Kaieteur News

With current speed of discoveries, Guyana will need more than 10 ships to take off resources

Given the current speed

-HessCorporationHead

Uaru and Whiptail, the interest in the Block. Hess with which ExxonMobil former of which is awaiting Guyana Exploration Ltd Corporation is making governmentapproval. holds 30% interest, and discoveries offshore “As we do more CNOOC Petroleum Guyana

andproductiontoo. range while Liza Unity is Guyana, the oil giant may appraisal, we will be able to Limitedholds25%interest. Hess at the conference producing just above its very well need more than 10 define the seventh ship The partners are also was keen to note that the 220,000bpdrange. floating, production, storage which can be underpinned engaged in discussions to partners do envision there The third producing and offloading (FPSO) to byournewdiscoveriesorthe relinquish 20 percent of the will be a need for more ships vessel, Prosperity, which off-taketheresources. Fangtooth-discovery As we acreageby2024. as the resource grows. That will operate at the Payara

This was revealed by drill more next year and this aside, he said they are fieldhaslefttheshipyardand Hess Corporation’s Chief year, we will have more m o v i n g a l o n g w i t h is on its way to Guyana. It Executive Officer (CEO), definition for eight, nine and accelerated production would be hooked up and John Hess at a recent energy 10th ships and we will see targets for the Liza Destiny producing 220,000 bpd by conference. While there, whereitgoesfromthere,”he and the Liza Unity vessels thethirdquarter Hess was reminded that the concluded. which are producing in the Hess also said that the Stabroek Block partners Guyana’s Stabroek range of 400,000 barrels of partners’ Yellowtail Project originally intended to have Block is 6.6 million acres oil per day (bps). Both ships is aheadofscheduleinterms 10shipstoproduceandstore (26,800 square kilometers). are also operating beyond of construction works and is the 11 billion barrels of oil ExxonMobil affiliate Esso their nameplate capacity on stream for start-up in Those finds have not been equivalentresourcesforsale. Exploration and Production Liza Destiny’s nameplate 2025. The CEO also noted defined yet Industry With a line of sight for six Guyana Limited is the capacity is 120,000 bpd but that the company has two stakeholders have assumed projects, this only accounts operator and holds 45% is now in the 150,000 bpd otherprojectsinthepipeline, that these discoveries hold for 4.9 billion barrels of oil over one billion barrels of equivalent resources It oil. This alone will require a therefore leaves 6.1 billion separatevesselortwo. barrels of resources to be

John Hess, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation

n a l l y , used by the remaining four ExxonMobilhasapproached shipsenvisioned.

Even if the partners Protection Agency (EPA) to pursue the construction of advance a 35 multi-well four massive vessels to each programme in the Stabroek offtake 1.5 billion barrels of Block. This campaign could oil each, that still leaves for no doubt unlock more consideration, the 10 resources which may need discoveries made by Exxon their own vessels for storage and its partners last year

Govt. to use part of US$83M Norway fund to purchase three vehicles

The Government of Power and Light (GPL). Guyana(GoG)willbeusing “The Request for Bids will part of US$83 3M in be conducted through the received from Norway National Competitive under the forest partnership Bidding(NCB) procedures deal to purchase three 4x4 specified in the Interdoublecabpickups. American Development

Last September, Guyana Bank’s Policies for the had signed an agreement Procurement of Goods and with the Inter-American WorksfinancedbytheInterDevelopment Bank (IDB) - American Development that manages the fund to Bank GN2349-15, and is utilise a portion to build alsoopentoallbiddersfrom eight solar projects across EligibleSourceCountriesas thecountry defined in the Policies,” it

According to an wasstatedinthead. advertisement in Kaieteur Notably, bids must be News March 12th edition, addressed, to the Chairman the Government intends to at the National Procurement apply part of the forest fund and Tender Administration p r o c e e d s t o w a r d s Board (NPTAB) and placed purchasing three motor in the tender box before vehicles. It was stated that 09:00hrs on April 18, 2023. the procurement will be Kaieteur News had reported done pursuant to the Bank’s thatthedealwassigned Policies by the Guyana (Continued on page 9)

Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

OUR PARLIAMENT, OUR SPEAKER

Guyana’s Parliament has grown from strength to strengthinadownwarddirection.Thankstothe Speaker of the House, Mr Manzoor Nadir today’shouseofthepeople,theirparliamentofdeliberations anddecisions,hasdeterioratedintoadump.

Guyana’sParliamentamountstonothingmorethanasite of ill-repute, like some bawdy house that pretends to be a place of the pure, noble, patriotic.The Speaker has stood at thegates,andbarredanysuchthingsfrompassingunderhis watch.

Guyana’sParliamentisnowsobadthatitstandsforlittle thatisgood.ManyGuyaneseMembersofParliamentonthe PPP/CGovernment’ssideoftheaislenowadaysfunctionas compelling lobbyists for ExxonMobil’s oil interests. They attempt to be sophisticated and wise, but they betray their nakedlackofintegrity,thedeepdishonouroftheirpresences inparliament.

Theseparliamentariansrepresentnottheinterestsofthe people, not the visions of Guyanese, but their own cheap, sleazy, ambitions. It is widely suspected that these twisted ambitions,thesesoiledhands,whereGuyana’soilwealthis at stake, are not limited to only PPPC parliamentarians, but extendalsotosomeintheAPNU+AFCCoalitionOpposition sideofthebenches.

Theythinkthattheirfancylanguageisnotunderstoodby ordinarycitizens,buttheyfoolthemselves.ManyGuyanese havealreadycometotheirownconclusionsregardingwhois forthem,andwhoisagainstwhatisbestforthem.Boththe PPP/C Government and the Coalition Opposition APNU+AFC do not come out of this looking rosy, or smellingclean.Manyrepresentativesfromthetwosidesare notconvincing,giveoffasmellthattheyhavesold,thatthey prefertobeonthesideandgoodgracesoftheoilcompanies, therobberbaronsgivenfreereintorunamokinouroilfields andinourgovernanceofourselves.

If there is any Guyanese who thinks that many of our parliamentariansaretheworstofdisappointments,thenthey arestilltorecognisethebiggestdisappointmentofall.Itisthe Honourable Speaker of Guyana’s Parliament.The record is there,ascompiledinhistime,underhishand.Hisdecisions have blocked most things that have to do with oil. The Speakerhearsawordbeginningwithan‘O’andheshivers, runstohiscounselforguidanceonwhatheshoulddo,what he could take a chance on, should let pass into the realm of opendebate.

What the Speaker has settled for, after trying futilely to give the impression that he has carefully weighed the pros andconsofoilissuestabledbeforehim,istovirtuallyblock anythingandeverythingthathasoilorgasasitsnamefrom movingpasthiscommandinggavel.

Motions cannot see the light of day, not even for informationpurposes.Questionsaresnuffedoutbeforethey canbearticulatedinfullestform.Intherareinstanceswhen debate is allowed, the Speaker is clever enough to limit the time, so as to limit any possible exposure of the PPPC Government, and minimise any embarrassment to ExxonMobilanditspartners.

When all of this is taken under consideration, it is now beyond doubt that what Guyanese have is a puppet Parliament, and a court of deliberation over oil that even a kangaroowoulddisown.TheSpeakerhasdonehisworkina manner more distressing than any other Speaker in the history of Guyana’s Parliament, and there have been some forgettable ones, known for their unmoving, noxious partisanship.

Onthenation’sbiggeststage,Guyanesearenotpermitted tospeakafrankword,perhapsnotonehonestone,aboutthis greatoilwealththatisonthelipsoftheworld.Theworldis gushingaboutGuyana’soil,andGuyanesecannotspeaktoit. TheSpeakerisowedamedalforhisefforts.

Considering the state of the nation’s Parliament where nothingonoilisallowedtobreathe,isn’ttimethatitisclosed down? Considering,thewaysoftheSpeakeroftheHouse, isn’t time that he presides over one that is empty of human presences?TheinterestsofGuyanesemaystillhavetodistill intheopenair,theremainingfreespacesofGuyana.

DEAREDITOR,

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stresses that its work is guided first and foremost by the Environmental ProtectionActanditssuiteof Regulations.

The EPA has noted the repeated and deliberate publication of glaring misconstructions of several facets of its work Considering their frequency and magnitude, the EPA moves to correct these misconceptions in the public’sinterest.

Provisions of the Liza I and Liza 2 Permits and improvementstodate

ThePermitfortheLiza2 Project is indeed almost a replica of the Liza 1 Permit. Clearly,theEPAsawmeritin repeating in the Liza 2 Permit, almost all of the conditions of the Liza 1 Permit. As an example, the EPA from the onset, prohibited routine flaring in the Liza 1 Permit and this

environmentalliabilities

stipulation which was retainedinallPermits.

Subsequently and after 2020, the EPA has continually improved its regulation of flaring. For instance, the EPAimposed a tax for flaring under nonroutineupsetconditions.

This environmental control instrument is congruent with the Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05 and is a deterrent commonly used in regions across the world to achieve environmental compliance.

As another example, the Liza 1 Permit stipulated that produced water discharges meet the World Bank/IFC standards for oil in water at 42mg/Lperdayand29mg/L averagepermonth.

This condition was also retained and in all subsequent Permits. Beyond the examples mentioned, manyotherconditionsstated in the Liza I Permit have been retained in the

subsequentPermits.Thekey point is that the EPA is always learning and improving, and its work is not about any one person within or external to the EPA.

A s a n y o n e w i l l appreciate, with new and improved understanding of the oil and gas sector, a modern regulator will make appropriate changes as necessary to improve and ensure robust regulation of thesector

T h i s i s c l e a r l y demonstrated in the Permits issuedsubsequenttotheLiza 1andLiza2Permits,suchas, thePermitfortheYellowtail Project and the Renewed PermitfortheLiza1Project. The latter Permits both reflect significant improvement through the inclusion of the following requirements:

% Requirement for a phased reduction of oil content specification of produced water to levels

lower than the current international standard of 42 mg/L per day and 29mg/L averagepermonth.

% Requirement for the application of the Oslo and Paris Conventions (OSPAR) Harmonized Mandatory ControlSystem(HMCS)for useandreductionofoffshore chemical discharges. This s y s t e m r e q u i r e s incorporating a Chemical Use and Management Plan and OSPAR’s Harmonised Offshore Chemical Notification Format (HOCNF) among other aspects.

% Requirement for a physicalCappingStacktobe available in Guyana and the maintenance of subscription for access to another one overseas.

T h i s w a s n o t a requirement in either the Liza1norLiza2Permits. ACappingStackisanew technologythatisusedtocap awellineventofalossof

(Continuedonpage5)

DEAREDITOR,

The public must condemn in the strongest words possible the remarks (deliveredMarch9)ofalong time African WPA political activist advocating violence against the government and its traditional Indian supporters Tacuma Ogunseye made claim of racial discrimination against his African kith and kin but offered no supporting documented evidence to buttresstheclaim.Ifthereis some injustice against a group, the claimant must make the case - of how the rightsofhiskithandkinhave beenviolated.

Discrimination against anypersonorgrouporentity must be condemned Everyone must be treated fairly and equitably and be given equal opportunities. None must be favored over another on account of ethnicity unless it is to redress a historic grievance or achieve a greater good or promoteequity

But one cannot make wild willy-nilly allegations of discrimination without documentedevidence.

Our country has had a long history of racial issues. Politicians bury our racial elephant under the carpet believingthatifweignoreit, itwilldisappear.Butmerely saying there is racial discrimination against a group does not make it factual.

It behooves anyone or organization or political entity or claimant that b e l i e v e s t h e r e i s discrimination to provide hard facts including data to backtheclaim.

IndiansandAmerindians claimed discrimination during PNC rule between 1965 and 1992 and again between 2015 and 2020 Evidence to support the claims were provided on varied outlets and organizations including by the churches and political parties and international agencies.

I f g r o u p s f e e l discriminated, their leadership should make a compelling case with supporting verifiable data. Tacumafailedinthisregard. It was shocking to hear the bile and biliousness

c o m i n g f r o m t h i s distinguishedmemberofthe WPA who had a history of combating political victimization and injustice meted out against his party andhimself.

