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Netanyahu’s border proposal threatens Gaza ceasefire talks Sep 06, 2024 News Israeli tanks stand near the Israel-Gaza separation fence as seen from southern Israel Sunday, in July 2024 [Tsafrir Abayov/AP Photo]Hamas calls for pressure on Netanyahu to stick to agreed ceasefire plan, accuses the Israeli leader of using the Philadelphi Corridor to thwart deal. Aljazeera – Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his military must retain open-ended control over Gaza’s southern border area with Egypt – known as the Philadelphi Corridor – digging in on a position that threatens to derail ceasefire efforts. Netanyahu’s stance on the corridor – which was seized by Israeli forces in May – has become the key obstacle to reaching a ceasefire deal in Gaza as pressure mounts on the Israeli leader amid mass protests domestically demanding that a deal be reached that brings captives home and international outrage as the number of Palestinians confirmed killed by Israel’s military in Gaza nears 41,000. “Gaza must be demilitarised, and this can only happen if the Philadelphi Corridor remains under firm control,” Netanyahu told foreign journalists on Wednesday. Netanyahu said Israel must maintain control of the corridor to prevent weapons being smuggled into Gaza and that Israel would only consider withdrawing from the strategic location when presented with an alternative plan to police the area. “Bring me anyone who will actually show us … that they can actually prevent the recurrence” of smuggling, he said. “I don’t see that happening right now. And until that happens, we’re there.” When asked by journalists for a timeline for Israel ending its war on Gaza, Netanyahu refused to give one. “How long can we do this? As long as it takes to achieve this victory. And I think we’re getting a lot closer,” he said. Netanyahu has faced searing criticism from many in Israel for his position on the Philadelphi Corridor, including from within his own military and security establishment who believe Israeli troops do not need to be permanently based in Gaza and could, instead, launch targeted raids if required to stop arms smuggling. Egypt, a mediator in the ceasefire talks along with the US and Qatar, has also demanded a concrete timeline for Israel’s withdrawal from the corridor which runs along its border. The United Arab Emirates, which established formal ties with Israel in the 2020 Abraham Accords – designed to normalise Arab-Israeli relations – has also criticised Israel’s decision to control the corridor on Wednesday. In a statement released on Thursday, Hamas blamed Netanyahu for the ongoing impasse in ceasefire talks and accused the Israeli leader of wanting to prolong the war on Gaza. “Netanyahu’s decision not to withdraw from the Salah al-Din [Philadelphi Corridor] axis aims to thwart reaching an agreement,” Hamas said in the statement. “We warn against falling into Netanyahu’s trap and tricks, as he uses negotiations to prolong the aggression against our people,” Hamas said, adding that Israel must be held to a deal that was agreed earlier this year. “We do not need new proposals. What is required now is to pressure Netanyahu and his government and oblige them to what has been agreed upon,” the statement reads. During his address to reporters on Wednesday, Netanyahu also incorrectly claimed that Israel’s ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza in May forced the first release of Israeli captives held by Hamas in Gaza. That negotiated release, in fact, took place months earlier in November under a weeklong ceasefire deal agreed between Israel and Hamas. The Israel-Hamas truce began on November 24 and was renewed twice. Under the agreement, fighting was paused and humanitarian aid was allowed to enter Gaza as Hamas released captives in exchange for Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners. By the end of the six-day truce on November 30, 105 captives had been released by Hamas and 240 Palestinian prisoners had been freed by Israel. Related Similar Articles

Fire destroys storage bond in Sophia Sep 06, 2024 News Firefighters making their way to scene of the aftermath. Kaieteur News – Fire of an unknown origin destroyed a storage bond located in ‘A’ Field, Sophia on Thursday afternoon. The fire which started at approximately 14:30h quickly spread throughout the bond despite the prompt response from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). However, the fire fighters’ valiant efforts were unsuccessful as the bond was completely destroyed. Residents in the community gathered as word of the fire spread, and thick black smoke billowed into the sky. The aftermath of Thursday’s fire. At the time of the fire, the owner (s) whose name is unknown was not at the premises. Kaieteur News understands that the bond stores wood, spare parts and other materials. A damaged motorcycle. Bahiyyah Fraser, a neighbour told Kaieteur News that the fire spread quickly. “I saw the fire start from the neighbor’s side, and the wind just carried it. It all happened so fast,” Fraser who recently moved to the area said. The woman told this publication that because of how fast the fire spread, a motorcycle belonging to a relative was burnt. She disclosed that no one lived at the bond and there were no signs of vagrants there. “No, nobody lights fires around here,” she assured. The GFS is investigating the cause of the fire. Up to press time, no statement has been issued on the fire. (Wayne Lyttle) Related Similar Articles

