SBM engage over 50 Guyanese businesses at Guyana’s Vendor Day & Human Rights Workshop

SBM Offshore Guyana engaged over 50 Guyanese business representatives at its Vendor Day and Human Rights Workshop on December 4, 2024.
In keeping with the company’s local content commitments, the Vendor Day aspect of the activity served as a key platform to educate its registered vendors on key supply chain and procurement processes.
During his opening remarks, General Manager, Martin Cheong, underscored the importance of ensuring Human Rights are at the core of a company’s operations.
“You’ll discover how integrating human rights into your business practices can yield tangible benefits—such as retaining employees, building trust with clients, and strengthening your relationships with Governments and regulators. Far from being a cost, human rights are an investment in the long-term resilience and reputation of your business,” Cheong said.

Vendor Day is an annual activity held by SBM Offshore Guyana that serves to apprise local vendors and suppliers of the company’s operations. More specifically, the company routinely uses these sessions to explain its supply chain, compliance, and invoicing processes to vendors, providing a platform for first-hand feedback.
Local Content Lead, Garri Fraser, disclosed that the company achieved its target of 900 hours of training with vendors, and conducted 200 hours of training and certifications with contractors. This achievement further exemplifies SBM Offshore Guyana’s commitment to working with vendors to identify and bridge gaps in service provision and internal processes, thereby equipping vendors with the business acumen to advance and maintain a high operational standard.
During the Human Rights Workshop, the company engaged vendors in an interactive session focused on integrating key human rights principles into their operations, framed within the broader context of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Facilitated by the Centre for Local Business Development, the session provided a comprehensive overview of the company’s main Human Rights benchmarks, which are integral to assessing vendor qualifications.
Participants explored the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, learnt about good workplace practices, and discussed how aligning with ESG frameworks and the SDGs can enhance sustainability, promote inclusivity, and drive long-term value in their business operations.
In keeping with its local content commitment, SBM Offshore Guyana remains steadfast in pursuing local content development in Guyana through the utilisation of Guyanese and local companies in its operations.