admin

The West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) commends former West Indies fast bowler, Curtly Ambrose, on being awarded an honorary doctorate. JOIN THE ABN WHATSAPP GROUP FOLLOW...

Former high-profile United Progressive Party members Dr Edmond Mansoor and Sean Bird attended Friday’s executive meeting of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party on...

Oct 19, 2024 News Kaieteur News – American oil giant, ExxonMobil has been asked to assist the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in investigating the seepage of an oily substance through the floors of West Demerara residents. The oily substance that was discovered in the home of Basmatie Singh Media and Communications Supervisor for ExxonMobil, Meghan MacDonald in an invited comment told this newspaper, “The EPA asked our environmental experts to assist them in this investigation, and we are happy to provide that expertise.” She was keen to note that there is currently no evidence or reason to believe these incidents have anything to do with the company’s oil production, some 190 kilometers offshore. Moreover, MacDonald said the Gas-to-Energy pipeline, constructed by Exxon is presently not operational. She also pointed out that the pipeline will transport gas and not oil. A 62-year old resident of Crane, West Bank Demerara first reported the appearance of the substance to the EPA. She told Kaieteur News in an interview on Monday that she has been living in fear for her health since discovering the substance on October 3. An officer of GGMC collecting samples from an affected home Basmatie Singh said she was cleaning the bottom flat of her two-story home, located a short distance from the sea front when she noticed several drops of an oily substance on her tiles. The woman immediately summoned her son who lives with her. She said they touched the substance which had an oil consistency.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was alerted of the situation on October 7. A team from the EPA, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) visited Singh’s home on October 8. The team conducted tests and took samples of the substance for further testing offsite. The family was later informed by the EPA during a second visit to their home on October 11 that the living room area was high in Sulphur Dioxide. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), according to the American Lung Association, is a gaseous air pollutant composed of sulfur and oxygen. “SO2 forms when sulfur-containing fuel such as coal, petroleum oil, or diesel is burned,” the Association said. Inhaling this gas can be extremely dangerous to human health causing wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness and other problems. According to the American Lung Association, “Long-term exposure at high levels increases respiratory symptoms and reduces the ability of the lungs to function.” When Kaieteur News visited the Crane home, the strong fumes penetrated the masks worn by the reporters. The smell almost resembled that of acetone, a strong chemical used by nail technicians. Droplets of the liquid substance were seen across what used to be Singh’s living room. The fumes forced reporters out as a burning sensation of the eyes and nose were experienced. Basmatie said these symptoms were very common to her, as she also reported feeling nauseous and experiencing severe headaches and blistering of her skin. Another citizen, who resides just streets away, in the same village, Nandanie Singh reported experiencing similar oil like substance appearing on the floor tiles of her kitchen. She told this newspaper that the strange matter started appearing on the floors over eight months ago. The family however did not notice any strong fumes in their homes. “I called them [Tuesday] and they came [Wednesday]. The EPA tell we that is the dust, moisture and heat causing it. They said because we cooking in the kitchen, it could have spots of grease and oil on floor. They said that even the chemicals from the bottom of the rubber mats can cause the spots to appear,” she said. Nandanie said that the EPA said too that they didn’t find any toxic gas present in their home. ExxonMobil has laid a 12-inch pipeline a stone’s throw away from Singh’s home. The pipeline is connected to the Liza One and Liza Two Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSO) offshore. It will transport gas to the Wales Development site. In August, Exxon completed hooking up the pipeline to the two FPSOs. The company had said it would pump an earthen gas – like nitrogen – along with water into the structure, until the construction of the gas plants is completed at Wales. Related Similar Articles

Oct 19, 2024 News Kaieteur News – ALLEINSU – Minister of the Internal Affairs Bronto Somohardjo has resigned and made his portfolio available to President Chan Santokhi. This decision follows a disturbed working relationship with Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk, who according to Somohardjo negatively influenced the functioning of both his ministry and the country’s government. The minister stated that this rift also unfairly involved the political party Pertjajah Luhur (PL), of which he is a member, in the conflict. Suriname’s Minister of the Internal Affairs Bronto Somohardjo Somohardjo indicated that it was a difficult but necessary decision. “Serving the people is my top priority, regardless of the position I hold,” he told Starnieuws. He emphasized that the working relationship with the vice president created an unworkable situation and that it was in the interest of the country to step down. In addition, the ongoing investigation by the Central Accountants Service (CLAD) into possible abuses at the Ministry of the Interior plays a role in his departure. This investigation, initiated by Somohardjo himself, is expected to be completed by the end of November. The minister stated that his credibility and that of politics would be at stake if he were to go on leave in the meantime. He urged the president to make the final report of CLAD public, so that the population can form its own opinion. In line with the coalition agreement, Pertjajah Luhur will nominate a new candidate for the position of Minister of the Interior. Tomorrow evening, an emergency structure meeting will take place at the PL party center in Beekhuizen to discuss the situation that has arisen. Meanwhile, Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi said that he has accepted the resignation of Minister Somohardjo, which will take effect on Monday, October 21, 2024. “There will be an urgent debate within the coalition summit on the final termination of the vacant position of the Minister of  Internal Affairs. Until then, I will appoint an acting minister,” the President’s communications unit reported. Related Similar Articles

