Many of the numerous local businesswomen who have accessed the Centre services applaud the support and attribute recent growth in their business to the critical standardization processes they have adopted following engagement with the Centre. These companies offer services in direct and indirect relation to the oil and gas industry as well as other sectors, but collectively see the positive impact even though oil production only started in Guyana in December 2019. They share a common goal of utilizing this new opportunity to driving growth and capacity to broaden their businesses.
Coleen Abrams, CEO – MatPal Marine Institute
One such business that has benefited from this support is MATPAL Marine Institute, which provides training in Oil & Gas and Maritime.
Getting in early, MatPal Marine Institute began exploring what would be needed for the potential O&G market in 2016, with a focus on the importance of training. Subsequently, in a bid to enable local content, the company introduced the MatPal Deck Cadet Programme (Proficiency in Shipboard Navigation and Operations for Cadets – PSNOC), for young and aspiring students, some of whom are now ready to take head offshore to become shipmates and eventually officers. CEO Coleen Abrams is not fazed by a male-dominated Maritime Sector and wants to encourage other women to step up and break barriers the way she has done.
She advises, “It may be unchartered waters so know what qualities and attributes you bring,” and is excited to see more women in her Institution training for offshore positions. Coleen is proud to be at the helm of the first woman- led company to become ISO Compliant in 2019, which she credits to hard work and the incredible support from the CLBD staff. She hopes it serves to pave the way for other women.
With continued training and mentorship from the CLBD, her goal is to “create more strategic partnerships with Tier 1 Contractors and other Institutions and develop a portfolio” that will keep MATPAL at the top of the training game in Guyana.
Centre.gy Magazine, Third Edition, December 2020, www.centre.gy
