Monthly Archives: July, 2024

Despite Govt.’s real-time monitoring of production data from Exxon, public still faced with delayed updates Jul 08, 2024 News Graph on the Ministry’s website showing the last date oil production data was updated. Kaieteur News – The Government of Guyana (GoG) now has real-time monitoring of production activities ongoing in the prolific Stabroek Block, by oil giant, ExxonMobil. Despite this new development however, as announced on Thursday by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, the public continues to face delays in accessing this information. Two years ago, in August, following intense pressure by transparency activists for the release of production data by the company, the Ministry of Natural Resources directed this newspaper to the Petroleum Management Programme’s Data Centre, where Exxon’s production data was updated monthly. Notably, the website offers data regarding the number of barrels produced at the Liza One and Liza Two, Payara projects in the Stabroek Block, as well as the daily reported injected gas, flared gas and gas used for fuel. It also gives an overview on the Brent Crude prices and the amount of water produced and injected. Environmental and transparency activists have been relentlessly stressing the need for such data to be shared with the public and more so, be updated in a timely fashion to avoid altering of information. These key production data are critical to stakeholders to keep the government and the operator of the Stabroek Block accountable. The data on the portal, presented on graphs- which no doubt poses a challenge to the ordinary citizen to interpret- are often updated belatedly each month. This newspaper has been highlighting the delayed sharing of information by the Ministry for several months now. Notably, citizens expected that with daily reports now being accessed by the Ministry, the public would have access to more timely information on the sector as well. This however has not been the case. On Sunday, Kaieteur News reviewed the production data on the website to ascertain whether there would be greater efficiency in reporting by the Ministry to keep the public informed; however, it was discovered that the information has not been updated since May 31, 2024. It was Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo who announced on Thursday, during his weekly press engagement at Freedom House Georgetown that the government now has real-time access to Exxon’s production data, which is updated every 10 minutes. He said the operator of the Stabroek Block now has a dashboard which is monitored by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). In addition to production data, Jagdeo said government now also has access to Exxon’s drilling activities in the Stabroek Block. Previously, VP Jagdeo had expressed discontent with the delayed production updates being provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources to the public. Last November, Jagdeo issued a directive to the Ministry of Natural Resources to address the issues with the website. His call for action came after multiple reports by this newspaper about the pressing need to ensure transparency and reliable information sharing on the oil sector. The failure by the Ministry of Natural Resources to update the website defeats the purpose of the portal to keep Guyanese informed on the exploitation of the oil and gas resources and further brings the government’s commitment to transparency into question, at a time when citizens question the “incestuous relationship” between the oil companies and government. Related Similar Articles

Youths feared drowned while swimming at Unity Beach Jul 08, 2024 News …Min. Benn leads large search party Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Home Affairs said late last night that a search operation was underway for two youths who disappeared while swimming at Unity Beach, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn led the search party for the missing Unity youths who are feared to have drowned Residents of Unity Village ECD formed a large search team to find the missing youths who are feared to have drowned Feared dead are Navin Seenauth 20, and Daniel Boodram,17, both residents of Unity Village. Reports are that Seenauth, Boodram, and another friend, Joshua Deonarine,17, went swimming at the Unity beach on Sunday afternoon. Deonarine recalled that the water was inshore with heavy waves upon their arrival. Despite the conditions, they proceeded to swim. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, “Deonarine, who cannot swim, exited the water after approximately half an hour since the water was about chest height” After getting dressed, he reportedly noticed that his friends were no longer visible in the water. He searched for them but to no avail and subsequently returned to the village to raise an alarm. The ministry said that, in a united effort to locate the missing youths, a search party was immediately formed and is actively ongoing. Members of the Community are participating in the search operation which involves the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard. Related Similar Articles

