A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed this afternoon between the University of Guyana (UG) and Halliburton for support to the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. The document was signed on the sidelines of Guyana’s second International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX).
The MOU will see UG benefiting from US$2.2M. The two parties agreed to collaborate on projects in accordance with the scope of work in the areas of Staff Development; Program and Teaching Support; and expert engagements.
Further, the agreement will address the provision of specific software support, in the first instance, for creating and equipping a Drilling Fluids Laboratory for teaching purposes. The required lab equipment includes mud balance, viscometers, HPHT filter press, retorts, fumehoods, lab glassware, lab coats, stationery supplies, racking, plastic bottles, and other various lab-specific consumables.
Signing the agreement on behalf of UG was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE), Professor Paloma Martin.
Professor Martin said that as Guyana prepares for first oil, UG is seeking meaningful long-term partnerships as it continues to develop offerings in support of the nascent oil and gas industry.
Present at the signing was Chancellor, Dr. Edward Greene; Former Dean Elena Trim; Director of the Energy Department, Dr. Mark Bynoe and from Valiant Media, Shariq Al Hai.
Dr. Bynoe, in his remarks, said that he is grateful to see the MOU move from an idea to reality. The inking of the agreement, he said, is a tangible demonstration of how collaboration between private companies and government institutions can be beneficial to developing the local human resource capacity.
Meanwhile, Halliburton representative, Franco Delano, said that the company is delighted to partner with the UG. He said that the company views the MOU has as a means of equipping UG students with the necessary skill set to be future leaders of Halliburton, Guyana.
Founded in 1919, Halliburton is one of the world’s largest providers of products and services to the energy industry. The company has approximately 60,000 employees, representing 140 nationalities in more than 80 countries. The company helps its customers maximize value throughout the lifecycle of the reservoir – from locating hydrocarbons and managing geological data, to drilling and formation evaluation, well construction and completion, and optimizing production throughout the life of the asset.
