Breaking News Guyana

Authorities have launched an investigation into a possible cover-up of a mining accident last month that left a Russian geologist dead.
According to information reaching Kaieteur News late last week, a team from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) was supposed to travel to the Annamuri Backdam, Mazaruni, Region Seven to investigate the incident.
The mining operation is reportedly owned by a company named Innovative Mining Inc., controlled by businessman Parmeshwar ‘Joe’ Jagmohan.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, disclosed that indeed that was an incident.
The official said that from information filtering in from GGMC, the Russian geologist, whose name was given as Oleg, and a mining worker, Kenneth Smith, were both in a newly dug trench taking samples when one of walls collapsed, covering them. The trench was about 10 feet deep and 45 feet long.
The Russian died on spot while an injured Smith was taken for medical help.
According to Minister Broomes, from her information, the Ministry of Social Protection was notified and a team was flown in to investigate.
However, GGMC is concerned why the company took several days to notify the entity of the accident.
GGMC received the letter on June 23 but it was dated June 20th.
According to mining officials, the report from the company is incomplete and there will be an investigation into whether the Russian had the relevant documents and whether the company had indeed entered a joint venture without filing for the relevant permits.
There have been number of deadly accidents over the past year with the administration announcing a zero tolerance for any breaches found.
There have been increased monitoring but miners reportedly have continued to take risks.

The police today issued bulletins for an Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD) couple in relation to the murder of Police Constable Quincy Lewis.

The police are seeking Thakurdial Samaroo, 56, and Youssef Zahid aka Naqueeba Zahid Zafarali of Lot 7 Ogle Front, ECD for questioning in connection with the murder.

Lewis’ suspected remains were found in a sand pit at Madewini yesterday. He had been missing since June 2000.

The police have said that they will be seeking the extradition of a couple in connection with the murder.

Almost three years after Police Constable Quincy Lewis disappeared without a trace after leaving his home for work, authorities are yet to locate the missing man and are now hunting two suspects in relation to his disappearance.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, in a telephone interview with this publication on Tuesday, said while police are still investigating the officer’s disappearance, it appears as though the suspects might have fled the jurisdiction.

Lewis, who was attached to the Agricola Outpost on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), went missing on June 19, 2020.

Reports are that he boarded a motorcar (registration provided) and left his Lot 4315 West Minster, West Bank Demerara (WBD) home and was not heard from nor seen since.

The man’s brother, Revon Jordon, had told this publication that the family became aware that Lewis was missing after the owner of the car came looking for him at their home.

A missing person report was filed seven days following the disappearance.

Lewis’s mother, Charlene Jordan said she made several visits to the Police Station since her son went missing, but she was told that they were still investigating the matter and making every attempt to locate the young man who is in his 20s.

Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance recordings revealed that Lewis crossed the Demerara Harbour Bridge, which is less than ten minutes’ drive from where he is stationed. He was last seen entering Greenfield Park, EBD.

A few months after he disappeared, Lewis’ cell phone was found in the Timehri, EBD area with the screen cracked.

As of April 2023 Police from the Major crimes unit of the Guyana police force are searching for the remains, believed to the those of Constable Quincy Lewis on the linden Soesdyke Highway. The operation is said to be based on intelligence gathered.
Lewis, a serving member of the Guyana Police Force since 2015, was stationed at the Agricola Police Station, East Bank Demerara.
The Constable was last seen alive on the afternoon of June 19, 2020, when he left in his friend’s car, PTT 7541, to report for work.

Today, Guyana has won yet another battle in its quest to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity at the International Court of Justice against Venezuela.
There is still a long road more to travel in order to arrive at that lawful, conclusive and binding determination that will finally entomb this unfounded claim. Needless to say, we remain committed to the pursuit of that course.
However, it is important at this juncture, that a grateful nation salutes all those who have played a part, supported and continue to support us in this just cause, including of course, our legal team!

The Ministry of Public Works wishes to inform the general public that it is an offence under the Road Act of the Laws of Guyana, Chapter 51:01, to encumber roadways and road reserves.

We have observed that main roadways along the East Bank, East Coast, West Bank and West Coast Demerara Public Roads, as well as the Sheriff St and Mandela Av roadways, are increasingly encumbered by equipment, trucks and trailers such as those shown below that were observed along Sheriff St and Mandela Av. This is an unsafe practice due to the risk of accidents and injuries to road users and must be discontinued.

The Ministry of Public Works hereby states that all such encumbrances on roadways and road reserves must be removed with immediate effect. Failure to comply will result in the Ministry utilising all appropriate measures to have those encumbrances removed and charges administered in accordance with Chapter 51:01 of the Road Act of the Laws of Guyana.

