—Pioneering offshore lab techs shaping Guyana’s energy future
In the heart of Guyana’s rapidly evolving offshore energy sector, two remarkable women—Ms. Omadara Damali Holder and Ms. Yashawantie Jennifer Pancham—are making waves aboard floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels at the Stabroek Block.
As offshore laboratory technicians at Champion X Guyana Inc., they are shaping the future of the country’s energy production and breaking gender barriers as they excel in vital roles traditionally undertaken by men.
Omadara Holder, just 26 years old, is already a trailblazer in offshore laboratory technology, whose journey from the mining town, Linden, to the FPSO Liza Destiny is nothing short of inspirational.
After completing her education at Mackenzie High School and the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School, Omadara moved to the East Coast of Demerara to pursue her dreams. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Guyana (UG), Omadara embarked on a remarkable career ascent.
Starting as a data entry clerk, she transitioned into a medical technician and is now thriving as an offshore laboratory technician. Her pursuit of knowledge and unwavering commitment to science led her to acquire a certificate in Fundamentals of Petroleum Technology, with aspirations for a master’s degree.
Omadara’s inspiration to pursue this career stemmed from her high school lab experiences and grew stronger during her time at UG. When the job opportunity presented itself, she saw it as a perfect match for her qualifications and aspirations. To secure her role, Omadara needed a background in chemistry and lab experience. Her journey involved rigorous theoretical and practical training, courtesy of Champion X and FPSO-specific requirements.
Now, in her role on the FPSO Liza Destiny—Guyana’s first oil-production vessel—Omadara undertakes 12- hour shifts for 28 consecutive days, where precision and dedication are paramount. But it is not just about work and no play; she enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and indulging in the simple pleasures of watching movies in the cinema.
Omadara’s multifaceted responsibilities on the FPSO encompass extensive sampling and meticulous testing of oil, water, and gas. She shares her findings with her team at the end of each shift, playing a pivotal role in diagnosing and maintaining the integrity of all systems. Safety is a cornerstone of her job, both on and off the worksite.
Each day begins with a toolbox meeting where her team discusses safety topics, previous shift activities, and daily tasks, and she actively participates in fostering a safety culture among the team members. Beyond this, she plays a critical role on the FPSO—the accuracy of her lab-test results is crucial for diagnosing system issues and maintaining safety protocols on the vessel.
Teams begin mandatory safety routines before boarding a helicopter en route to their FPSO. They complete safety briefings and drills throughout the hitch, and a hierarchy of hazard controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential elements of the safety framework.
Omadara’s journey has not been without challenges, but her supportive team has made it a rewarding experience. She values camaraderie and her colleagues’ diverse cultural backgrounds and highlights the importance of teamwork in this demanding field.
Ms. Yashawantie Jennifer Pancham, 28 years old, hailing from Mahaicony in Guyana, embarked on a unique career journey. With a background in the medical field as a medical laboratory technician, her initial path was in healthcare, but she found herself drawn to the offshore energy sector.
After studying medical technology through a Guyana government scholarship, she dedicated a decade of service to the medical field. Later, she pursued an associate degree in social science (social work) at the University of Guyana.
Her path to becoming an offshore laboratory technician began when she decided to pursue a random job vacancy post she noticed on social media. Her application was successful, and she does not regret her decision to be part of the rapid development in Guyana’s offshore energy sector and contribute meaningfully to her nation’s future.
Yashawantie broke barriers as the first female to embark on the FPSO when it docked in Guyana’s waters. The production team is still predominantly male, and she is one of only two female team members. As a woman in a male-dominated environment, she faces her challenges squarely, strengthened by her conviction that gender should never define capabilities.
Her commitment to excellence and passion for learning drive her to excel in every professional task. Extensive training—including T-BOSIET and mastering ASTM testing methodologies—has prepared Yashawantie to approach her responsibilities confidently. Her outstanding performance in safety leadership earned her an award during her first hitch, celebrating her valuable contributions to the team.
Aboard the FPSO, her day begins at 05:00hrs with departmental meetings that cover daily activities and safety topics. Her responsibilities include sampling, analyzing, and logging test results, with occasional troubleshooting tasks. Safety remains a top priority throughout her workday.
Beyond her professional life, Yashawantie’s humanitarian spirit shines through her volunteer work with NGOs and non-profit organizations. She also enjoys reading, dancing, swimming, and traveling.
Prioritizing a Healthy Work-life Balance
Omdara and Yashawantie play indispensable roles in their respective FPSOs by providing accurate lab-test results that guide production teams to maintain safety and operational efficiency. They achieve the highest possible performance levels in fast-paced, challenging jobs by prioritizing a healthy work-life balance.
Testing the quality of crude offloaded from the FPSOs for sales and distribution and analyzing water quality overboard to maintain environmentally responsible standards fall under the offshore laboratory technicians’ purview.
To prepare for emergencies, teams aboard the FPSOs follow strict protocols, including a Stop Work Authority measure. Their preparedness, communication, and risk analysis are essential for managing unexpected situations effectively.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a challenge in offshore life, and the pioneering female lab technicians achieve this by setting practical personal and professional goals—working hard, leaving ample room for play, and making the most of their time on and off the FPSO.
As their oil and gas careers unfold, Omdara and Yashawantie are acquiring valuable experience with innovative technologies that enhance lab-testing equipment and methodologies. These innovations improve efficiency and accuracy in their daily work, contributing to the overall success of the FPSO operations.
These exceptional women, Omadara Holder and Yashawantie Pancham, are shining examples of determination, resilience, and excellence in Guyana’s offshore energy sector. Their journeys are inspirational and pivotal in shaping the nation’s energy future.
As they continue to break gender barriers and excel in their roles, they stand as beacons of hope and role models for aspiring individuals looking at careers in offshore laboratory technology. These women of science and safety are contributing significantly to Guyana’s journey toward energy prosperity.
They encourage aspiring offshore laboratory technicians to pull out all stops to realize their professional dreams— and be willing to embrace change and stay open to new experiences.
