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See below the full statement issued:

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works. Mr. Deodat Indar today oversaw the signing of a second agreement between the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) and UCC Holdings for a second powership to be deployed to Guyana in another month to assist in supplying the continuous increasing demand for reliable power in the country. The powership will be stationed in the Demerara River and will in its first phase, deliver 60 megawatts of generating capacity to the national grid while in its second phase, 15 additional megawatts of power will be delivered to the grid, bringing the total amount to be supplied to 75 megawatts. Signing the agreement at GPL’s Duke Street office were its Executive Management Committee Head Mr. Kesh Nandlall and Managing Director of the Americas, UCC Holdings Mr. Antonio Neto.

The powership will be the second one that Government, through GPL, has chartered to assist in offsetting generation shortfalls of the national grid. The first was deployed to Guyana in May this year and stationed in the Berbice River through an agreement with the consortium. This has been supplying 36 megawatts of power to the Demerara to Berbice interconnected grid.

Speaking at the signing ceremony today, Dr. Singh pointed out that Government will continue to supply the country’s growing demand in the short term as it continues to work on meeting the growing economy’s demands in the longer term through larger projects such as the Gas to Energy Project.

“President Ali’s instructions are very clear that in the first instance. we must meet the immediate demand for electricity, and where that means bringing in emergency power, we must bring in that emergency power.  And secondly, we must make the investments that are needed for the medium- and longer-term demand that we will see for electricity,” the finance minister explained as he outlined the various actions the government has taken thus far.

“On the short-term side, you’ve seen the several sets we have brought in and commissioned since we came into office including the floating sets on the Berbice River concluded with the consortium, that power ship is now supplying 36 megawatts of reliable power to the Demerara to Berbice interconnected system. But even at the time that we plugged in that ship we said very clearly that the demand will continue to grow and that we will need more power,” he added.

He noted that for the longer-term Government anticipates that its Gas to Energy Project, once it comes on stream will deliver an additional 300 megawatts of power to the country.

“This PPP/C Government is looking even further and projecting what we anticipate will be the demand for electricity further down the road, and in that regard we anticipate that there will be need for even more power so we have gone out with another request for proposal for additional generating capability that will help us again to better be able to meet the long term needs,” Dr. Singh concluded.

Also speaking at the signing, Minister Indar pointed to the importance of Government providing the generating capability for the country to accommodate the current growth in demand as well as future demand and especially with the holidays fast approaching.

He added that at the time the PPP/C Government took office, generating capacity was between 96 to 100 megawatts with a demand of 115/116 megawatts. Since then, through government’s interventions and initiatives to enable baseload capacity, and with peak demand now at about 205 megawatts, another 75 megawatts being added to the grid through this second powership will assist the power company in better supplying the larger demand.

Meanwhile, UCC Holdings Representative Mr. Neto indicated that the company will be mobilizing as soon as possible to have the powership deployed to Guyana.

In addition to the two recent powerships and since it assumed office in 2020, the PPP/C has implemented several initiatives in order to bring immediate relief to citizens, including installing 10 megawatts of emergency power, operationalizing the 46.5 megawatts at Garden of Eden in October, 2022, as well as procuring an additional 28.9 megawatts situated at Colombia.

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In recognition of their dedication and sacrifice, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, has unveiled a series of measures aimed at improving the well-being of military veterans and their families.

These include extended medical services, enhanced facilities, and a brand-new specialized minivan to facilitate transportation for veterans.

The announcement was made on Wednesday during a wreath-laying ceremony marking Veterans Day, where the President honoured the men and women who served the nation.

Veterans Day is observed annually to honor all service members, especially those who gave their lives in the line of duty (Photo: News Room/ November 13, 2024)

Additionally, President Ali presented a cheque to the Veterans Legion as part of ongoing support for the country’s retired servicemen and women.

The specialised minivan is designed to aid veterans, particularly those with mobility challenges, in accessing transportation.

Plans are also in place for the rehabilitation of veteran homes and other facilities to improve living conditions.

These initiatives reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that veterans live comfortably in retirement.

“There is absolutely no doubt about the GDF commitment nor the government to our serving members and our veterans. All I ask is for us to be continuously fair in our assessment, in our evaluation and always be true to our conscience… Once as a country we are true to our conscience, we will all be in a position to make better decisions in our daily lives,” President Ali urged the veterans.

