Pres. Ali admits Guyana has capacity deficiencies in oil sector, but hiring best to bridge gap

In a candid acknowledgment of the challenges facing Guyana’s growing oil industry, President Irfaan Ali has emphasized the government’s commitment to bridging capacity deficiencies through strategic hiring of top talent.

Speaking at the New York Times’ Climate Forward event yesterday, Ali stated, “We have capacity deficiencies in the oil sector and are aware of it. What we are doing now is to ensure that we hire the best.”

The President highlighted that the rapid pace of development in the oil sector has outstripped the country’s existing capabilities, calling for immediate action to address these gaps. “It is not about us saying that we can’t do it; it’s about understanding what we have to do to ensure that we maximize the opportunities,” he explained.

Ali pointed out the necessity of engaging with international firms to bring in expertise that can help accelerate local capacity building. He remarked, “We are looking at the best practices and will be engaging the best firms in the world that can assist us in building our capacity.” This strategy aims to ensure that local professionals are trained and equipped with the necessary skills to operate effectively in the oil industry.

He said the government is aware of the significant increase in oil production on the horizon, which requires a well-prepared workforce. Ali assured that efforts are underway to bolster this workforce through comprehensive training and education initiatives. “We have to prepare ourselves. We have to build the capacity, and that capacity has to come from within the country. But it also means that we have to engage the best of the best to train our people,” he said.

Moreover, Ali emphasized the importance of establishing a structured approach to talent acquisition, asserting, “There is a lot of work to be done, and it’s not going to happen overnight. It’s a long-term vision.” He stressed that this vision includes not just hiring foreign experts but also fostering local talent to ensure sustainability in the sector.

In his remarks, Ali addressed the role of the private sector in this development journey, noting that collaboration is essential for success. “The private sector must also play its part in training and developing our workforce,” he stated, highlighting the shared responsibility between government and industry.

His strategy includes investing in education and vocational training programs to develop a skilled workforce that meets the demands of the oil sector. “We are going to create a pipeline of young professionals who are equipped to handle the opportunities in the oil sector,” Ali asserted, underlining the government’s commitment to preparing the next generation for the challenges ahead.

According to Ali, “Our goal is to ensure that every Guyanese can benefit from the opportunities presented by this sector. Together, we can build a resilient oil and gas industry that supports our national development agenda.”