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Speaking at the recent Youth Forum of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo emphasised the need for a transformative business model to elevate sports in Guyana.

Responding to a question from national footballer Curtez Kellman, Dr. Jagdeo underscored the importance of government investment in sports, insisting that it must go beyond mere facility upgrades to foster a sustainable economic framework.

“Investment in sport is crucial, and it has to be transformed into a business model,” Dr. Jagdeo asserted, highlighting the need for a sustainable economic strategy that can generate income and professional opportunities for athletes.

He noted that while the government has initiated significant infrastructure projects, these efforts do not constitute a comprehensive economic framework for sports development.

The Vice-President pointed out that a significant barrier to progress lies within the voluntary national sports associations and federations, many of which have yet to broaden their perspectives on transitioning from basic amateur models to professional, income-generating entities.

“Many of the associations still have archaic thinking,” he lamented. “We want to work with them, but many don’t have a vision for the sector. This makes it immensely harder when we have to take a top-down approach to address these issues.”

Dr. Jagdeo highlighted the government’s commitment to improving sports infrastructure. Five new stadiums—located in Anna Regina, MacKenzie, Bayroc, New Amsterdam, and Palmyra—should open in 2025.

Additionally, extensive upgrades to hundreds of community sports grounds are planned, featuring the installation of quality floodlights.

There are also ongoing projects for multipurpose indoor facilities outside Region Four, alongside international-standard upgrades to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

However, Dr. Jagdeo stressed that improved facilities alone will not suffice. He emphasised the need for effective programmes that will lead to meaningful transformation and tangible benefits for the community.

“We have to support this with programmes that professionalise sports and create a business environment where people can earn a living from their passion,” he explained.

The Vice-President expressed concern that while the government has provided assistance to standout athletes, a broader, more equitable system is required to ensure that all athletes can achieve a sustainable livelihood.

“We may need to find jobs for them in government to help supplement their income, but that’s not the model we’re talking about. We need to create opportunities where individuals can earn a living solely through their sport,” he stated.

A section of the gathering at the Youth Forum

Dr. Jagdeo acknowledged the challenges posed by Guyana’s small population and audience size, which complicates efforts to sustain a professional sports ecosystem.

“We may find a job for them in government to help buttress their income, but that is not the model we are taking about, where we can make good money from sports.

The problem, though, is the size of our population and the audience size is small, so we have to internationalise it…we have to make a place where  a person can earn a living just by doing by sport and not just get small time job and have to hustle elsewhere and can’t dedicate their time.”

He also revealed plans for an international boxing event in the coming months, aimed at showcasing Guyana on a global stage.

Echoing this sentiment, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during the recent opening ceremony of the international doubles courts, emphasised the vital role of sports tourism in national development.

He urged sports associations to develop a robust business model that capitalises on the growing global tourism market.

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(Reuters) – Guyana’s government expects a consortium led by U.S. oil major Exxon Mobil to brief officials by the end of March on plans to develop offshore gas, the country’s vice president told Reuters.

“They said: ‘by end March, we will tell you what we will do.’ And that’s what we’re waiting (for),” Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said in an interview on the sidelines of Guyana’s Energy Conference in Georgetown.

Guyana is the fastest-growing economy in the world thanks to rapid expansion of output from offshore oilfields controlled by the Exxon-led consortium, in which Hess and CNOOC also participate.

“Clearly for us, there shall be a project. We have to monetize the gas, and if Exxon doesn’t want to do it, we already said to them… we have a lot of people who are interested in doing this on their own,” Jagdeo added.

The government, which wants to use natural gas to drive growth in the domestic economy, has progressed to award contracts for power and petrochemical projects that will receive gas supplies. It is also exploring options to develop liquefied natural gas facilities to export the fuel.

The government says there is enough gas at Exxon’s massive Stabroek block for commercial development, while Exxon says it has yet to complete its assessment of the gas resources in the area.

Exxon last week announced the “Wales Gas Vision”, which outlined what could be done with the offshore gas the consortium is planning to produce, if its assessment shows commercial development is viable.

Exxon did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
One of the possibilities could be to jointly develop some gas fields with neighbour Suriname, where offshore reserves have also been discovered, Jagdeo said.

Guyana, which will be entitled to about 50% of gas produced at Stabroek after the Exxon group takes some of the output to recover expenses, last year chose little-known U.S. company Fulcrum LNG as its preferred partner for a project to process and export the gas.

The startup, which the government expects to partner with the Exxon consortium for that development, has since faced questions over its capacity to execute a project that could need as much as $30 billion.

