The inaugural phase of the CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL) Scholarship Programme has reached a significant milestone as four Guyanese students prepare to embark on their transformative journey to China. Nechemiyah Levans, Aria Matthews, Ishika Singh, and Nazeela Williams have been chosen as the pioneering beneficiaries of this scholarship initiative, marking the start of their academic endeavors for the 2023-2024 academic year.
In a ceremony held at the CPGL Head Office in Kingston last month, these students were formally presented with their fully funded degree scholarships. The ceremony symbolized a momentous occasion, underscoring the commitment of CPGL to empower local talent and invest in the future of Guyana.
The programme is a collaborative effort between CPGL and the Ministry of Natural Resources, designed to bolster the nation’s expertise in the field of petroleum science. Over the course of the next three years, a total of 10 petroleum science-related undergraduate degree scholarships will be granted, thus fostering the growth of knowledge and specialization in this critical sector.
In the spirit of continuity, this initiative is set to recur annually, with two additional students being selected each year over the forthcoming three-year period. This strategic approach ensures a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals who will be equipped to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s energy landscape.
Evidencing its dedication, CPGL said it is shouldering the financial responsibility for each scholar’s education, encompassing tuition fees, transportation, and living expenses. As a reciprocal commitment, each scholarship recipient will serve a tenure of five years either with the Ministry of Natural Resources or within CPGL upon successful completion of their studies.
The rigorous selection process that identified these outstanding scholars involved a collaborative panel comprising members from CPGL and the Ministry of Natural Resources. Through a transparent and public advertisement, the most promising candidates were identified.
With this maiden voyage of the CPGL Scholarship Programme, Guyana is poised to reap the benefits of a skilled workforce in the dynamic realm of petroleum science.
Notably, CPGL holds a 25 percent working interest in the oil rich Stabroek Block. That deep water block is operated by ExxonMobil Guyana.