Beware of dem sweet-talking politician Jul 08, 2024 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists Dem Boys Seh… Kaieteur News – Dem boys seh, congratulations to de new hinterland beauty queen! De whole country proud of she. She got de looks, de brains, an’ de charm. But dem boys got a lil’ advice for she. Girl, watch out for dem predators in suits. Some of dem politicians ain’t got no shame. Dem like vultures, circling an’ waiting to swoop down on de innocent, especially you-know-who. Dem boys seh, stay sharp, girl! Dem politicans, dem smooth talkers. Dem come wid big promises and even bigger smiles. But behind dem fancy words, is bare deceit. Some of dem gat pockets deeper than de Kaieteur Falls. Money ain’t a problem for dem. But honesty? Dat a different story. Some a dem politicans, dem predators, especially you-know-who. Dem know how to prey on de vulnerable. Dem boys seh, be careful who yuh trust. Some a dem got a way with words, mekking yuh feel special. But is all a trap. Dem boys done see dis happen too many times. Remember, girl, power attract all kinda people. Good an’ bad. Some a dem just want to be close to yuh to shine. Dem boys seh, keep dem at arm’s length. Don’t let dem get too close. Yuh reign as queen should be about uplifting others, not getting caught up in dem dirty politics. Watch out for dem who come with gifts and promises. Dem want something in return. Dem boys know how dis story go. A lil favor here, a lil compromise there. Before yuh know it, yuh caught in a web yuh can’t escape. Dem boys seh, keep yuh eyes open and yuh heart guarded. De vultures circling, waiting for yuh to slip, especially you-know-who. Dem ready to take advantage. But yuh smarter than dem, girl.  Use yuh dat strength to stay above dem tricks. Dem boys wish yuh all de best. Shine bright, but be wise. Remember, not all dat glitters is gold. Some a dem politicans just want to dull yuh shine. But dem boys believe in yuh. Yuh got dis. Stay true to yuhself and keep dem rascals at bay. Talk half. Leff half Related Similar Articles

From ‘rejects’ to ‘recycled’ Jul 08, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom Peeing Tom… Kaieteur News – Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s recently branded the Alliance For Change (AFC) as having “recycled” politicians. This characterization  is particularly ironic given the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) history and its previous labeling of the original AFC leadership as political “rejects.” At a recent press conference Jagdeo said of the AFC, “This is a recycled party, a party of recycled politicians. Not a single one of them is new and doesn’t have baggage.” In his eyes, the AFC has now morphed from a party of political rejects to one of having a recycled leadership.  At his next press conference, Jagdeo should explain how this transition from political rejects to recycled politicians took place. Jagdeo seems to have overlooked the fact that it was the same political rejects that kicked his party out of office. It was because of the same ‘political rejects’ that his party was denied a parliamentary majority in the 2011 elections. It was the same rejects that tabled a motion of no-confidence against the PPP 2011 government. This forced the then President to shorten his term, dissolve parliament and call fresh elections in May 2015. In 2015, the AFC, with its coalition partner A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), managed to unseat the PPP, ending its 23-year dominance. The very politicians Jagdeo dismissed as “rejects” were instrumental in this seismic shift. The AFC penetrated the PPP’s strongholds, especially in regions like West Coast Berbice. During the latter days of the 2015 campaign, the PPPC got word that their stranglehold on sugar workers were slipping and that many of these workers were now supporting the AFC. Jagdeo rushed up to West Coast Berbice to speak to these supporters. They bluntly told him that “boat done gone a falls,” signifying the change in allegiance from the PPP to the AFC. Jagdeo’s return to politics after a hiatus, which he claimed was for pursuing a lucrative international career, brings an ironic twist to his criticism. He, along with many of his colleagues who had been on the political sidelines in the Opposition, re-emerged to reclaim positions of power in 2020. This raises the question: how does Jagdeo distinguish between his own return and that of the AFC leaders that he deems as being “recycled”?  