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Juretha Fernandes, who has been selected as the Prime Ministerial candidate for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition, on Friday pledged to uplift Guyanese and provide necessary leadership. 

“I am grateful to stand alongside Aubrey Norton, a principled leader, whose vision for a people-centered government aligns with the APNU Coalition’s highest ideals. This role is not a platform for personal ambition, but an opportunity to work within a team dedicated to equitable development, where every Guyanese benefits from our nation’s wealth.  

“… Together, with humility and resolve, we will prove that leadership means lifting others,” Fernandes said in a statement shared on her Facebook post. 

Fernandes, who has been part of the Alliance For Change (AFC), defected to APNU amid the AFC’s failure to re-enter a coalition agreement with APNU. Two other AFC colleagues, Sherod Duncan and Deonarine Ramsaroop, joined her in crossing parties.

Speaking about her selection on Friday, APNU’s Aubrey Norton said Fernandes is intelligent and represents a key group, Guyana’s Indigenous women. For these reasons and more, APNU believed that she is a suitable Prime Ministerial candidate.

For her part, Fernandes said: “To be selected as the Prime Ministerial Candidate for the APNU Coalition is both an immense honor and a profound responsibility, one I accept with humility, knowing that no meaningful progress is achieved alone.”

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See below the full statement issued: 

Acado Guyana, the official distributor for Swiss products in Guyana, last week launched a new sustainability project with the shared goal of increasing awareness of their new line of boxed peas, beans and vegetables.

The project, titled “Unboxing the Future”, was piloted in six High Schools across Georgetown, reaching over 200 students, providing them with supplies for Food and Nutrition classes.

Acado and Swiss describe this year’s project as the first of many to come in the years ahead and highlighted the student engagements as a demonstration of their investment in the future of the communities in which they operate.

Tetrapak is an eco-friendly packaging, allowing consumers to ditch the can opener, and more easily access Swiss’ already well-known products including sweet kernel corn, mixed vegetables,  baked beans, red kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans and lentils.

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The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC) proudly announces its full endorsement of His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali for a second term as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

This endorsement reflects the Club’s deep appreciation for the President’s steadfast commitment to sport, especially motorsport, and for delivering on his promises during his 2020 campaign trail.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali holds the chequered flag with Guyanese driver Mark Vieira

Among the most significant of those promises was the pledge to support the expansion and modernisation of the South Dakota Circuit.

Today, that promise has been fulfilled.

With direct aid and support from President Ali’s administration, the circuit has been extended to an international length of 1.6 miles, making it capable of hosting regional and international racing events.

In addition to the track upgrade, the access roads leading into the facility have been newly paved, greatly improving accessibility for fans, officials and competitors.

President Irfaan Ali with officials of the GMR&SC at the South Dakota Circuit

Furthermore, construction is underway on a new grass spectator mound.

This addition of infrastructure will enhance viewing experiences and further establish the circuit as a premier motorsport venue in the Caribbean.

President Ali’s government has fulfilled campaign promises and demonstrated a long-term vision for motorsport growth.

Recognising that motorsport is among the most expensive sports to develop, his administration has shown an extraordinary commitment to phased infrastructure improvements to bring Guyana to the international motorsport stage.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali interacting with fans at South Dakota Circuit

Over the past five years, President Ali’s leadership has also seen a national boost in sports investment, with over G$21.6 billion allocated across disciplines.

His belief in sport as an economic engine and a source of national pride is apparent.

His presence at events like the GMR&SC International Race Meet and consistent public statements on the role of sport in economic development speak volumes about his genuine support.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali shares a moment with seasoned motor-racing competitor Harold Hopkinson

The GMR&SC is confident that with continued leadership from President Ali, the motorsport fraternity and all of Guyana’s sporting communities will see sustained progress and opportunity.

For these reasons, and in recognition of his vision, delivery and continued engagement with the sporting sector, we at the GMR&SC stand firmly in support of President Irfaan Ali’s bid for a second term. (GMRSC)

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(Jamaica Observer) Food and financial services conglomerate GraceKennedy Limited (GK) is thrilled about its recent invitation to set up manufacturing operations in Guyana and has indicated that it will continue to leverage available opportunities in the oil-rich territory as well as the wider Caribbean.

Commenting on the appeal for GK — one of the region’s largest food manufacturers — to expand its footprint in Guyana, Group CEO Frank James said he is encouraged by the possibilities.