The Ministry looks forward to your immediate cooperation in this regard.

US company proposes state-of-the-art Environmental Clean Up Facility in Guyana

A FLORIDA, United States-based company known as Newyon, LLC. is interested in constructing and operating an Environmental Clean Up Facility (ECF) in Guyana that would address the environmental stress caused by a lack of proper solid waste disposal options. Using modern technology, municipal solid waste has a valuable role to play in the circular economy model.

American developer and Director of Newyon, LLC, William L. New, who has extensive experience in waste collection/processing, as well as in the energy sectors, said the proposed ECF in Guyana would use an existing collection and transportation system to transform 400 metric tons of waste per day from the greater metropolitan area of Georgetown.

“All facilities, environmental control equipment, operating practices, and human resources protocols are designed and operated to World Bank Standards and the Best Available Control Technology (BACT),” he told this publication.

He explained that the need for clean energy to supply emerging economies, the health of the local population, and the socio-economic needs of developing regions are taken into consideration when investing.

The ECF, he explained, will remove 130-190,000 metric tons per year of municipal solid waste (MSW) and rotting biomass while producing 10-15 MW of clean energy and 10,000 liters per day of bottled water for the local inhabitants who do not have access to potable water.

The energy produced, the director explained, will be sold to the commercial/industrial sectors, which have both the need for clean, renewable energy and the desire to enhance their social profiles by actively contributing to environmental clean-up as well as removing the greenhouse gas, methane, which is emitted from landfills and uncontrolled dumping of garbage.

The potable water, he added, will be distributed to the local communities where safe drinking water does not exist. The plant will be operated by trained locals, including 50 percent women.

The total project cost for an Environmental Clean Energy Facility is estimated to be US$65-75,000,000 with attractive cash flows based on a zero cost of raw materials. Permitting, environmental impact studies, feasibility studies, and legal studies will take approximately 10 months. Construction and start-up will take an additional 12 months.

The long-term objective, he explained, is to create a center of excellence to provide sustainable solutions to mitigate the crisis of gross contamination of the waterways, aquifers, and cities in the Caribbean plus Central and South America.

Using proven suppliers and an Engineer, Procure, and Construct (EPC) that is bankable, the facility will include site preparation for 10 hectares; in addition, a light manufacturing facility will be co-located to build the proprietary control systems.

He noted that such a facility eliminates the smell of burning garbage; eliminates uncontrolled dumping, and pollution of landfills and aquifers, and lowers energy costs using a circular economy approach.

“If the Government of Guyana redirects the 420 metric tons per day to a Newyon ECF, this amount of solid waste will be reduced by 90%. The remaining inorganics (metals) will be recycled, and the ash residue will be used in either concrete blocks or asphalt. A small concrete block plant is included as well as a small asphalt plant,” he explained.

The company, he said, will function as the technical partner alongside the people and institutions of Guyana to eliminate the serious contamination of the air, water, and the negative health impact. Newton will operate the plant using local, trained technicians.

Further, he explained that the company plans to ensure transparency and accountability in its operations and partnerships in Guyana since there will be permits, environmental impact studies and ongoing testing of the air, water and soils as part of the daily, weekly, monthly and annual operations. “There are over 80 facilities like this operating in the US and over 1,000 in the world,” he noted, adding, “This plant will either be guaranteed to be self-funding, or it will not be built. If it cannot meet US EPA and OSHA standards, it will not be built.”

The developer further highlighted that “this is a partnership where Newyon supplies the technical, operating and financial know-how while Guyana provides the circular economy opportunity that supplies the raw material, technicians to operate the plant and the market to use the product.”

Update to Local Content Act could bring in US$350 million more annually – Dr. Pertab

Director of Guyana’s Local Content Secretariat, Dr. Martin Pertab, said that a new update to the Local Content Act’s first schedule could bring in US$300-350 million annually.

Presently, 40 categories are subject to a legal mandate for contractors to utilize Guyanese goods and services at or above various targets. According to Pertab, the government is looking at adding several new areas, with the current target being 20 or so, to bring in additional revenues.

Last year, the Secretariat had estimated based on commitments that the holistic impact of the Act would bring in US$700 million in its first year. However, preliminary estimates show actual local spending has exceeded this estimate.

This year, the Secretariat is focusing on strengthening the Act. He said the agency has had extensive discussions with the private sector, as the Secretariat’s work will be informed by proven in-country capacity.

Dr. Pertab explained that it is important to work with the private sector to make the Secretariat’s work a success. He said there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach, in this regard, since different companies will have different approaches to doing business.