Veterans Day is observed annually to honor all service members, especially those who gave their lives in the line of duty (Photo: Office of the Prime Minister/ November 13, 2024)

In his address, President Ali also emphasized the importance of recognizing the global challenges that could potentially escalate into conflict.

He explained, “Deep-seated challenges that if not managed, if not contained, can lead us into a war of immense magnitude and that is why with our strong partners… we are working closely to avoid escalation and to promote de-escalation and we want to be part of any movement that will de-escalate the challenges we face globally so that we can avoid any catastrophic.”

Veterans Day is observed annually to honor all service members, especially those who gave their lives in the line of duty (Photo: Office of the Prime Minister/ November 13, 2024)

The Head of State reassured that while Guyana seeks no conflict, the nation remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We rededicate ourselves to remembering those who have fallen, their courage and sacrifices are woven into the very fabric of our nation’s identity. We pledge to never forget the extraordinary price they paid for our freedom and to keep their memory alive,” he added.

Veterans Day is observed annually to honor all service members, especially those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

President Dr Irfaan Ali address veterans and those gathered at the wreath laying ceremony (Photo: Office of the Prime Minister/ November 13, 2024)

During the ceremony, wreaths were laid at the Veterans Monument located on the Front Lawns of Base Camp Ayanganna, a tribute to soldiers who died while serving the country.

Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, in his remarks, praised the veterans as the foundation of the nation’s strength. “Your commitment, bravery, and patriotism shaped the very fabric of modern-day Guyana. It is through your sacrifices that we have the privilege of living in a free, independent, and democratic nation,” Brigadier Khan said.

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips at the wreath laying ceremony (Photo: Office of the Prime Minister/ November 13, 2024)

He also stressed the importance of maintaining vigilance in a rapidly changing world.

“The GDF has become a symbol of national pride in defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is a force that has been integral in protecting our borders, supporting civil governance during national emergencies, and contributing to national and regional missions,” Brigadier Khan concluded.

Veterans Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in defense of the nation and its values.

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali has indicated that several discussions are ongoing with Indian officials, which will result in the signing of some Memorandums of Understanding when the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, makes his historic visit to Guyana soon.

Speaking at a reception in honor of a visiting UK Trade Mission on Tuesday night at the British Residence in Bel Air Gardens, Georgetown, he pointed out how successful India has been in incubating businesses, and how Guyana will be looking to expand and explore new areas of investment.

“They are very advanced in innovation, digitization, and, of course, they are very good at incubating businesses. And that is where the success story lies: the way in which they’ve been able to incubate new businesses,” Dr. Ali told reporters.

The president further noted that Guyana has been collaborating with India on agriculture, the military, infrastructure, technical training, and scholarships.

“I am sure we will be looking to expand these and explore new areas of investment, as well as new areas through which Indian credit and expertise can be made available, especially as we build out the innovative and modern Guyana.”

At the invitation of President Ali, Modi will visit Guyana from November 19 to 21, 2024.

During his State Visit, Modi will engage in summit-level bilateral discussions with Dr. Ali and will co-chair the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Guyana, alongside Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell and President Ali.

Modi is also scheduled to address the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana. He will offer a floral tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Promenade Garden in Georgetown, which was installed in 1969 during the Mahatma Gandhi centenary celebrations.

He will also visit the Indian Arrival Monument in the Monument Garden, which commemorates the arrival of the first ship carrying Indian indentured laborers to the Caribbean. The ship arrived on the shores of what was then British Guiana in 1838.

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In a significant move to improve educational access and foster stronger community ties, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, inaugurated new libraries at Tuschen Primary School, Greenwich Park Primary School, and Parika Salem Primary School. The ribbon-cutting ceremonies were followed by public meetings where the Minister engaged directly with local residents, addressing both education-related issues and broader community concerns.

The new libraries are part of the Ministry of Education’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational resources for students across the country. These libraries aim to foster literacy, creativity, and independent learning, providing crucial spaces for children to develop essential academic skills. However, Minister Manickchand’s visit wasn’t just about cutting ribbons—it also marked an opportunity for meaningful dialogue with the public.

