DHL Guyana Agent launches brokerage firm as oil economy rapidly expands

Sep 25, 2022 News

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100% Local Content …

=SOCIAL EDGE=

By Kiana Wilburg

Kaieteur News – With the Local Content Legislation demanding all Contractors, Sub-Contractors, and Licencees within the booming oil industry have 100 percent of their brokerage services procured from locals, DHL Guyana which has been in operation since 1988, has expanded its services to be part of the supply chain.

Specifically, Executive Director at DHL-USA Global Export (GY) Limited, Maurice John disclosed the news that the Guyanese-owned agency has opened its brokerage firm which is armed with a team of experienced professionals.

John said DHL Guyana which has offices in Georgetown; New Amsterdam and Corriveton, Berbice; and Linden has had to retool the organisation, that is to say, build back its systems; increase end-to-end capacity, personnel and equipment; and retrain for higher levels of accuracy and output.

“This should realise more demand for time-sensitive delivery of cargo of all types, sizes, and values. Guyana is clearly expanding its economic activities at a rapid pace in keeping with the demands of the oil and gas industry. And DHL has decided to make an investment decision that will allow us to be part of the country’s future while driving its growth and market presence by adding a Brokerage firm,” expressed John.

He was keen to note that the new service is essential to the end-to-end DHL service; adding that given the needs and growth prospects of the market trend, the goal is to offer specialised services internally and externally for DHL operations. This would incorporate manifest, ASYCUDA, clearance preparation, and processing.

John was also in high praise of Mrs. Ruth Jeffers, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who is in charge of the brokerage team, and Mr. Huburn Tinnie, Operations Manager. They form part of the outstanding team of Guyanese that is intent on ensuring DHL Guyana is one of, if not the best, in the industry.

In an invited comment Mrs. Jeffers noted that she has been in employment with DHL for the past 25 years. She said her tenure with DHL saw her functioning in finance and then human resources responsibilities were added. Her new challenge is now brokerage. Mrs. Jeffers said it is a welcomed venture that she intends to approach with the same zeal and passion she has given to the other aspects of the company.

Furthermore, Mrs. Jeffers said she has watched the company experience tremendous growth over this period. The CFO said, “I have watched this company move from a fully manual system to typewriters, to computers and now, to all sorts of gadgets being used to allow employees to work smart and to produce remarkable results for its customers. With this growth comes greater expectations and the challenge to step to another level.”

The Manager of the Brokerage Unit said DHL has continuously stepped up to the proverbial plate, adding that the discovery of oil in Guyana and the exploration for more of this “black gold” will require new standards of operating in the shipping industry.

She said, “The shipments consigned to the oil companies require companies like DHL to operate at a higher level to serve them and the output required has definitely changed the way we do business…The logistics and dynamics of shipping have changed and the shipping world of today has seen changes in volumes and content and the required way to process shipments.”

Because of enforcement of policies by agencies like the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mrs. Jeffers said it is almost necessary to have a broker to clear a shipment coming to Guyana, and to some extent, those being exported from Guyana. With this, she contended that DHL has responded and has seen it necessary to have a brokerage department rather than staff in employment who perform this role amongst others.

“We have an opportunity to serve our customers from end to end and this will be done with excellence as DHL has been in operation in Guyana since 1988 and we have grown as the industry grew in Guyana, navigating all the requirements that saw us standing tall in the industry,” Mrs. Jeffers explained.

As the world changes, she is of the firm conviction that the DHL Guyana Agent will continue to strive to uphold its slogan which is: Excellence Simply Delivered.

Meanwhile, Operations Manager, Mr. Tinnie said the DHL brokerage services aims to produce several outcomes. For customers, he said, “We will reduce the time for processing clearance of cargo by 24 hours because the transaction remains under our control; while maintaining visibility through our electronic tracking at a competitive cost level to clients.”

For the GRA, the government, and the people of Guyana, he said the company will provide a tried and trusted trade partner in the accurate and timely payment and receipt of revenue into the national coffers for the benefit of all.

For the company, he said the new department will no doubt add value to its service profile and ensure more employment opportunities for the national workforce. “These three channels will allow for the flow of a multiplicity of benefits directly into our society, thereby buttressing the support base needed for the present and future generations,” the Operations Manager concluded.

In particular, John stressed that the company’s forerunner, Mrs. Ingrid Bristol remains the lifeblood of the company.

“Mrs. Bristol has been and continues to be the embodiment of relentless hard work and limitless ambition. She has set the stage for many to now continue to refuel the company daily with the energy it needs to move to the next level. I could not be prouder and more honoured to have the chance to learn from this outstanding woman; a CEO of a trailblazing agent,” expressed John.

Importantly, John said the company is in the process of applying for its Local Content Certificate. He said the nation’s Local Content Secretariat has a most diligent system in place, adding that the shipping agent is working on meeting all of the requirements set out.

As the country progresses with its local content efforts, the Executive Director said it is significant for one to note the extent to which the legislation itself has now set the stage for Guyanese services to be prioritised. “Because of the legislation, oil companies are now required to make use of indigenous services. Our team has been getting itself au fait with the provisions and they are impressive. The country’s oil sector, though young, has been able to outline 40 areas that must see our participation. These include brokerage, rentals of office space, transportation, insurance services, and catering,” expressed John.

He said confidently that the law has no doubt gone above and beyond to protect the rights of Guyanese to tap opportunities in the industry. Importantly, John said the law holds the potential to achieve diversity and inclusivity and is eager to see this realised.

In conclusion, John was adamant that the company was on a commendable growth trajectory, and in a few weeks, he planned on announcing some great news that would blow the lid off in Guyana. “There’s no plan on stopping; the sky’s the limit,” he added.

ABOUT DHL

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Its DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air, and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management.

With about 380,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialised solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences, and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing and energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL has said it is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is also part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than $81 billion euros in 2021. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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