Two Canadian universities recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Guyana Government to facilitate training to develop the mining, oil and gas industries at local institutions.
According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), the agreement was signed between the College of North Atlantic, the Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland and the government. It will see training programmes developed at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and at the Guyana Mining School and Training Centre.
GINA noted that the letter of intent states that the College of North Atlantic’s objective is to explore education and training opportunities for the development and delivery of courses related to mining and oil and gas with educational institutions in Guyana. To facilitate this initiative, the College has provided a list of training courses to the Guyana government and once priority training areas have been identified, a joint action plan will be developed for course implementation.
In addition, GINA said the MoU provides a framework for collaboration between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland for the GGMC and the Guyana Mining School and Training Centre.
At the signing on September 20, Canadian High Commissioner David Devine was quoted as saying that Canada stands as a ready partner to share its expertise, particularly in the oil and gas sector, as Guyana develops in this area. “Canada has a tremendous resource base of experience and knowledge that we are willing to explore with Guyana… I am elated with today’s events and hope that a fruitful partnership has been established,” Devine said.
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud expressed appreciation to both institutions at the signing. He noted that developments in the emerging oil and gas sector will require personnel with specialised skills that are not currently readily available in Guyana. However, the partnership programmes will allow Guyanese to be trained in the various fields in this sector and in technical practices, he noted. “Improved training in the new fields of the extractive sectors will allow for better job opportunities for our local people,” Persaud also said, adding that training will, in the long term allow all citizens to enjoy wealth derived from this sector.
Ann Marie Vaughan, the CEO of College of North Atlantic, said that her college prides itself in its ability to be responsive to the needs of the oil and gas and mining industry. “This ability, combined with our long-standing relationship with the Marine Institute, will ensure that our new partners will receive a world-class curriculum to support development in their oil and gas and mining industries,” Vaughan said, according to GINA. She also said that this initiative is another example of the strength of Newfoundland and Labra-dor’s post-secondary education system and its commitment to sharing best practices and fostering new partnerships.
The College, which facilitates training, research and development to students and trainees through collaborative activities, develops customised training options from a list of more than 100 full-time diploma and certificate programmes and a comprehensive range of 300 full and part-time courses.
Glenn Blackwood, Vice-President, Memorial Univer-sity (Marine Institute) said that he was looking forward to sharing experiences and capabilities through the MoU with the Guyana Government to grow its capacity and work force in the natural resources sectors.
According to GINA, under the MoU, the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland, Guyana will benefit in the following areas: marine environment, safety training, ocean technology, offshore oil and gas, fisheries, coastal resources management and distance delivery opportunities and others.