At each school, the Minister held in-depth discussions with local residents, who raised a wide range of concerns, including infrastructure quality, public health, safety, and social services. While some of the issues raised fell outside the scope of the Ministry of Education, Minister Manickchand assured residents that their concerns would be forwarded to the relevant government departments for further action.

At Tuschen Primary School, the Minister engaged in a lively exchange with the community, addressing issues such as road safety, public health, and infrastructure needs. Although some concerns were related to other ministries, the Minister emphasized that all issues would be taken seriously and included in future development plans.

In Greenwich Park, Minister Manickchand focused on the government’s ongoing education reforms, explaining how these would positively impact both teachers and students. She also addressed concerns raised by parents and teachers regarding infrastructure needs, student transportation, and broader community challenges. The Minister acknowledged that some of these issues would take time to resolve but assured the community that they would not be overlooked.

At Parika Salem Primary School, the discussion centered not only on education but also on pressing local concerns like road conditions and healthcare access. Minister Manickchand listened attentively to the challenges faced by both parents and teachers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to addressing these issues through coordinated efforts across different ministries.

Throughout her visits, Minister Manickchand reaffirmed that education remains a cornerstone of the government’s development strategy. She emphasized that quality education is not only about access to schools but also about addressing the broader needs of the community to ensure sustainable growth and a better future for all.

“Access to education is key to our national development, but so is ensuring that our communities have the necessary infrastructure and services to thrive,” said Minister Manickchand. “These libraries are just one step in our ongoing efforts to enhance educational outcomes. We are equally committed to ensuring that local concerns are heard and acted upon.”

The Minister also reaffirmed her full support for the Libraries in Primary Schools Initiative, stressing that access to books and educational materials is vital to the intellectual growth of children and plays a key role in developing well-rounded, informed citizens.

Today’s library inaugurations and public meetings are part of the Ministry of Education’s broader effort to engage with local communities and improve educational access across the country. The government plans to continue opening more school libraries in the coming months and will host additional public meetings to ensure that residents can voice their concerns and participate in decision-making processes.

Minister Manickchand concluded her visit by thanking the residents of Tuschen, Greenwich Park, and Parika Salem for their active participation, encouraging them to continue collaborating with the Ministry to drive meaningful change. She also promised that the concerns raised during her visits would be addressed promptly and followed up with relevant government agencies.

As the Ministry of Education continues to work towards enhancing educational infrastructure and resources, it remains committed to ensuring that the needs of all communities are heard, understood, and acted upon in a timely and effective manner.

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By Danielle Swain in Baku, Azerbaijan

danielle@newsroom.gy

Guyana and the United Kingdom will co-chair the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP), an initiative aimed at advancing global efforts to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030.

The FCLP brings together government leaders, private-sector partners, Indigenous representatives, and civil society in a bid to address deforestation and land degradation while promoting sustainable development and rural economic transformation.

The FCLP, established as part of a broader commitment to protect forests, aims to accelerate progress toward conservation goals by offering a political platform for countries to share solutions and coordinate strategies.

“I am incredibly honoured that the UK will be taking on this leadership role alongside Guyana, a country that is home to some of the most globally significant forests and is a pioneer on forest finance,” said Ed Milliband, the UK’s Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Speaking at a high-level event at the ongoing 29^th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku, Azerbaijan, he added that “forests are essential for our climate, for biodiversity, for our health and prosperity, and crucially for the livelihoods of people around the world.”

The UK, under Milliband’s leadership, announced several priority areas for the partnership, including tackling illegal deforestation, strengthening forest governance, transforming supply chains, and mobilizing investment for forest protection and restoration.

Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, welcomed the role, emphasising the need for “practical pathways” to achieve ambitious conservation goals.

“The coming year will be vital for global efforts on forests, with Brazil’s hosting of the next COP bringing much-needed focus to this priority,” Bharrat stated in a news release by the FCLP.

“The good news is that forest countries and communities are not lacking in ambition – what they need is to be able to access practical pathways to realise that ambition.”

Pradeepa Bholanath, a climate economist attached to the Ministry of Natural Resources in Guyana, is attending the UN Climate Summit in Baku, and noted the acknowledgement by the UK and other countries of Guyana’s pioneering work on forests, and in showing other countries how forest conversation and sustainable forest management could be key instruments in maintaining global forest cover.