If the AFC leadership is to be deemed “recycled,” then by the same logic, many in the PPP, including Jagdeo himself, fit this description. The narrative of political recycling isn’t exclusive to any one party; it’s a pervasive issue across the political spectrum in Guyana. The PPP has a long history of bringing back experienced politicians who have previously served in various capacities. They did this often. One man walked out of a leadership meeting and was deemed to have resigned. Yet, they brought him back on the campaign platform when it suited them. The PPP is also notorious for poaching members or-ex-members from other political parties. A key strategy of the PPP’s electoral playbook involves persuading individuals associated with opposition parties to either defect to their side or to publicly endorse them. This maneuver serves to psychologically weaken the opposition. By enticing notable figures from rival camps, the PPP aims to create a perception of an opposition that is losing key personnel. The PPPC therefore has its own policy to promoting recycling. The PPP therefore knows about recycling politicians. Instead therefore of casting aspersions on the AFC, Jagdeo might benefit from a reflective look at his own party’s practices. The PPP’s all-powerful Executive Committee, for instance, is replete with figures that have been in the political arena for decades. These individuals, though experienced, can also be seen as part of the recycling process that Jagdeo criticizes in the AFC. But since Jagdeo is so concerned about recycled politicians, he should set the precedent. By stepping aside and allowing new leaders to emerge, he can demonstrate a commitment to political renewal. This would not only silence critics who point to the PPP’s own recycling but also strengthen the party’s credentials. The PPP, with its long history and significant influence, is well-positioned to lead by example. Jagdeo claims he has been around politics since his teenage years and has been in government for more than 30 years. Is it not time that he calls its day and retires? Then he can add another ‘r’ to his political lexicon – “rejects”, “recycled” and “retired”. Related Similar Articles

Does the PPPC Govt mean business? Jul 08, 2024 Editorial Kaieteur News – The Mohameds’ matter stands as a test of the authenticity of the PPPC Government.  The father-son Mohamed combo made multiple stunning headlines locally and elsewhere. The government can manifest how genuine it is in pursuing matters wherever they lead, whoever is involved.  Next steps must include implementing remedies that give Guyana a better reputation, some standing internationally. A slew of allegations have been directed at the Mohameds by the US Government.  It is close to a month since the jarring news broke of alleged wrongdoing and sanctions applied.  A senior public servant left in a hurry, while protesting her innocence about everything associated with her name.  The Mohamed have had their foreign exchange (moneychanger) business halted, and involvement in racing activities stopped.  On the surface, there may be the impression that the PPPC Government is taking the US Government’s allegations seriously and is on the move to do all that it can to get rid of the blots on Guyana’s name.  It must do so with a nod to all the rights and processes that is due to the Mohameds, while giving every confidence that it means business. This has, however, come under question.  Almost three weeks after the US Government allegations burst on the scene, the government appears to be engaging in a clear case of dawdling as if it is buying time, not sincerely committed to moving ahead with closing out this sorry chapter in Guyana.  The objective may be to let the matter be obscured by the passage of time, and with other events consigning it to the back burner.  Developments from the US side indicate that the Guyana Government must communicate with the Department of Justice to gather information and fill in the gaps that exist. This is so that comprehensive following through could occur on the issues of tax evasion, gold smuggling, bribery, corruption in government, and so on.  If there is enough coming from the US, and there is some solidness from what has been disclosed so far, court proceedings must commence, and matters run their natural course.  There are some hiccups, however, that for some reason seem to inhibit the type of urgency that should accompany the Mohameds’ allegations. In the early days of July, Attorney General Anil Nandlall revealed that required communications with the US Justice Department had not yet happened but would follow by the end of that same first week. This is perplexing; given the nature of the allegations and the stains they have put on the PPPC Government.  For its part, the government was quick to make pious declarations about respect for law and order and working with the Americans.  Meanwhile reality is pointing in the other direction.  The Mohameds’ matter has not been moving along from Guyana’s side with persuasive swiftness and energy if only to restore confidence in local institutions and systems.  