He ought to know better not to spit venom against others. Dr Rodney, founder of WPA, Tacuma’s leader, wouldbeturninginhisgrave hearingsuchremarks.

As an erudite scholar recentlypennedonachatsite in response, responsible public figures should promote social and ethnic cohesion and healing in this divided country rather than the kind of bile that was uttered last Thursday eveninginBuxton.

As the scholar stated, such bilious comments and hate speech will only result in greater disharmony, d i s c o r d a n c e , a n d dividedness that can only servetofurtherthecausefor conflict in a country already reeling from political and socialdisorder

We must praise media houses and politicians and everyone who condemn ethnic hate and who

dissociated themselves and their political party from what was expressed last Thursday evening In particular, I commend the PNCR MPs Messrs. Hon. Ganesh Mahipaul, Hon Natasha Singh-Lewis, Mr Daniel Seeram, J P –Regional Chairman –Region 4, Pt. Ubraj Narine, His Worship the Mayor of G e o r g e t o w n , f o r dissociating themselves from and strongly condemning the remarks of the WPA executive member andanotherperson.

They found the remarks derogatory, distasteful, and hurtful to the Indian community

They penned: “We want to make it clear that we condemn and distance ourselvesfromanyattackon any race in Guyana, including our African brothersandsisters”.

The statement issued by thePNCRmemberssuggests that they are independent minded and are empowered and confident and are not meretokensoftheparty Yourstruly, VishnuBisram

EPAhasnotandwillnotshy awayfromexaminingappropriate formsoffinancialassuranceforoil spillandother

Everyone must condemn the racist remarks and call for violence against government and Indians

FITUGdenouncesstatementsbyWPAleaders

DEAREDITOR,

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) is deeply disturbed and appalled by open and unvarnished race baiting of Dr DavidHindsandTacuma Ogunseye during a recent publicmeetingorganizedby the Working Peoples’ Alliance(WPA).

The exhortations of the twosmacksofnakedracism are a clear attempt to stir racial excitement in our country And, quite rightly, have attracted a national

outcry and a maelstrom of condemnation.

The Federation, in as muchatitremainsastaunch upholder and defender of free speech and expression remains firm that both Dr Hinds and Mr Ogunseye have crossed several moral andethicalboundaries.

We are firm that such sentiments have no place in our society and their racial overtonesmayhavewellrun afoul of our legislation seeking to promote racial harmonyandcohesion.

Given our country’s

difficultpastoftenuousrace relations,theexpressionsby the leaders of the WPA demand our widest condemnation.

They have no place and should be confined to the dustbinofhistory

To engage in such narratives, in our view, demonstrates how far the WPA has drifted from its multi-ethnic moorings Indeed, its founders must be turning wherever they maybe.

It also indicates that the political grouping has really

OurModernEra

DEAREDITOR,

nothing really to add to the national discourse and has chosentodecenttothepitsin an effort to seek to remain relevant though, it really shouldbeostracized.

At this time, the FITUG call on all peace-loving and decent-minded Guyanese to reject the false narratives b e i n g p e d d l e d b y personalities who are lookingatself-interestrather thanthenationalwell-being.

Regards, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions ofGuyana

EPA has not and will not shy away...

Frompage4

well control, and failure of the blowout preventer (BOP). % Requirement for mandatorysimulationsofthe entire Oil Spill Response Plan (OSRP) with relevant stakeholders as approved by the Agency % The r e q u i r e m e n t f o r environmental effects monitoring related to biological, physical, and socio-economic resources within theArea of Influence (AOI) of the project, including targeted and updated environmental baselinestudies.

% Requirement for annual independent external compliance audit on all embedded controls, including the Operations Integrity Management System(OIMS),theOilSpill Response Plan (OSRP), and controls relating to critical drilling and production operations % The requirement for submission of safety case information, including a risk assessment prior to drilling and development of wells

Neither the Liza 1 nor 2 Permits provided for this requirement.%Requirement for a Grievance Mechanism in keeping with the World Bank’s Approach to

GrievanceRedress,toensure that environmental complaints from individuals and communities who may be affected by a Project are received and addressed

NeithertheLiza1norLiza2 Permits provided for this Mechanism.

%Arequirement for the Permit Holder to indemnify and keep indemnified the Government of Guyana for liabilitiesandthatFinancial Assurance be guided by an estimate of the sum of the reasonably credible costs, expenses, and liabilities for a worst-case oil spill scenario

SELF-INSURANCE

TheLiza1Permitindeed reliedonself-insurance.This was entirely congruent with the terms of the 2016

Production Sharing Agreement(PSA)whichwas entered into with the Petroleum Contractors Further to this, it was understood that this form of Financial Assurance was customarily used in the international petroleum industry, and indeed it is. A precursory search of “financial assurance for oil spills”willshowthatthisisa commonly accepted form of assurance.

Further,itisunheardofto

this day, to reasonably require “unlimited coverage” insurance Insurers are disinclined and have never provided this level of coverage Clarification sought from localinsurerswouldconfirm that there is nothing like unlimited or full cover insurance where liability is concerned because one cannot put an exact number tofuture/potentialclaims.

Ifthereisanyinsurerthat provides or there are examples of unlimited Insurance or a Guarantee already given, the EPA is open to receiving this information towards informing its current negotiations.

Further, it must be emphasized that beyond Permit conditions, and the Environmental Protection Act which address the

liability of Permit Holders a n d e n s u r e t h a t environmental damage will not go unpunished or unremedied, through the vicarious liability principle, a Parent Company can be held liable for unfulfilled obligations (default) of its Subsidiary

The EPA assures the publicthatithasnotandwill not shy away from examining and identifying appropriate and other effective forms of Financial Assurance for oil spill and other environmental liabilities.

Thisworkisongoingand when completed, the public willbedulyupdated.

Regards,

ArethaForde Senior Environmental Officer

E n v i r o n m e n t a l ProtectionAgency

One is tempted to pronounce the caption as ERROR.

It is simply that in two important areas our ONE Nationcontinuestofunction ina‘colonial’mindset.

In the first instance, it waswhileasacolonythatthe civil service controlled by the British, the ruling was, that they would retire at 55 years — facilitating their return to be employed at ‘Home’.

Fast forward unto 2023, and there is now no formal retirementageintheUK.

Back in the Caribbean, our very proactive partner Barbados, observes retirement of its public employees at 62.5 years, afterapollwastaken.

While back in Europe, French, citizens have been vociferously protesting, for several weeks now, against their President’s raising the retirementagefrom62to64 years.

In British Guiana, the two main industries Bauxite and Sugar formalised the retirement age at 65 and 60 yearsrespectively

The former Canadian owned, along with the General Electric Company (now GPL) continued the practice of retiring employees at age 65 — still current.

Like Bookers Sugar Estates (now GuySuCo), all registeredprivatecompanies have long since agreed with insurance counterparts on a retirement age of sixty —

comparablewithmost,ifnot all,publicsectoragencies.

It was President Jagdeo who laid in Parliament the Report of S V Jones Associates (as Regulations to the new Audit Act) to transition the traditional AuditOfficetotheOfficeof theAuditorGeneral.

In the process the C o n s u l t a n t s ’ recommendation to raise the retirement age of these employees from 55 to 60 years was unanimously approved.

Public Sector Agencies since established have been providing for employees to retire at age 60, the age confirmed with the introduction of National InsuranceScheme.

Yetitisnotunknownfor Public Servants to fall short of necessary contribution requirements for eligibility, forpensionmoresoinrecent times of peremptory terminationsofemployment.

In either ease, both NIS andcontributorloseout.

For some inexplicable reason, the Guyana Public ServiceUnionwouldappear to be amenable to this constriction of its members’ retirement age – the lowest anywhere such a cramped formalityexists.

Contrastingly however, our Parliamentarians enjoy more generous retirement benefits.

Meanwhile, all our governments have neglected to attend to the constipated jobstructureintheTeaching (Continuedonpage6)

Mottley'sactionsdemonstrateadisconnection withtheidealsandpraxisofherproclaimedHero

DEAREDITOR,

My condemnation of PrimeMinisterMottley‘sact of omission (she omitted to acknowledge Guyana‘s and Burnham‘s contribution to theliberationstruggleofthe SouthernAfricansandSouth Africa, specifically, on the occasion of the 20th Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture) has attracted the attention of some, who applaudedherforheraction based on their view about Burnham‘s Rulership in Guyana. Of note, is that noneofthenaysayersdidor can contest any of the contributions of Guyana and/or Burnham to liberation in Southern Africa. Here under, I will give reasons to show that Mia‘s act of omission and thecommendationofheract are devoid of reason and logic, and can only be identifiedwithmalice.

1. As already stated, they have not and cannot dispute the facts: Guyana‘s andBurnham‘scontribution to the Southern Africans liberationstruggles.

2. Iftheirbasisfornot wanting to recognize Guyana and Burnham is his Rulership, how is it that she recognised Castro and her cheers leaders associate themselves with that hypocrisy? The alleged rulership atrocities of Burnhampaleincomparison tothoseallegedofFidel,yet they uplift Fidel and seek to denigrate Burnham. The aforementioned is by no means an endorsement of their disposition to Castro. It’s a mere illustration of theirhypocriticalbehaviour

3. How could Mia claim to have received a baton from, and be standing on the shoulders of, her predecessors and in the said

breath omit Burnham who wasacolossalforerunner?

There is no basis upon which that baton or shoulderscanbeconstituted to the omission of a cog (Burnham), if not the spindle, of those integers. Any such omission cannot be based on judgment. His contribution is a matter of irrefutablefactthatwouldbe distorted by any such omission. The omission can only equate to intellectual dishonesty

4. On the question of carrying forward a baton of predecessors such as Barrow, Manley and Williams,itshouldbenoted that Mia Mottley comes fromthebellyof,andstands at the head of, the Barbados Labour Party, which supported the invasion of Grenada by the Americans. She is not the natural recipientofthatbaton.

Our Modern Era

She is a recipient by default.

5.Itshouldalsobenoted that when a Western Journalist questioned Mandela‘s sustained association with Arafat, GadhafiandCastrobasedon the Western take on their Rulership, Mandela was emphaticinhisresponsethat those were the persons who supported theANC when in need and that it would have beenanactofingratitudefor him to treat them in the manner in which Peter denied Jesus. Mia‘s actions demonstrateadisconnection withtheidealsandpraxisof herproclaimedHero.

Whatevermightbeone‘s view about Burnham, it has tobehypocriticaltodenyhis factualcontribution,moreso when laying claim to the inheritanceofhislegacy,and worse yet exhibiting double standards when being judgmentalabouthim.

Yourssincerely,

VincentAlexander Chair

Forbes Burnham Foundation

Frompage5 Profession, which they inherited from the Colonial era.

It has been a remarkable displayofindifference,ifnot contempt,fortheprofession; and indeed spiritual development of the very human beings who initiate the production of: other teachers, public servants, l e g a l a n d h e a l t h practitioners, engineers, agriculturalist, accountants and other great scholars, with a level of personal sacrifice not required of any of the aforementioned Teachers consist of a group whose performance is scrutinised on a daily basis by students, parents and politicians(alsoasparents).

Additionally, as is well known, many have to contribute financially and materially to the Ministry’s commitments.

And yet, they are the poorest paid of all Public Servants a fact that continues to be ignored, however derisibly, by their own Guyana Teachers’ Union. Interestingly, the public congratulations are for their individual

successes, even who do not share accolades received withtheirmentors.

In the meantime, quite apart from the fact that they do not share the generous benefits impulsively offered annually to colleague public servants, there are not considered worthy of performance evaluation and consequentlydonotearnany incrementsoutoftheworld’s most emaciated set of salary scales.

Nor are they allowed to be treated as ‘Contracted Employees’ in the Public Service who can splurge on GRATUITY every six months–attheratepf22.5% of monthly salary –cumulating to 90% in two years.

As mentioned earlier their status (?) has been steadfastly maintained since the colonial faux pas which rivetsthehighestlevelinthe salary structure — Grade 19 -toaFixedSalary–surelyan exceptionalsituation,atleast amongst Caricom ‘Nations’, who incidentally must be quite bemused at our active negligence.

