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Govt. secretly inserts provision in Liza 1, 2 and Payara Permits to shield ExxonMobil from all oil spill costs Sep 08, 2024 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – The Government of Guyana (GoG) through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has modified the Liza One, Liza Two and Payara Permits, granted to ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), reversing the legal requirement for an unlimited parent company guarantee to cover oil spills. High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon EPA Executive Director, Kemraj Parsram Kaieteur News understands that a provision was initially inserted into the Yellowtail Permit for the fourth deepwater development, dated March 2022. That Permit outlined new conditions with regard to oil spill protection for the country. While Condition 14 of the Permit requires Exxon to provide a Parent Company/Affiliate (of Operator and Co-Venturers (CoVs)) guarantee, it is clear that the coverage for oil spill protection is not unlimited. In fact, citizens who suffer ongoing loss from such an event will have to take Exxon to Court for compensation. Condition 14.3 of the Yellowtail Permit states, “The above individually or a combination shall at least be guided by an estimate of the sum of the reasonably credible costs, expenses, and liabilities that may arise from any breaches of this permit. Liabilities are considered to include costs associated with responding to an incident, clean-up and remediation and monitoring. The estimation is not expected to address unidentifiable or inestimable costs which may be associated with compensation for loss and ongoing damage to other parties, and which are able to be pursued through civil action.” President ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge In the meantime, government has modified all of the previously issued Permits granted to Exxon, protecting the multinational corporation from all oil spill costs. The Liza One, Liza Two and Payara Permits have been modified to feature this new provision introduced by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime. The first two Permits for the Liza One and Liza Two oil projects were approved by the previous Coalition government while the third project, Payara was approved by the PPP government. These Permits did not previously feature this provision. Two citizens, Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte had taken the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to Court for failing to enforce compliance with the Liza One Permit, requiring an unlimited guarantee for oil spills. Though the Court ruled in favour of the litigants, the ruling was appealed and is still ongoing in the Court of Appeal. Exxon, EPA and the government are fighting against the provision of an unlimited oil spill guarantee. High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon in his ruling underscored the importance of an unlimited parent company guarantee.  “If the unthinkable occurs, and there is an event in the Stabroek Block resulting in the release of hydrocarbons then Esso, and to the extent that it is unable to do so as it is largely an assetless subsidiary without financial resources, then EXXON, the Parent Company comes into play.” The court noted that EXXON continues to derive a benefit from the operations of its subsidiary and will cover the liabilities and obligations of Esso as stipulated at Condition 14:01.  As such, Justice Kissoon reasoned that “If, however, that event occurs and there is no uncapped Parent Company Guarantee in place to indemnify the State, then the State is liable for all that occurs. It is simply not open to the permit holder to say it is engaged in a frolic of its own, aided and abetted by the EPA, to unilaterally, arbitrarily and unlawfully cap its unlimited liability and financial assurance.” Related Similar Articles

National funeral for Sir Shridath Ramphal on Sept. 14 Sep 08, 2024 News …to be interred at The Place of the Seven Ponds Kaieteur News – The Office of the President announced on Saturday that a National Funeral of Honour will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 in tribute to the life and legacy of Sir Shridath Surendranath Ramphal, OE, OCC, GCMG, AM. Sir Shridath Ramphal Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal, a towering figure in international diplomacy and one of the Caribbean’s most respected elder statesmen, died peacefully on August 30, 2024, at the age of 95. Sir Shridath was born on October 3, 1928, in New Amsterdam, British Guiana (now Guyana). He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Lady Lois Ramphal, who passed away in 2019. His illustrious career spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on global diplomacy, Caribbean development, and the fight against institutional racism. He was a distinguished alumnus of King’s College London and Gray’s Inn, London. His career was marked by a series of pivotal roles, including Assistant Attorney-General of the West