EXXONMOBIL’S presence in Guyana has been fruitful, most notably through the development of the country’s vast offshore oil resources. Yet, beyond the economic returns generated from oil sales and royalties, ExxonMobil has become a valued partner in Guyana’s journey to becoming a global destination for sports and culture.

The company’s contributions in this regard bring undeniable value to people in a way that helps build Guyanese pride and improve the country’s global image.
Cricket, a cornerstone of Guyanese culture, has long been a unifying force for the nation. ExxonMobil has supported the Guyana Amazon Warriors for seven consecutive years. The Guyana Amazon Warriors, participating in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), claimed their first championship title in 2023, a moment that demonstrated a deep connection between sports and national identity. ExxonMobil’s sponsorship has provided the resources necessary to support the team’s growth and competitiveness.

Building on this momentum, ExxonMobil has embraced a new opportunity to showcase Guyana as a premier destination for international sports. In 2024, the inaugural Global Super League (GSL) tournament brought five teams from across the globe. Aside from Guyana, teams are representing communities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, and the United Kingdom—to compete exclusively at Providence Stadium.

This event is spotlighting Guyana’s cricketing prowess but also bolstering the local economy by attracting visitors and generating economic activity. Hosting all 11 matches in the GSL has elevated Guyana’s profile in the international cricket community and demonstrated ExxonMobil’s commitment to supporting events that position the country as a global hub for sports.

The company’s investments are not confined to cricket. The company also supports grassroots football through the ExxonMobil Boys and Girls U-14 Schools Football Tournament, which had its fifth edition in 2024. This initiative offers schools the opportunity to compete for grants, with rewards this year ranging from GY$400,000 for champions to GY$75,000 for fourth-place finishers.

By fostering a greater appreciation for sports among children, this programme helps develop the next generation of athletes and instills values of teamwork and discipline. Additionally, the ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal Tournament has become a staple event on Linden’s sports calendar. Featuring 20 teams in a thrilling round-robin format, the tournament has grown into a highly anticipated community event. In 2024, the YMCA team overcame the Hard Knocks Team to claim the championship trophy and the GY$1 million grand prize.

In 2023, construction also started on a multi-purpose facility at Palmyra, which benefitted from an injection of GY$3.7 billion from ExxonMobil and its Stabroek Block partners Hess and CNOOC. The venue will have the capacity to host 10,000 persons, from sporting events to concerts and other celebrations.

These sport initiatives align closely with the vision of Guyana’s government. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has expressed clear intent to make Guyana a global destination for sports and culture, supported by investments in these areas. This kind of unified approach to sports development shows the company understands how the sector fits into Guyana’s national priorities, and that it has a willingness to contribute.

These contributions bring value that extends beyond Exxon’s obvious revenue generation capabilities but also in its engagement with the country’s people and culture. The synergy between the company’s oil operations and its support for national initiatives helps position Guyana more favourably on an international stage.