W h e n i s t h i s Administration going to recognisethefragilityofthis c o m p e n s a t i o n ‘infrastructure’ and arrange to invite suitably qualified experts to review and recommend conditions of employmentforourteachers that will make them feel a valued part of ‘ONE NATION’ of which generations to come could replicate?

Regards, E.B.John

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INVESTOR CONFIDENCE, HOW ABOUT GUYANESE CONFIDENCE? - PART 3

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The foreign investors are concerned about press calls for renegotiation…

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Isn’t this a right of democracy, Guyana’s constitution?

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Isn’t freedom of the press a treasured right, when fighting for what is right?

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Are foreign investors going to tell us what to publish next?

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Are foreign investors making billions from us, and content with us receiving pennies?

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Guyana’s suspension from EITI…

Opposition sees potential delay in knowing beneficial owners of oil blocks

- Opposition Economist

W“required” to request, and The EITI standard b e i n g or production of oil, gas or It goes on to point out companiespubliclydisclose, definesabeneficialowneras temporarily m i n i n g a c t i v i t i e s that “where possible, beneficial ownership the person(s) who directly or

ith Guyana are involved in exploration controlisexerted.”

suspended Requirement 2.5 (a) of the beneficial ownership information.

Economic Advisor to the Leader of the Opposition, Elson Low

EconomicAdvisor to the Guyanesearenotcareful,we

indirectlyultimatelyownsor from the Extractive EITI standards state, “It is information should be More importantly, controls the corporate entity Industries Transparency r e c o m m e n d e d t h a t incorporated in existing Section 2.5 (d) points out G i v e n t h e h e a v y Initiative (EITI), the implementing countries filings by companies to that information on the requirements of the Opposition believes there is maintainapubliclyavailable corporate regulators, stock identity of the beneficial Extractive Industries littlehopeforcitizenstoever register of the beneficial exchanges or agencies owners should include Transparency Initiative, the know the true beneficiaries owners of the corporate regulating extractive names, nationality, country Opposition says Guyana’s oftheOilBlocksthathaveso entity(ies) that apply for or industry licensing. Where of residence and identify suspension will further bury far been awarded, as well as hold a participating interest this information is already “politically exposed these details from ever management of the the 14 that are to be in an exploration or publicly available, the EITI persons”. reachingitscitizens. petroleum sector If auctioned. productionoil,gasormining Report should include It is even recommended

When Guyana signed on licenseorcontract,including guidance on how to access that the national identity Leader of the Opposition, are faced with the real to the global EITI body in the identity(ies) of their thisinformation.” number, date of birth, Elson Low explained p o s s i b i l i t y o f t h e 2019, it agreed, among other beneficialowner(s),thelevel Section 2.5 (c) explains residential or service recently, “Guyana’s governmentawardingtheoil things, to publish a register of ownership and details that as of January 1, 2020, address, and means of suspension from the EITI blocks to themselves in the of the beneficial owners that about how ownership or implementing countries are contactaredisclosed. will mean that for the upcomingauction.” upcoming oil block auction, On February 23, it was thecountrywillhavenoidea reported that Guyana was astothebeneficialownersof suspended from the EITI anycompanyawardees.This body after it failed to submit means that the People’s a report documenting Progressive Party could revenues received by the award the oil blocks to state from the extractive themselves and Guyanese sector for the period 2020. wouldbeleftinthedark.The EITI on its website said that government must commit to Guyana is not eligible for an releasing all beneficial extension of the reporting owner information for any deadline for fiscal year awardees.” January 2020-December

He said the government 2020. It said too that the has a prolonged history of deadline for the publication secretlymanagingtheoiland of the outstanding report gas sector as is evident in remainsDecember31,2022. whattheOppositionbelieves President Irfaan Ali in a is its refusal to release the video statement however a u d i t f i n d i n g s o f explained that the country ExxonMobil’s multibillion has an extension for US-dollarsexpenses. submission in May 2023

In addition to this, he fromtheEITISecretariat.He r e m i n d e d t h a t t h e pledged that this would be administration is yet to met.

release the new model The Head-of-State also Production Sharing shared his understanding of Agreement (PSA) that will the root cause for the govern future production suspension.Ali said: “I have activities in the other made it clear that it is prospectiveoilblocks. unacceptable to have a delay M o r e a l a r m i n g l y in the submission of the however, Low said the report. Notwithstanding, the government has refused to fact that an extension was release the agreements it given by the EITI secretariat signed with the oil giant to forittobecompletedbyMay facilitate the US$2 billion thisyear,westillshouldhave Gas-to-Energy project, the beeninapositiontohavethe single largest financial reportsubmitted.”Hevowed venture ever pursued by the to expose and hold nation. a c c o u n t a b l e , t h o s e

Tothisend,hesaid,“The individuals who are PPPhasdemonstratedaclear responsible for the country’s pattern of unnecessary and temporary suspension from malicious secrecy in the thebody

A COALITION FOR A BETTER DEAL

A certain momentum is developing in the ongoing efforts to force government torenegotiatetheoilcontract and to ensure greater environmental protection

Morepersonsandgroupsare now taking a more pronouncedstandagainstthe failure of the PPPC administration to honour its pledge to renegotiate the Production Sharing Agreement signed by the former APNU+AFC administration and to pay greater attention to environmental concerns in theoilandgassector

The various individuals and groups each have their own interests The environmentalists are concerned with the possible effects of an oil spill on the country and the possible environmental problems associated with the field development plans that are

likely to soon be approved fortheStabroekblock.Other personsareconcernedabout thefailureofthegovernment to release the audit reports and the fact that the cost of oil may be higher than the 75% cost recovery cap. The Oil and Gas Governance Network has reminded the governmentofitsneedtoact in the best interests of the people instead of attacking groups in society that raise legitimateconcerns.

Questions are now arising as to whether the g o v e r n m e n t g a v e permissionforthecostofthe proposed headquarters for Exxon to be cost recovery

The Alliance For Change saysitismullingcourtaction against what it deems to be government’s failure to conduct a timely audit into the expenses being claimed as cost recovery by the oil c o m p a n i e s A n

environmentalist and democracy advocate has now extended her concerns to the reconstitution of the Environmental Assessment Board,claimingthatsomeof the appointees are in positions of conflict of interest. This comes against the backdrop of a call by a Trinidadianprofessorforthe Environmental Protection Agencytobestrengthened. While a momentum against flawed oil governanceisbuilding,there has come along a controversy over comments madeonapoliticalplatform. Thegovernmenthasquickly jumped on this issue even though it knows that the person making those comments belongs to a political party that lacks credibility is a shell-entity and has no political muscle or widespread influence The comments themselves

Govt. to use part of US$83M Norway...

Frompage3

under the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL), which paves the way for investments in eight utility scale photovoltaic solar projects totalling 33 MWp.

Once completed, it is expected to bring affordable and clean energy to targeted communitiesinGuyana.

The US$83 3M being used for this programme is part of the US$220 8M earned by Guyana for forest climate services through its partnership with Norway duringthepreviousPeople’s Progressive Party/ Civic’s (PPP/C’s)terminoffice.The IDBistheaccountholderof thesaidfunds.

This publication had previously reported that the

objective of the programme i s t o s u p p o r t t h e diversification of Guyana’s energy matrix towards the useofcleanerandrenewable energy sources in the electricity generation matrix.

The programme seeks especially to avoid Carbon Dioxide emissions with the development of solar PV generation plants and lower the cost of electricity generation while supporting the country’s transition towards renewable energybasedgeneration.

It is also intended to improve the operation and reliability of the isolated systems of Essequibo and Linden As part of the programme, investments will be made in solar

Dem Boys Seh...

photovoltaic plants as follows: 10 MWp of generation capacity connected to the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System (DBIS) in the BerbiceArea;8MWpinthe Essequibo Coast Isolated System, including a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a minimum capacityof12MWh;and15 MWp connected to the Linden Isolated System, inclusive of a BESS with a minimum capacity of 22 MWh.

Each facility will be connected to the 13.8 kV primary distribution network in the respective areas.

The programme is expected to benefit over 70, 000households.

Nah tek fiyah stick ah night for wha you can see in the day

UncleAlan Fenty used to say, “Nah tek fiyah stick ah night, for wah you can see in theday.”Dathesehmeannahwaituntilitis toolateornotdebesttimefuhsomething.

Deh gat nuff of we does procrastinate with things. When de sun shining, we does decide fuh put off dem lil things like doing weshopping.

Butisonlywhenderaincomedowndat wedoesbeforcedtogoanddothingswhich weshouldhavebeendoingwhentherewere betterconditions.

We gat a lot of people wah does like procrastinate. Dem does keep putting off thingsuntildelastmoment.Demboysknow a man who put off he wedding so long dat when he do decide fuh get married, de girl tellhe,shenolongerinterested.

Ah man decide dat he gan stop putting off things. He tell heself dat he gan start de nextday

Dem university students does like wait until the last minute before dem start dem assignment.Anddemdoesstressdemselves outandallofdepeoplearounddem.Andall because dem nah like start things immediately

Is de same thing with children and dem homework. Some of dem does wait until deminschooldenextdaybeforedemstartto do dem homework. Deh fuhget dat it name ‘homework’fuhareason.

SorememberwhatUncleAlanFentydid say, “Nah tek fiyah stick ah night, for wah youcanseeintheday.” Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

are so outrageous as to gain little traction in society. But thisdiversionisexactlywhat the oil companies will find favourable They want nothing more than for Guyanese to be diverted by mini political storms in a teacup while they continue to plunder the resources of the country under a government that seemingly is unwilling to press for renegotiation of the PSA signedbytheAPNU+AFC.

However, the various individuals and groups that are part of the growing opposition to the government’s management of the oil and gas sector are weaker when they act alone than were they to act c o l l e c t i v e l y Notwithstandingthefactthat some have different interests, they can find common cause and exert greater influence in coming together The PPP/C governmentwillnotbendto the appeals of an environmentalist and democratic advocate; it has shownlittlewillingnesstobe responsive to the recommendations of civil society groupings such as Policy Forum; and it has

demonstrated an aversion to being part of a multistakeholderprocess.Thus,it would be much better if all

the individuals and

groupings can come together, while maintaining their separate and distinct identities.

This is an opportunity for them to forge a common platform to campaign for certain non-negotiable objectives – an impartial Environmental Assessment

Board; meaningful c o n s u l t a t i o n s o n environmentalimpactsinthe oil sector; ring-fencing for the 5th and 6th field development projects in the Stabroek Block; a better system to ensure great alacrity in conducting cost recovery expenses in the oil and gas sector; an independent and rapid feasibilitystudyofthegasto s h o r e p r o j e c t , a n independent environmental impact assessment on the gas-to-shore and the gas-toenergyplant;theapplication of the new PSAterms to the Kaieteur and Canje blocks; the renegotiation of the existing Production Sharing Agreement; an independent investigation as to why

Guyana failed to submit its EITIreportontime;topress for a new Petroleum Act before any decision is made about the auctioning of the oil blocks; and to demand greater transparency in the oil and gas sector Is this asking too much of those who want to see greater transparency, improved governance, stronger environmental protection and better benefits in Guyana’soilandgassector? Unlessthoseindividualsand groups that are pressing for these things are prepared to work together on a common platform, they will find that they their efforts will be futile, the face of a government which is hearing-impaired when it comes to suggestions from civilsociety.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

H@RD TRUTHS

Behind Tacuma Ogunseye’s call

Almost all Guyana is reacting to Tacuma Ogunseye’srecentworrying public words and postures. Anger and acid rains on his head; he has been condemned and roasted. I amappalledandbaffled,asI comeoutagainsthimagain. In moving beyond that, the question I ponder is: why?

Whydoesapoliticalactivist with his record decide to press Guyana’s nuclear button? Where does he want this possibly to go? Andwhatdoesheseeasthe roleforhimself?

