Yearly Archives: 2024

How free is Guyana? Aug 01, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom Kaieteur News – As Guyana celebrates Emancipation, it is timely to question the extent of its freedom—especially considering the economic stranglehold foreign companies have on its economy. In Guyana’s case, the overwhelming influence of foreign multinationals has led to significant economic and political ramifications, raising concerns about the true extent of the country’s freedom. Guyana is experiencing a modern form of recolonization through foreign capital, with multinational corporations exerting significant control over its vital industries, including oil, gold, bauxite, and timber. This new wave of economic dominance is facilitated by the government’s consent, Foreign companies dominate key sectors of Guyana’s economy, including bauxite, gold, diamonds, manganese and, in the recent past, timber. These natural resources have long been the backbone of the country’s economic potential. However, the terms under which these resources are exploited have often placed foreign interests above national sovereignty. Contracts signed with these companies frequently include concessions that local companies can only dream of, effectively placing these foreign entities above national laws. The Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), for example, signed between the Government of Guyana and the oil companies provide a stability clause that if at any time after the signing of the PSA, there are changes in the laws of Guyana,  and those changers adversely affect the oil companies, the government has to take prompt affirmative action to restore the lost of impaired economic benefits so that the oil companies are not disadvantaged. In other words, no new laws can adversely affect the economic interests of the oil companies. In the gold industry, certain foreign companies in the past have enjoyed the exclusive right to export gold—a privilege then reserved for the government. This and other special status granted to foreign multinationals sideline local companies and undermines the government’s role in managing and regulating the country’s precious resources. The concentration of such power in the hands of foreign companies raises the question: how can Guyanese people truly determine their own future when their natural wealth is controlled by external entities? The issue of sovereignty becomes even more pressing when considering the government’s apparent inability to renegotiate oil contracts with foreign companies. Despite the legal right to do so, the government seems constrained by external pressures. This reluctance to renegotiate terms that could potentially benefit the nation more equitably points to a deeper issue: the influence of foreign powers in shaping national policies. If a country’s government cannot freely exercise its right to negotiate or renegotiate agreements that impact its economy, can it truly be considered free? The case of oil exploration and production is particularly poignant. The original contracts with foreign oil companies were negotiated under circumstances that have since changed, including significant discoveries that have substantially altered the country’s economic outlook. Yet, the government has not moved to renegotiate these contracts, leading to suspicions of external influence or pressure. This situation raises concerns about the autonomy of Guyana’s political leadership and the extent to which they can act in the best interests of the nation. Another concerning aspect of Guyana’s supposed freedom is the imposition of sanctions on local individuals and firms at the behest of foreign governments. In some instances, these sanctions are imposed without the foreign government providing substantial evidence of wrongdoing to the Guyanese authorities. This external imposition of penalties raises questions about the respect for Guyana’s sovereignty by powerful international players. The economic and political realities facing Guyana are deeply rooted in its history. The country’s wealth in natural resources has long attracted foreign interest, often leading to exploitative arrangements that have favoured external parties. This historical context has created a legacy of dependency on foreign investment and expertise, which continues to shape the country’s economic landscape. However, the current realities demand a re-examination of these arrangements. The modern global economy offers opportunities for greater local involvement in the management and exploitation of natural resources. Yet, Guyana’s experience suggests that the country is still grappling with the remnants of a colonial mindset, where foreign interests are prioritized over local development. The failure to provide local companies with the same concessions as foreign companies, and ensure equitable distribution of the country’s natural wealth speaks to a deeper issue of governance and national self-determination. The question of how free Guyana really is cannot be answered solely by looking at its political independence. It requires a critical examination of the economic structures and relationships that define its place in the global economy. For Guyana to truly be free, it must assert greater control over its natural resources and ensure that the benefits of these resources are equitably shared among its citizens. This includes renegotiating contracts with foreign companies, enforcing national laws without exceptions, and protecting the country’s sovereignty from external pressures. Ultimately, the question of freedom in Guyana is not just about political independence; it’s about economic sovereignty and the ability of the nation to chart its own course. The dominance of foreign companies in key sectors and the influence of external powers in national affairs challenge this notion of freedom. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Related Similar Articles