“GraceKennedy has had a presence in Guyana that spans many decades and we will work to build on this as we also explore new opportunities in that country and throughout the wider region,” he said in response to Jamaica Observer queries.

The invitation which was extended by Guyana’s Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh, during a recent Jamaican export and investment mission, welcomed the prominent Jamaican company to “set up shop” in Guyana, highlighting its global reach and trusted brand reputation as valuable assets to Guyana’s agro-industrial development.

“We would be delighted for you to come to Guyana to set up a manufacturing presence in Guyana,” Singh told a representative of the company who inquired about investment opportunities during the trade mission.

The invitation, which aligns with Guyana’s broader strategy of attracting foreign direct investment into its agro-processing sector, also supports GraceKennedy’s ongoing mission to expand its regional footprint through strategic partnerships and manufacturing initiatives.

Highlighting Guyana’s growing potential as a hub for agro-processing backed by its large cultivation of fresh fruits and vegetables, the minster pointed to the country’s thriving coconut industry as an area of opportunity, he believes that GK, through its world-famous brand, could push more value-added offerings.

“The truth is, GraceKennedy coconut water should have in the fine print – Product of Guyana. Your coconuts shouldn’t come from Thailand, your coconuts should come from Guyana,” he said as he underscored the potential for packaging and branding Guyana-grown crops under the Grace brand.

The minister further said that Guyana stands ready to facilitate GraceKennedy’s entry to the country whether independently or through partnership with local manufacturers. “It can be a Guyanese manufacturer, and you work out with them your standards, branding and labelling; that is also a possibility.”

GK’s food division, which now accounts for about 70 per cent of its total business, earns the bulk of revenues supported by robust output from its manufacturing and retail operations.

The company’s manufacturing network now spans six cutting-edge factories, strategically positioned across Jamaica. These include its Grace Agroprocessors plant in Denbigh, Grace food processors meats, Grace Agroprocessors Houndslow, Dairy Industries Jamaica, Grace Food Processor (NALCAN) along with its more recently acquired UniBev factory which specialises in the bottling of spring water.

In addition to the production of high-quality high-branded food products, GK’s manufacturing division also offers robust co-manufacturing and private label solutions with exceptional production capacity and scalability to meet global demands.

GraceKennedy already has a foothold in Guyana and in moving on this offer will further lay the groundwork for expanded operations and deeper market integration.

“Our current operations include the distribution of Grace and Grace-owned food brands through two distributors as well as a 30 year representation of our Western Union brand and the availability of our Bill Express Service,” James said.

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Even though Aubrey Norton says A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) remains open to returning to a coalition with the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes on Friday said the AFC has moved on and is focused on preparing for the upcoming elections.

“I think the prospects of anything positive coming out from further engagements, the prospects are marginal. We have moved on, and we are heading straight to the election as I am sure APNU is,” Hughes, the leader and Presidential candidate of the AFC, said on Friday.

Earlier Friday, Norton expressed some willingness to still engage in dialogue with the party even though he believed the AFC’s earlier coalition proposals had some “impossible suggestions.”

“We are willing to continue discussions,” Norton said on Friday.

Coalition talks: AFC had certain ‘conditions’ to accept Norton as Presidential candidate- Hughes 

APNU and AFC held government office between 2015 and 2020 as a coalition; they had been engaged in talks to revive the alliance ahead of this year’s general elections, but those discussions collapsed dramatically. Just this week, Juretha Fernandes parted ways with the AFC and has been named APNU’s Prime Ministerial candidate; her AFC colleagues Sherod Duncan and Deonarine Ramsaroop followed. The trio was expelled from the AFC subsequently.

A major stumbling block in the earlier discussions was the matter of a presidential candidate for the possible coalition. The AFC has also been pushing for a “consensus candidate,” that is, someone seen as more electable than Mr. Norton. Last week, Hughes clarified that the AFC has not demanded that it be given the Presidential candidate spot in a possible coalition with APNU, but maintained that the AFC wants the consensus candidate instead of Norton Norton.

(more…)

See below the full release from the Guyana Marine Conservation Society: 

The Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) and the National Toshaos Council (NTC) on Thursday signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing collaboration on marine and coastal conservation efforts, with a strong focus on Indigenous community engagement and leadership.