We at this paper are of the view that the entire issue is stuck in a kind of political and bureaucratic holding pattern.  Why this is so is baffling, and we sound a warning note.  Unless there is vigor and the highest principles at the local level permeating the Mohameds developments, it is taking undue risks, which could lead to severe burning. A former Guyana auditor general, Anand Goolsarran, said that the actions taken here in response to the US allegations look ‘cosmetic.’  Whether that is a representation of the back story remains to be seen.  But Guyanese can be sure of one thing.  The US Government and its officials in Guyana are carefully and closely monitoring every action taken by the PPPC Government.  To this date, they do not instill much confidence for the simple reason that doubts multiply, with more questions arising about the governments inexplicable stonewalling and slowing down when it should be speeding up.  One of the alarming points raised by the US Government was its repeated use of ‘corruption by government officials’ and a network spanning numerous instances of local law-breaking.  This should be concerning for any government, for it could ensnare both political presences as well as public servants.  The ball is in the Guyana Government’s side of the field: it runs with it, cannot afford to stumble over it. Related Similar Articles

Jagdeo as Captain Marvel Jul 08, 2024 News, The GHK Lall Column Kaieteur News – Big bhai Bharrat is a blast.  I have always warned my fellow Guyanese: keep eyes glued on him.  Think of governance in this country as if in Las Vegas or patronizing one of those newly rising local casinos.  The dealer must be watched like a hawk.  In America, I was introduced to the 4-eyes principle.  In Guyana, with big bhai Bharrat (J) citizens need those four, plus another eight in the back of their heads.  It is impressive the marvelous ways in which the mind of Guyana’s Oil President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, works, what is created in impressionable minds.  Of utmost importance, though, is that his hands must be watched. Like one would study a cardsharp.  Guyana’s Captain Marvel, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo always has something up his sleeve.  Notice how he now always wears a suit since returning to unchecked power?  He gave himself the ability to conceal a whole pack of cards up his Armani sleeves.  He does, and for the local Captain Marvel, it is a thing of beauty.  Take this US$7.3 billion audit report compiled by VHE Consulting, and there is Jagdeo clearing the air with his patented version of political Baygon.  Instead of sanitizing the audit report story, he fumigate hee own self.  Like Tony Willams and the Platters crooned, “Smoke gets in your eyes.” Big Boss Bharrat was asked a question about whether the full VHE Consulting report was online.  He is the only National President of Oil who comforts himself with answering a question with a question of his own.  This is how Q & A got a bad name and is now renamed Q & Q by me.  If they were to do that in the White House, everyday would be a Jan 6 uprising.  Jagdeo should be in Jerusalem and not Georgetown, for only rabbis answer a question with another question.  If that was how the world operated, then Christopher Columbus would still be drinking vino with the stevedores in some darkened dockyard dive in Genoa or Castile. When asked whether it was the whole report, Jagdeo asked KN who deh geh that idea from dah is nah so?  I thought that a man of such grandeur would know better.  Journalists and publications do not surrender their sources.  People from the Wall Street Journal and the NewYork Timesstood their ground and refused to divulge what I call protected information.  I recall the huge furor over the leaks by Daniel Ellsberg of what came to be known as the Pentagon Papers.  Surely, Big bhai Bharrat knows of this.  Then again, his readings were confined to the Communist Manifesto and more recently, the US Department of the Treasury OFAC publications.  Like the teachers’ strike, there is this stalemate: KN names its source, and Jagdeo names the released audit report as complete or incomplete. This is why I love Guyana: a thrill a minute, and with laughter as the best cash handout.  I will take that medicine every day.  I warn my fellow Guyanese: take people like Bharrat Jagdeo seriously, and there is the great risk of going crazy.  Not me, buddy.  I just laff at he and how he louses up simple things.  When things start out tangled (full or not full audit reports), then they have to stay tangled, so that people get more tangled up.  It is the PPP Government Way.  Jesus Christ!  (sorry for the blasphemy), Is this a country or a vast criminal conspiracy?  When in doubt, check with the Yanks. Then, Guyana’s Captain Marvel did his best imitation of Captain America.  This banna Bharrat Jagdeo is very good, ah duz tell ayuh.  