admin

.tdi_178{text-align:left!important}.tdi_178 .tdm-descr{color:#7c7c7c;font-family:Noto Serif JP!important;font-size:10px!important;letter-spacing:0.5px!important}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_178 .tdm-descr{line-height:1.4!important}}© All Rights Reserved, Amandala Newspaper.

Oct 08, 2024 News Kaieteur News- For three consecutive years, gold and diamond declarations have been declining at the half-year mark. This is according to statistics in the Bank of Guyana (BoG) 2024 Half-Year Report. These declines have often been blamed on unfavourable weather conditions, labour shortages and poor access roads to mining sites. This year it was no different. According to the report, at June 2022 gold declarations were 236,728 ounces, followed by 209,756 ounces in 2023. This year, the declarations during the first six months of the year fell further to 188,160 ounces. A similar decline was observed in diamond declarations. In the first six months of 2022, some 49,016 metric tonnes (mt) of diamond were declared, followed by 38,608 mt during the same period in 2023 and 29,387 mt this year. Diamond The BoG 2024 Half Year Report explained that total gold declarations declined by 10.3% to 188,160 troy ounces, reflecting lower declarations by small and medium scale miners. It explained, “the sole foreign company’s declaration grew by 35.3 percent to 68,557 troy ounces, due to continued favourable performance in their underground mining operations.” Meanwhile, Central Bank said small and medium scale miners declarations declined by 24.8 percent to 119,603 troy ounces, resulting from dry weather which affected miners in the first quarter of the year while heavy rainfall stymied operations in the second quarter of the year. It was also explained that shortage of labour has been a challenge within the industry as miners sought better opportunities within the petroleum subsector. With regard to diamond declarations, the report noted a decline of 23.9 percent to 29,387 carats at end-June 2024. “The outturn resulted from labour shortages, poor access roads to mining sites as well as unfavourable weather conditions in the second quarter of the year,” the report said.  Guyana’s mining industry has faced rampant smuggling, particularly with regard to gold. Following a statistical report by Kaieteur News highlighting a year-on-year decline in gold declarations, the government announced an investigation into reports of smuggling. It was reported that since 2017, gold declarations have been dwindling. Government says after the report indicated that an investigation was underway as authorities here believe the resources are being smuggled into neighbouring Brazil. Related Similar Articles

Oct 08, 2024 News Kaieteur News- The US$2B oil spill guarantee that was provided to Guyana by ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC on June 9, 2023 does not cover the additional projects and exploration activities approved subsequent to the issuance of the coverage. Guyana’s oil reserve also expanded by 600 million barrels since the contract was signed for the limited oil spill protection. EPA Director, Kemraj Parsram Section 2.2 of the agreement set out conditions for change in the operations or estimate of liability. It explains that if changes are made relating to additional petroleum development activities, including exploratory activities within the Stabroek Block and any other change in environmental risks or circumstances that would reasonably impact the estimated liability, either party can request a renegotiation of the agreed maximum amount. According to the contract: “If with respect to activities under the Petroleum Agreement there are either: i) additional petroleum development activities, including exploratory activities within the Stabroek Block, or ii) any material change in the estimate required to be made under the aforesaid Environmental Permit No. 20160705-BEDPF issued on the 27th day of October 2022, or iii) any material change in any estimate of liability similarly required under another relevant Environmental Permit pertaining to petroleum development activities, including exploratory activities within the Stabroek Block, iv) or any other change in environmental risks or circumstances that would reasonably impact the estimated liability; then, if requested by either party, the Guarantor, the Beneficiary and the Operator shall promptly re-negotiate the Maximum Amount herein defined, and such further terms, as may be necessary to fairly and equitably reflect the changes.” Notably, the agreement makes it clear that the sum will not decrease as the US$2B is will remain floor amount. Concerns have been constantly raised about the adequacy of the limited oil spill guarantee submitted by the Stabroek Block partners. With another project approved by the EPA for oil production since the guarantee was signed and the changes to the Stabroek Block reserves, this will justify the need for stronger financial protection from a spill that can occur offshore. At the sixth development- Whiptail- sanctioned on April 10, 2024, ExxonMobil to plans to produce as much as 250,000 barrels of oil per day. The project poses an increased risk of an oil spill, as outlined in the Environmental Impact Assessment President, ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge (EIA). Notably, the Executive Director of the EPA, Kemraj Parsram while appearing as a guest on the Energy Perspectives Podcast earlier this year said the US$2B sum was not “pulled from a hat” but was determined as the “reasonable credible cost” using guidelines from the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) of Australia. “We looked at what our Act says about financial assurance and strengthened those requirements (by) looking at what exists in other jurisdictions … we looked at NOPSEMA in Australia, we looked at UK, we looked at other (parts such as the) US and Canada and we put in key measures because our act says financial assurance has to be at an amount,” Parsram explained. He continued, “How do I come up with that amount? I can’t just pull it out of a hat, so I looked at NOPSEMA guidelines and they have to require an estimate of the reasonable credible cost of an oil spill and then that will be able to give you some guidance of what it will cost and so we have done that and we have an initial value and we have put in place an agreement- it’s all in the public domain.” Appeal Court Judge, Justice Rishi Persaud had ordered ExxonMobil Guyana to lodge a US$2B parent and/or affiliate company guarantee as a condition to a stay of execution granted on a lower court’s order. That order, originally issued by High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon called for an unlimited parent company guarantee to be provided to the EPA by June 10 or the Liza Phase One Project Permit would be suspended. Each Co-Venturer has contributed to the US$2B guarantee, relative to its participating interest in the Stabroek Block.  ExxonMobil, the operator of the Stabroek Block, holds a 45% interest, while Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30% interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25% interest. Jamestown Insurance Company Limited is the Guarantor for Hess; while CNOOC Limited, a company organized in Hong Kong and Exxon Equity Holding Company is the Guarantor for CNOOC and Exxon, respectively. Related Similar Articles