Pradeepa Bholanath, a climate economist attached to the Ministry of Natural Resources in Guyana, is attending the UN Climate Summit in Baku

“So, Guyana looks forward to taking the co-chair position in the FCLP over the next few years and having that also be an instrument through which we engage with other countries and partner with other countries as we protect the world’s forests,” said Bholanath.

Eyes on COP30 in Brazil: A Key Moment for Global Forest Conservation

The 2025 COP30 summit, to be held in Brazil’s Amazon city of Bèlem, will serve as a milestone for forest conservation efforts, marking four years since the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use.

Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, announced at COP28 the creation of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), a mechanism aimed at channeling financial incentives toward forest preservation.

“We are moving from Baku to Bèlem and are committed to protecting tropical forests in order to conserve prosperity for future generations, so that they have the same opportunities that we have had,” Silva said.

The TFFF, scheduled for implementation by COP30, offers payments per hectare of conserved forest to countries, focusing on private financing and sovereign investments to establish a long-term fund for forest protection.

Expanding Investment and Recognising Indigenous Rights

At present, forests sequester about 20% of global carbon emissions but receive only 3% of the world’s climate mitigation finance. FCLP aims to address this imbalance by promoting financing options through mechanisms like Country Packages, forest carbon markets, and the TFFF to support national conservation targets.

Additionally, the FCLP underscores the importance of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IP&LC) in achieving climate and biodiversity goals. Recognizing and upholding IP&LC land rights remains a focal point, with FCLP partners affirming their commitment to scaling land tenure recognition.

With high-level backing from Guyana and the UK, the FCLP will bring attention to the urgent need for coordinated action on forests, climate, and sustainable development, particularly as the countdown to COP30 begins.

(Published as part of Climate Tracker COP29 Caribbean Reporting Fellowship)

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ExxonMobil Guyana and its co-venturers, Hess and CNOOC, announced on Wednesday that they have reached a significant milestone of 500 million barrels of oil produced from the offshore Stabroek block.

The achievement comes less than five years after Guyana officially became an oil-producing nation, marking a rapid and industry-leading pace of development.

“Our unrivaled success in developing Guyana’s oil resources at an industry-leading pace, cost and environmental performance is built on close collaboration with the government of Guyana, as well as our co-venturers, suppliers and contractors,” said ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge.

“We remain committed to Guyana for the long-term and look forward to continue delivering for the country.”

ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC have invested nearly US $55 billion to develop six government-sanctioned projects on the Stabroek block.

The first three projects – Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2, and Payara – are currently averaging more than 650,000 barrels of oil per day.

The companies plan to more than double production capacity to over 1.3 million barrels per day by the end of 2027, once all six projects are fully operational.

The oil production from the Stabroek block has already generated substantial revenue for the country, with more than US $5.4 billion in oil revenues and royalties paid into the Guyana Natural Resource Fund since the start of production in December 2019.

The growing oil sector is also creating significant economic opportunities, with more than 6,000 Guyanese currently employed in supporting the Stabroek block operations. This represents nearly 70% of the industry workforce.

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited operates the Stabroek block and holds a 45% interest. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. owns a 30% stake, while CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25%.

With production continuing to rise and further projects in the pipeline, ExxonMobil and its partners are confident that their ongoing investments will contribute to the sustainable growth and prosperity of Guyana for many years to come.

 

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Rejecting recent calls for a referendum on the 2016 Profit Sharing Agreement (PSA) between the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil, Attorney General Anil Nandlall labeled the proposal a “waste of time,” noting inherent limitations and contradictions in the push for such a vote.

His comments, made during his Tuesday night talk show, bare the call’s uselessness when the practicality of the referendum and possible motives are assessed.

The demand for a referendum was raised by the Alliance for Change (AFC) and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), two political groups that have been critical of the terms of the 2016 PSA which was signed while they were in government.

The purpose of the proposed referendum would be to gauge public opinion on whether the agreement should be renegotiated. However, the Attorney General questioned the logic of the timing and the political credentials of those pushing for the referendum.

Nandlall directed a pointed critique at the WPA, a party he argued no longer had the political strength or membership to make legitimate calls on national matters.

