Guyana Electric Inc 1st local company granted membership to NECA

Guyana Electric Inc was recently accepted into the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), notably the company is the first Guyanese entity to gain membership with the organisation.

NECA is the voice of the $225 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the United States.

Additionally, the organisation sets the standard for traditional and integrated electrical systems, leads the industry in the practical application of new technologies, serves as the voice for electrical construction by empowering contractors to be the innovative, safe and responsible when executing works throughout the US as well as the Caribbean.

Guyana Electric Inc is an electrical contracting firm responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. These includes both low-voltage systems, such as those used in public spaces or businesses, and high-voltage systems, like those used in power plants and other large-scale industrial facilities.
The company is certified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States Department of Labour, formed by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
It was developed by co-founders Keon and Michelle Howard in 2012, and was being operated in Toronto Canada; it, however, relocated to Guyana in 2018.
During an interview with Guyana Times, Michelle Howard lauded NECA for its efforts towards promoting Occupational Safety and Environment, which plays an integral role in preventing workplace fatalities.
Further, Howard said that while the membership recognises Guyana Electric s contributions to the industry, it also gives the company an advantage to bid for international projects when compared to other businesses in the industry.
She explained that was timely given the influx of foreign investments Guyana is welcoming through collaborations with the People s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

It s validation that he s going down the right path, that the areas which he is most passionate which is health and safety and standards of electrical work in Guyana it adds to the company s credentials, it gives us an opportunity that American companies, international companies, know that this is a bar that sets really high standards for electrical work and would break down so many walls and allow opportunities to open for us, especially with the international companies coming to Guyana, she explained.
Howard told this newspaper that through Guyana Electric, she and her husband are currently engaging contractors about safe work practices, through forums such as workshops, conferences and face-to-face interactions.
However, she explained that they are looking to develop an Electrical Contractors Association in Guyana to amplify these efforts.
The mission is association, through an organised body, to advocate for implementation of Occupational Safety and Health enforcement in the electrical industry, to push for licensing of contractors, offer training, and advocate for better wages for contractors.
A simple thing like a two box talks every morning is a simple thing of reminding folks to put on their safety shoes, put on your PPE and also finding moments where you have continuous training.
Howard added that provisions will also be made for youths to be exposed to the field once interest is expressed.
This will be facilitated through internships, workshops and part-time employment positions.
She explained this initiative will play an integral role in ensuring youth are inspired to join a tertiary institution and become licensed contractors, and do with a wealth of knowledge before submitting their application.