Outgoing President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker, told OilNOW that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has identified 25 categories that were recommended to the Local Content Secretariat, for an update of the Local Content Act’s first schedule. He said GCCI has identified a few others.

Tucker emphasized that Guyanese companies are no longer only targeting the provision of services labeled ‘low-hanging fruit’, but are going above and beyond, with investments in services like pipe coating and vessel services. Tucker has called for a strengthening of the Act to prevent rent-seeking and contract bundling.

Read this OilNOW exclusive with Dr. Pertab last November, explaining how the Local Content Act secures benefits for Guyanese nationals and firms:

India’s Foreign Minister and business leaders to visit Guyana next month

India’s Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and a group of business leaders from India will visit Guyana in April as part of the country’s efforts to build stronger relationships with nations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This was confirmed by a business leader in Mumbai, India, who will be travelling to Guyana alongside the Foreign Minister on April 19 and 20.

The News Room understands that the Foreign Minister and business delegation are also expected to visit Panama, the Dominican Republic and Brazil.

Earlier this month, however, Guyana’s Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said Jaishankar would visit Guyana to ink a new bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy.

That MoU, Jagdeo said, was pending the approval of the Indian cabinet. Once approved, Jaishankar would visit Guyana for a signing ceremony.

India’s Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs Saurabh Kumar last week told journalists visiting India from the Latin America and Caribbean region that the South-Asian country is keen on deepening its relationships with countries in this region.

As such, he said the Foreign Affairs Minister and other top officials in the Ministry of External Affairs are expected to travel more frequently.

Guyana: British Airways is all set to recommence flights between Guyana and the United Kingdom from March 27, 2023. The flights will be arriving and departing from Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Georgetown, Guyana.

The flight will operate twice weekly from the UK to Saint Lucia to Georgetown and back from Georgetown to Saint Lucia to the UK. The 777-200ER aircraft with the capacity for 332 passengers will be plying the Guyana route twice weekly with stops in Saint Lucia.

Guyana recently became the UK’s largest trade partner in the Caribbean after trade between the two nations amounted to £516 million in 2021 – 21.6% of all the UK’s trade with the Caribbean. This is the second UK trade mission to Guyana; the first was in February 2022 and was deemed a resounding success.

Notably, ahead of the scheduled flights, British Airways has gone ahead to start serving Guyanese bunjal curry to its passengers. London-based Guyanese chef named Patrice Hinds, has been on a mission for many years to bring the taste of Guyana to the United Kingdom and was chosen to prepare the delicacy for the airline.

The island nation of Guyana has long been a mystery for most British travellers despite being the only English-speaking nation in South America. However, the country is now easy to travel to because of the relaunch of services by British Airways. The re-launch of a new British Airways flight to the capital, Georgetown, will provide the first direct link with Europe.

Several people expressed their happiness over the recommencement of British Airways flights and took to Facebook to share their excitement.

“The good thing about this flight route is that it also offers direct travel between Guyana and St. Lucia – a route which needs a connecting flight currently,” wrote a user named Rennie Rajwant.

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“This is awesome. I remember the first time I was on a plane out of Guyana was on British Airways. The food and desserts they served were great. I can still feel it in my mouth,” wrote another user named Sandra Dataram-jathu.

“Awesome, Big thank you, British Airways. We look forward to travelling with you. I choose this airline for other destinations; I travel first class and business class. Excellent customer service, their staffs are well trained. Their service surpassed my expectations,” expressed a user named Veda Paduman.

Wales Gas-to-shore project, new road network pushing economic growth in Reg. 3 – Pres. Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday visited several construction sites in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) to inspect ongoing projects which he said will contribute to the region’s massive development and economic growth.

During his visit to the shore base where works for the highly anticipated Wales gas-to-shore project, on the West Bank of Demerara, has commenced, the President was informed by contractors that the project is “going smoothly”.

This project is the single largest investment made in Guyana’s electricity sector and promises to slash local energy costs in half. Overall, the project is pegged at more than US$1 billion.

The Head of State also inspected the Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway construction site which hopes will be completed by year-end.

According to President Ali, the ongoing work has transformed the region into a service hub.

“The entire Region Three and similarly in other regions, where we are building new growth hubs, you will see that over the next couple of years, as we fill out an architecture system [and] infrastructure system, and an economic diversification programme, you will see that every single region will have growth like this being supported,” President Ali said.

The President was informed that several roads are being built in the area and it provides employment for over 100 persons, the majority of whom are Guyanese.

These works range from marines, carpenters and labourers.

