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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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Beverage powerhouse Banks DIH Limited has announced a significant sponsorship deal for the sixth edition of the highly anticipated ExxonMobil Under-14 Boys and Girls Schools’ Football Championships.

The tournament, a cornerstone of youth football development in Guyana, is organised by the Petra Organisation and is now set to kick off on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Under its popular I-CEE Soft Drinks, Malta Supreme, Rainforest Water, and Tastee Snacks brands, Banks DIH has pledged its support, a move lauded by the organisers as a massive boost for the competition.

The partnership was highlighted at the tournament’s official launch at Cara Lodge, where the vibrant future of schools’ football was celebrated.

Clayton McKenzie, Brand Manager for I-CEE Soft Drinks, speaking on behalf of Banks DIH, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for supporting youth development through sport.

Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of the Petra Organisation, extended his heartfelt gratitude to Banks DIH for their “overwhelming support.” He emphasized the crucial role such partnerships play in providing a platform for young talent to flourish.

“We are delighted to have Banks DIH on board once again,” said Mendonca.

 “Their commitment to the development of our young people is evident, and this sponsorship will go a long way in ensuring the successful execution of this tournament.

The ExxonMobil U-14 tournament is a critical part of our youth football pathway, and with the support of corporate partners like Banks DIH, we can continue to create opportunities for the next generation of football stars.”

The month-long tournament will culminate in the finals on July 12 at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue. This year’s competition will see 32 boys’ teams and 24 girls’ teams vying for top honours. The teams will initially compete in a group stage format before advancing to the knockout rounds.

Notably, teams from Regions Eight and Nine will not be participating in this edition.

The defending champions heading into the tournament are Chase’s Academic Foundation in the Boys’ division and President’s College in the Girls’ division, who will be keen to defend their titles against a host of aspiring challengers.

A significant aspect of this year’s tournament is the emphasis on player welfare and safety. The Petra Organisation recently partnered with Demerara Mutual to provide insurance coverage for all players and officials and conducted a comprehensive Child Safeguarding course for coaches and teachers.

The stakes are high, with attractive prizes for both individuals and teams. The top four teams in both the male and female categories will receive substantial financial assistance for school projects.

The winners will receive G$400,000, with the second, third, and fourth-placed teams pocketing G$200,000, G$100,000, and G$75,000 respectively.

Individual excellence will also be rewarded, with the Most Valuable Players, highest goal scorers, and best goalkeepers each receiving a trophy and school supplies valued at G$60,000.

The support from Banks DIH and title sponsor ExxonMobil ensures that the 2025 edition of the U-14 Schools’ Football Championships will be a memorable one for all participants.

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The defending champions, Rangpur Riders, have officially named their squad for the highly anticipated 2025 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), set to take place at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence from 10 to 18 July.

In 2024, the Rangpur Riders were without a point after their first three matches but found their form and eventually won their last three contests to emerge champions.

With a combination of dynamic batting, disciplined bowling, and strong leadership, the Riders proved to be deserving champions of an action-packed competition.

The Rangpur Riders, one of the leading franchises in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), bring a rich pedigree to the GSL. Having won the BPL championship in 2017, the Riders have consistently been a playoff contender over the last three seasons, showcasing their reputation for excellence and resilience.

The Riders are eager to defend their GSL title and have retained key players to help their cause. Inspirational captain Nurul Hasan will once again lead the defending champions.

 The tournament’s leading run scorer in the inaugural season, Soumya Sarkar is back as is Kamrul Islam Rabbi who spearheaded the bowling attack.

To aid the local stars, the Riders have included West Indian top-order batter Kyle Mayers, South Africa’s left-arm wrist spinner bowler Tabraiz Shamsi, Pakistani all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed and Afghanistan’s top order batter Abrahim Zadran.

The squad reflects a good mixture of youth and experience with an eye on the conditions. (GSLT20) 

The Rangpur Riders squad: Nurul Hasan Sohan, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammed Naim Sheikh, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Abu Haider Rony, Rakibul Hasan, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ibrahim Zadran, Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Harmeet Singh, Khawaja Nafay

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The country’s elections body, GECOM, is set to conduct “free, transparent and credible” General and Regional elections on September 1, 2025, Deputy Chief Elections Officer Aneal Giddings said Thursday after meeting with representatives of various political parties.

Representatives of 16 parties attended the meeting. That included the larger established parties like the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and smaller parties, such as the AFC.

