GYSBI sets benchmark with strong safety record, 95% local workforce

The Guyana Shore Base Inc (GYSBI) was recently commended for its robust safety standards, strong environmental stewardship, and commitment to local workforce development by Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith during a tour of its facilities.
The visit formed part of activities marking the observance of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Month, recognised globally by the International Labour Organization in April.

The theme for this year’s observance is “Good Psychosocial Environments: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organisations.”
During the visit, the Minister was briefed on the company’s comprehensive overview of its operations from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Oliver Kassam, along with a detailed breakdown of GYSBI’s Quality, Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (QHSSE) policies, processes, and systems presented by QHSSE Senior Manager Kurt Busuttil.
He was also informed about the company’s training programmes, including Human Performance and Safe Choice, and their associated performance metrics. In his remarks to the Leadership Team following the presentations, Minister Griffith underscored the importance of prioritising worker safety amid Guyana’s rapid economic expansion, noting that such observances are not symbolic but rather serve as an important national reminder that the protection of workers must remain a top priority.

He also commended GYSBI’s strong safety performance, noting the company’s achievement of over 2100 days, or more than nine million man-hours, without a Lost Time Injury (LTI).
“This achievement is not merely commendable; it demonstrates what can be accomplished when leadership, workforce, and safety culture move in unison. It reinforces the shared responsibility of Government and industry to ensure that every worker returns home safely,” he added.
The Minister further highlighted the company’s contribution to national development through its workforce composition, pointing out that approximately 95 per cent of its employees are Guyanese. “As Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, seeing a workforce that reflects 95 per cent local labour is extremely pleasing and commendable. This is something we can proudly highlight as a country,” he added.
In addition to safety and labour practices, he also used the opportunity to acknowledge GYSBI’s environmental initiatives, commenting that its emphasis on environmental protection aligns with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
Meanwhile, the CEO expressed gratitude to the Minister for his visit and used the opportunity to reaffirm GYSBI’s commitment to maintaining high standards in safety, environmental management, and workforce development while continuing to support Guyana’s rapidly evolving energy sector.
GYSBI also donated to the Ministry to support part of its OSH Month activities. The observance includes a national symposium, an OSH Village on Main Street, and a national walk scheduled for today, Sunday, April 26, 2026.