Mr Ogunseye is too astute, seasoned for the timebomb that he waved before Guyana’s face to be accidental.Yes,heisknown for a sharper, more radical approach to address this country’sracialcancer But,

he is not a fool to cross tripwires, enter into dangerous territory As I probe his mind, to grasp at his motivations, I believe that what he has done is to make himself the tripwire that now stands as a provocative fuse in the face of the PPPGovernment and all Guyana. I contemplate whether he deliberately went into forbidden space (Services) to push the PPP leadership into raging response. The contexts are examined.

All his life, this brother has been a political fighter; hailed by some, alarming to o t h e r s N o t h i n g extraordinary there

questionthatahugesegment of Guyanese is seething from frustrations, rising passions,andconvictionsof

great, palpable disrespect from the PPP Government, PPP leadership, and PPP henchmen. Thejaggedsteel of those realities gore Guyana.Toworsenmatters, oil produced by over a million barrels weekly stands as the match to Mr Ogunseye’s still unlit fuse. In relation to oil, the words chosen are appropriate; considering the raw, oozing environment of Guyana, they have the keenest relevance. Because that same agitated segment of Guyana’s population watches as the sweet oil ice creamtruckpassesthemby IfthissoundslikeSaddam’s Iraqpre-Americaninvasion, itis. ThereweretheSunnis andBaathistsinthedriver’s seat, and the Shiites left to dealwiththeirseatofcharity

-needyandinagony

Considering all this, I return to Mr Ogunseye’s motivation(s) for what he said, where he went, and in which place he still stands defiantly Icalculatethathe is approaching his seventh decade. He tastes the fears ofhisown,hearsthecriesof his brothers. His call is his version of a terrible, wrenchingcrideCoeur My thinkingisthatthemanmay have just willingly and compellingly made himself into the sacrificial lamb, when he ran to the very front, and planted his inflaming flag What Tacuma Ogunseye did was put all Guyanese on notice. Nottohisthreat,butwhatis the existential menace that hovers in this country, and onethatwillonlyintensifyif not addressed timely and properly

He has put the PPP G o v e r n m e n t , t h e Opposition, and Guyanese in a bind in one fell swoop. Perhaps, one calculated movedesignedforjustsuch an outcome. I sift through eachset. ThePPPhasbeen USAir Force swift to react, withPresidentandAttorney General leading the way Incitement Terrorist Subversive My kind

recommendationis to be wise: do not make Mr Ogunseye into a hero. Or a martyr Forthatcould be playing right into hishands. Itcouldalso be the spark to that fuse I keepspeakingofthathehas dangled. Not only within official ranks, but in the many communities across this country that seeks a coalescing ingredient. For emphasis, I repeat to the PPP:donotcontributetothe spectacle of Guyanese raging in the streets, be it beforethecourts,theOffice of the President, the US Embassy,oranyotherplace assured of attracting great media interest. As matters stand now, Mr Ogunsyeye couldturnouttobethe21st century Guyanese equivalent of Arnold Rampersaud.

Next, should Mr

Ogunseye be officially targeted,theOppositionhas an issue that is compelling, galvanizing, and capable of rallying a great many Guyanese to a cause for crowdstocomeout.

Thingsbeingastheyare, itislikelytobeaone-colour rainbow This is the hot potato that both PPP and PNChaveintheirhands,ifI

amhalfwayright. Then,the peoplewhohavesimmering inchannelsandcornersnow have a do or die issue that could be allowed to fizzle out, or one that sizzles with their energies to express in the brightest and boldest manner their anguish, their anxieties, and their boiling overanger I leave the following thought behind. Whether Mr Tacuma Ogunseye harboured any of these as objectives with his gauntlet hurledisnowirrelevantand immaterial. What matters is that Guyanese, Americans, and the world are now fully aware of the tensions and stressesthatheaveunderthe hoped-for placid exterior of this oil producing nation. There are investor interests and concerns. Then, there are these Guyanese wrongs, woes,andwraths.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

Biden pledges ‘whatever needed’ for U.S. system as banks hit by SVB fallout

March 13 (Reuters)Bank stocks around the world plunged on Monday even as President Joe Biden vowed to take whatever actionwasneededtoensure the safety of the U S banking system, after Silicon Valley Bank (SIVB O) and Signature Bank (SBNY.O) collapsed latelastweek.

Biden’s attempt to reassure markets and depositors came after emergency measures by the United States to guarantee deposits at tech-focused lender SVB failed to dispel investor worries about potential contagion to other banksworldwide.

In the United States, First Republic Bank (FRC N) tumbled by as muchas76.6%despitenews it had secured fresh

financing, while Western Alliance Bancorp (WAL.N) and PacWest Bancorp (PACW.O) fell 82.5% and 53%, respectively Trading in the stocks was halted

several times due to volatility

First Republic had been able to meet withdrawal demandsonMondaywith (Continuedonpage17)

U.S. President Joe Biden REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

Guyana boosts fight against COVID-19

procures 5,040 Paxlovid pills to help treat long COVID

Search still on for missing bulldozer

with operator

...High technology equipment now being used

The search has intensified for the recovery of BOSAI worker, Neptrid Hercules

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony receiving the $1 million worth of Paxlovid pills from UNICEF’s Representative for Guyana and Suriname, Irfan Akhtar

Guyana’s capacity to a simple handing over US$600perbox. treat COVID-19 has been ceremony UNICEF and Patients who have mild enhanced, as the Ministry of Pfizer BioNTech signed an orsevereformofCOVID-19 Health received 5,040 agreement in 2022 to can receive the pills, which Paxlovid pills from procure the oral antiviral will be distributed in all UNICEF, amounting to $1 medicine at a lower cost, so regions. The Paxlovid pill million,Mondaymorning. countries like Guyana can will also protect a person Health Minister, Dr. access the medication to from long covid. “It doesn’t Frank Anthony received the treat patients With the matter the severity of the pillsfromUNICEF’sDeputy agreement, UNICEF was disease Obviously if Representative for Guyana able to procure the pills at someonecomesinwiththe andSurinameIrfanAkhtarat US$84, which initially was

(Continued on page 15)

Fire destroys home of Bartica couple

A fire of unknown origin has destroyed the home of a Bartica couple: 31-year-old Bheesham Rohit and 25-year-old Camacy Hendricks.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) reported on Monday that at 15:36 on Sunday, they were alerted of a fire at Lot 40, Second Avenue,Bartica,RegionSeven.Assuch,two fire tenders were immediately dispatched. Upon arrival, firefighters observed the onestorywoodenandconcretebuildingengulfed inflames.

The Fire Service reported that as a result of the fire, the building and its contents were destroyed and due to radiated heat, two houses located on the northern and southern sides of the building of origin suffered damage to a quantity of window panes, PVC guttering,androoffacing.

Also a motorcycle and a boat engine belongingtoRohitweredestroyedinthefire. According to the GFS, while the building is occupiedbyRohitandHendricks,itisowned by 57-year-old Bhagwanttie Rohit-Joseph. An investigation was launched to determine theoriginofthefire.

The aftermath of the fire

Three days later, the Public Works Bishop search for BOSAI employee Juan Edghill and Neptrid Hercules continues Minister of Natural and there has been no sign of Resources Vickram him neither the CAT D9 Bharrat visited the DOZER that he was mines on a factoperating early Saturday finding mission to morning at the time when he determine the cause of fell into a pit at the the accident, to give company’sminesinLinden. assurance to the family and

The company has to give directive to the suspended all operations in company on the way issue was the important the East Montgomery Mines forward. Presently, special issue because the worst and all manpower and equipment is on site to thing we can want to happen equipment are being used to enhance the rescue capacity is that we end up with more locatehim.Sincenoonewas of the team. Included in the people underground and so around when Hercules went mission is GGMC, the all the technical people that missing, there has been no Occupational Safety and are there consulted and took clear indication as to where Health Unit of the Ministry into consideration the safety hemayhavebeencovered. of Labour, and the Safety of everyone. “This was not a Hercules was at the time Department at BOSAI. willy-nilly suspension, these mo v in g w as te to a Meanwhile, Minister of are technical people who reclamation site in the mines Labour, Joseph Hamilton are sound … they consulted around04:00hrs,justamere spoke on the reason for the and made a determination two hours before his shift suspension of the search that it might be useful and ended. He was reportedly duringeveninghoursandthe better that we return in working alone where two need to also exercise safety bright daylight to do this,” trucks were taking turns in for the employees executing Minister Hamilton related. transporting the overburden the search. The two main Herculeswasanemployeeof forhimtocompact. Kaieteur reasons were instability of BOSAIforoverfourdecades News understands that when theterrainandpoorvisibility and was said to retire this one truck left and the other at nights. “So the safety year. arrived, there was no sign of the machine neither Hercules An alarm was initially made BOSAI Mines Official Orin Barnwellrelatedthatthefirst rescue effort was to do manual probing of steel rods to determine where the machine was located. This was followed by the deploymentoftwohydraulic excavators to remove overburdenaswellastheuse ofmetaldetectors.

While recovery efforts are suspended after dark on instructionsfromtheGuyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), an active search and rescue mission continues via an inter-agency collaborative effort. On Monday, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister of

Neptrid Hercules

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips and other government ministers visited the site of the accident on Monday

How Exxon HQ moves from US$50M to US$160M with no changes to design?

TheAllianceForChange (AFC) has disclosed that the c o s t t o c o n s t r u c t ExxonMobil’s local Headquarters has jumped from just around US$50 million to US$160 million even though the design for the structure remains the same.

S h a d o w N a t u r a l Resources Minister, David Patterson in pointing to the need for timely audits to be According to a Request for Public Infrastructure therefore the design of the Times reported VP Jagdeo perday Ithasevolvedfroma conducted, said the tripling Information issued by however argued: “In 2020, office building it tendered justifying the project cost headquarter building to of the project cost is ExxonMobil Guyana, the theprojectwasunderUS$52 for was drafted to and its recoverability “I did house staff. They have 250 worrying. He told members scope of works include millionorthereaboutintotal. accommodate its increased say in Opposition that the staff now, they’re renting. of the media: “the tender for construction of two It’s now US$160. Nothing project activities. Patterson headquarters they were That would evolve to 500 Exxon’s headquarter was buildings for 250 seats; an haschanged. said: “The main defender of building at the time was staff, most of which will be given out before 2020. Since outdoor pavilion; paving; They are still building; I thethreetimesprojectcostis several times the price of the Guyanese that will work 2018, Exxon indicated that landscaping; fill and storm checked my records and I the Vice President Jagdeo. Marriott. there.” they wanted to build a drainage; site utilities; found the write up. It’s the He just gives a very gentle That was exactly what I Seethelinkbelowforthe headquarter when the plumbing utilities; and same 500 persons will be (excuse) and says oh said.Andthatforthescaleof fullstory contract was awarded, I electricalworks. housed there. They haven’t circumstances have operation they had, they did https://guyanatimesgy c think in either late 2019 or T h e C o m p a n y – added on an extra floor, they changed, Exxon has to do not need such a headquarter om/cost-recoverableearly 2020, the contract was NABI/KCL Oilfield haven’t added on an extra more work No, (that’s) b u i l d i n g A n d t h a t exxonmobil-hq-justified-asgiven out for two buildings Construction Services building, it’s the same thing hogwash.” headquarter building, if it production-scales-upwhich will house 250 Guyana is a Joint Venture of and he (Jagdeo) simply PresidentofExxonMobil continued in that form, we jagdeo/ persons each it would NABI Construction Inc , allows Exxon to say they are Guyana, Alistair Routledge will not support it being cost N A B I - K C L h a d support the operations for Guyana and Kee-Chanona now going to spend US$160 toldmembersofthemediaat recoverable,” the newspaper indicated that the size of the Exxon for the next 40 years Limited,Trinidad. Patterson million on a headquarters a press conference back in reportedJagdeoassaying. land allocated for the HQ but I myself was amazed to argued that the Vice andhedefendsitandsaysthe February that the US$160 He went on to explain, now stands at 15 acres. The hear that it was US$160 President, Bharrat Jagdeo circumstances have million office complex “But what has changed? building is expected to have now.” has jumped to defend the changed.” would be recovered out of One, when they started that anetzeroenergyfootprint.