Kaieteur News would want the Government to take control of the procurement decisions of ExxonMobil Aug 01, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, A curious narrative was spun by the Kaieteur News lead article on July 30, headlined ‘Mozambique demands oil companies provide salaries, contract sums to Govt. – while Jagdeo says Guyana has no say in award of contracts by ExxonM’. The newspaper reported that Mozambique can receive reports from oil companies related to procurement of services and employed persons. It explained, among other things, that Mozambique requires companies to contribute to training of its nationals, and to submit reports on the nationalities of the companies it contracts. Kaieteur News also reported that Mozambique mandates quotas for the hiring of its nationals to the companies’ workforce. Conveniently, Kaieteur News opted not to note that Guyana has a similar framework. Guyana’s Local Content Act gave effect to the establishment of a Local Content Secretariat, which receives periodic reports about oil companies’ plans to procure, hire and train Guyanese talent, as well as post-implementation reports. The Secretariat is a regulator of local content. It ensures adherence to the Act, which sets aside quotas for hiring of Guyanese nationals to certified companies, and procurement of goods and services from Guyanese companies. Further, the Petroleum Agreements Guyana signs with oil companies, require that they contribute a fixed amount annually to a training fund for Guyanese nationals. Over the years, Kaieteur News has reported on these matters, covering local content earnings and successes extensively. It therefore begs the question, whether the newspaper mischievously pretends not to know information critical to the context of the article, to create a false impression of the local State of affairs. Was the article written by an ignorant reporter, and reviewed by editors not informed enough themselves to do their due diligence? The newspaper went on to state that, “However… [Vice President] Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said that the Government has no say in Exxon’s awards of contracts or the spending of oil companies in the sector.” This is a futile attempt by Kaieteur News to tarnish the work of Vice President Jagdeo and to present a dichotomy between Guyana and Mozambique, with respect to the management of their respective oil and gas sectors. As explained above and conveniently forgotten by Kaieteur News, Guyana has a local content framework which, in addition to facilitating the furnishing of the Government with regular reports, has secured over US$1 billion for Guyanese companies since the Act was signed into law by President Irfaan Ali. However, the Government cannot go into a company’s procurement department and dictate its day-to-day affairs. That Kaieteur News would want the Government to take control of the procurement decisions of ExxonMobil, a private company, should alarm every business owner. Guyana receives profit oil and royalty because the company is developing Guyana’s resources. However, Guyana does not have a participating interest in the Stabroek Block. Therefore, it cannot commandeer ExxonMobil’s procurement and spending decisions. Not to mention, the government has done so much to strengthen the legal framework with the Petroleum Activities Act. The fiscal framework is also enhanced by the Natural Resource Fund Act 2021 and the model Petroleum Agreement for the offshore sector. Kaieteur News does this kind of conveniently forgetful and logically unsound journalism quite a lot. The Guyanese public deserves better. Yours respectfully, Ron McPhoy Related Similar Articles