Works on the $11.8 billion Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway started earlier this year and 106 feet of piles are currently being iIt will also feature two roundabouts, 11 reinforced concrete box culverts, 36 pre-stressed bridges, and road signage and markings.

Also accompanying the President on Saturday morning was the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, who noted that contracts for the construction of the roads were inked at the beginning of the year and more are to be signed.

The road works will complement the housing development that is slated for the region.

President Ali explained that the Schoonord to Crane highway is also a major player in ensuring that the region’s road network is properly developed.

“This highway will not just ease the traffic but this highway will reduce the cost for the farmers and bring more efficiency and reduce the cost of production and improve the entire value chain of the lands and the type of economic activity around,” the President said.

He said the government aims to increase the yield and output of the land and facilities across the country through the use of innovative technological advancement.

Last month, the President also inspected ongoing works at the artificial island being constructed at the foreshore, Plantation Best, West Bank Demerara.

The mega undertaking, dubbed the ‘Port of Vreed-en-Hoop’, is the master plan of three local businessmen who moved to establish a multi-billion-dollar shore base port facility.
The project will see the construction of 4.1 kilometres of a dual carriageway reinforced concrete road with an emergency lane as well as 2.4 kilometres of road rehabilitation, and upgrade. One of the contractors noted that this is the most complex project undertaken in the history of the country.

Gov’t continues to create opportunities for Buxtonians -

several ‘small’ contractors awarded bridge contracts after completing procurement training
DESPITE the racist and divisive comments recently uttered by member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Tacuma Ogunseye, the government remains committed to upskilling all Guyanese so that they can positively contribute to their households, communities and the country.

A group of small contractors from the East Coast Demerara community of Buxton are among the most recent beneficiaries of the government’s empowerment plans. After attending a workshop, they are now in a better position to bid for contracts.

During interviews with the Guyana Chronicle, Gladwyn Hamilton and Gordon Willis thanked President, Dr Irfaan Ali and his government for including the people of Buxton in their plans.

Hamilton recalled that residents were invited to a community meeting by the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, and his team.

When he arrived at the venue, he said he realised that the meeting was held to give the young contractors who did not meet the requirements to bid for contracts, an opportunity to be part of a workshop that was being organised by the government.

According to Hamilton, the workshop included representatives of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and the National Tender Board, who explained the procedures and requirements that are needed in order to get themselves properly equipped to benefit from their skills.

“After the workshop, people were more knowledgeable, and we felt more comfortable knowing that they could go out and get the job done. Minister Edghill promised to come back to the community and identify the bridges that had to be fixed. We got a call, we showed up, and everyone was treated fairly and had the opportunity to push their hands in a bag and pull a number, and we were given a bridge,” he said.

Hamilton expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the country’s construction boom.

“I am very pleased with the contract that I received, and I know that my fellow contractors are as well. We know that the construction business is booming in Guyana, and with a government that is helping the different races and communities, you cannot go wrong with that. We see that the priorities of the government are to make sure that everyone benefits, and it is trickling down to the small man and their families as well as me and my family,” he added.

Hamilton further related that he had lived overseas for some years and returned to Guyana, but he was struggling to get work and contracts.

According to him, he was “stressed out and frustrated” and wanted to leave the country.

He told this publication that after the Ali-led administration took office, he received about four contracts.

“I can now afford to employ over two dozen workers as well as give my kids a good education. I am also proud that I am employing people of different races, both in and outside of Buxton. With President Ali, it is not lip service. What makes me feel good about this government is that the people are seeing what they are doing, not just hearing it. The president is not just talking the talk; he is walking the walk, and as long as Mr Ali and his government continue with this and what they are doing for Guyana and the people, he has another 50 years in office. If we can vote for him to be there for that long, we will. He is doing what he says he will, and we are thankful,” the young contractor emphasised.

CREATING JOBS
Meanwhile, Willis related that through the government he is able to create jobs and take care of his family.

“I born and grew up in Buxton, and this village has never experienced this type of transformation ever. I get the opportunity to create jobs for the guys in Buxton, and they get the opportunity to provide for their families. My wife, who is a trained teacher, wanted to further her studies at the University of Guyana (UG), but I couldn’t do it for her before, but now she is going to UG because I can afford it because of President Ali and his government,” he said.

Both contractors said that they, along with the other contractors, are looking to help the young men in the village get themselves qualified so that they too can provide for themselves.

They said that a letter will soon be sent to the relevant government officials so that those residents can get the help that was extended to them.

The duo expressed confidence that those persons will receive the requested assistance.