He also turned his attention to the AFC, accusing the party of hypocrisy. The AFC, as part of the coalition government, was instrumental in signing the 2016 PSA in the first place.

“It is the AFC who essentially signed that 2016 PSA,” Nandlall pointed out, noting that it was the AFC’s leader, Raphael Trotman, who was the responsible minister at the time.

Nandlall questioned why the AFC did not seek a referendum or public consultation before signing the agreement, suggesting that the call for a referendum now was politically motivated and out of touch with reality.

Beyond the political dynamics, Nandlall stressed the futility of seeking to alter the PSA through a referendum, given the legal framework of the agreement itself.

“The contract itself sets out in about 10 clauses that it cannot be altered unilaterally,” he explained, emphasizing that any renegotiation would require the agreement of ExxonMobil, which has made it clear it is not interested in revisiting the terms.

The Attorney General also pointed out that a referendum, in this case, would be powerless to effect any meaningful change.

Nandlall dismissed the calls for a referendum as a futile exercise, criticizing the political motivations behind the proposal and highlighting the legal and practical constraints of altering the 2016 PSA.

With both ExxonMobil and the contractual terms standing firm, he made it clear that a referendum, no matter how popular the cause, would not lead to any meaningful change.

For Nandlall, the push for a referendum is little more than a distraction from the real, complex challenges of renegotiating the oil deal.

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With a focus on hiring locals and partnering with businesses here, GPEC Energy Products Inc. has entered the Guyana market as the first distributor of engineered equipment for the evolving oil and gas sector.

The certified local content company specialises in pipeline and flow line products and distributes engineered equipment to meet industry demands.

Their services include package management procurement, engineering support, and maintenance and repairs.

A launch-to-market event was held at the Marriott Hotel on Tuesday night to mark the official launch of GPEC Energy Products Inc.

GPEC Energy Products Inc. Representative Sash Sukhdeo speaking at the launch-to-market event at the Marriott Hotel (Photo: News Room/ November 12, 2024)

In his remarks, company representative, Sash Sukhdeo said the launch signifies a revolution in the industry.

“Every single economy that goes through transformation has one thing in common: you have to collaborate.

“If you don’t collaborate and grow, something is going to break at some point.

“We are here to make a difference,” Sukhdeo affirmed.

The entry of GPEC Energy Products Inc. is said to be the first of this nature in Guyana’s oil and gas sector.

And Sukhdeo highlighted that GPEC Energy Products Inc. will be training and hiring locals to fill several positions as they embark on a journey to transform the oil and gas industry here.

Highlighting the importance of partnership, ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge applauded the company for its investment.

“It is new model. It’s a great example for the country.

“Huge recognition goes to local business entrepreneurs for the seizing the moment, taking that risk to say they want to be part of this journey.

“It’s not easy particularly when you getting into an industry you know nothing about,” Routledge said.

The vision of GPEC, he opined, should be to support the industry for the long term.

“…Guyana has exploded on the international stage and… now has the fastest-growing economy in the world. So yes, it is the right place to be, it is an exciting place to be.

“We have a responsibility to develop Guyana’s resources for the best interest of the country. For the highest value while protecting the people and environment,” Routledge said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat said the launch demonstrates the confidence local and foreign investors have in the economy and country at large.

“It is a venture that will be new to our country. We have seen many other investments in our country. I don’t think we have seen any of this nature as yet in Guyana,” Bharrat acknowledged.

He noted that the company’s goal of investing and training locals is part of the government’s vision in building Guyana as a hub in the world.

“It simply means Guyana would be seen as an even better investment destination in this part of the world.

“So it is a good time to be in Guyana. It is a good time to invest in Guyana…This is when we have the front seat to witness the build out a new, modern Guyana,” Bharrat said.

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Over the last few months, approximately 260 farmers from Canal Polder on the West Bank of Demerara benefited from infrastructural upgrades on their farms.

This was disclosed by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha during a community engagement in Canal Number One on Tuesday.

Minister Mustapha said prior to Tuesday’s engagement, farmers made requests for assistance with upgrading the internal drainage systems on their farms to improve their cultivation.

“When we were here the last time, you said that you needed help with your internal drains. We developed a programme and sent in a machine to start the works. To date, the machine has already completed 260 farmers’ holdings, upgrading their internal drainage system. We have another 200 to complete before the project ends. I’ve asked NDIA to deploy another machine so that we can get the job done faster,” the minister explained.