Addressing breaches of the traffic laws in West Demerara Aug 01, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, I am writing to urgently call upon the police in West Demerara to address the continuous and flagrant breaches of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic laws. The current state of affairs is untenable, particularly during the nights and early hours of the weekends when the roads are inundated with speeding, intoxicated drivers. This poses a severe threat to public safety and demands immediate intervention. One of the most pressing issues is the unchecked prevalence of heavily-tinted windows and windshields on cars, minibuses, and trucks. These vehicles, coupled with trucks equipped with excessively bright ‘spot’ lights and others adorned with coloured lights, create hazardous conditions for all road users. The cacophony of loud music from minibuses and cars further exacerbates the danger, contributing to an environment of recklessness and chaos. It is disheartening to observe that many traffic ranks are frequently seen mingling in bars, drinking, and socialising with the very drivers they are supposed to regulate, particularly during weekends. This behaviour not only undermines the authority of the police but also emboldens these errant drivers. There are alarming reports of traffic ranks accepting bribes and turning a blind eye to blatant violations, which only perpetuates the lawlessness on our roads. While it is not our intention to call for the closure of liquor establishments, it is imperative that the police strictly enforce the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Bill. This legislation imposes several duties on bar owners to prevent the misuse of alcohol and should be upheld to ensure public safety. Moreover, the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2022 has introduced stringent measures to combat drunk driving, including classifying the act of causing death through drunk driving as vehicular manslaughter. As Attorney General, Anil Nandlall rightly stated during the debate and subsequent passage of the Bill, “Our citizens must be able to traverse our roadways with a sense of security and psychological peace of mind that some erratic, drunken driver is not using his vehicle as a lethal weapon along the roadways of this country. We must have that sense of security.” I commend Commander Siwnarine for his efforts in addressing these issues, but it is clear that he cannot do it alone. It is essential that all his ranks fall in line and support this mission to curb the madness on our roadways. Consistent and fair enforcement of traffic laws is crucial to ensure safer roads and peace of mind for all citizens. I urge the police in West Demerara to take immediate action to rectify this situation and restore order and safety to our roads. Yours sincerely, Kevin Mohamed Related Similar Articles

More Awareness Necessary for Mangroves Aug 01, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, Here are some stunning facts: In a single square mile, mangroves hold as much carbon as the annual emissions of 90,000 cars; mangroves protect coastal communities by buffering storm surges; mangroves serve as “nurseries” for numerous species, sheltering them from predators and currents. In other words, Guyana was ‘right on target’ on Global Mangrove Day, when the news heralded that the country is investing some $1.9B in mangrove conservation. Let me add that mangroves support food security for coastal communities who eat and sell fish, clams and crabs. Mangroves are in fact among the world’s most productive ecosystems, as their high productivity sustain a rich food web, providing food, fiber, and fuels alongside cultural services that help maintain human well-being. They additionally support all four dimensions of food security: availability, access, stability, and utilization. At the higher and larger scale, mangroves play a vital role in coastal ecology and in sustaining and securing coastal communities. They reduce the harmful effects of coastal erosion, storms and flooding and are one of the most cost-effective methods of managing disaster risk along coastlines. Where Guyana is concerned, it is good to see that we are doing our part as regards mangrove. I was very pleased that the Ministry of Agriculture, through the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), hosted an exhibition and signboard unveiling ceremony at the Kingston Seawall Esplanade. The event marked the celebration of International Mangrove Day 2024, under the theme, “Mangroves Matter: Safeguarding Our Coastal Guardians for Tomorrow.” Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, Jagnarine Singh, on the occasion, and on behalf of spoke on behalf of Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, rightfully “… lauded the country’s progress in mangrove restoration, conservation, and management.” He detailed that “Mangroves are our coastal guardians, vital to Guyana’s environmental and economic health … They act as natural barriers against coastal erosion and surges, protecting our communities and infrastructure (and) with over 23,000 hectares of mangroves, they support fisheries, livelihoods, food security, and provide habitats for diverse wildlife.” Editor, Guyana has indeed come a very long way, as “… since 2010, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has committed over 1.9 billion Guyana dollars to strengthen coastal district resilience through mangrove restoration.” This translates to more than 500 hectares of mangroves being restored across 35 locations in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six.  For this year alone, Singh pointed out that “… an additional 275 million dollars have been allocated for rehabilitation initiatives in Regions Two and Five.” Without belabouring the importance of the Government’s role in the mangrove drive, I hope that our people will realise that its restoration initiatives significantly impact several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). No doubt about it, as the CEO stated that” Our efforts enhance the resilience of coastal zones, biodiversity, livelihood support, and the fight against climate change.” No wonder the average rates of global mangrove loss are now slowing, and mangroves are being restored across their endemic lands despite external threats. Let us celebrate our contribution and keep intensifying our efforts. Afterall, mangroves are vital to the world’s well-being. Yours truly, HB Singh. Related Similar Articles