Guyana, US commit to stronger partnership
President Ali says both countries promote democracy, have other similar qualities
DURING a State luncheon held in honour of the visiting US Congressional House Committee on Ways and Means of the Congress of the United States of America, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Friday, spoke about the importance of democracy, enhancing trade and ways of strengthening the overall relationship between the two countries.

The delegation was led by the Chair of the committee, Congressman Jason Smith and the other members included Rep Terri Sewell (D-AL), Rep Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Rep Carol Miller (R-WV), Rep Michelle Terri Sewell Fischbach (R-GA), Rep Mike Carey (R-OH) and Rep Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), among others.

United States Ambassador to Guyana, HE Sarah-Ann Lynch accompanied the delegation to State House.

According to the Office of the President, President Ali informed the congressional delegation of developments in Guyana and reiterated his government’s commitment to a strong partnership with the United States in several areas including, energy, food security, climate change and national security.

Dr. Ali pointed to the shared principles of promoting democracy, the rule of law and respect for international law.

The Chair commended the President and Guyana for the leadership shown in a number of areas in the region and pledged continued US support and cooperation in several areas, including support for the modernisation of the country’s energy and physical infrastructure.

The House Committee on Ways and Means is the oldest committee of the United States Congress.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips; Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai; Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and other Cabinet members were also at the event.

Plans on track for LGE

PPP/C-nominated GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj has said that “everything is on track” for the June 12, 2023 Local Government Elections (LGEs).

He made this comment following a GECOM meeting on Tuesday.

“So far, everything seems on track for the holding of elections as scheduled,” he said, before adding that “no major issues were raised” during the meeting.

Last month, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall wrote the Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh appointing June 12, 2023, as the date for the conduct of the elections.

That date was chosen on the basis of the work plan that was submitted by GECOM to the minister.

Last month, GECOM approved the said work plan, which paved the way for the secretariat to proceed with the implementation of the relevant statutory and administrative activities for the elections in the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) countrywide.

The LGEs were legally due in 2021 and the funds were budgeted to facilitate this. However, several issues facing GECOM at the time prevented the holding of the elections, including the non-appointment of a Chief Election Officer (CEO).

Thus far, the Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, has said that the party will not be participating in the elections. However, its severed other half, the People’s National Congress Reform-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) will be participating.

Guyana plans additional oil auction in 2024 to bolster expansion

Guyana is planning another auction of prospective oil-field leases next year as the world’s fastest-growing economy seeks to maintain the pace of development, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said.

The country’s first auction is expected to take place by the end of May after being delayed by a few weeks as the government finalizes contract terms and legislation that ensure it secures a larger share of proceeds, Jagdeo said in an interview in Houston on Monday. The country has ample drilling locations to justify a second sale next year, he said.

Guyana’s economy is undergoing a radical transformation after Exxon Mobil Corp.’s 2015 discovery of massive tranches of offshore oil. From producing no crude at all, the Exxon projects will likely push national output to more than a million barrels a day by 2027, more than OPEC members Algeria and Angola, according to the government. But with much of the developed world looking to pivot away from fossil fuels, Guyana wants to extract and sell its crude resources as swiftly as possible.

“We have a ton of decisions to make now so that we don’t slow down the pace of development” Jagdeo said on the sidelines of the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference.

Guyana is re-writing the production-sharing contract that governs oil deals with foreign companies to secure more revenue for the government after Exxon’s contract was criticized as too generous.

The country plans to increase royalty rates to 10% from 2%, the corporate tax to 10% from zero, and reduce oil companies’ so-called cost-recovery limits. Still, the new contract will ensure Guyana “remains one of the most competitive countries in the world even with these changes,” Jagdeo said.

Major oil companies will be asked to submit bids on 14 oil blocks once the terms have been finalized and written into law. Companies will be allowed to win a maximum of three blocks each to ensure multiple exploration programs can progress simultaneously.

The auction is drawing “great interest” from major oil companies “including quite a few from the US,” Jagdeo said.

Since oil began flowing, Guyana received $350 million in 2020 and 2021, and $1 billion in 2022. The government receives a portion of the revenues for its spending budget while the rest is allocated to a sovereign wealth fund. Guyana has awarded contracts for 12 hospitals and seven hotels, and is building a natural gas pipeline that will reduce electricity prices by 50% when complete in December 2024, Jagdeo said.

In the major urban areas such as Georgetown, labor shortages have prompted Guyana to allow Chinese and Indian companies to import work crews, Jagdeo said. It’s a major turnaround from Guyana’s recent history when unemployment was rife.

Bloated government spending is one of the biggest risks to Guyana’s oil boom, according to Jagdeo. Most of the money spent so far is going toward capital projects rather than recurring expenses, he said.