G-Boats Guyana, a notable joint-venture between John Fernandes Limited and United States-based company Edison Chouest Offshore, has successfully launched two prominent tugboats, Madame Kalina and A’rinra, to provide essential support for ExxonMobil’s operations in the Stabroek Block offshore. These state-of-the-art vessels, recognized as two of the largest ever constructed by Edison Chouest, will guide oil tankers within the block’s operations.
In a momentous ceremony on Wednesday, G-Boats proudly christened the tugboats, whose names were thoughtfully chosen through a competition held in March 2022, inviting students from all across Guyana to contribute their suggestions.
A’rinra, a name proposed by Raymond De Cambra, a Grade 11 student from St. Ignatius Secondary School, paid tribute to the electric eel, an emblem of unwavering resilience against storms and a symbol of unwavering determination to reach its destination.
Meanwhile, Madame Kalina, suggested by Kaylan Duncan, a Grade 11 student from Brickdam Secondary School, drew inspiration from the Carib tribe, thereby raising awareness of their presence and significant contributions to the nation.
The Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, also graced the occasion as the vessels’ Godmother, expressing her delight at the involvement of schools in the naming process. Minister Manickchand praised Raymond and Kaylan for their exceptional contributions, highlighting their representation of both the hinterland regions and Georgetown. She underscored the Ministry of Education’s ongoing endeavors to establish universal secondary education throughout the country, ensuring equitable access to high-quality education for every child in Guyana.
Furthermore, Minister Manickchand emphasized that with abundant natural resources, a talented workforce, and effective leadership, Guyana possesses the necessary qualities to progress and thrive as a nation, benefiting all its citizens.
Representing G-Boats was Ross Chouest, owner of Edison Chouest Offshore, who commended the remarkable achievements of Raymond and Kaylan while lauding them as beacons of inspiration within their schools and communities. He acknowledged their imaginative thinking and creative spirits, which led to the selection of names perfectly encapsulating the essence of Guyana. Chouest also emphasized the profound significance of a ship’s name, as it reflects its character, purpose, and the values it represents.
Alistair Routledge, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, acknowledged the pivotal role played by these new tugboats in supporting the oil operations, situated 100 miles from Guyana’s shores, as the country endeavors to harness its abundant natural resources. He expressed ExxonMobil’s deep sense of honor in contributing to Guyana’s journey towards oil and gas development, regarding the vessels as symbols of progress within the industry and the partnerships necessary to achieve success.