Indies Federation, Minister of Justice and Foreign Affairs of Guyana, and Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, a position he held for 15 years, making him the longest-serving individual in that role. The Office of the President in a statement said, “Sir Shridath, a distinguished son of Guyana, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, and a towering figure in global diplomacy, will be honoured for his lifelong service to the nation, the Caribbean, the Commonwealth, and the world.” The funeral will take place at the Promenade Gardens, Georgetown, commencing at 15:00 hours, to be followed by interment at The Place of the Seven Ponds in the Botanical Gardens. “This solemn occasion will be observed with the full ceremonial tributes befitting Sir Shridath’s monumental contributions to Guyana, including the preservation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to the global community,” the statement said inviting all Guyanese to join in paying their final respects to “a man whose extraordinary vision and tireless dedication have left an indelible mark on our country and the world.” Meanwhile, as Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1975 to 1990, Sir Shridath played a key role in the international campaign against apartheid in South Africa. His efforts were instrumental in the eventual termination of apartheid, earning him global respect and admiration. Nelson Mandela once said of him: “He is one of those men who have become famous because, in their fight for human justice, they have chosen the whole world as their theatre.” Sir Shridath also served as Chancellor of the University of Guyana, the University of the West Indies, and Warwick University. He was involved in various global initiatives, serving on all the Global Commissions that produced landmark reports on the environment, development, and disarmament between 1980 and 1995. His leadership as Chairman of the West Indian Commission culminated in the 1992 report, “Time for Action,” which remains a seminal blueprint for Caribbean development. In addition to his diplomatic contributions, Sir Shridath was a key figure in environmental conservation, serving as President of the World Conservation Union and Special Adviser to the UN Conference on Environment and Development. He also played a significant role as Chief Negotiator for the Caribbean on External Economic Relations. On June 30, 2020, Sir Shridath Ramphal, Guyana’s Co-Agent and Head of the Legal Team in Guyana’s border case against Venezuela, opened Guyana’s arguments before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the issue of the court having jurisdiction to hear the matter. Even in his later years, Sir Shridath remained active on the international stage. At 92, he became the first lawyer to appear virtually before the International Court of Justice during the COVID-19 pandemic, representing Guyana in a critical border controversy case with Venezuela. Throughout his life, Sir Shridath received numerous prestigious honours, including the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC), the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG), the Order of Excellence of Guyana (OE), the Order of Merit of Jamaica (OM), the Order of the Companions of Oliver Tambo from South Africa, and Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). He was also appointed to the Order of New Zealand, New Zealand’s highest civil honor. Related Similar Articles

Kaieteur News response to ExxonMobil Guyana Sep 08, 2024 News Kaieteur News – It is a matter of some amusement that ExxonMobil, a corporate titan renowned for its global reach and unassailable influence, should now find itself echoing the Guyanese government in accusing this newspaper of spreading misinformation. The peculiar spectacle of a private corporation adopting the rhetorical posture of a nation’s administration is, if nothing else, a scene that deserves our collective pause. Since 2021, this newspaper has implored, urged, even begged the government to undertake what should be a basic tenet of responsible management of Guyana’s oil resources: independent monitoring of oil production and oil lifts. It is not, as ExxonMobil and the government would have the public believe, a matter of “misinformation” or, heaven forbid, subterfuge on our part. No, it is the humble exercise of responsible governance that Guyana, an infant in the oil world, must establish its own means of verifying the production data handed to it by seasoned multinationals. This call for independent oversight is essential, lest we content ourselves with relying on the goodwill and honesty of oil conglomerates. Trust, while a virtue, is not a substitute for vigilance. The government remains unbending in its refusal to heed this call for independent monitoring and verification, opting instead to trust the very oil companies whose interests are not aligned with those of the nation. It is one thing for the government to abdicate its responsibility to ensure independent scrutiny; it is quite another for ExxonMobil to throw