The MoU was signed by Annette Arjoon-Martins, Project Director of GMCS, and Ms Sonia Latchman, Vice Chairperson of the NTC, at a ceremony held at the NTC’s Headquarters in Sophia, Georgetown. The agreement outlines a framework for cooperation between the two organizations in support of sustainable natural resource governance, biodiversity protection, and community-led development in Indigenous communities, particularly in and around the Barima Mora Passage (BMP) in Region 1.

Under the agreement, GMCS will provide financial and technical support for the preparation and implementation of Village Sustainability Plans, development of community-based green enterprises, and delivery of training and education programmes focused on mangrove conservation and coastal ecosystem stewardship. In turn, the NTC will support the integration of these initiatives into community planning and assist with stakeholder coordination and knowledge sharing.

The partnership underscores the shared commitment of GMCS and the NTC to ensure that Indigenous peoples are central actors in conserving Guyana’s rich coastal and marine biodiversity. The MoU will be in effect for two years, with both parties meeting quarterly to review progress and identify future actions.

This collaboration is an important step toward strengthening Indigenous leadership in biodiversity conservation while building resilience and sustainable livelihoods in vulnerable coastal communities. It also directly supports the goals of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which emphasizes the importance of Indigenous inclusion, ecosystem protection, and the development of sustainable, low-carbon economic opportunities at the community level.

The planned collaborative work between the two organizations will be supported through two major ongoing projects implemented by GMCS: the EU-funded project “Developing the Capacity of the Barima Mora Passage Communities in Natural Resources Governance”, and the IDB-funded project Securing the Future of the Barima Mora Passage Mangroves and Its People”. Both initiatives aim to strengthen natural resource governance, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods in coastal and Indigenous communities in the BMP, with a focus on building local capacity, supporting green enterprises, and advancing the goals of Guyana’s LCDS 2030.

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The American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AmCham Guyana) and the Guyana Development Initiative (GDI) recently hosted Professor Joseph Fuller of the Harvard Business School for two impactful engagements with the local private sector, aimed at addressing urgent workforce challenges and strengthening the implementation of strategies within organizations.

Professor Joseph Fuller, a globally recognized expert in management, workforce development, and economic competitiveness, served as the keynote speaker at a Symposium on “The Future of the Workforce” held on Wednesday, June 18. His visit also included a private roundtable discussion on “Strategic Implementation” on Thursday, June 19. Professor Fuller is widely respected for his extensive consulting experience, working with senior executives and policymakers on a variety of issues related to corporate strategy and national competitiveness. He co-heads the Managing the Future of Work Project at Harvard Business School.

Professor Joseph Fuller of the Harvard Business School with local private sector players

The symposium convened 150+ AmCham Guyana members, representatives of the private sector, government officials, and development partners to examine the transformative forces reshaping the world of work. Professor Fuller discussed the profound implications of demographic changes on global workforce dynamics, emphasizing the increasing importance of productivity and the competition for talent. He also highlighted the transformative potential of generative AI in enhancing productivity, while also providing insights on how to address key challenges as it relates to AI and workforce participation, such as the need for focusing on social skills and continuous learning to adapt to future work environments.

The private sector roundtable discussion featured a high-level group of senior business executives and leaders focused on the key elements of strategic implementation, specifically on why leaders have challenges implementing the strategies they formulate within their organizations and what they can do to bridge the gap between vision and action. This allowed executives to engage directly with Professor Fuller, sharing their perspectives and discussing practical solutions tailored to Guyana’s business environment on cultural shifts, structural labor shortages, employee motivation, and the integration of digital technologies.

The two business events are part of a broader initiative led by AmCham Guyana and the GDI to support capacity development in Guyana’s private sector by connecting local leaders with international expertise. AmCham Guyana and the GDI remain committed to fostering a collaborative partnership aimed at strategic business management and development in Guyana (AMCHAM press release)

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MODEC, a solutions provider in the oil and gas sector, stated that it recruited 18 Guyanese and spent approximately US$3.4 million (or approximately G$709.5 million) on goods and services from local suppliers in 2024.

This was detailed in a press release from the company, which announced that MODEC had obtained its 2024 Local Content Certificate of Compliance and that its 2025 Local Content Plan had been approved.

See below the full release: 

MODEC announces that it has received the 2024 Local Content Certificate of Compliance from the Local Content Secretariat, as well as approval for its 2025 Local Content Annual Plan.

These achievements reflect the significant efforts MODEC has made in advancing local content initiatives over the past year in Guyana and underscore the company’s ongoing commitment to fulfilling the requirements of the Local Content Act 2021.

