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The government’s drive to include citizens in the rapidly growing oil and gas sector is beginning to yield results. Thanks in large part to the administration’s local content policy and support from the private sector, about 3,000 Guyanese have now received specialized training in the industry.

And nearly all of them, an impressive 99 per cent, have been able to find jobs.

Guyanese and participants from across the Caribbean will receive cutting-edge training in offshore safety, navigation, and subsea technology, allowing them to operate in dynamic career fields

The success is being driven by 3t EnerMech Guyana Training Centre of Excellence, located in Lusignan on the East Cost of Demerara. The centre is a joint venture between Guyana’s Orinduik Development Incorporated, Windsor Technologies, and 3t EnerMech.It is the first local institution accredited to deliver internationally recognized OPITO-certified training for oil and gas workers.

Orinduik Chairman Harrychand Tulsi said the results are transforming lives. He estimates that if each trained individual earns just US$3,000 more per month than before, the total boost to the economy is estimated to be around US$9 million every month.

The training centre features hands-on facilities, including a welding shop, lifting and rigging stations, a technology suite, and even a 14-foot deep survival pool for offshore training.

Saffrina Viveirous, a participant who recently completed an Emergency Response Team Member training at the premier oil and gas training centre

Saffrina Viveirous is a young Guyanese who recently completed training as an Emergency Response Team Member at the leading oil and gas training centre.

“It is great to have the opportunity and not be able to go all the way to the next country,” she said. “It is actually beneficial for us.”

Similar sentiments were shared by Muarisia James, a Quality, Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (QHSSE) Advisor at the Guyana Shore Base Incorporated (GYSBI).

Muarisia James from the Guyana Shorebase Incorporated (GYSBI)

She said, “It [the programme] is excellent,” adding that it saves and allows Guyanese to excel in careers that were not possible in the past.

To second facility, Orinduik Marine Services (OMS), has just launched to provide training in offshore navigation, safety and subsea technologies. It aims to serve both Guyanese and other Caribbean nationals, equipping them for high-demand roles in the industry.

These efforts are part of a broader national strategy under the Local Content Act of 2021, which requires oil and gas operators to prioritize the development of local talent.

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Land clearance works have already commenced on 95 acres of land at the housing development at Tracts A and B, Four Miles at Mahdia in Region Eight.

This housing development, the first of its kind in the region, offers over 300 residential house lots.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues addressing the community meeting at Mahdia Township

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, disclosed this information at a community engagement at Mahdia Township on Wednesday.

She explained that six contractors are carrying out the infrastructural works. Approximately $493 million is being invested in the first phase, which includes road and drainage networks that will help improve accessibility.

Works at the scheme are set to be completed in October, allowing allottees to start construction on their dream homes.

Minister Rodrigues also visited the housing scheme and expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the area.

“The area that we have earmarked for the housing area is completely free from encumbrances,” she assured the residents.

Addressing the region’s water sector, Minister Rodrigues assured the residents that the government is actively working to increase water access and quality across the region.

With increased investments over the years, Region Eight currently has over 90 per cent access to water.

In response to concerns raised about inadequate access to water, Minister Rodrigues tasked the GWI team to distribute the water schedule to every house in Seven Miles and Pepper Hill. These residents are currently being served by the water system at Mahdia Central.

Minister Rodrigues said that a contract was recently awarded to drill a new well next to the solar farm at Mahdia. This, she emphasised, will significantly increase water productivity across Mahdia.

Regional Executive Officer, Peter Ramotar, Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Shawn Britton, Deputy Mayor of Mahdia, Akita John, Representative from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Orlando Shuman, Senior Engineer at Guyana Water Incorporated, Khemraj Persaud and other engineers from GWI and the Central Housing and Planning Authority were also at the meeting.

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A new wave of infrastructure development valued at over $10 billion is set to boost community development and create employment in Region Ten.

Designed to benefit both new and established small contractors, the initiative was announced by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill at the Watooka Guest House on Friday.

Vice President and General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo delivering remarks in Linden on Friday

VP Jagdeo stated that the PPP/C administration has allocated more resources to small contractors than it invested in the landmark Wismar/Mackenzie four-lane bridge project.

“Last year, over 500 contractors got about $7 billion of work, and this year we probably have close to 700 contractors and…you will be implementing a programme worth over $10 billion,” he said.

VP Jagdeo further noted that “the bridge that we are building, the four lane bridge across the river, it’s about US$35 million and that’s about $7 billion. So, last year, the small contractors of Linden, only through this programme, implemented a project that is bigger than what we are spending on that bridge.”

The initiative, which is being rolled out across the country, is intended to ensure equal opportunities without discrimination.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill delivering remarks on Friday

Meanwhile, Minister Edghill reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equitable, sustainable, and inclusive development nationwide.