its weight behind such dereliction and insinuate that this newspaper’s insistence on checks and balances is somehow an exercise in misleading the public. The only party being misled here, it seems, is the people of Guyana—misled into thinking that the oversight of their national wealth is being handled with care when, in reality, the fox is guarding the henhouse. Equally perplexing is Exxon’s silence on the use or non-use of oil in its operations. Exxon should clarify its position on this issue. We look forward to Exxon providing the details as to this aspect of its operations. In this regard, it is therefore with great enthusiasm that we welcome ExxonMobil’s recent offer to provide “any additional information” and answers to pressing questions. Perhaps, in the spirit of transparency, ExxonMobil might begin by enlightening the public as to its “massive” rate of return. We might also benefit from updates on the country’s proven reserves—another glaring omission in the government’s lexicon of accountability—and, for good measure, the sums being held by the company for future decommissioning costs. For if we are to place our faith in the hands of an oil giant, we would at least like to know where those hands have been and where they plan to go. This, ExxonMobil, is not misinformation. It is an inquiry into the truth, a search for the facts. It is not the role of a free press to act as a megaphone for either government or corporate interests. Our duty is to question, to hold accountable, and to safeguard the public trust. The sooner ExxonMobil and the government recognize that, the better. EDITOR’S NOTE: The article above responds to ExxonMobil Guyana’s President Alistair Routledge’s letter to the Editor published in Saturday, September 7, 2024 edition of the Kaieteur News. The letter as published is below: Exxon’s production vessels have meters and they meet or exceed international industry standards Dear Editor, It’s unfortunate this publication continues to spread misinformation about ExxonMobil Guyana’s operations. Its readers deserve better. Contrary to assertions repeatedly made by the paper this week, Government representatives are present to witness every offshore oil lift – both their own, and those of the Stabroek block consortium. Simply put, none of the consortium members can lift oil without a government witness present. The Government has described how it exercises its rights and duties to closely monitor our operations. The Government’s oil lifts also aren’t a mystery – they are available for anyone to read on the Ministry of Natural Resources’ website. Furthermore, despite repeated claims to the contrary, our offshore production vessels have meters, and those meters meet or exceed international industry standards. That data is also monitored by the Government. Those looking for factual information about Guyana’s oil-and-gas industry would be better served seeking out news outlets that are committed to factual and unbiased reporting. Sincerely, Alistair Routledge President, ExxonMobil Guyana Related Similar Articles

Woman wanted for human trafficking Sep 08, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Saturday issued a wanted bulletin for a woman who allegedly involved in human trafficking. Wanted: Andreina The wanted woman was identified only as, Andreina. Police reported that the woman allegedly committed the act between May and August 1, 2024 at Robb Street, Georgetown. Persons with information about the whereabouts of Andreina, are asked to contact the police on 227-1149, 225-8196, 227-1611, 226-3405, 225-6978, 225-8196 or the nearest police station. Related Similar Articles

Finance Minister meets EXIM Bank officials on financing Gas-to-Energy Sep 08, 2024 News Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh during one of high-level meetings in the US. Kaieteur News – Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh met and held discussions on Gas-to-Energy project with the Senior Advisor to the President and Chair, Mr. Larry T. Decker, and other senior and technical officials of the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of the United States (US) in Washington DC. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Finance, the meeting took place during the Senior Minister’s four-day visit to the US. The EXIM Bank is still to consider approval of a loan to Guyana, valued at approximately US$646 million. The loan is meant to support the Gas-to-Energy project. As a result, during the visit discussions surrounded the bank’s support towards the project, which, when completed, is expected to significantly reduce electricity costs, increase the competitiveness of other industries, and reduce the nation’s reliance on heavy fossil fuels. At the meeting, Dr. Singh expressed appreciation to the Bank for its continued support to Guyana, and reiterated that the Government values greatly, its relationship with the Bank. Dr. Singh met and held discussions with a number of other high-level officials as Guyana have been partnering in a number of areas such as economic