Responding to issues raised about drainage and irrigation, Minister Mustapha said the pump station being constructed in the area will be completed soon. He also said proper regulation of the water supply is necessary to ensure farmers have sufficient water during the dry season and do not experience flooding during the rainy season.

“We have a lot of intake pipes in this area. When the rain falls the water comes in then flooding occurs. This area is prone to flooding. This is why we are modernizing the drainage system on the West Bank (of Demerara). We have to have proper regulation of the water supply to ensure farmers have sufficient water during the dry season, but at the same time, we have to also ensure you don’t experience flooding during the rainy season. Shortly, construction of the pump station will be completed. It has the capacity to discharge 126,000 gallons of water per minute. Furthermore, we are currently fabricating a metal door for the sluice. In a few weeks that door will be installed,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha also told farmers that the government is working aggressively with CARICOM to remove the non-tariff barriers so that more products can be exported around the region. He said while some farmers are still practicing traditional methods of farming, in order for Guyana to become a food production hub, farmers have to embrace technology and climate-smart practices (Ministry of Agriculture press release)

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The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has officially confirmed Guyana’s participation in the highly anticipated 2024 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup tournament, which will take place from December 13-15 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The competition serves as the premier 3×3 basketball event in the Americas, drawing top teams from across North, Central and South America.

Now in its fourth edition, the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup has established itself as a crucial stepping stone towards global championships, including the FIBA 3×3 World Cup and potentially the Olympic Games.

The tournament provides a unique platform for countries to showcase their talent, build their international reputation, and vie for a place among the best in the world.

For Guyana, participation in the championship is not just about competing, but also about gaining recognition on the international basketball stage. It is a golden opportunity to elevate the nation’s standing in the rapidly growing sport of 3×3 basketball.

Guyana made its debut in the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup during its inaugural edition in 2021 and continued its participation in 2022, with both tournaments held in Miami.

Unfortunately, financial constraints prevented the team from competing in the 2023 edition in San Juan.

Nevertheless, Guyana’s performance in previous tournaments has been commendable, consistently proving themselves as formidable competitors from the Caribbean.

Shelroy Thomas in action for Guyana during the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup

In the 2022 tournament, the Guyanese squad, featuring Delroy James, Gordon James, Shelroy Thomas and Nikolai Smith, displayed exceptional skills and resilience.

The team went undefeated in the qualifying rounds, only narrowly missing out on advancing to the quarter-finals after intense, closely contested matches against Canada (17-19) and Mexico (15-16).

Guyana finished 11^th out of 17 countries, with an impressive record of three wins and two losses, cementing their status as one of the top 3×3 basketball teams in the Caribbean.

GBF President, Michael Singh, expressed his excitement about Guyana’s return to FIBA’s marquee 3×3 tournament, highlighting that the Federation is committed to fielding the strongest possible team to represent the nation, drawing from both local talent and players in the diaspora.

“The GBF is thrilled to be back in the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup,” Singh stated.

“Our focus now is on selecting the best players to compete. In our last outing, we had a great mix with two locally-based players and two from overseas, and they made us proud. This time, with the experience gained, we are confident of going further in the tournament.”

However, Singh acknowledged that corporate support will be essential to their preparations.

The GBF plans to hold a one-week training camp to bring the team together and ensure they are well-prepared.

“We are counting on the continued support of our partners,” Singh added.

“We’ve reached out to several companies, and we’re hopeful for positive responses. The Government of Guyana and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) have always been supportive, and we trust they will once again be on board.”

Reflecting on the growth of 3×3 basketball in Guyana, Singh highlighted the GBF’s efforts over the past year to promote this dynamic sport.

“Since its inception, we’ve prioritised the promotion of 3×3 basketball across Guyana. We’re pleased to see a surge in local tournaments, which is critical for our participation in international competitions like the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup,” he noted.

Selecting the final team will be challenging, given the depth of talent available, but Singh is confident that the best athletes will be chosen to represent the country.

3×3 basketball is one of the fastest-growing urban sports worldwide, officially recognised as an Olympic sport during the Tokyo 2020 Games.

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