Jagdeo acknowledged external concerns about Fulcrum LNG’s capacity, but said the government believes the company’s team has the potential.

“They (Fulcrum LNG) demonstrated to our team that they had substantive backing, both to take the gas… and also for equity investment and raising the capital. So we are hoping that we could continue the tripartite discussion to make this work, Exxon, Fulcrum and the government of Guyana,” he said.

GAS TO SHORE

The Exxon group reinjects the gas it produces into the oilfields already in operation to maintain pressure at the reservoir. The consortium expects to send a small volume of gas back to shore for power generation as soon as this year, depending on when the power plant is ready.

Last year, it completed a $1 billion pipeline from the fields.
The bulk of future gas supply is expected to come from the Pluma and Haimara projects, rich in gas resources and seen starting output after 2030.

The power project, to be built by a consortium between Texas-based Lindsayca and Puerto Rico-based CH4 Systems, faces problems after a three-month delay to hand over the site. The parties could go to arbitration over the delay, but the project will be completed, Jagdeo said.

A separate plan to build a fertilizer plant also connected to Exxon’s pipeline could be offered this year through a tender for companies interested, Jagdeo said.

Guyana is also trying to clear a standoff with Canada-based firms Frontera Energy and CGX Energy over the expiration of an exploration license for a key offshore block where oil reserves were found. The dispute could also end up in arbitration after the government notified Frontera and CGX that it had canceled the license.

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World Bank Representative for Guyana and Suriname, Diletta Doretti recently described Guyana as a “pioneer” in the carbon market.

She also noted that the World Bank is keen on supporting countries and private sector players in the voluntary carbon market.

“Guyana has really been a pioneer because they started way before anyone else,” Doretti said during a panel discussion at the recent 2025 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo.

15 years on, Guyana sees ‘amazing results’ from forest-saving deal with Norway

About 15 years ago, a groundbreaking agreement was signed in the heart of Guyana at a village called Fairview, setting the stage for a global model of forest conservation – one that would see millions of US dollars being earned by the country simply for not cutting down the forest.

The 2009 deal between then President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Norway’s Minister of Environment Erik Solheim pledged US$250 million to Guyana in exchange for conserving its vast rainforest, marking one of the world’s first forest-saving initiatives.

(more…)

See below the full release from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF): 

In accordance with Part III Section 16 of the Defence Act 15:01 of 1977, the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan is pleased to announce that His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has approved the promotions of forty –one (41) Officers.

Heading the list of promotions is Commandant of the Guyana National Reserve, Substantive Lieutenant Colonel, Lloyd Souvenir who has been promoted to the rank of Substantive Colonel. Acting Lieutenant Colonels Raymond Archer, John Mohanlall and Jose Ferreira have also been made substantive in their rank.

Nine Substantive Majors are now Acting Lieutenant Colonels. These Majors are Kevin Langevine, Crantson France, Jaime Castello, Marvin Simpson, Kevaun Gray, Joslyn Assanah , Damon Joseph, Keith Watts and Kirk Marlock.

Acting Major Kareem Graham was made substantive in his rank while Substantive Captains Eon Cameron, Brentnol Bart, Michael Favourite and Othniel Hope have joined the Corps of Senior Officers with their promotion to the rank of Acting Major.

Nineteen Second Lieutenants were promoted to Substantive Lieutenant Heading the promotion list at the Coast Guard (CG) is Acting Commander Adrian Mc Lean who has been elevated in rank to Substantive Commander.

Additionally, three Substantive Lieutenants (CG) Clinton Venture, Kenrick Rodney and Derrick Johnson were promoted to the rank to Acting Lieutenant Commander.

Congratulations are extended to the newly promoted Officers.

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West Indies cricket icon Sir Clive Lloyd has welcomed the news that Guyana President Dr Irfaan Ali has been named the new chairman of the CARICOM sub-committee on cricket.

The announcement was made by outgoing chairman Dr Rowley on Friday during the final day of the 48th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Barbados.

Sir Clive, one the most successful captains and one of the most influential figures in cricket history, gave Dr Ali a rousing endorsement and said he expects his fellow countryman to serve very well in the pivotal position.

He added that with Ali’s immense passion for the game of cricket and his desire to see growth, development and unity among the nations of the West Indies, this augurs well.

“I welcome the appointment of Dr Ali to this very crucial and strategic post in our cricket. He is one of the leaders around the region who has demonstrated his love for cricket and a true understanding of what is required to move the game forward,” Sir Clive said yesterday.