In 2024, MODEC recruited 18 Guyanese nationals and launched its inaugural onshore trainee and internship programmes to support the development of local professionals. Additionally, MODEC publicized 45 procurement opportunities and invested over US$3.4 million in the procurement of goods and services from local suppliers. The company also made substantial investments in community initiatives focused on education, technology and the environment.

This year, MODEC will continue to recruit and train Guyanese nationals, invest in community development initiatives and offer more than 100 procurement opportunities to local suppliers.

MODEC remains committed to supporting the growth and development of Guyana’s local workforce and economy, in alignment with national priorities and the Local Content Act.

About MODEC

MODEC has been a leading provider of floating offshore solutions for the oil and gas industry for

more than 55 years. The company was founded in Japan and is present in over 15 countries. In its operations globally, MODEC delivered over 50 floating units projects, always working to value the local expertise, develop partnerships, transfer knowledge, and boost the country’s economy.

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Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped for the first Test against West Indies and Steven Smith ruled out through injury with Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis named as their replacements.

The two changes were confirmed five days before the opening Test in Barbados on June 25, meaning Australia will have a significantly different batting line-up to the World Test Championship final against South Africa.

Konstas will earn his third cap having not featured since the two outings against India which began with his 60 off 65 balls on debut at the MCG. Inglis scored a century on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Labuschagne had been moved to up to open in the WTC final, with the selectors opting for a last show of faith, but came away with scores of 17 and 22 to continue a two-year lean run in Test cricket.

“Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team,” chair of selectors George Bailey said. “He understands his output hasn’t been at the level we, or he, expects. We will continue working with him on the areas of his game we feel he needs to rediscover. We continue to value his skill and expect him to work through the challenge positively.”

Smith, meanwhile, suffered a compound dislocation to the little finger on his right hand when dropping a chance offered by Temba Bavuma on the third day at Lord’s. He avoided surgery but has to wear a splint for eight weeks. However, there is hope he will be able to play later in the West Indies series.

“Steve needs more time for the wound to heal so we’ll give him another week’s rest and assess his functionality after that,” Bailey said. “We have made the decision to give Josh and Sam the opportunity to replace Steve and Marnus. We are excited to see them get the chance to further their fledgling Test careers.

“In his only opportunity in Test cricket to date, Josh was outstanding in Sri Lanka, showing great intent and ability to put pressure on the opposition.”

The batting order will be confirmed closer to the Test, although Konstas will likely open with Usman Khawaja, as will the full XI. Depending on conditions there is a chance Australia could go opt for two frontline spinners with Matt Kuhnemann partnering Nathan Lyon. (ESPNcricinfo)

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A 20-member delegation from ISKF-Guyana recently returned from the 56th ISKF Master Camp in Pennsylvania, USA, where they secured medals in the international tournament and put forward a bid to host the prestigious Shoto Cup World Tournament in 2029.

The intensive camp, held from June 6-13, brought together ISKF members globally for masterclass instruction from elite Japanese instructors, including Hiroyoshi Okazaki Shihan (9th Dan, ISKF Chief Instructor) and Shojiro Tobita Sensei (7th Dan).

The camp culminated in an international tournament on June 12, where Guyanese karatekas delivered strong performances:

• Justin Sampson secured gold in the Male Open Kata (Under 18) division.
• Nyota Rodrigues claimed bronze in Female Open Kumite (18+) and silver in Female Mixed Kumite.
• Bradley Mohabir, Alex Rodrigues & Shawn Jemmott earned bronze in Male Team Kumite (18+).

Beyond the competitive arena, Marlon George, Secretary of ISKF-Guyana, successfully completed the examinations to earn his ‘C’ Class Judges License, administered during live competition.

At the ISKF Country Directors’ meeting, Guyana formally proposed to host the 6th Shoto Cup World Tournament in 2029, ISKF’s most prestigious event. In recognition of their contributions, ISKF-Guyana also received the ‘Best Supporting Country’ award.

The team’s preparations for the Master Camp included a successful National Tournament on May 31 at the Marian Academy Auditorium, featuring 98 competitors across various categories.

Looking ahead, ISKF-Guyana is now preparing for the 5th Shoto Cup World Tournament in Mexico in 2026, with top medalists from their recent National Tournament being considered for selection.

The association extended gratitude to its partners, including Guyana Beverages Inc. and Trophy Stall, for their support.

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