For the first time in its history, Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) has appointed Guyanese nationals to all six of its Base Manager positions, replacing expatriate leadership in a major development for local participation in the country’s oil and gas industry.
The appointments also mark a milestone for women in the sector, with 34-year-old Nkosi Sandy becoming the company’s first female Base Manager, a development GYSBI has described as a historic achievement for Guyana.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the company announced that the six employees, who have all risen through its ranks, will now oversee key operations at the country’s largest shore base and logistics facility servicing the oil and gas industry.
The newly appointed managers are Rondell Wade and Rohit Gulchand, who will serve as Senior Base Managers, along with Michael Lambert, Nkosi Sandy, Aveledo Lindie and Marvin McLennon, who have been appointed Annex Base Managers.
According to GYSBI, the appointments represent years of investment in developing local talent and preparing Guyanese employees to assume responsibilities previously held by foreign nationals.
Among those making history is Sandy, a mother of two who joined the company in December 2018 as a Banksman after previously working as a Draftswoman at the Brass Aluminium and Cast-Iron Foundry (BACIF).
Over the years, she distinguished herself by becoming the first woman to occupy several operational positions within GYSBI, including Foreman, Logistics Coordinator and Base Coordinator.
Her latest promotion to Base Manager marks another significant step in her career and reflects the expanding opportunities available to women in Guyana’s oil and gas industry.
Meanwhile, Wade, 33, joined GYSBI in February 2018 as a Warehouse Supervisor after working at RUSAL. He subsequently advanced through the positions of Logistics Coordinator and Base Coordinator before being appointed Senior Base Manager.
His fellow Senior Base Manager, Gulchand, 41, joined the company in June 2018 as a Banksman. Before entering the oil and gas sector, he worked with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) as a Bookkeeper and Senior Shipping Clerk.
Gulchand later progressed through several operational positions, including Foreman, Logistics Coordinator and Base Coordinator.
Another newly appointed manager, Lambert, 30, joined GYSBI in June 2019 as a Banksman after completing high school. He worked his way through the positions of Foreman, Logistics Coordinator and Base Coordinator before securing his latest promotion.
Lindie, 49, began working at GYSBI in July 2017 as a Driver after gaining experience in Guyana’s gold mining industry. He subsequently became a Forklift Operator and Warehouse Supervisor before advancing to Base Manager.
McLennon, 34, joined the company in October 2020 as a Banksman after previously serving in the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Corps of Wardens.
He later held several positions in quality, health, safety, security and environmental operations, including QHSSE Field Advisor, QHSSE Supervisor and QHSSE Team Lead.
McLennon also served as G-City Base Manager before assuming his new responsibilities as Annex Base Manager.
The appointments come as GYSBI reports significant growth in Guyanese representation across its workforce and management structure.
According to figures released by the company, the number of Guyanese holding management positions increased from just eight at the end of 2020 to 61 as of September 26, 2026.
This represents an increase in Guyanese management participation from 32 per cent to approximately 80 per cent over the period.
The company’s overall Guyanese workforce has also expanded considerably, growing from 342 employees at the end of 2020 to nearly 650 by September 2026.
Guyanese employees now account for 96 per cent of GYSBI’s workforce, compared with just over 90 per cent at the end of 2020.
GYSBI Chief Executive Officer Oliver Kassam said the appointments demonstrate that Guyanese employees are gaining the experience and expertise necessary to assume senior leadership roles in the sector.
“These employees understand our operations because they have helped build them. They have experienced the demands of the business at different levels and understand that effective leadership requires sound judgement, accountability and an uncompromising commitment to safety,” Kassam said.
He explained that the newly appointed managers will also be responsible for developing the next generation of Guyanese professionals.
“Their task now is to apply that experience in leading their teams and preparing the next generation of Guyanese talent,” he added.