A contract was awarded increase in project cost, The Opposition Member cost oil, meaning Guyana headquarter when I said NABI-KCL stated that it to NABI/KCL Oilfield e x p l a i n i n g t h a t of Parliament pointed out will foot the expenses to we’re producing 120,000 is “honoured to undertake Construction Services circumstances have changed that by the end of 2020, the c o n s t r u c t i t s l o c a l barrels a day By the time we this prestigious project for Guyana in 2019 for the with the company’s oil company had already headquarters. get to the completion of the ExxonMobil Guyana and construction of the HQ at operations. madeasignificantnumberof F o l l o w i n g t h e headquarters, we’ll be commend the emphasis on Ogle, East Coast Demerara. The former Minister of offshore discoveries, announcement, Guyana producing 600,000 barrels localcontent.”

$1.2B from World Bank loan to improve drainage between Liliendaal to Ogle

Having received hydraulic and hydrological US$26 million modeling; (ii) specialized in additional training in hydraulic and

financing from hydrological modelling, use the World Bank in 2020 of remote sensing tools, and towardstheongoingGuyana data management; and (iii) Flood Risk Management information technology Project, the Ministry of support for management of Agriculture would now be d a t a ( 3 ) P r o j e c t utilising $1.2 billion from m a n a g e m e n t a n d the proceeds towards implementation component improving the drainage will support reporting and capacityontheEastCoastof auditingactivities. Demerara at Liliendaal and

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha yesterday during the contracts signing ceremony

Before the signing of the fact that we have to improve more and more development Ogle. contract, Minister of our drainage system over the especially in the agriculture

The ministry on Monday Agriculture Zulfikar years and we have been sector,” he explained signed its first set of projects Mustapha told the gathering doing that. We know for a yesterday for the year, a $1.2 billion yesterday that the World fact both the President (Dr The minister added that c o n t r a c t f o r t h e B a n k p r o j e c t i s a IrfaanAliandVicePresident the World Bank funded rehabilitation of the continuation of the (Dr Bharrat Jagdeo) been p r o j e c t w o u l d a i d Liliendaal and Ogle Government’s partnership t a l k i n g a b o u t t h e significantly in the East lying areas of the East carrying out priority flood DrainageCatchmentareasin with the bank and other improvementinourdrainage Coast areas and would Demarara. The project has riskreductioninvestmentsin Region Four Kaieteur News funding agencies to improve and irrigation system. I am contribute to the easing of three components (1) the East Coast Demerara understands that this project the drainage system in happytosayoverthelasttwo flooding there The Priority works for flood risk drainage system selected is part of the Ministry’s vulnerable areas. He noted and a half years, we have $1,288,805,122contractwas reduction component pursuant to the criteria set Flood Risk Management that over the years the seen a number of pump awarded to General includes: upgrading critical forth in the construction Project which has been country has seen the change stations, new pumps, canals, Engineering Supplies and sections of the East supervision and quality ongoingsince2014. in climate and a number of kokers, sluices and other Services Inc. In addition to

D e m e r a r a W a t e r assurance plan (2)

According to an abstract areas being flooded, dating areas that have been this project, the Ministry Conservancy, or EDWC Institutional strengthening from the World Bank page, back to 2005 when the rehabilitated and as we are signed another contract dams selected pursuant to for flood risk reduction the objective of the Flood country was hit with one of improving the drainage and worth $43,770,000 for the criteria set forth in the component will support Risk Management Project the most devastating floods irrigation aspect, the flood supervision service for the constructionsupervisionand flood modeling through the for Guyana is to reduce the ever “So as a government risk management aspect of project. This contract was quality assurance plan; following activities: (i) risk of flooding in the low- we are very cognizant of the our country we are seeing awardedtoCEMCO.

An artist’s impression of ExxonMobil’s Headquarters to be constructed at Ogle

An artist impression of a new pump station which would be constructed at Liliendaal on the East Coast of Demerara as part of the Flood Risk Management Project.

enough protection already in place

EPA plays down calls for Exxon’s guarantee on oil spill insurance …says

Severalmillionbarrelsof

“I have expressed concerns crude oil is produced and myself if you think you’re transported daily across the just concerned.” To this end, world and with it, inherently he went on to speak on bringstheriskofanoilspill. capacity building but

Such occurrences have reiterated, “some of the over the years not only concerns are also our damaged eco-systems but concerns; the parent their containment, clean up guarantee should have been and restoration of the done already; it has to be environment has also cost done soon, we told the EPA parties billions upon billions give this Exxon a deadline, ofUSDollars. give them a deadline for

One of the most doing this, it should have expensive oil spills in the been done, that one you world occurred in the USA [GlennLall]arerighton.” andinvolvedquantitiesofoil The matter has over the and gas similar that being years been raised as a cause produced and stored of concern among many presently in the Stabroek given the cost of not only block. containing and stopping but held liable for unfulfilled Barbados, the Bahamas and

Back in April 2010, a Development in the is unheard of to this day, to cleaning up after an oil spill obligations (default) of its theCaymanIslands. well blowout in the Gulf of Stabroek Block at the Liza I reasonablyrequireunlimited could in fact cripple the Subsidiary.” In 2016, the Government Mexico led to just over 3 Field was in fact granted coverageinsurance.” Guyanaeconomy

Additionally, the EPA of Guyana inked that million barrels of oil and gas permission with the criteria

The state environmental

In the Stabroek Block, sought to also assure the arrangement with Esso being leaked into the ocean ofrelyingonself-insurance. regulator said insurers are in there are at present scores of publicthatithasnotandwill Exploration and Production uptotheDeepwaterHorizon That Permit by the EPA fact disinclined and have deepwater wells spud by not shy away from G u y a n a L i m i t e d Exploration Rig which paved the way for first oil in never provided this level of ExxonMobil Guyana and examining and identifying (EEPGL) ExxonMobil caused that too to explode December 2019 by the Esso coverage Additionally, their partners along with two appropriate and other Guyana which is a and subsequently sank Exploration and Production “clarification sought from Floating Production Storage effective forms of Financial subsidiary of the US based killing 11 members of the G u y a n a L i m i t e d localinsurerswouldconfirm and Offloading (FPSO) Assurance for oil spill and Companybutisincorporated crew That incident saw the (EEPGL) ExxonMobil that there is nothing like vessels with a combined other environmental in the Bahamas and holds a hydrocarbons being leaked Guyana—and their partners, unlimited or full cover storage capacity of three liabilities.” 45 percent stake in the foralmostthreemonths—87 Hess Guyana Exploration insurance where liability is million barrels of oil. The

To this end, the EPA Stabroek Block. As such, days to be precise—and has Corporation, a subsidiary of concerned because one cargo for each FPSO is reiterated that this “work is Guyana as a new oil to date, cost that operator the US based company, cannot put an exact number offloaded into oil tankers o n g o i n g a n d w h e n producer in the world, in just someUS$70Btocleanup.

incorporated in the Cayman tofuture/potentialclaims.” intermittently This in completed,thepublicwillbe a few years has moved from British Petroleum was Islands and holds a 30

In fact, the EPA issued a addition to six drill ships in dulyupdated.” discovery to producing in the oil company responsible. percent stake, along with challenge in that “if there is operationatanypointintime

Only recently when the excess of 350,000 barrels of

These, among other reasons CNOOC Petroleum Guyana any insurer that provides or cumulatively poses a threat matter of full coverage oildailybuttheExxonMobil have led to a growing call by Limited, incorporated in there are examples of ofanoilspill. insurance was raised by the led consortium operating in Guyanese and international Barbados and holds the unlimited Insurance or a ExxonMobil Guyana has media with Vice President the Stabroek Block of the experts for the country to get remaining 25 percent Guarantee already given, the in its plans, six more Bharrat Jagdeo with regards country’s Exclusive in place adequate full interest.

EPAis open to receiving this developments in the the ExxonMobil Guyana led Economic Zone, is doing so coverage insurance, EEPGL is the operator information towards Stabroek Block, in addition operations in the Stabroek without a full and guaranteed by the parent with 45 percent holdings in informing its current to the four developments B l o c k h e d e f e r r e d comprehensive insurance companies of the oil the operation. Responding negotiations.” already approved. These are responsibilitytotheEPA.He package, guaranteed by the companies operating in the directly to the calls for Compounding the the Liza I & II oil fields, told members of the media parent company of those StabroekBlock. insurance in case of an oil situation further, the EPA currently producing and that the EPA had been subsidiaries. With this in mind, the spill, the EPA in its missive now claims that protection utilizing the Liza Destiny d i r e c t e d b y t h e The call, has in recent Environmental Protection said what was approved againstanoilspill,outsideof and Liza Unity FPSOs. A administration to get years become even more Agency (EPA), over the under the Liza I project, “it a d e q u a t e i n s u r a n c e third FPSO is currently ExxonMobil Guyana, along pronounced, given the weekend in response to the was understood that this coverage,doesexistandsaid enroute to Guyana while the w i t h H e s s quantumofliquidassetsheld calls, essentially dismissed form of FinancialAssurance “beyond Permit conditions, fourth the development of Corporation—both based in by the subsidiaries, which securing such a commitment was customarily used in the and the Environmental the fourth field is underway the United States ofAmerica many analysts have rejected from the parent companies international petroleum Protection Act which The company is at present (USA) and CNOOC, to as insufficient to meet the for the oil companies industry, and indeed it is.” In address the liability of seeking permission for its provide a written guarantee expenses associated with working in Guyana to fact, the EPA claims that a Permit Holders and ensure fifth and sixth oil field for ‘Full Coverage clean-upofanoilspill. provide such form of precursory search of that environmental damage developments in the Insurance’ for its operations

According to Jagdeo at insurance, calling such an “financial assurance for oil will not go unpunished or StabroekBlock. locally his most recent press arrangementunheardof.The spills”willshowthatthisisa unremedied, through the The fact is, wherever This, in the event of an engagement, that being the EPA in a public missive commonly accepted form of vicarious liability principle, t h e r e a r e o i l oil spill in the Stabroek case “I told the EPA to get, conceded that the first assurance.Itwasadamant“it a Parent Company can be operations exploration, Block, would see the US and they have to get the parent production, storage, Chinese based parent company guarantee ” He t r a n s p o r t i n g o r companies for the local was at the time responding refining there exists the subsidiaries, picking up the directlytoaquestionthathas risk of an oil spill, whether tab, should they be unable to beenrepeatedlyposedtohim through human fault or cover the expenses for by Kaieteur News Publisher mechanicalissues. containment and clean-up of and social commentator, At the end of the day, the anoilspillinGuyana. Glenn Lall, who sought hydrocarbons would have to The state of affairs again, to enquire into the be cleaned up from the obtains, since Guyana has a insurance that is to be ecosystem with someone or

provided by the parent entity footing the Bill.

, companies for the oil Guyana’s case with it a commonly referred to as the companies in the Stabroek storage capacity of some ‘Oil Contract,’ not with the Block. three million barrels, US or Chinese based parent The Vice President, increasing production and c

ith having brushed aside the transport out of the country, subsidiaries owned by them question on previous the potential for an oil spill,

EPA Head, Khemraj Parsram

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Cop on life support after shot to head by cousin

A 32-year-old Sergeant is stationed at the Tactical ofPolice,JermainSemple,is Services Unit along with his on life support at the Linden brother Dervon Semple and Hospital Complex after he cousin, Fawazz McRae, was allegedly shot by his were at the Crown and cousin Fawazz McRae, a 27- Anchor Grill and Bar when a year-old building contractor fight broke out between the of Central Amelia’s Ward, brothers Kaieteur News Linden Sunday night in understands that the trio, Linden. along with other friends,

The incident occurred at were imbibing at the Bamia about 21:30hrs at the Crown CreekbeforegoingtoCrown and Anchor Grill and Bar in and Achor During the Linden According to altercation,Fawazztriedto investigations Semple, who (Continued on page 17)

Guyana boosts...