He said that there is a separate management report.  Ah, so that is the answer to this mystery.  I have my own question to ask of Jagdeo: Skipper, by any chance, is that management report all of 40 pages?  Ho, ho, ho! and one bottle of Demerara Rum.  Talk about gyrations and transformations, and Jagdeo is it.  Now he is talking like super spook James Bond from His Majesty’s Secret Service: For Guyanese Eyes Only.  Is disde same Jagdeo?  What game is he playing now?  Alistair Routledge knows more about this country than Jagdeo and President Ali (and the cabinet) combined. But there is Guyana’s Captain Marvel and oil mastermind, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, pretending at hiding the VHE audit report, the management part, from Exxon.  Who is kidding whom here?  The Americans have a different word than kidding; it begins with an ‘s’.  These are the games that leaders like Jagdeo play, which cause them to engage in all manner of gyrating, cavorting, gamboling, and dancing on their heads, in their efforts to elude that grim stalker.  It goes by the name of truth, and sometimes justice, and other times the straight and narrow way.  As an aside, if any Guyanese is perplexed as to why I persist with calling Jagdeo, Dr. Jagdeo, there are two reasons. I do not allow anyone to out-courtesy me, not even when such is not deserving.  The last is that since Guyana’s Captain Marvel, Bharrat Jagdeo is so overjoyed when he is addressed as ‘doctor’, how can I call myself a believer and not deliver joy to a brother?  Especially one whose life is as barren as a brick on Planet Uranus.  Full audit, separate management report, and there was Big Bhai Bharrat sashaying before the Guyanese people. Related Similar Articles

Hurricane Beryl causes major setback to CARICOM’s plans to reduce food import bill – Pres. Ali Jul 08, 2024 News Kaieteur News – President Irfaan Ali, during a live statement on Sunday, said that Hurricane Beryl has caused a major set-back for the Region’s plan to reduce its food import bill by 25% by 2025. President of Guyana, Hon. Mohamed Irfaan Ali In 2022, the heads of Government of CARICOM committed to reducing the Region’s large food import bill by 25% by 2025. The Guyanese president is tasked with the responsibility of agriculture and food security in CARICOM and is spearheading the initiative. The goal is to be achieved through the implementation of the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Strategy, which prioritizes the production of crops and products that are imported heavily in the Region. Beryl, an eventual category five hurricane, made landfall on Grenada’s Carriacou Island and has since moved through several islands in the Region, causing severe damage along its path, particularly to the agricultural infrastructure. The hurricane has severely impacted the islands of Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Barbados and according to Ali, those countries were all showing great improvement in their agricultural sectors and were on target to achieve the 25% by 2025 goal. “[The initial assessment] is heart wrenching because of the tremendous investment, the tremendous policy commitment and budget support that was placed in the agricultural sector since 2020, investment in infrastructure, water system, technology, crop variety, farm support, farm-to-market infrastructure,” Ali said before adding  “many of these countries would have lost all of this investment,” Ali underscored too, that “not only is the initial investment or cost of damage concerning to him as lead head on agriculture, but also the long term investment cost to rebuild the infrastructure and to find resources, to recapitalize the farmers” Despite the setback, Ali related that measures will be taken to assist the affected islands.  Some of the plans include mobilizing regional resources to assist governments and farmers in rebuilding their respective agricultural sectors. “There are some thoughts and some initial ideas that I’ve already shared with some colleagues and also the chair of the Ministerial Task Force for agriculture to see how we can quickly mobilize the necessary stakeholders and resources to address this tremendous setback that our 25% by 2025 action plan has been hit with by Beryl,” he explained. The Guyanese president also plans to contact several international bodies for assistance to handle the issues Beryl has posed to food security and the agricultural industry in the Region. “I’m also deeply concerned and will be making the necessary calls in relation to FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), ECA (European Commission of Agriculture), and other institutions … To help our farmers and to work with the region, because for sure, there are some changes in the methodology and changes in the approach to food production that we’ll have to take into consideration in this build-back phase,” Ali said. Related Similar Articles