‘Exxon not using Guyana’s oil for its operations’ Sep 06, 2024 News – says provision in PSA is not for crude oil but natural gas Kaieteur News – The Government of Guyana has insisted that operator of the lucrative Stabroek Block ExxonMobil is not using this country’s oil for its operations. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo Questions have been raised as to whether ExxonMobil has been utilising this country’s crude as provided for in the lopsided Production Sharing Agreement to fuel its offshore operations.  Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday at his weekly press conference told the media while responding to a question posed by this newspaper that he had previously addressed the issue and it remains the same. “I think it still stands that they are not using any of the production for that purpose, for generating power or power in the FPSO’s, they are not using any of the crude produced for that purpose. So it would be zero,” Jagdeo said. The Ministry of Natural Resources also provided clarification on the issue in a statement responding to an article published by the Kaieteur News. The ministry said that, “Article 11.9 of the Petroleum Agreement states “The Contractor shall have the right to use in any Petroleum Operations as much of the production as may reasonably be required by it therefore and the quantities so used or lost shall be excluded from any calculations of Cost Oil and/or Cost Gas and Profit Oil and/or Profit Gas entitlement.” The statement further clarified that this was in keeping with international best practices and transparency standards. Furthermore, the ministry said that it is common knowledge that the crude oil which is what Exxon extracts offshore Guyana has to be refined into a number of products as it cannot be used in its natural unrefined state. As there are currently no refinery operations in Guyana to refine the crude, it has to be exported to international markets where it can be refined into the petroleum products. “The ‘production’ for use in offshore operations, as referenced in the Agreement, is not crude oil but natural gas. Most of the natural gas extracted offshore is reinjected, while a portion is processed, removing impurities, so that it is useful as fuel,” the ministry added. The issues of Exxon using oil from production for its operations was flagged by International Award-winning Lawyer, Melinda Janki during a webinar on Sunday. The virtual discussion titled ‘Guyana’s oil- boom or blowout?’ was widely attended by close to 100 participants from different countries. In her presentation, the Lawyer pointed out, “The Petroleum Agreement says that Exxon, Hess and CNOOC can take as much oil as they need for the operations. So, when they produce the oil, they can take, each one of them, Exxon, Hess and CNOOC, each one of them can take as much oil as they say they need for their operations.” In 2021, Janki said she wrote to President Irfaan Ali requesting information on how much oil was being deducted by the companies; however, she never received a response. She said, “Either he doesn’t know or he doesn’t want to say, but this oil does not get counted, it’s just gone and the rest of the oil is divided into cost oil and profit oil, so if you think of the oil, you have got three things- one, the free oil that’s taken off the top, we don’t know how much that is and it doesn’t count and then the rest of the oil which is divided into something called cost oil and profit oil.” It should be noted that ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), as the operator of the Stabroek Block is required to submit a quarterly production statement to the government of Guyana, outlining among other things the gross quantity of crude oil or natural gas produced as well as the “quantities used for the purpose of carrying on petroleum operations, including drilling and production operations and pumping to field storage.” Data on the Ministry of Natural Resources Petroleum Management Programme does not indicate how much oil is taken out by Exxon for its operations. The website however publishes information on the amount of oil produced daily by the company and provides an overview of gas injected, flared and used for fuel. This therefore raises questions about the publishing of selective information by the government. Related Similar Articles

EU delegation meets Min Anthony to discuss health and pharmaceutical investment mission Sep 06, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The European Union Delegation in Guyana on Wednesday met with Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, to discuss the upcoming EU Health and Pharmaceutical Investment Mission. The discussion focused on potential collaborative opportunities between the ministry and the EU companies in the health and pharmaceutical sectors, aiming to align these efforts with Guyana’s healthcare needs and goals. In a press release the Ministry of Health said, the EU delegation is committed to fostering partnerships that will contribute positively to Guyana’s health sector, ensuring that the expertise and resources of EU companies are effectively utilised. Ambassador René Van Nes, Joan Nadal, from EU Delegation Guyana and Taiana Mora, the mission coordinator and other members were present at the meeting. Related Similar Articles