De complications more than de cash grant Oct 19, 2024 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists Dem Boys Seh… Kaieteur News – De Vee Pee claim how since de cash grant announcement, people start turn up at he gate like if is Christmas Eve at de mall. But dem boys wonder if he gat cameras to show dis so-called avalanche, or if he just hearin’ voices in he head. Now, dem boys ain’t doubting he, but it look like he more concerned about who at de gate than who about to double-dip de system. Now, dem boys got a question fuh he: how yuh plan to stop de smart man who want to tek more than he fair share? With all dem brains in government, yuh mean to tell we that nobody see dis coming? Wah kind of decision-making is dat? Like de grant idea come first, and de common sense come last! Leh we break it down simple fuh yuh, Vee Pee. Yuh ever think how easy it is fuh a non-resident to come tek a piece of de pie? How yuh stopping dem from showing up wid dey ID today, and then dey passport tomorrow? One time by de market, next time by de stadium. Before yuh blink, yuh money done, and dem hustlers laughing all de way to de bank. De people want to know how yuh fixing dis one. Yuh get a whole set of folks excited, but how yuh goin’ handle de ones who know how to tek advantage of de system? Dem boys seh is one thing to hand out de cash, but is another thing to ensure de right people get it. Otherwise, is like trying to fill a bucket with a hole at de bottom. So tell we, Vee Pee, what magic yuh plan to use to keep dem smart man at bay? Yuh might need more than cameras at yuh gate. Dem boys waiting fuh de answers, cause right now it look like de cash grant got more holes than a fisherman’s net. And if yuh can’t plug dem holes, well, yuh might as well call it a free-for-all! Talk half. Leff half. Related Similar Articles

Guyana’s shift into the US orbit Oct 19, 2024 Peeping Tom Kaieteur News – For decades, Guyana prided itself on an independent foreign policy, one that allowed it to punch above its weight on the international stage. This independence was not just symbolic but represented a deep-seated conviction in charting a path that served the country’s interests rather than being tethered to the whims of any global superpower. However, the present reality paints a different picture. Guyana’s foreign policy, long regarded as one of the hallmarks of its governance, has steadily been eroded, replaced by a pro-Western orientation that has firmly placed the country in the orbit of the United States. This shift has not been subtle. It has been propelled by two major events that have altered the trajectory of Guyana’s external relations. The first was the political crisis that surrounded the 2020 General and Regional Elections. In the aftermath of the vote, Guyana teetered on the brink of an undemocratic outcome. Elements within the then-government made attempts to manipulate the results and cling to power. These efforts might have succeeded, if not for the decisive intervention of the United States, which threatened to impose sanctions. This external pressure proved pivotal, forcing those bent on undermining the democratic process to back down. It is not lost on observers that the threat of US sanctions, rather than the internal mechanisms of democracy, helped preserve the 2020 election results. The US intervention was not without consequences. The current government, haunted by the spectre of a similar attempt by the Opposition to subvert future elections, has subtly shifted its stance, relying on the United States as a guarantor of electoral integrity. In doing so, Guyana’s leadership has essentially outsourced a portion of its democratic vigilance to Washington, tacitly acknowledging that American pressure is indispensable to preventing a repeat of the 2020 crisis. Yet, electoral concerns are not the only factor driving Guyana closer to the United States. The looming territorial threat from Venezuela, Guyana’s western neighbour, has shaped its foreign policy posture significantly. For decades, Venezuela has maintained a claim over a significant portion of Guyana’s territory, and recent actions from Caracas have exacerbated tensions. In response, Georgetown has increasingly looked to Washington for support, recognizing that US backing is crucial to deterring Venezuelan aggression, especially considering US economic interests in the country emerging oil sector. The United States, through its Southern Command, has deepened its military cooperation with Guyana, conducting joint exercises and engaging in high-level security discussions. This collaboration is presented as a necessary step to safeguard Guyana’s sovereignty, but it also comes at the cost of foreign policy flexibility. By anchoring itself to US military support, Guyana has effectively limited its ability to maneuver independently on the international stage, especially when such maneuvering risks antagonizing Washington. Nowhere is this more evident than in Guyana’s weak-kneed stance on the Middle East. As the conflict between Israel and Palestine rages on, Georgetown’s position has been carefully calibrated to avoid offending the United States, which remains a staunch ally of Israel. While the Guyanese government has condemned the atrocities in the region, it has stopped short of adopting a stance that might irk its American partners. It knows very well that a two-state solution is dead with Israel seeking to exterminate the Palestinians. Yet the Guyana government continues with its plea for a two-state solution and an end to atrocities knowing fully well that the balance of power has long shifted in the region away from such solutions.  This cautious approach stands in stark contrast to the bolder positions Guyana might have taken in the past, during a time when it was less concerned with the preferences of its allies in Washington. For a country that once prided itself on a non-aligned stance, Guyana’s diplomatic posture today is distinctly pro-Western. In courting US support, whether for electoral security or defence against external threats, Guyana has sacrificed the very independence that once defined its foreign policy. Critics might argue that this alignment with the United States is a pragmatic response to the challenges facing the country. After all, with the memory of a near-democratic collapse and the Venezuelan threat looming large, it is understandable that Guyana would seek powerful allies. Yet, this pragmatism comes with a price. By tethering itself so closely to the United States, Guyana has ceded some of the very autonomy that allowed it to navigate the complexities of international relations on its terms. It is worth noting that this shift in foreign policy is not without historical irony. The United States, which Guyana now courts, was once viewed with suspicion during the Cold War era. Back then, Guyana’s leaders fiercely guarded their right to chart an independent course, often clashing with Washington over regional and global issues. Today, that caution has been replaced by a willingness to embrace US influence as a stabilizing force. This transformation raises important questions about the future of Guyana’s foreign policy. Can a country that has anchored its diplomatic strategy to the preferences of a single superpower still claim to be truly independent? Guyana finds itself in a delicate position. While the United States may provide a measure of security and stability, the embrace of such a relationship carries inherent risks. The more Guyana aligns itself with American interests, the less leverage it has in international forums where its voice once resonated independently. The pro-Western tilt may offer short-term gains, but it also risks diminishing Guyana’s ability to act as an independent actor in the long run. The pivot towards Washington might be a strategic necessity for Guyana, but it marks the end of an era. The days when Guyana’s foreign policy was driven by principles of non-alignment and independence are over. What remains is a country whose strategic choices are increasingly shaped by its ties to the United States—a far cry from the independent path it once championed.  (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)   Related Similar Articles

