- Project geared at increasing the number of engineers from UG
- Centre to feature smart classrooms, labs and study spaces
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – December 14, 2023: The Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) is supporting the development of a Science and Technology Centre at the University of Guyana to facilitate enhanced technical education in Guyana. The project was officially launched on December 14, with a sod-turning ceremony to mark the commencement of construction.
In alignment with GGI’s mandate to support capacity development and strengthen Guyana’s workforce, this facility is aimed at supporting the number of engineers and professionals emanating from the university, who will support Guyana’s growing oil and gas industry and the broader economy. The Centre is expected to be completed in 2025 and will include facilities such as smart classrooms, laboratories and study spaces.
President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Mr. Alistair Routledge said the skillsets of engineers are vital to supporting the economic and national development of Guyana, this pivotal project builds the university’s capabilities to meet the workforce needs and supports students’ educational development.
“We benefit from many of your graduates in our workforce and our industries, but we want this to be much larger than that. It’s the growth of the human capital of the country to contribute much wider to the sustainable economy of the future,” Mr. Routledge said.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin noted that for many decades the Faculty of Engineering and Technology was undervalued. Yet as the economy and needs of Guyana change so too is the recognition of the critical value the faculty provides to this transformation. Professor Mohamed also recognized the strong relationship between GGI and the university of which this project is but one part and the tremendous value it has brought to the university and the country by extension.
“GGI has stuck with this university through thick and thin, from the very moment we became involved with each other about five years ago,” the Vice Chancellor stated as she conveyed her gratitude for the continued support received from GGI. The Greater Guyana Initiative is a US$100 million, 10-year investment made by the Stabroek block co-venturers – ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited. It is geared towards developing the local workforce, building human capacity, enhancing education and improving healthcare, aimed at promoting sustainable economic diversification in Guyana.