US$1.2M TVET centre commissioned at North West Secondary School Sep 06, 2024 News Minister of Education Priya Manickchand with students and educational officers Kaieteur News – Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand on Wednesday commissioned the new US $1.2 million Practical Instruction Department (PID) at North West Secondary School in Mabaruma, Region One. This Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) facility, constructed at a cost of US$1,209,241 GYD$ 252,610,444.90 replaces the previous PID that was destroyed by fire in 2021. According to the press release, the newly built PID is designed to enhance vocational training opportunities for up to 400 students in the region. It will offer specialised training programs and resources aimed at equipping students with practical skills and certifications needed for various trades and professions. The centre will feature hands-on workshops, industry-relevant training programs, and certification courses to prepare students for successful careers and contribute to local economic development. The commissioning ceremony was attended by Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, regional officials, educators, and students, all of whom expressed support and enthusiasm for the new facility. Manickchand durig remarks at the commissioning spoke about the significance of the new centre, calling it a major achievement for the Ministry of Education and the Government of Guyana. She emphasised the importance of expanding opportunities for students in Region One, aligning with the Education Month theme, ‘Investing in Education, Bridging Gaps, Creating Opportunities.’ “We’re investing in education, we’re going to bridge gaps and opportunities will be created, and that is the theme of our life every single day,” Minister Manickchand said. Manickchand also underscored the Ministry’s commitment to improving education, particularly for Amerindian and Hinterland communities, as evidenced by the creation of the Office of Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development. She reiterated the goal of ensuring that every child, regardless of their location, has access to quality education from nursery through secondary school. “We made very specific and clear directions, for the Ministry; that every child, wherever they exist, on the highest mountain or deepest valley, along every river bank, on every road side, would be able to access nursery, primary and secondary education.” She explained. Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain explained the implications of the PID for students’ educational futures. She noted that, in addition to traditional CSEC subjects, students will now be able to achieve a CVQ Level I certificate, which will facilitate entry into technical institutes, the University of Guyana, GOAL programs, Cyril Potter College of Education, and Carnegie School of Home Economics. She stated, “previously, for you to matriculate, the only thing you could’ve gotten was five subjects at CSEC inclusive of English and Mathematics. Now the Ministry of Education has looked extensively at this.” Dr. Ritesh Tularam, Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), highlighted the centre’s role in shaping the future workforce. He pointed out that the PID will offer programs in five occupational areas: furniture making, motor vehicle repairs, electrical installation, commercial food preparation, and home management. Students who complete these programs will receive a CVQ Level I Certificate and will have the opportunity to pursue further levels of certification. Related Similar Articles

$791M Yarrokabra Secondary School commissioned Sep 06, 2024 News President Irfaan Ali alongside Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and other officials cut the ribbon at the commissioning ceremony of the Yarrowkabra Secondary School. …as seven primary tops are closed Kaieteur News – Seven primary tops (a secondary department in a primary school) located along the Soesdyke – Linden Highway have been closed as the Ministry of Education commissioned a new secondary school at Yarrowkabra. The $790M Yarrowkabra Secondary School was commissioned by President Irfaan Ali and Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand on Thursday. The Ministry inked a $790,571,342 contract with R. Bassoo & Sons Construction Company to build the school in September 2021. At the contract signing, it was shared that the school will have nine buildings complete with the necessary laboratories, space for industrial arts, among other auxiliary buildings. The new school will accommodate 1,019 students across 35 classes and 65 teachers including 29 newly recruited educators, 31 trained teachers, 14 teachers who are in training and 20 to be registered for training. Minister Manickchand