The struggle must continue to protect and defend freedom Aug 01, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) extends Emancipation greetings to all Guyanese, particularly our African brothers and sisters whose ancestors were enslaved for centuries as property, cargo of another race (Europeans). One hundred and eighty-six years ago, the valiant struggle by Africans for human dignity and respect was advanced a step further with the Emancipation Proclamation which ended the most brutish system of man’s injustice towards another.  Freedom from chattel slavery not only set in train a series of events proving to the world the indomitable spirit of the newly freed, and the capacity of human fellowship across racial diversity, but that of self-determination in charting a course for further upliftment and development. The nation will recall the dogged pursuit for economic freedom, via the Village Movement, that saw the purchasing of plantations to establish communities, local government, build stability, familial and otherwise, and advance development. This sense of thrift not only proved beyond a shadow of doubt a people’s capability, who though for hundreds of years toiled and lived under inhumane conditions, whips reigning down on their backs, families torn asunder, treated as property not human beings, in the four-year of Amelioration (1834-1838) were able to achieve what others thought impossible. The achievements must not only be testimony of the ability to self-determine but also determination not to be enslaved or constrained by past unpleasantries. Heirs and beneficiaries of these struggles, sacrifices and gains must engage in redoubling of efforts, vigilance and insistence to be allowed to continue the forebears’ work.  Zealously defending, protecting, strengthening and deepening what was bequeathed and leaving a firmer foundation for future generations must become the mantra and solemn pledge. But the fight to defend and protect freedom is far from over. All Guyanese, particularly the African community, must continue the fight for social, political and economic freedom/empowerment. In this oil-rich economy, rated the world’s fastest growing economy and richest per capita, the pervasive deprivation, discrimination, exclusion and poverty is unacceptable! Freedom is not free; it requires eternal vigilance and continuous sacrifices. In the 21st century, we must continue the fight to give true meaning to Guyana’s aspiration to be “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” This cannot be supplanted or superseded by ‘One Guyana’ for in that ‘One Guyana’ too many are left us, deprived and trampled on. And to the extent where Africans are deprived of equality in the social, cultural, political, civic and economic environment, all out efforts must be made to secure these. Let it be said, in the pursuit of said determination, it must matter not the identity or diversity of those who suppress or support the cause! The only thing that must matter is the cause, for it speaks to and solidifies the inalienable rights of all humankind. To ignore this would be unlike the ancestors who worked with others in furtherance of their interests and resisted any who participated in their enslavement and deprivations. With determination and commitment anything is possible, and descendants of the enslaved must continue the unfinished journey to freedom. Emancipation merely marks an attainment, significant though it is, it is not the final marker/finishing post for freedom. The struggle must continue! Regards, Guyana Trades Union Congress Related Similar Articles

.tdi_3.td-a-rec{text-align:center}.tdi_3.td-a-rec:not(.td-a-rec-no-translate){transform:translateZ(0)}.tdi_3 .td-element-style{z-index:-1}.tdi_3.td-a-rec-img{text-align:left}.tdi_3.td-a-rec-img img{margin:0 auto 0 0}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_3.td-a-rec-img{text-align:center}} 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗔𝗬! On this historic day, we commemorate the moment at midnight on August 1, 1834, when approximately...

.tdi_3.td-a-rec{text-align:center}.tdi_3.td-a-rec:not(.td-a-rec-no-translate){transform:translateZ(0)}.tdi_3 .td-element-style{z-index:-1}.tdi_3.td-a-rec-img{text-align:left}.tdi_3.td-a-rec-img img{margin:0 auto 0 0}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_3.td-a-rec-img{text-align:center}} Development control in Antigua and Barbuda is a disaster. The Development Control Authority (DCA) ought to be the...