GYSBI construction supervisor issues call for more women to get into construction

Guyana Shore Base Inc. construction supervisor, Aliyah James is quickly approaching her third
anniversary with the company providing support to Guyana’s oil sector.
James’s encouragement for women is to join the construction technical field. “Working with
GYSBI is a very good experience, especially working in the construction department. That was a
very interesting role,” she said. She continued, “The construction department is definitely tasked
with the job of building all our warehouses and shore base or building any facilities for the shore
base. We deal with the clients directly, get their assessment on the scope of work. We complete it
as per those requirements and of course, we do this with maintaining very high safety culture.”
James admitted that she had to learn quickly. She said GYSBI provided a conducive
environment for her to thrive and take up a role as a woman in a leadership position in
construction.

“Coming from a background without any construction related knowledge, I’ve learnt a lot in
terms of building information, procedures, and working with a team that’s very much
appreciative. And there was definitely no gender bias there. They treated me just as a normal
staff,” James explained.
She made these comments during a job fair held by GYSBI at the Uitvlugt Community Centre
earlier this month. Other fairs were also held at Providence and Enmore, as part of GYSBI’s plan
to ramp up by 150 Guyanese workers.
“We have a lot of projects coming online at Guyana Shore Base fairly soon,” said General
Manager at GYSBI, Sean Hill. “We’re not bringing on anymore expats. We don’t believe we
need to, because of the skills and the competencies of the Guyanese people we’ve already found
so far, and we believe we’re going to continue to find,” sge said
It was noted that the Government facilitated the expansion when it came into office by clearing
US$16 million in permits.
Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill said during the Enmore that multiple shore base and
port facilities are being erected to cater for the development of the oil and gas and other
industries which will open numerous opportunities for employment.