He underscored that “development with dignity” remains central to the government’s policy agenda. Minister Edghill stated the administration has a track record of delivering infrastructure and economic opportunity to communities across the country, regardless of political affiliation.

“Once you are Guyanese, we are working together,” he further emphasised.

The minister also pointed to a boom in vehicle ownership, which he attributed to the government’s economic policies, saying they have enabled more citizens to improve their quality of life.

ontracts being signed in Region Ten

“Some critics claimed we [government] were only trying to spend out the money. Well, yes, we are spending the money, that is what responsible government looks like,” said Minister Edghill as he unveiled a series of projects undertaken by the government specifically targeting Linden’s development over the past five years.

Some of the key infrastructure projects included the first asphalt road to Coomaka Mines, ongoing road works in Kwakwani and Ituni, and the construction of a new $250 million concrete airstrip in Kwakwani with a lifespan of 25 years.

Minister Edghill revealed that the next phase of development in the region would focus on drainage works, while residents would undertake the rehabilitation of revetments.

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The Guyana leg of the 2025 Trade and Investment Mission, jointly hosted by the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) and the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), concluded on a high note Wednesday evening with a reception at the Aura Sky Lounge, Pegasus Hotel. The event celebrated tangible business engagements, emerging partnerships, and a renewed commitment to regional economic integration.

Backed by sponsor Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, the two-day mission brought together diplomats, government officials and over two dozen companies from Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Stakeholders described the outcomes as a testament to what purposeful regional collaboration can achieve.

“We don’t need to wait for opportunity—we can create it, together,” said SGCC Operations Manager, Saudia Persaud.

The mission focused on linking local businesses with visiting Trinidadian enterprises, resulting in multiple discussions on joint ventures, product expansion, and technical service collaboration, particularly in manufacturing, construction, logistics, and energy services.

Republic Bank’s Carla Roberts highlighted the importance of accessible finance in advancing these efforts.

“This is how we leverage the power of collaboration—by doing business with and supporting each other,” she said.

Key Milestone: Launch of Maraj Air Conditioning Guyana Inc.
A standout achievement of the visit was the soft launch of Maraj Air Conditioning Guyana Inc., marking the company’s official expansion into the Guyanese market. Director Dr. Ranisha Maraj outlined the company’s vision for Guyana: job creation, skills training, and access to energy-efficient cooling systems.

“Guyana is one of the most promising frontiers in the Caribbean. This is more than expansion—it’s a partnership for development and empowerment,” she stated.

The launch was commemorated with a ceremonial toast involving senior officials from GO-Invest, TTMA, SGCC, and the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission.

Diplomatic Support and Regional Commitment
Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency Liselle Blankendal, hailed the initiative as a model for regional cooperation.

“This mission reaffirms our shared commitment to integration and private sector growth. The future lies in strong, collaborative relationships,” she remarked.

Ambassador Blankendal encouraged the delegation as they prepared to continue the mission in Suriname, where key sectors such as energy, agriculture and tourism await investment.

“Engage fully, explore broadly, and build relationships that are meaningful and long-term,” she urged.

Closing Reflections
TTMA’s Trade Officer Ismahieel Ali offered a vote of thanks, applauding the SGCC’s organisation and the commitment of all stakeholders. Persaud closed with a rousing message to the regional business community:

“This isn’t just about trade—it’s about trust, mutual progress, and the future we’re building together.”

As the delegation heads to Suriname, the momentum generated in Georgetown has set the tone for what organisers hope will be a lasting wave of private sector-led regional growth.

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Hailed as a burgeoning “national spectacle” and a vital “breeding ground for Guyanese talent,” the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast was officially launched on Saturday, promising a bigger and more lucrative tournament in its third iteration.

 The expanded competition, set to commence on June 28 in Berbice, has garnered significant backing from the corporate sector and the highest levels of government, underlining its growing stature in the nation’s sporting landscape.

Deodat Indar, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, who represented President Dr. Irfaan Ali at the launch event at RS53 Etkezo, lauded the tournament’s expansion, which aims to feature up to 80 teams.

Minister Indar emphasised the tournament’s role in uncovering local talent and promoting unity.

“This tournament is a breeding ground for Guyanese talent,” Indar stated.

 “Cricket is a household name; a sport that unites…One Guyana is about unity, building from the ground up.”

He commended the organizers, FL Sport, for crafting a product that has earned the trust of the corporate community, evidenced by the return of numerous sponsors and the addition of new partners.

The significant increase in prize money reflects the tournament’s growth and success.

Zonal winners will earn GY$ 300,000 and a coveted spot in the national finals.