From page 12 COVID-19 Meanwhile, severe COVID, this would UNICEF pledged to be one way of treating them continue supporting but it doesn’t matter,” Guyana’s fight against the M i n i s t e r A n t h o n y disease. UNICEF’s Deputy highlighted He further Representative for Guyana explained, “It’s really an and Suriname, Irfan Akhtar antiviral medication and as “This is the initial arrival of you know, SARSCOV2 is a the medicines but it will virus; and so, at critical depend how people are points in its life cycle, it proactive, coming forward would interrupt that life togetthemedicines. cycle and by doing so, We will be happy to prevent the virus from mobilise more medicines in replicating and it has been the future,” Mr Akhtar quiteeffectiveindoingso.” stated The deputy Minister Anthony representative also stressed thanked the organisation for the need for persons to be its continuous support to vaccinated in order to be Guyana in the fight against fullyprotected.(DPI)

Fawazz McRae

Critically-injured, Jermain Semple

WANTED VACANCY

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Experienced Pit Workers, Utility operaters (must have valid driver's license) and Cooks wanted for mining operation. Call: 697-2533.

Elderly bus Driver wanted for route 32 and 31. Call: 6781610.

Cook and Domestic needed. Call: 223-5273/ 223-5274.

Drivers/ Expediters needed. Call: 223-5273/ 223-5274.

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Able-bodied Porters needed, $30,000 Weekly Mon-Sat. Call: 223-9677.

One Plumber needed. Call: 615-9132.

Experienced kitchen Gardener needed to work in Queenstown, 2 days per week. Call: 648-8977, between 8am-4pm.

One experienced female Bartender needed, preferably from Georgetown. Call: 6141133/ 641-1288 for interview.

Wanted cash for your land Parfaite Harmonie, Tuchen, Farm, Providence, Eccles and elsewhere. Call: 670-8788.

One experienced Waitress needed @ Avery Lounge located @ 218 Bladen Hall, E.C.D. Call: 653-3356.

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Live-in Caretaker, farm Workers, Labourers, Office Assistant, Fabricator/ Welder & Semi-skilled Worker. Call: 621-6969/ 615-7784.

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VACANCY

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1 general Domestic needed to cook & clean, Mon- Fri and preferably living within East Bank Area. Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office.

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Pres. Ali, cabinet members meet with visiting U.S delegation

President Irfaan Ali, Kaieteur News had will serve as the U S addressthesechallenges. project development and of Amerindian Affairs; along with a high-level reported that in June 2022, government’s primary The collaboration under investment, enhancing local Pauline Sukhai; Minister cabinetteamonMondaymet U.S. Vice President Kamala mechanism for regional the PACC 2030 framework capacitybuilding,deepening within the Ministry of with United States Vice HarrislaunchedPACC2030. climate adaptation and will advance two strategic the U.S collaboration with Housing and Water, Susan President Kamala Harris’ It was stated that since then, resilience, and energy objectives that are Caribbeanpartners. Rodrigues; Foreign Special Advisor for the the United States has been cooperationthrough2030,as strengthening energy President Ali was Secretary, Robert Persaud WesternHemisphere,Joseph working with Caribbean we work toward meeting the security and promoting accompanied by Vice and Director of Presidential Salazar and Deputy Director nations to develop wide- long-term goals of the Paris climate adaptation and President, Bharrat Jagdeo; Affairs, Marcia Nadirfor Western Hemisphere ranging, long-term energy Agreement and the 2030 resilience. Prime Minister, Brigadier Sharma. While, the visiting Affairs, Office of Caribbean security and climate Sustainable Development In order to achieve the Mark Phillips; Minister of officials were accompanied Affairs,MichaelTaylor resiliencesolutions. Goals(SDGs). two aforementioned Health, Dr Frank Anthony; by the U.S Ambassador in The meeting was held at Since the Summit of the It was stated that the objectives, PACC 2030 will Minister of Public Works, Guyana, Sarah Ann Lynch; State House located in Americas, Vice President approach recognises that all organize its activities and Juan Edghill; Minister of Deputy Chief of Mission, Georgetown. According to Harris has met with six countries in the region are programmes under four Housing and Water, Collin Adrienne Galanek and information from the Office Caribbean heads of state, vulnerabletoclimatechange pillars: improving access to Croal; Minister of Tourism, Political & Economic Chief of the President, the meeting including President Irfaan and extreme weather events development financing, Industry and Commerce, at the US Embassy, Brian focused on food, energy and Ali, building on the United and require support to facilitating clean energy Oneidge Walrond; Minister Hall. climate security and States partnership with Guyana’s Low Carbon Caribbean governments in Development Strategy. defenseofoursharedvalues, Discussions also focused on and to improve Caribbean t h e G o v e r n m e n t ’ s resilience in all aspects –commitment to democracy economic, security, and as well as strengthening democracy.According to the bilateral relations between factsheetofthePACC2030, GuyanaandtheU.S. the initiative establishes a Salazar and Taylor are framework to elevate U.S. also expected to meet with cooperation with Caribbean business leaders and key countries, to support climate stakeholders to discuss adaptation and strengthen several topics of mutual energy security, while interest including the U.S.- building the resilience of Caribbean Partnership to critical infrastructure and Address the Climate Crisis local economies to the 2030(PACC2030). climate crisis. PACC 2030

Coponlifesupportaftershot...

From page 15 Commander for Regional separate the brothers at Division #10 Mr Hugh which time Jermaine W i n t e r , D e p u t y Semple turned on him, Commander Austin and the resulting in (Fawaaz) GPF’s Welfare Officer discharging two rounds Superintendent Allison from his .32 pistol, one of Moore visited the victim at which struck Jermain thehospital. Semple in his head. Semple Meanwhile, the suspect was rushed to the Linden was arrested, and the Hospital Complex, where firearm was retrieved, he remains in critical which contained four live condition. roundsofammunitioninthe Efforts were made to magazine and one in the transfer him to the chamber

Georgetown Public He too suffered injuries Hospital Corporation to his left elbow and right however he was not stable ear during the fight. He was forthetransfer “Mybrother treatedatLHCandisnowin is 90 percent gone, one police custody assisting percent chance of life,” one with the investigation. The of his siblings related to this scene was canvassed, and newspaper Semple is two .32 empty spent shells breathingonaventilator were found. Investigations O n M o n d a y , areongoing.

From page 10 youneedthem,”hesaid. think that a lot of the issues one pound ($1.21). It said the help of extra funding Nevertheless, shares in affecting U.S. banks would SVBUKhadloansofaround from JP Morgan Chase, the big U.S. banks including JP be present in European 5 5 billion pounds and mid-cap lender’s Executive Morgan Chase (JPM N), lenders. Bonds held by SVB depositsofaround6.7billion Chair Jim Herbert told Morgan Stanley (MS.N) and were “worth next to nothing poundsasofMarch10. CNBC,addingthatitwasnot Bank of America (BAC.N) in a short space of time, so WhileSVBUKissmallseeing a massive deposit also weakened, along with against that backdrop, that HSBC’s balance sheet outflow. wider stock markets. In the hasaneffectthatistranslated exceeds $2.9 trillionShockwaves were also money markets, a closely onamorewidespreadbasis,” concerns that SVB’s failure feltacrossEurope,wherethe watched indicator of credit headded. would cause Britain’s startSTOXX banking index risk in the U.S. banking U.S. regulators stepped up industry to seize up had (.SX7P) closed 5.7% lower. system edged up, as did in on Sunday after the p r o m p t e d c a l l s f o r Germany’s Commerzbank similar indicators for the collapse of SVB, which government help from some (CBKG DE) fell 12 7%, euro zone Europe’s suffered a run after a big inthesector while Credit Suisse volatility index ( V2TX) bond portfolio hit. As a Meanwhile, a furious (CSGN.S) closed at a new jumped to its highest level result, SVB’s customers will race to re-price interest rate record low after falling sinceOctober2022. have access to all their expectations also sent waves 9.6%.

“When a step (is taken) deposits from Monday and through markets as investors

Swiss financial regulator this big, this quickly, your regulators set up a new bet the Fed will be reluctant FINMA said it was closely first thought is ‘crisis facility to give banks access tohikenextweek. monitoring the banks and averted’. But your second to emergency funds. The Traders currently see a insurers it oversees and thought is, how big was that Federal Reserve made it 50%chanceofnoratehikeat looking for signs of crisis,howbigweretherisks easier for banks to borrow theFed’smeetingnextweek, contagion, while a senior that this step had to be from it in emergencies with rate cuts priced in for European Central Bank taken?” said Rick Meckler, Regulators also moved the second half of the year supervisor said the board partner at Cherry Lane swiftly to close New York’s Earlier last week a 25 basis which oversees the euro Investments. Signature Bank, which had point hike was fully priced zone’s biggest banks did not Emboldened by bets that come under pressure in in,witha70%chanceseenof see any need for an the U.S. Federal Reserve recentdays. 50basispoints. emergencymeeting. may have to slow its rate FALLOUT Two-year U.S. Treasury B i d e n s a i d h i s hikes, and with investors Companies around the yields were last down 55 bps administration’s rapid seeking safe havens, the globe with SVB accounts at around 4.09% set for their actions at the weekend price of gold raced towards rushedtoassessthepotential biggest one day fall since should reassure Americans thekey$1,900level. impact on their finances, 1987 according to Refinitiv that the U.S. banking system “There is a sense of while in Germany, the data.SVB’s collapse comes is safe, and promised stiffer contagion and where we see central bank convened its alongside the closure of bank regulation after the a repricing around financials crisis team to assess the crypto-focused bank country’s biggest bank is leading to a repricing possible fallout on the local Silvergate (SI.N), which last failure since the 2008 across markets,” said Mark market. weekdisclosedplanstowind financial crisis.

“Americans Dowding, chief investment And after marathon down operations and can have confidence that the officer at BlueBay Asset weekend talks, HSBC voluntarily liquidate, in the banking system is safe. Your ManagementinLondon. HSBA.L said it was buying aft

deposits will be there when Dowding said he did not the British arm of SVB for implosionlastyear

President Irfaan Ali (tenth from left), cabinet members and the visiting U.S officials

Bidenpledges‘whateverneeded’forU.S.system...

GHRAknockshastyUS$35Me-IDcarddeal - flags sole-sourcing of contractor, lack of public consultations, parliamentary oversight

The Guyana Human the effectiveness, the Rights Association (GHRA) competitiveness, the says the signing of an efficiency all improve as a agreement to operationalise resultofthistechnology.” e-governance in Guyana, Meanwhile, in a press without the framework statement Monday, the legislation covering Data GHRA said Guyana is Protection being in place, is unique in the Caribbean at recklessintheextreme. present in having no

The body said that given electronictransactionsActto the haste, absence of public displace time-consuming consultation and threats to and stressful paper-based the integrity of personal procedures, for example, in information, not to mention registeringbirthsanddeaths, the seeming illegality of creating a bank account or sole-sourcing the project, it registering a company The iscallingfortheprojecttobe body said for a number of paused and submitted to years CARICOM countries Parliament. have been holding serious

The Government of consultations on Data and Guyana (GoG) on Friday P r i v a c y P r o t e c t i o n

Unfittest: Why the Worst drastically along a signed a US$35 million legislation covering vital Infrastructure Gets Built - technologicallandscape.” contract with a German- matters such as terms of AndWhatWeCanDoAbout Thesystem,andthecards based company, Veridos consent, data sharing by It’, Oxford Review of by extension, according to Identity Solutions for a Government agencies and Economic Policy, December the President, will also allow S i n g l e E l e c t r o n i c the ‘right to be forgotten’, 2009 The most prudent for the issuance of work Identification System and among others. (This right courseofactionwouldbefor permits and resident cards that will be issued to covers situations in which

Guyana to engage with identification “E-ID Guyanese The official people may and may not CARICOM in an effort to systems promote the idea of contract signing between the request their information not ensure that this new project one citizen, one identity by Government and Veridos, tobepublicized.)“Allofthis harmonizes with and assigning a unique national took place virtually from issidelinedbyaGovernment b e n e f i t s f r o m t h e registration number to each StateHouse. dazzled by the prospect of Parliamentary experience of citizen for use by all President Irfaan Ali as “e-health, e-education, e- CARICOM States such as Government agencies,” Ali well as Prime Minister, security, e-agriculture, personal and nationally projects such as the Channel Barbados, Trinidad and noted. Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark electronic permits, and sensitive data. Contrary to Tunnel, the Sydney Opera Jamaica.Indeed,asagesture