Oct 19, 2024 Editorial Editorial… Kaieteur News – ExxonMobil went about answering questions on its Guyana Stabroek Block oil stake with a jarring array of ready, self-serving answers.  The news was not good for either Guyana’s leading opposition, the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNCR) or Guyana itself.  ExxonMobil’s Guyana President, Mr. Alistair Routledge, was as hard as steel: the company will listen, will inform, and will clear the air on any misconceptions, but that is the limit of any discussions.  The steeliest part of Routledge’s position was clear when he said, “Absolutely, any change to the investment basis, given that we have made commitments that will flow 20 to 30 years, undermines that investment.”  For clarity: “any change to the investment basis…undermines that investment.”  That is, sabotages it, weakens it, reduces it.  In other words, any visions of renegotiation are dead on arrival. ExxonMobil will welcome conversation with the opposition PNCR but touching the 2016 oil contract that it foisted on Guyanese is off the table.  Don’t even think of going there.  This is the company, and this is overseer that rides all over Guyana, while from its government to its opposition skip around like children in efforts to avoid offending the newest foreign master of Guyana.  Then, both groups just throw in the towel, and collapse in their corners without a fight.  Imagine the unbelievable exaggeration of this exploiter: any change whatsoever to the contract “undermines that investment.”  A change by another measly 2%, or even 1%, to the royalty level, would devastate ExxonMobil’s billions that it poured into its Guyana operations.  It is because Guyana has been cursed with such pathetically shameless political groups as the PPP/C and PNCR that someone like Routledge could come here and feel comfortable speaking in these arrogant and dismissive tones.  Taking the ExxonMobil man on the ground here literally, it sounds that even a mere half percent increase, or a change in the cost recovery level, or ring-fencing one project, would be a deathblow to the company.  Only in a country like Guyana, with the politicians that are jostling for power (and the company’s favor) could Routledge be allowed to get away with his patented disdain for the interests of Guyanese.  In a real country with real leaders, there would not be another oil project approved for years to come, or until such time that ExxonMobil comes to its senses and agree to deliver what is fair to Guyana. He is heard with that self-serving reference to Suriname, how much it got in its contract, and what’s the basis of its generous terms.  According to President Routledge, it is because the Americans “de-risked” the Stabroek Basin that Suriname was positioned to reap its rich windfall.  ExxonMobil went first into unproven oil territory, carried the heavy burden, and discovered oil in huge quantities after much effort and expense.  This is what empowered Suriname to capitalize on with its comparatively better oil contract.  Guyana was the guinea pig, Suriname feasts on the fat that ExxonMobil made it easier to extract.  We at this paper are glad for Suriname but are disgusted with both ExxonMobil and its corporate caricature that now walks over Guyana as if he owns it.  Routledge can only do so, speak so brazenly about “any change” would lead to serious issues for the company’s investment, because there is a PPP/C Government and a PNCR Opposition that are beaten as dogs with their tails tucked between their legs.  Both parties and their leading players bend over backwards to avoid incurring the anger of ExxonMobil, which incentivizes Routledge to speak in such condescending tones and terms.  Any country with a hint of self-regard, and leaders with any pride in them, would have found ways to slow down ExxonMobil, shadow its every move, and show to the likes of Routledge that two can play at this game. ExxonMobil has an unbeatable advantage.  It knows that Guyana’s politicians put personal ambitions ahead of any interest in Guyanese.  It is why the company has had such a cakewalk here and could give such short thrift to any mention of renegotiation of the vile 2016 oil contract.  Talk about renegotiation and Routledge transforms into a terror, which causes the PPP/C and PNCR to run for cover. Related Similar Articles