From left: Natasha Persaud of Kares Group of Companies, FL Sport’s John Ramsingh, and Minister Deodat Indar with the championship trophy

Former national cricketer Steven Jacobs described the event as a “national spectacle,” praising its wide reach and audience engagement.

Echoing a challenge from President Ali, Jacobs called for the inclusion of female teams to ensure the tournament’s continued growth and its potential to attract regional and international interest.

FL Sport has embraced this call, announcing plans to include at least four female teams in this year’s edition.

Tournament Director John Ramsingh expressed his gratitude for the government’s support, which has granted access to some of the premier cricket facilities across the country.

 He highlighted the strong private sector partnerships that have enabled the tournament to offer substantial rewards to the players and attract international attention.

“We are thrilled to be back on board,” said Natasha Persaud, representing title sponsor Kares Group of Companies, noting their pleasure in seeing the tournament’s year-on-year expansion.

The preliminary rounds will be held across four zones: Berbice (June 28-29), East Bank/West Demerara (July 5-6), Georgetown/East Coast Demerara (July 19-20), and Essequibo (July 26-27).

The tournament will culminate in a grand finale on August 3rd at the National Stadium, Providence.

The Georgetown/East Coast Demerara zone has the capacity for up to 32 teams.

For registration and further information, interested teams can contact Akeem Greene via WhatsApp at +5926352235 or visit the “One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast” social media pages.

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The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has announced that it will commence a Claims and Objections Exercise on June 16, 2025, as part of preparations for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

The Claims phase of the exercise will run until 18 June 2025. In anticipation of a high turnout, GECOM has extended the opening hours of its Registration Offices nationwide.

While the standard operating hours are 08:00 to 18:00 hrs, GECOM has confirmed that on 16, 17, and 18 June, offices will remain open until 20:00 hrs (8pm) to accommodate increased public participation.

This extension applies to all GECOM Registration Offices across the country, which will now operate from 08:00 to 20:00 hrs on the specified dates.

Guyanese citizens who will be 18 years or older by 30 June 2025, and who are citizens by birth, descent, or naturalisation — as well as Commonwealth citizens residing in Guyana for one year or more — are eligible for inclusion in the Official List of Electors (OLE) for the 2025 elections.

GECOM is urging all eligible individuals to visit the Registration Office responsible for their area during the extended hours to:

* Make a claim for inclusion on the OLE if their name is not currently listed;
* Apply for a transfer if they no longer reside at the address under which they were previously registered;
* Request a name change if they have legally changed their name since last registering; or
* Correct information if there are errors in the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE).

The Commission encourages timely participation to ensure all eligible voters are accurately recorded ahead of the electoral process.

For more information, residents may contact their local GECOM Registration Office or visit [GECOM’s official website].

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Months after he died while in custody at the Parfaite Harmonie Police Station, Police have wrapped up their investigation into the death of block maker, Delon Lawrence, who is accused of stabbing a female security guard while in a minibus.

Police Headquarters, in a statement, said one suspect was arrested and questioned in relation to Lawrence’s death.

According to the Police, the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has wrapped up its probe into Lawrence death.
So now, the case file will sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice on Monday, June 16.

After beaten and left unattended, block maker dies in Police custody

Police report had stated that Lawrence was on a route 31 minibus on March 15, 2025, when he was accused of stabbing a female passenger with a knife and being beaten by concerned citizens.

He was arrested by police and taken to the La Grange Police Station, then to the Parfaite Harmonie Police Station, but was later pronounced dead by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) while in police custody.

However, relatives have provided a different account of events.
They alleged that Lawrence died while in police custody because he was not given medical attention despite his injuries.

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The High Court has ordered the seizure of $10 million from businessman, Naitram Outar for his alleged involvement in a kickback scheme linked to a land sale.

In a ruling handed down on Wednesday, Justice Peter Hugh directed the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) to confiscate the funds as they were deemed proceeds of crime and tainted property.

The court further ordered that the seized money be paid into the Consolidated Fund under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act.

According to the Police, the case stems from a search conducted by SOCU officers on July 15, 2024, at Outar’s residence in Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Although the initial search was for narcotics and other illegal items, officers found and seized $10 million after Outar failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the large sum.

Subsequent investigations revealed that Outar conspired with another businessman to facilitate the sale of two acres of land in Ogle for $50 million.

Outar was responsible for arranging the deal and was to receive $40 million, with the remaining $10 million paid as a kickback to individuals associated with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Police said.

SOCU continues to investigate other individuals allegedly involved in the corruption scheme.

Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, head of SOCU, has issued a stern warning to those attempting to corrupt the system, emphasizing that law enforcement will relentlessly pursue offenders until they face prosecution.

SOCU was represented by Prosecutor David Brathwaite.

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