GYSBI appoints 6 Guyanese Base Managers in historic shift to local leadership

…including first female base manager; 96 per cent local workforce now maintained

Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI), the country’s largest shore base and logistics hub servicing the oil and gas sector, has achieved a significant milestone in developing local leadership, with Guyanese nationals now holding all Base Manager positions for the first time.

Previously held by expatriates, these roles are now filled by long-standing employees who have progressed through the ranks, acquiring the strategic leadership skills and operational expertise required to oversee base operations.

The newly minted Base Managers are Rondell Wade and Rohit Gulchand, both Senior Base Managers, and Michael Lambert, Nkosi Sandy, Aveledo Lindie, and Marvin McLennon, all Annex Base Managers. Marking another historical milestone, Nkosi Sandy’s appointment also makes her the first female Base Manager in Guyana.

Having worked across different departments within GYSBI, the Base Managers bring first-hand knowledge of the effort required to establish its reputation, maintain world-class operating standards and integrate health and safety practices into daily operations.

Rondell Wade, 33, joined GYSBI in February 2018 as a Warehouse Supervisor, after working at RUSAL. He progressed to Logistics Coordinator and then Base Coordinator before advancing to his current role as Senior Base Manager.

Rohit Gulchand, 41, joined GYSBI in June 2018 as a Banksman, following his employment with the Guyana Sugar Corporation as a Bookkeeper and Senior Shipping Clerk. He worked his way through the roles of Foreman, Logistics Coordinator and Base Coordinator before becoming Senior Base Manager.

Michael Lambert, 30, joined GYSBI in June 2019 as a Banksman after completing high school. He later advanced to Foreman, Logistics Coordinator, and Base Coordinator before becoming Base Manager.

Nkosi Sandy, 34, a mother of two, joined GYSBI in December 2018 as a Banksman. Previously employed as a Draftswoman at the Brass Aluminium and Cast-Iron Foundry (BACIF), she progressed to becoming the first female in the positions of Foreman, Logistics Coordinator and Base Coordinator before becoming a Base Manager.

Aveledo Lindie, 49, joined GYSBI in July 2017 as a Driver, bringing experience from the gold mining industry. He advanced to Forklift Operator and then Warehouse Supervisor before being appointed Base Manager.

Marvin McLennon, 34, joined GYSBI in October 2020 as a Banksman, having previously served in the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Corps of Wardens. His career at GYSBI took him through the roles of QHSSE Field Advisor, QHSSE Supervisor and QHSSE Team Lead. He subsequently served as G-City Base Manager before moving to his current position as Annex Base Manager.

GYSBI Chief Executive Officer Oliver Kassam described the appointments as evidence of the company’s growing capacity to develop management expertise from within its workforce.

“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. Their task now is to apply that experience in leading their teams and preparing the next generation of Guyanese talent,” he said.

Guyanese representation grows across management

The appointments build on a broader increase in Guyanese participation across GYSBI’s workforce and management structure.

Between the end of 2020 and September 26, 2026, the number of Guyanese in management positions increased from eight to 61. Guyanese representation in management consequently rose from 32 per cent to approximately 80 per cent.

Over the same period, the company’s Guyanese workforce grew by approximately 85 per cent, increasing from 342 to nearly 650 employees. Guyanese accounts for 96 per cent of the workforce recorded in September 2026, compared with just above 90 per cent at the end of 2020.

For employees across the company, the Base Managers’ journeys provide a practical example of the opportunities available to build experience, develop leadership capabilities and progress within the organisation.