The Head of State also Phillips; Senior Minister license processing, the caution required in this H o u s e a n d L o n d o n of regionalizing Guyana’s noted that in addition to within the Office of the etcetera”. area Guyana’s transition Olympics which turned into new-found wealth Guyana’s improving Government President with responsibility According to the Tech from a state of electronic financial nightmares. This is Parliament should offer to services,thesystemwillalso for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh Transactions & Data Privacy illiteracy to a digital world is particularly pertinent in light fundadigitizationprocessin benefit the private sector He and Minister within the 2022 Report, published in being placed (and if sole- of the fact that Guyana’s CARICOM. continued, “So, the cost of Ministry of Public Works, the recent edition of The sourced, illegally) in the major infra-structure Promotinge-governance doing business, the Deodat Indar attended the National Law Review hands of foreign private projects - theAmaila Hydro, At the signing last week, e f f e c t i v e n e s s , t h e signing ceremony President “businesses are increasingly companies, apparently thedeep-seagaspipelineand President Ali said that the competitiveness, the Ali said that the Single pivoting to digital service orchestrated by the United the gas plant - are all one-off card’s capabilities are also in efficiency all improved as a Electronic Identification models that leverage the Arab Emirates, tarnished by with few references for k e e p i n g w i t h h i s result of this technology.” System being developed for internet in place of in-person itsillegalgoldtransactions.” comparison.” Government’s commitment Moreover, PresidentAli also Guyana will not only transactions.” Moving data T h e G H R A s a i d ‘Delusional optimism’ to promote eGovernance to stated that the system will enhance the ease of acrossbordersforprocessing according to press reports, rather than a rational improve the productivity of adhere to the highest level of transactions but will be one off-shore is the essence of the technical suitability of weighting of gains, losses, businesses and the delivery internationalstandards. of the most technologically multi-national business thecompanyandprogramme and probabilities has been of Government services According to him, “The advanced. He said that too “This does not sit easily with was determined by the suggestedasamajorcauseof through the introduction of system allows the capture of that the cards will be Guyana’s love affair with National Data Management underestimation of cost and eHealth, eEducation, individuals’ biographical compliant with 18013-5 of p i e c e s o f p a p e r technicians, raising the over-estimation of benefits. eSecurity, eAgriculture, and biometric information the ISO standard and will be accompanying every question: why In light of Over-estimates on ICT electronic permit, and based on international acceptedbytheInternational conceivable business our digital backwardness to projects were so high, license processing among standards and stores it to Civil Aviation Organization transaction. For all of these date, better informed according to a leading otherareas. provide identity-based (ICAO) for international reasons, Guyana needs to expertise was not sought authority on cost-benefit in He noted that the services to individuals and travel. transition to an e-world, but from experienced impartial infra-structure projects that enhancement is necessary otherGovernmentoffices.

The collaboration was t o d o s o w i t h sources.

“if a major project is not because there is an TheIDandresidentcards facilitated by United Arab circumspection,” the GHRA An equally critical issue already messed up, injecting i m m e d i a t e n e e d t o arelaserengraved,blackand Emirate, His Royal reasoned. is the systematic global a good dose of ICT will do implement a robust national white technology with Highness,SheikhAhmedbin The body said however, under-estimating of costs of the job” he was told. Under- identity management system secure, pre-printed designs SaeedAlMaktoum.Thenew the key democratic and major Information and estimating costs and over- that focuses on the and devices for a state-ofelectronic identification ethicalissuesassociatedwith C o m m u n i c a t i o n s estimating benefits on the integration of identification the-art polycarbonate system, the President adoption of such legislation Technology ICT) infra- proposed project is also services across government document, which includes a e x p l a i n e d , w o u l d is the misuse of data structure projects and the vulnerable to consultants agencies, security, ease of chip that can integrate a revolutionise how business transferred internationally likelihood of sky-rocketing taking advantage of use,andacquisitionofIDs. variety of services to the is done in Guyana and with b y c o u n t r i e s a n d pricesdowntheroad. Guyana’s incalculable oil The President added, individual.” its advanced security system multinational companies

“Despite being the most wealth, our dilapidated “This ID system would The President said the it will eliminate the need for “The European Union, for common infra-structure system of public accounts improveaccesstoallcitizen- system and software will be certaindocuments. example, recognizes only projects, roads and bridges and the haste to get the job centric Government services tailored for Guyana and will Ali said, “Through this thirteen countries to which suffer globally from cost- done. In light of this, all and benefit the citizens, include implementation card, the banking sector now data may be transferred benefit miscalculations in Guyana

o r a n d services, training of can have fingerprint safely, the United States not the region of an average of p e r s o n n e l w i t h Governmentalike. a d m i n i s t r a t o r s a n d verificationandvalidationof being one of them. Apart, 40% on the former and responsibilities for Guyana’s This will bring us in line operators, local help desk the person who’s before therefore, from the practical 38.8% on the latter This large infra-structure and ICT with solutions used by the support and 60 months of them. So, the need for proof challenges involved in remains true both globally projects would be advised to most developed economies, support and maintenance of address and all the audit digitalization, there are also and over-time However, readthesourcedocumentfor and position Guyana to be a The project is expected to documentationiseliminated. human rights concerns in theypaleincomparisonwith reference, namely Bent competitive sphere in a h a

The cost of doing business, relation to protection of cost-overruns on ‘one-off’ Flyvberg, ‘Survival of the world that is advancing implementationperiod.

President Irfaan Ali and other officials at the contract signing on Friday (Department of Public Information photo)

President of the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Mike McCormack

Police arrest prime suspect in West Canje chopping

The prime suspect in the alleged murder of Kevin Junior Small of Patrick Dam, Angoy’s Avenue

was apprehended yesterday in an operationbypoliceinRegion6.

Ryan Dhanpat, 34 a labourer of Smythfield Village, New Amsterdam was arrested in a hire car He is currently at the Central Police Station assisting with investigations. Police said Dhanpat was told of the allegations but he opted to remain silent.

Apost mortem conducted on the body of Small revealed that he died from shock and haemorrhage compounded by an incised wound to the forearm. Police said that on Sunday, March 12, 2023 Small, Shamar Wilson and two others had gone to Caracas Damforaswiminthetrench.

Shortly after, Dhanpat and two others arrived and confronted them, an argument ensued and it became physical. Kevin Small escaped. Wilson was taken to the New plungedintothetrenchtoescapethefightbut Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was waspulledbyDhanpatwhowasarmedwitha admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Small cutlass. He dealt Small several chops about was later found motionless near a house in hisbody Budhan Scheme, West Canje Berbice. Police

Wilson subsequently jumped in to help aresearchingfortwoothers. Small but he too was chopped, the men then

HopeEstatefishermancharged withmurderofreputedwife

Otis Ricardo Kattow, a fisherman was charged on Monday with the murder of his reputed wife, Aneeza Ishmael who died on March 6last.

Kattow of Lot 279 Hope Estate, East Coast Demerara (ECD) made his first court appearance in the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore wherethechargewasreadto him. He was not required to pleadtotheindictablecharge which alleges that on March 6, at Hope Estate, he murdered 26-year-old

Man shot, cop, others robbed

Killed,

to prison,

Aneeza Ishmael, a mother of belongings. While there, the substance, and he fell to the two. police reported, the woman ground.

Kattow was yesterday was confronted by the Police stated that upon remanded to prison and is suspect,whoaskedhernotto arrival at the scene, Ishmael expected to return to in court leave. According to reports, and the suspect were rushed on April 25, 2023. Kaieteur Ishmael insisted that she to the CC Nicholson News had reported that last only came to collect her Hospital at Nabaclis, ECD, Monday Ishmael was killed clothing but the suspect where they were admitted. by Kattow as she was trying became annoyed and pulled At about 12:20hrs that day, a to leave their abusive a knife from his pants and doctor pronounced the relationship. According to attackedher victim dead while receiving police reports, the woman The police reported that treatment. The suspect was wasstabbedaround10:00hrs Ishmael’s sister intervened escorted to the Georgetown at their Hope Estate, ECD and pushed her away telling Public Hospital, where he residence The police hertorun,whichshedid,but was admitted under guard revealedthatIshmaelandthe the suspect ran behind the and was discharged on suspect had lived together in woman and caught up with Wednesdaylast. a common-law relationship her in the yard, where he At the scene, crime and had ongoing domestic stabbedherintheneck,face, experts found a knife in the issues where the suspect andhands,causinghertofall yard, and an empty bottle would accuse her of being totheground. appeared to be the bottle unfaithful. The suspect then containingthesubstancethat

OnMarch3last,Ishmael attacked the sister and she the suspect consumed hadlefthomeandwenttoher fought him off. She suffered S u b s e q u e n t l y a n friend’s house at Better a wound to her left thumb. investigation was launched Hope,ECDwhereshestayed Reports are that after into the matter The woman for a few days. However, on committing the act, the leaves to mourn her two March 6, she returned home suspecttheninflictedseveral children – a seven-year-old in the company of her 21- wounds on his body and daughter and four-year-old year-old sister to collect her consumed a poisonous son,andotherrelatives.

-asmotorbikebanditsattack customersatKamboatRestaurant

A man is hospitalised at the Georgetown A30 cellular phone valued at $40,000 and a PublicHospitalCorporation(GPHC)afterhe numberofdocuments;and a36-year-oldtaxi was shot during a robbery on Saturday night driver of Cummings Lodge, ECD, was at Kamboat Restaurant located on Sheriff robbed of his Samsung Galaxy S20 cellular Street. phone valued at $120,000 and $25,000 in

In a press release, police said that the cash.

armed robbery was carried out by two It was reported to the police that on the identifiable males on XR motorcycle. They night in question, the victims were at the have not been arrested. The police reported restaurantpurchasingfoodwhenthesuspects that around 22:30hrs on Saturday, the men went into the restaurant posing as customers. wenttotherestaurantwheretheyrobbedfour One of the suspects, police learnt, pulled a persons including a police officer taking handgun from the waist of his pants and awaytheircashandvaluables. demanded that the victims hand over their

According to the police, a 21-year-old valuables.

Ramp Attendant, employed at the Cheddi Oneofthevictims,thepolicesaidrefused Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and of to comply, and the armed suspect discharged Crown Street, Queenstown, was robbed of a round towards him, causing him to receive $11,000 in cash and one ZTE cellular phone; aninjurytohisleftsideabdomen. an 18-year-old Bill Clerk employed at the Before making good their escape on their restaurant and of ‘B’ Field Sophia, was motorcycle, the suspects then took away the robbed of her Samsung Galaxy A51 cellular cashinsidethecashregisterandthenrelieved phone valued at $75,000, one gold chain and theothervictimsofthevaluables.Theinjured an undisclosed amount of cash, property of victimwastakentothehospitalwherehewas Kamboat Restaurant; a Police Corporal who admitted receiving treatment An resides at Industry, East Coast Demerara investigation into the robbery has been (ECD), was robbed of one Samsung Galaxy launched.

Remanded

Otis Kattow

Aneeza Ishmael

The Kamboat Restaurant on Sheriff Street

Murder suspect, Ryan Dhanpat

GHBselects18-manHockey...

From page 22 upsets to advance from the control the absence of an Woodroffe has also USAonApril10followedby group phase.” The team has artificialturftotrainandplay contributed to the high Barbados on April 11and been working on strength and our inexperience,but we expectations surrounding concluding with power and conditioning with can control how fit we are thisteam. houseCanadaonApril13. former national Rugby andhowhardweworkonthe The players will be S p e a k i n g o n h i s Captain, turned physical field.”

accompanied by Manager expectations of the team, trainer,TheodoreHenry. Although fairly well and former national captain Head Coach Robert Fernandes noted, “We balanced,theteam’sstrength MarishaFernandes,Coaches Fernandessaid,“Allcreditto were struggling for a while comes from their midfield John Abrahams and Robert the boys for putting in the after our long-time trainer three of Shaquan Favorite, Fernandes, as well as team work,Ithinkwehaveagreat B a r r i n g t o n B r o w n e TahreaGarnettandShakeem doctorCharlynElliot. group of youngsters who are migrated, but Theodore has Fausette.

