CLBD encourages Lindeners to take advantage of booming oil sector

With Guyana undergoing major transformational changes owing to the booming oil sector, the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD) has tasked itself with educating persons countrywide on how to benefit from public and private sector opportunities.
As such, the Centre on Tuesday commenced its four-day outreach throughout Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), which saw over 100 residents primarily representing small and medium-scale businesses at the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) Inc.
The three-hour session included information on Guyana’s economy and projects, an introduction to the oil and gas sector, an introduction to procurement, as well as an understanding of Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE).
During the opening session, CLBD Director Natasha Gaskin-Peters reiterated that the organisation continues to support businesses in ensuring that they receive mentorship while individuals seeking jobs are connected to the requisite employment agencies.

“For those of you who represent businesses, we will speak to you about systems you need to build so whether it is that you’re seeking opportunities in the oil and gas sector, in the mining sector or in the agriculture sector, we are here to help you build those business systems,” Gaskin-Peters said.
The CLBD Director also offered training sessions to local businesses if they become registered with the organisation.
She further explained that as opportunities are funded by the Greater Guyana Initiative – which comprises ExxonMobil, Hess and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) – they are currently free of cost for the participants.
Meanwhile, Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Chairman, Deron Adams reiterated the Local Government body’s commitment to collaborating with organisations that ensure that development opportunities are made available to all residents in an equitable manner, and as such, commended this initiative by the CLBD.
“The oil and gas industry is not just about drilling for resources; it’s about building an entire ecosystem of support services, businesses and employment opportunities. From exploration to production, logistics to technology, and environmental management to community engagement, this sector offers a wide spectrum of avenues where our region’s talent and enterprises can thrive,” Adams said.
He urged residents to see this as a chance to create sustainable livelihoods, become local entrepreneurs and enhance their overall quality of life, noting that youths particularly can benefit from these advancements.
“I encourage our youth to explore career opportunities in this sector, whether it’s in engineering, geology, environmental sciences, or various support services. The demand for skilled professionals in the oil and gas industry is on the rise, and we must equip our young minds with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in these fields,” Adams.
Furthermore, the RDC Chairman encouraged local businesses to consider the diverse range of services and products that can be provided to support this burgeoning industry, be it supplying equipment, offering transportation services or providing specialised training.
Tuesday’s session was the first of four, with the others to be held at Watooka Guest House today, Cho’s Bar and Grill and Xtreme Sports Bar, Wismar, on Thursday, and Philu’s Banquet Hall, Amelia’s Ward, on Friday.
This community outreach forms a continuation of the Centre’s ongoing efforts to empower citizens with the knowledge to actively participate in Guyana’s growing economy. Since opening in July 2017, the CLBD has registered over 5100 businesses on its Supplier Portal, conducted oil and gas seminars for over 4500 participants, cultivated over 750 oil and gas sector vendors, and delivered Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) programmes to over 310 businesses. (Pooja Rambaran)