“I want to urge him to pay great attention to the grassroots and pathway programmes around the region as we aim to rebuild and become a force in world cricket once more. This is a pivotal juncture in the history of our cricket with talk in certain circles about a two-tier Test system and other elements which could be deemed challenges to the game in the West Indies.”

Sir Clive said that one of the most urgent matters to be tackled is the return of West Indies cricket to its position at the apex in world cricket. He called for dialogue between CARICOM, Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) on the peculiar challenges which cricket in the Caribbeans faces.

“We are a unique part of the cricket world and we hold a special place in the cricket world.

We have to re-establish ourselves as a major player and a force in the game. One urgent area to address is the development, with programmes and projects starting at the grassroots and pathways … I would like to see CARICOM focus on the clubs and schools across the region.”

Speaking at the Wyndham Hotel last weekend, Dr Rowley revealed it would be his final CARICOM meeting and handed over the baton to Dr. Ali.

“…This is the end of my tenure as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and my last meeting at CARICOM … I handed over to the plenary selected, or agreed to select, my colleague from Guyana, who is an eminent cricketer, as you know, President Dr. Irfaan Ali to now take the chairmanship of the sub-committee on cricket,” Dr. Rowley said.

“We maintain our interest in the potential for West Indies cricket to remain at the high level internationally and the preservation of our legacy and the heads of government should continue to be interested in what goes on in West Indies cricket and assist wherever we can.”

Dr. Rowley said West Indies cricket had been discussed during the three-day meeting, although not in detail. He said this was because progress had been made in some areas following talks in Guyana and Trinidad.

“In recent times, we have not been having heads of government meetings without having a component from West Indies cricket. We did have some discussion, not too much detail, because we have done some work before in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, and we’ve seen some results,” Dr. Rowley said. (Phillip Spooner) 

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Raydon Krammer, a promising young footballer from Kamarang-Warawatta, Guyana, has departed for a three-month training scholarship at the Academia de Futebol Real in Brazil.

The scholarship was awarded to Krammer following his impressive performances, including being named Most Valuable Player at the fifth KFC Annual Goodwill International Football Tournament last December, where he represented champions Chase’s Academic Foundation.

The opportunity was facilitated by the Petra Organisation, a group dedicated to youth development in Guyana, and supported by talent scout Naranda Wilson.

Real Brasil will cover all costs associated with Krammer’s stay in Brazil, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and training.

Arrangements have also been made for him to continue his studies as he prepares for CAPE examinations.

Krammer had expressed his excitement about the opportunity, saying, “I’ve waited for this moment for a long time.”

The Petra Organisation has thanked KFC Guyana, the Ministries of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Amerindian Affairs, the National Sports Commission, and other stakeholders for supporting Krammer’s opportunity.

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Abdool Sharaf Rahim, a 40-year-old resident of Cummings Lodge, Georgetown, died early Monday morning after he was struck by a motorcar.

Police Headquarters said the accident happened around 00:10 hrs Monday at Waller’s Delight, West Coast Demerara.

Rahim’s wife, 32-year-old Sonia Ramlochan, reportedly told investigators that Rahim attempted to get his car keys from her but she refused as he was intoxicated. The man then became annoyed with her and walked across the road from south to north, and stood in the path of the vehicle lifting his hands in the air.

The area was dark and the driver, 43-year-old Ashley Raymond, alleged that due to the close distance, the right side front of the car collided with the pedestrian. Rahim was flung into the air and landed on the windscreen of Raymond’s car. He then rolled off the bonnet and ended up on the roadway.

The man was later picked up by an ambulance and transported to West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor who pronounced him dead.

The body was escorted to Ezekiel Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination. Investigations are ongoing.

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Shiv Persaud, a 23-year-old auto body technician of Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was allegedly murdered on Sunday night.

Police Headquarters reported that the incident occurred at about 22:30 hrs.

It was noted that Persaud was at a shop in Skull City, Little Diamond consuming alcoholic beverages during the day. During that period, he had a misunderstanding with the suspect, Alex Gonsalves, who was also consuming alcohol. The men subsequently fought.

At about 22:30hrs, Persaud was in the company of a friend, 26-year-old Daimon Ramnarine when they were confronted by the suspect in Skull City.

Gonsalves was reportedly armed with a knife; he dealt Persaud several stabs about the body.

Ramnarine tried to intervene but was also stabbed. Ramnarine then picked up Persaud and drove to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. Persaud died while receiving medical treatment. Ramnarine was also treated but self-discharged and proceeded to a private hospital.

Persaud’s body was later photographed and examined by Police and injuries suspected to be stab wounds were observed on the left side shoulder, left side chest, and other parts of his body.

The body is at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Police are looking for the suspect as investigations continue.

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