National Junior Men’s capable of executing at a had a great impact on the T h e d r a m a t i c Team: Jamal Gaskin, Raoul highlevel.I’mconfidentthat boys’fitness since he started improvement of players like Whittaker, Baraka Garnett, we will be competitive and working with them Our Oshazay Savory, Simeon Daniel Woolford, Jabari hopefully pull off some philosophy is that we cannot Moore and Vladimir Lovell,JavidHussain,Leroy Geer, Nandalall Persaud, Oshazay Savory, Quinn Tobin, Samuel Woodroffe, Shakeem Fausette, Shaquon Favorite, Simeon Moore, Tahrea Garnett, Vladimir Woodroffe,WarrenWilliams andYonnickNorton.

Tuesday March 14, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

The desire to write your thoughts on a subject you've been either thinking about or possibly even researching couldarisetoday,Aries.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Your artistic talents could be puttogoodusetodayfixingup wherever it is that you work on, Taurus.You might want to repaint, put up new plants or pictures, or do anything else that makes the place seem a littlemoredressedup.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Organized parties, impromptu get-togethers, or other social events should be enjoyable today, Gemini. You will feel a strong sense of belonging to a family or community and a rush of affection for everyone involved.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Your imagination is flying high today, Cancer Whatever challenges come up, you will find ingenious solutions to them. Love matters and the creativeartscouldcometothe forefront.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Aphone call could come from a friend bringing great news your way today, Leo. This could involve the success of a project of some kind that you've both been involved with

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

Today you could surprise a close friend or lover with a gift, Virgo. There may be no special occasion. You may have seen something in the store that you knew he or she would like or mentioned wanting.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

A place far away that you haven't visited for a while yet long to see again could be on yourmindtoday.Youmighttoy withtheideaofgoingthere,but you aren't really sure if you can.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

You should feel especially loving now, especially toward that special someone You might want to schedule an intimate evening, perhaps at a favoriterestaurant.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Organized parties, impromptu get-togethers, or other social events should be enjoyable today You will feel a strong senseofbelongingtoafamilyor community and a rush of affectionforeveryoneinvolved

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

The aura today is calm and peaceful, stress is at a minimum. You're likely to be getting along very well with your group, even the more difficultamongthem.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Loveandromanceareapttobe among your top priorities today Someone from far away might have captured your heart. You could be looking forward to getting together tonight, perhaps to attend a concertorsportingevent.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

A member of your household who'srecoveringfromanillness could express appreciation for all your help This might come as a surprise because serving your friends is second nature to you Rest assured that whatever you've been doing has made a big difference

Standby PlayersDonnel Alleyne & Robert Marcus

GHB selects 18-man Hockey squad for Pan Am Championships

After months of intense (GHB) yesterday announced Junior Pan American consists of 14 players who a four-match series, while debuts. training and continuous the 18-man under 21 men’s ChampionshipsinBarbados. traveled to Barbados in also consisting of four Guyana’s first group fitness and skill tests, the team, that will represent According to a release December and defeated the newcomers who will be matchwillbeagainstthe Guyana Hockey Board Guyana at the April 10 – 18 from the GHB, the team host country’s junior team in making their international (Continued on page 21)

Three exciting wins and a draw in the GFF-Tiger Rentals U-13 weekend fixtures

Georgetown Football Haynes at the GFF National Michael Correa and Jaden cheerful parents, players and Association Academy TrainingCentre,Providence, Joshua. teammates. Training Center (ATC), East EastBankDemerara. East Coast ATC Mark The GFF-Tiger Rentals’ Coast Football Association RileyTracey’sgoalinthe Glasgow’s lone goal 58 Under-13 Inter-Association (ATC) and East Bank 20th minute put Bartica minutes into the match Development Football FootballAssociationATCall Football Club on the board. clinched the victory for his LeaguekickedoffinJanuary secured exciting wins on Both teams played strong team against Upper and features young players Saturday in the Guyana defensive strategies, but the DemeraraFootballClub. from clubs and Academy Football Federation (GFF) home team’s pressure paid While East Berbice ATC Training Centres (ATC) in Tiger Rentals Under-13 off with a final goal by and West Demerara ATC Guyana. I n t e r - A s s o c i a t i o n Haynes in the 40th minuteof drew 1-1 at the end of the The tournament was Development Football the game. East Bank ATC official match time. Goal specifically designed to League. dominated West Berbice scorers were Xavier develop young players’

In a much anticipated ATC 3-0 in an impressive AndrewsandKeonGrant. football knowledge and to matchup, Georgetown ATC show of team cohesion and The matches were ensure that they have a defeated Bartica ATC 2 - 1 attacking strategy. The watched by GFF President national platform to thanks to goals from Justin winning goals were made by Wayne Forde, GFF Fitness showcase their skills on the Tempow and Joshawn Emmanuel Francois, Coach Wilson Toledo, pitch.

Action from the GFF Tiger Rentals Under-13 Inter-Association Development Football League.

10 wickets in two sessions as Demerara commands an easy win over Select XI

Day Three across at GGCground,Bourda,where the second round match between Demerara Men and GCB Select XI of the Guyana Cricket Board’s Men’s Senior Inter County Four Day cricket produced a result for the host team.

Demerara won by 243 runs after starting the day 347 runs ahead and batting a second time were 92-4, eventually declaring at 1718 Akshaya Persaud top scored in the second innings for Demerara Men with 59 (131), Chris Barnwell made 37(60), as Select XI bowler Carlos La Rose finished 220.

finishing with 5-62 and 243 runs in the latter part of

The Select XI 181 were Richie Looknauth 3-43 to the final session on Day all out with Steven Sankar hand Demerara victory by Three.

- Elections to proceed as planned amidst controversy ‘Red Letter Day’ for the GOA!

By Rawle Toney Netball Association, Guyana Canoe

The controversial Guyana Olympic Federation, Guyana Taekwondo Association Association (GOA) elections will proceed as and the Guyana Fencing Federation were planned today from 5:00pm at Olympic listedasineligible. HouseinLilliendaal. Archery Guyana, Guyana Amateur

Following the review of the GOA’s Powerlifting Federation, and the Guyana auditedfinancialstatementsandareportfrom Wrestling Association are Associate the Executive Committee for their 2017 – Members pending affiliation to the GOAand 2022 period, qualifiedAssociations will vote areineligibletovoteattheEGM. fornewExecutiveofficersfor2023–2025. However, in a letter to the Associations

The meeting’s agenda, shared with attached to the GOA, Yassin, a former Chief KaieteurNews,statedthataftertheelections, Magistrate and Attorney-At-Law, stated that the new Executive Committee will appoint none of the Constituent Members can be Auditors and authorize the executives to fix disqualified under the past or current theirremuneration. constitution.

The floor would then be open for Yassin also questioned the legality of the questions, motions, resolutions and any other GOA’s notices to the Associations since business that might need to be addressed by Secretary-General Hector Edwards, the Executive Committee from the GOA’s according to reports, said he did not sign or membership. authorizethecorrespondence.

Guyana Baseball League (GBL) Yassin is arguing that the letter dated president Robin Singh and Guyana Table March 7 highlighting the eligibility of Tennis Association (GTTA) president associationsandnominatedcandidatesforthe GodfreyMunroewillgohead-to-headforthe Elections“isofnoeffectandlacksthelegality ‘head chair’ position of the GOA, where for andefficacyasisrequiredunderArt11.3.5.It the first time in almost three decades, the means that there has been a breach of the associationwillhaveanewpresident. election process and the title of Art 11

The incumbent president, Kalam Juman- specifically spoke about the Election Yassin, was disbarred from seeking another Process.” term at the helm of the GOA following the TheGOApresidentfurtheraddedthat“as Association’snewconstitution’s70-yearage- a result of the grave breach of Art 1.3.5 it is limitclause. my view both as president and from a legal

There has been a series of questions and standpoint that the meeting on Tuesday threats of legal action emanating from the cannotlegallyproceedasitwouldbeindirect GOA’s affiliates after some members were contraventionoftheConstitution.” excluded from participating in the voting With Yassin being one of the country’s process. premier legal luminaries, it would be

TheGOAhadsetseveralrequirementsfor interesting to see how things unfold today, itsmemberstobedeemedeligibletovote;the especiallysincehe’slegalcounselforseveral GBL, Guyana Judo Federation, Guyana sportsinstitutionsinGuyana.

Ronaldo Ali Mohammed receives his Man of the Match award from GCB official.

GCB U-15 Inter-County set to bowl off today

- Berbice vs GCB Select XI at Everest, Demerara vs Essequibo at Enmore

The Guyana Cricket Lakeram Singh, Gibran Crossman, Jacthniel Nurse, Board (GCB) announced the Yacoob, Reshan Sakrulla, Eldon Lewis, Bhomesh Lall, commencement of the GCB FeaazBaksh Christopher Williams, Under-15 Inter- County Zandon Rose, Nicholas Demerara squad: tournament, which is set to Lovell, Vierindra Pooran, Mickel Sharma (Captain), bowl off today, March 14. Justin Dowlin, Jonathan

Emmanuel Lewis (Vice- This year’s Super50

Barry Thereservesare:Eron Captain), Munesh Outar, tournament will be played Benjamin, Jamol Rammall, Permeshwar Ram, Ravin with coloured clothing and Otis Roberts, Justin Henry, Singh, Navin Narine, Trilok white ball as opposed to the Darrius Pearson, Ravid Nanan, Roupie Rajaram, previousyears. Fredericks. Brandon Henry, Julian

Thisyear’stournamentis

Coach:TerryNewton Craig, Reyaz Latif, Darwin expected to be very Manager: Vickram

la Rose, Ravin Persaud, competitive with most of the Ramnarine JoshuaCharles.Thereserves players from last year GCB Select XI squad: are Anix Hemnarine, Samir returning because of the Dave Mohabir (Captain), Bhola, Niclas Simon, Udesh eligibility age implemented KishanSilas,ShoaibGafoor, Jaikarran, Theirry Davis, byCricketWestIndiesforall Vishal Williams, Dravid KadeemCampbell age group tournaments this Manohar, Jayden Edwards, M a n a g e r : K u m a r year The regional under-15

Dhanesh Persaud, Matthew Bishundial tournament is slated to Pereira, Jonathan Mentore, commence onApril 2, 2023, ArunGainda(ViceCaptain), Coach: Latchman inAntiguaandBarbuda.

Thierry Henry, Enrique Yadram Matcheswillbeplayedat Mickle, Eron Benjamin, Essequibo squad: Enmore, Everest and GCC, ShanePrince,JosiahLin.

Elisha Ramdat (Captain), Bourda on March 14, 15 and

Coach:WinstonSmith Ethan Silas, Omrion Smith, 17 with 09:30 hours start at ManagerYuerajKhemraj Makaya Holmes, Dennis each venue. Live streaming for these matches will be available on the GCB Facebookpage.

Berbicesquad:Romario

Ramdeholl (Captain), Sohail Mohammed (Vice-captain), Navin Boodwah, Razam Koobeer, Gavin Kisten, Arif Khan, Adrian Hetymer, Nicholas Hall, Ravin Boodwah, Dave Prettipaul,

Letter to the Sports Editor Watching the going’s on of the GOA elections

DearEditor, prolonginghistenure.

I have read in your newspaper the If there is/was a fraud then call in the uttering’s of current president of the Guyana policewhygotothemedia? Olympic Association Mr K. Juman Yassin. His call to postpone the election is Mr Yassin claims fraud leading up to the another three card trick to extend his elections. Mr Yassin wants the elections miserable tenure and reeks with the stench of postponed. March 2020. It’s time to go Juman.The most

Thisissomeonewhohasbeenatthehelm decentthingyoucandoistogogracefully of the GOA for more than 25 years and has Yourssincerely, done nothing other than attempt at R. Trim

Dhanesh Persaud Elisha Ramdat Richard Ramdeholl