During the meeting, Giddings said a number of concerns were raised, including what happens if there is another joinder list in which several parties agree to merge their list of candidates so the combined votes they win can be used to calculate what seats they get, either at the regional or national level. This issue, Giddings said, is considered a “burning” one.

Mark DeFrance, the head of the A New and United Guyana (ANUG) party, was among those who raised issues about the joinder list. His party joined with the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) and The New Movement (TNM) to share a single seat in the National Assembly after the 2020 elections. The LJP’s Lenox Shuman first held the seat and then TNM’s Asha Kissoon. When Kissoon was expected to resign and hand over the seat to an ANUG representative, she refused to do so, leaving ANUG without any time in Parliament.

Dr Asha Kissoon offers ‘no comment’ after accused of blocking seat in Parliament

Giddings said he promised the party representatives that he will raise the matter at the next statutory meeting of GECOM.

“It’s a matter that needs to be raised, needs to be addressed…At this point in time, I would prefer to be guided by the Commission’s decision and the Commission’s directive on this,” Giddings said.

In fact, he said the Commission has been discussing this matter and hopefully, once raised, it will lead to a discussion “that will arrive in some sort of guidance.”

Another issue raised is the appearance of names of dead people on the list of voters, Giddings said, but noted that the process of claims and objections is ongoing. During this period, those who are aware that their dead relatives or friends are on the list can request that they be removed.

So what’s next?

Currently, GECOM is receiving symbols from persons who are interested in contesting in the elections.

The symbols have to be approved by the Chairperson of GECOM, retired Justice Claudette Singh. Approval is expected to be done by July 1.

Giddings explained that the “claims” aspect of Claims and Objections process has just concluded, while “objections” aspect is slated to conclude on Friday.

The process afterwards, he said, will see the preparation of the revised list of elector,s which will be publicized for 21 days.

The Secretariat is doing its other work, such as identifying Polling stations and ensuring all the procurement materials are in place.

Nominations Day is scheduled for July 14.

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Azruddin Mohamed, sanctioned by the US government for bribery and corruption in his family’s gold dealings and now unable to have a bank account anywhere in Guyana, has named his political party “We Invest in Nationhood.”

The name of the party was revealed by Charles Sugrim, a former AFC associate, who has been canvassing for Mr Mohamed. Sugrim spoke to reporters Thursday following a meeting of political party representatives and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The engagement with the parties and GECOM concerned the September 1 general and regional elections and various procedures that have to be followed ahead of Nomination Day on July 14.

United States-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed joins presidential race 

Speaking on the meeting, Sugrim said some concerns were shared but he believed that Deputy Chief Elections Officer Aneal Giddings managed to address those.

“I think Mr. Giddings did a good job in laying out the timeframe and so on, and we are just calling on GECOM to have a free and fair election,” Sugrim said.

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Agriculture innovation hubs with support centres will be set up in every region in the next PPP government, Vice President and PPP General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday.

Dr Jagdeo said once re-elected, the PPP will focus heavily on further expanding the agriculture sector.

He said that to add to the innovation hubs, there will be diversification and technical support centres in each region. These will support the country’s food security efforts while encouraging more agro-processing.

But that’s not all. Jagdeo said planting materials will be provided to farmers, and individuals will be able to access zero-interest loans from the planned development bank to support agricultural ventures. He also noted that more study opportunities will be offered to those interested in pursuing agriculture.

“We will be creating an incentive regime for agriculture and small businesses,” Jagdeo said at his weekly press conference on Thursday.

The hemp sector has also been identified as one of the new areas of focus.

In Regions Two and Ten, about 4,000 acres of land (2,000 acres in each region) will be developed for hemp production. Around 2,000 farmers are expected to receive approximately two acres each to cultivate.

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A 28-year-old hairdresser from Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, has been charged with two counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm, one of which involves a four-year-old girl.

The accused, Tawana Hamlet, was arrested on June 15, 2025, and formally charged two days later by police ranks from the Cove and John Police Station. The charges stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on the same day of her arrest, involving 26-year-old Tyrese Brandon Boucher and his young daughter.

The charges were laid under Section 50 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

Hamlet appeared before Her Worship Orinthia Schmidt at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court at approximately 10:00hrs on June 17. She pleaded not guilty to both charges and was granted $80,000 bail on each count.

The case has been adjourned to July 13, 2025, for report and statements.

The Guyana Police Force confirmed the details in an official release.

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