor Robert Harris applauded their commitment to national development.
The initiative was executed through collaboration among GGI, the Ministry of Education, CTVET and LearnCorp International, all working to adapt global standards to local needs and strengthen national institutions. Supported by Stabroek Block co-venturers ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, GGI continues to invest in education, training and economic development to build a competitive Guyanese workforce.