growth, trade and development including enhanced security. During his visit to the US, Dr. Singh, accompanied by Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, Samuel Hinds, met with the Deputy Assistant Secretary, United States (US) Department of Treasury, Michael Kaplan, in Washington DC where he updated Mr. Kaplan on recent economic developments and prospects in Guyana and explored opportunities for the two countries to collaborate on matters of shared interest. He also reiterated the Government of Guyana’s commitment to maintaining a favorable macroeconomic environment and strong institutional framework which will facilitate increased opportunities for US companies to do business in Guyana. Later, the Senior Minister met with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Administrator for Policy and Programming, Isobel Coleman, in Washington DC. At that meeting Dr. Singh alluded to Guyana’s overall economic growth of 49.7 percent and the non-oil growth 12.6 percent in the first half of 2024, representing the fourth successive year of expansion in the non-oil economy at the half-year. He further outlined the efforts being made by Government to ensure that this sustained strong economic growth redounds to the benefit of all Guyanese. The two teams also explored a number of avenues for further collaboration going forward. Dr. Singh also met with the United States (US) Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Mr. Jose W. Fernandez, and Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Energy Resources, Mr. Geoffrey R. Pyatt, at the State Department in Washington DC where discussions focused on a number of avenues for closer cooperation in advancing the agenda for economic growth and improving the lives of the Guyanese people, including in the areas of energy security, human capital development, and pandemic preparedness in the context of the Economic and Health Dialogue of the Americas. Dr. Singh further reiterated that the Government of Guyana places the highest level of importance on the special relationship shared with the US and he used the opportunity to restate appreciation, on behalf of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and the Government and People of Guyana, of the US’s strong support for the restoration of democracy in 1992, and its preservation during the 2020 General and Regional Elections. He also thanked the US for unequivocally supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana in terms of the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy. The Senior Minister also met with the Assistant United States (US) Trade Representative for the Western Hemisphere, Mr. Daniel Watson, in Washington DC. where discussions centered on enhancing the trade and investment partnership between the US and Guyana with Dr. Singh emphasizing that the US continues to be one of Guyana’s most significant trading partners, and reiterated Government commitment to maintaining a strong institutional environment, and a favourable macro-economic environment conducive to US companies doing business in Guyana. The meetings between Dr. Singh and US officials also included a meeting with the Executive President of the CAF (Corporacion Andina de Fomento) Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Sergio Díaz-Granados. Where the Minister explained that the Government is open to partnership with CAF and would like to see the bank play a role in Guyana’s exciting transformation currently underway. The two sides also explored ways in which the financial institution can partner with the Government to ensure that the current aggressive infrastructure build-out is financed optimally, and that critical investments are made toward further boosting the economy and diversifying a number of critical sectors in the country. Related Similar Articles

Over 30 contractors bid to construct doctor’s quarter at District 10 Health Centre Sep 08, 2024 News Kaieteur News – During the recent opening of bids at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, it was revealed that over 30 contractors applied to construct the doctor’s living quarter at the District 10 Health Centre, Region Five. The project is being executed through the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Five and is estimated to cost $21.3 million Kaieteur News reported previously that in August, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, and the regional team commissioned the new health center at Lakeville, which is set to enhance healthcare services for residents of De Hoop and neighbouring villages. It was reported that the new health centre is fully equipped with medical supplies and equipment to cater to approximately 1,200 residents. Below are the companies and their bids: Ministry of Public Works Consultancy services for social and gender resilience building for Linden to Mabura road project. Bidder Amount Tendered AZ Information Jamaica Limited – Insuco International Limited – National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Construction of foundation for hardware house at