during her remarks said that plans to construct the school were in the pipeline since 2013 and now that it is constructed and opened, seven primary tops which accommodated 550 students have been closed. The primary tops that have been closed are in Hauraruni, Laluni, Long Creek, Kuru Kururu, Dora, Low Wood and Susannah. Minister Manickchand disclosed that her ministry will soon seek contractors to build an additional 10 classrooms at the school. “We started this school last year and we already need 10 new classrooms which the Permanent Secretary has already put out a bid because once the school is here, kids will come to school and once children come to school lives will change,” the minister related. Noting that opening the school forms part of the President’s goal of ensuring children are provided with the infrastructure to receive their education, the minister said that over the next few days several schools will be commissioned and that the sod for a new secondary school at Orealla, Region Six will be turned this weekend. Meanwhile, President Ali said the commissioning represents another historic occasion in the country’s education sector. “We are here to open yet another school, a grand achievement that is in its own right but in so doing we are also making a leap towards realizing a key goal of our national education policy, universal secondary education, and that is an important goal of our education policy. We firmly believe that universal access to secondary education should not be considered optional it is an indispensable right for every child,” the President said. It was reported that the government’s goal is to achieve universal secondary education in Guyana by 2025. On Thursday, President Ali said that secondary education is not merely a privilege but a fundamental entitlement that must be extended to all. “We don’t need the United Nations or anyone to set the benchmark we are setting the benchmark for our country so that we can become a model for others to follow and that benchmark is to achieve universal secondary education,” he stated. Further, he said that the government’s goal is not solely to increase the number of classrooms, but to also create conducive learning environments whereby equipping schools with modern technologies including libraries, laboratories, and facilities for sports, which will enrich the educational development of children in the country. “Universal secondary education is to ensure that no child is left behind, through this initiative we aimed to make education accessible to every child, providing enriching, enlightening and empowering life experiences essential for a modern economy,” the Head of State expressed. He told the gathering that the Yarrowkabra Secondary School symbolizes hope, opportunities, and progress and that the educational institution will be a beacon for the youths of Yarrowkabra. “By investing in such schools, we are investing in the intellectual capital of our nation, a resource that holds the key to innovation, creativity and sustainable development,” the President stated. The Head of State called on the school’s administration to take good care of the state-of-the-art facility since it was constructed for inter-generational benefit. Further, he urged parents to pay attention to the education of their children since that responsibility does not fall solely on teachers. The Commissioning ceremony was also attended by Minister within the office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy. Related Similar Articles

Enjoy yuh life; it is the only one you will have on this Earth! Sep 06, 2024 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – Imagine this: You wake up one morning and nothing makes sense. You have no clue what your name is, where you are, or even who you are. For all you know, you could be a millionaire, or maybe you owe a loan shark. It’s a mystery! The first thought that pops into your head is: “Who am I?”—but honestly, that’s boring. So, instead of solving that puzzle, you decide to make the most of it. After all, how often do you get a blank slate? First stop—coffee. You order the biggest cup on the menu, not caring if you can afford it because, let’s face it, maybe you’re rich. If the cashier gives you a side-eye when you pull out your cash, you flash a winning smile. At least you have money. Next, you head to the nearest clothing store. Try on that fancy shirt they have in the showcase. You pay and strut out like a model on a runway. If someone asks who you are, just shrug and say, “I’m whoever you want me to be.” As the day progresses, it occurs to you that this could go either way. You could stumble into a government office and start running the Ministry, or you could be a labourer on a rubbish truck. But here’s the kicker: you don’t have to choose. For one day, you’re free from the labels, expectations, and baggage that come with knowing who you are. By the end of the day, you realize something. Life is a lot more fun when you’re not weighed down by the question of identity. Maybe you don’t need to remember who you are to enjoy yourself. Maybe the real you is just someone who’s really good at making the most of a forgetful day. Talk half. Leff half. Related Similar Articles