Press Release

Georgetown, Guyana, 4th of July 2024: Omni Helicopters, leading air mobility solutions provider for the offshore sector is proud to announce the successful completion of training and graduation of OHGI`s first Guyanese SAR Rear Crew class. The graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone for Guyana, OHGI, and most importantly Curt Mendonca, Daniel Yorris, Ishwar Parbhu, Kevin Sawh and Johnelle Ogle, who were awarded their wings in the presence of their proud families.

After an exhaustive selection process focused on water confidence, physical fitness, and helicopter underwater escape training, the new SAR Rear Crew Team went on to Ground School where they covered rescue equipment, techniques, and procedures, along with CRM and helideck operations. Simulator training in Canada provided hoist emergency response techniques and, on return to Guyana, was followed by live training with the SAR helicopter over land, vessel, and water with extensive hoisting operations and emergency procedures testing the team’s competence, endurance, and perseverance. Each phase concluded with confirmation check rides and a final written test to ensure operational readiness.

The graduation ceremony held at OHGI´s Terminal in Ogle Airport was graced by several distinguished guests, including the Director General of the GCAA, the National Security Advisor to the President, Mr. Gerald Gouveia Sr. and the CEO of Go Invest Guyana, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, who delivered the keynote address, congratulating the graduates and aligning the company’s training efforts with the vision of His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali on education. Dr. Ramsaroop emphasized that this initiative is a step in the right direction and urged Omni to continue investing in Guyana and its people.

“We are incredibly proud of our new Team Members for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance throughout this demanding training program,” said Duncan Moore, Executive Vice President, International Offshore and Onshore & Group COO at Omni Helicopters International, “Their commitment to excellence and readiness to respond to emergencies is a testament to their character and professionalism. We are proud to have contributed to the development of this Guyanese capability, staying true to our promise of proactively developing the nation´s aviation capabilities. ”

This SAR Crew Team is a testament to the capabilities and will of the young professionals in Guyana. They are now an integral part of the country’s national capabilities. This milestone is one of the several OHGI initiatives to promote Guyanese talent and professionalism in the aviation sector.