Kimbia. Bidder Amount Tendered S. Jagmohan Construction & General $740,840,023 4N Hardware Store inc. $708,633,210 Associated Construction Service $1,073,606,628 Permaul Trading & Distribution $747,084,500 Japarts Construction Inc. $816,938,166 Engineer’sEstimate $748,673,216 Regional Democratic Council of Region 5 Construction of doctor’s living quarters at District 10 health Centre. Bidder AmountTendered Crown Road and Drainage Contractors $26,097,855 Truck Smart $22,287,930 Motiram Construction $18,333,000 Kumar Narine Construction Services $22,354,343 Wazeer Khan & Sons Construction $20,163,045 DSS Construction & Services Establishment $20,472,165 Momin& Son Construction $18,202,640 Andrect Engineering & Construction $20,556,953 RS& Son Construction $18,586,785 Twinkle Construction $20,055,210 FS Construction $18,776,073 N&K General Construction $17,040,712 EZE Way Construction Inc. $22,089,123 Dass& Sons Construction & Machinery Rental $21,039,086 B&S General Contracting Service $20,346,952 Anil Lalsa Construction $21,490,875 Bashir &Sons Construction – LS Contracting Services $15,987,930 VG Group Guyana Inc. $26,218,710 S&S Engineering $17,077,515 M.Ali Contracting& Engineering Service $18,020,205 LMN Construction & General Services $17,101,949 ES Construction Services & Supplies $19,178,355 Innovate Company $18,562,950 Rishma& Sisters Enterprise $20,352,801 Sovereignty Investments Construction Services $16,786,980 Rahaman Construction& Transportation Services $19,142,025 Professional Engineering & Construction Service $20,626,211 F.Construction & Supplies $17,056,484 Construct It Inc. $23,379,458 N. General Construction $24,169,180 R.A& D Construction $18,231,766 Sheldon Contracting Firm $15,555,645 AYN Construction & General Services $23,122,260 RHR Enterprise $18,516,046 4S Security & Building Enterprise $20,240,640 CAJ Construction $20,826,015 4 Brothers Construction & Hardware Supplies $18,950,998 Engineer’sEstimate $21,303,398 Related Similar Articles

Orealla Village to get $198M secondary school Sep 08, 2024 News Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and the contractor among other officials turning the sod for the construction of the new Orealla Secondary School on Saturday. Kaieteur News – Orealla/ Siparuta, the only Amerindian village in Region Six will soon get a secondary school building, which will be constructed to the tune of $198,866,010. The sod was turned on Saturday to mark the start of the school’s construction. Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand was joined by other officials for the ceremonial activity. According to information provided by the Ministry of Education, the new Orealla Secondary School which will be constructed by 4S Security & Building Enterprise and will feature six modern classrooms, four specialized laboratories, and a well-equipped library, aimed at providing high-quality learning environment for approximately 180 students. The facility will serve the educational needs of students from both Orealla and the nearby Siparuta area thereby addressing a critical gap in educational resources. The supervision of the project will be conducted by CEMCO Incorporated. It was reported by the ministry that already the contractor was given an initial mobilization amount of $59,659,803 and that the project is anticipated to be completed within six months. The Minister in her brief remarks highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to advancing educational opportunities and infrastructure across Guyana. She noted that this project is part of a broader initiative to enhance the quality of education and provide students with the necessary resources for academic excellence. The new Orealla Secondary School is poised to make a substantial impact on the local community, ensuring that students in this riverain village and the surrounding areas benefit from improved educational facilities. The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Six in a statement reported that the school will not only benefit students by eliminating the need for them to travel to the coast for secondary schooling but will also ease the financial burden on parents who previously had to pay for accommodation and other expenses. The establishment of this school will ensure that students in these remote communities have access to education like those in more urbanized area, the region said. Regional Executive Officer, Narindra Persaud at the ceremony had applauded the Orealla and Siparuta Village Council for their continuous advocacy and support, which played a key role in the realization of the project. He noted that the commencement of construction signifies a major milestone for the region, with the school serving as a beacon of progress and opportunity. This publication understands that Orealla Village is just one of many hinterland areas which have been targeted to get new secondary schools built. It was reported that the building of the schools all forms part of the government’s goal of achieving universal secondary education by 2025. Related Similar Articles