Oct 08, 2024 News Kaieteur News- The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday applied for an extension of detention for the four suspects, who were allegedly involved in the abduction of Joshua David Called ‘Bricks.’ Joshua David called ‘Bricks’ Police had issued a wanted bulletin for six persons in connection with the kidnapping of David, which occurred on September 26, 2024 in front of New Thriving Restaurant, located on Main Street Georgetown. The accused have been identified as 34-year-old Wayne Barker called ‘onnie’, 26-year-old Aaron Alleyne called ‘Cats’, 21-year-old Davantai Mars called ‘Sharkie’, 32-year-old Damion Barlow called ‘Dangles’, 28-year-old Osafo Peters and 35-year-old Alpha Poole. All five of the men have surrendered and two have since been charged. Last Friday Poole and Peters were remanded to prison when they appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to an abduction charge.  The charges allege that on September 26, 2024, on Main Street, Georgetown, Poole and Peters, in the company of others, abducted David with the intent to secretly and wrongfully confine him. The men were not required to plead to the charge and were remanded to prison, with the case adjourned to October 11, 2024.  On Friday Barker, Alleyne, Mars and Barlow turned themselves into police.  Efforts by the police thus far to locate David have been unsuccessful. Related Similar Articles

Another one coming! Oct 08, 2024 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists Dem Boys Seh… Kaieteur News – De CPL done, and just when yuh thought cricket fever cool down, here come another tournament fuh start in November. Yuh gotta laugh, man! CPL done leff people with empty pockets and big debts, but yet dem planning fuh bring in another cricket party. Dem boys want fuh know, who really coming back to Guyana fuh dis one? Yuh mean fuh tell me people who barely pay off dem CPL tickets already gat more money stash somewhere? Some folks still counting how much dem owe de neighbor who lend dem lil change fuh get a seat in de stadium fuh de CPL. And now de promoters talking ‘bout “de next big ting!” Dem boys seh, if yuh barely had enough fuh buy a drink last time, where yuh gan get money fuh buy a whole new round? But this is Guyana—people does always find a way to find money when de party calling. Dem boys hearing how some people already asking dem bosses fuh advance on de salary. Dem seh dem want fuh “invest in entertainment.” But between me and you, dem boys seh dat just mean dem want another round of cricket and rum. And how dem tickets price going up, yuh might think yuh buying a ticket fuh fly overseas, not fuh a cricket match right here in Georgetown! But don’t worry, dem boys seh Guyanese creative. When de cricket start, yuh gan see dem stadium pack up again. Some people go sell dem old fridge or de sofa set fuh raise money, while others gan dig up de lil savings dem had fuh Christmas. Who need new curtains fuh de house when yuh could watch cricket live, right? So, de next tournament coming, and dem boys seh Guyanese ready fuh another debt! One ting bout we, we always ready fuh lime, even if we gat to borrow fuh de drinks and beg fuh de ticket. Talk half. Leff half… Related Similar Articles

Oct 08, 2024 News Kaieteur News- The recent visa waivers are not only a reflection of the efforts made to advance Guyana’s diplomatic ties with international states but also an indication that the country’s status has been improved globally. Guyana has signed agreements for visa free travel to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) which consists of seven independent city-states: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Qaiwain, Fujairah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd The visa free waivers give the countries and their citizens hassle free travel between the territories. During a recent airing of The Energy Perspectives Podcast, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd shared what the waivers really mean for Guyana. Todd noted that the agreements were a result of consistent efforts driven by the Irfaan Ali Led administration to strengthen people to people exchange as well as the economic and cultural exchanges between Guyana and other foreign states. Todd explained that “In international systems countries have to brand themselves and they have to have an identity that is well respected. Nation states have to continually work on improving their standing internationally and that paves the way for agreements, MOUs and more importantly people to people exchange. Guyana has been for the last couple of year on that trajectory…under the stewardship of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.” The Foreign Minister noted that with Guyana’s improved global standing citizens can look forward to tapping into more opportunities internationally.  He explained that the Irfaan Ali- led administration has had a very active in improving Guyana’s international posture. “So what, the President has done since taking office was set out very clear policy initiatives that I and the team at the Foreign Ministry were happy to execute. The President had made it very clear that we focus on energy security, food security and climate security; those are all global initiatives that are important for humanity as a whole,” Todd stated. He explained that as a result international territories like the BVI and UAE have found areas of mutual respect and interest where it’s both citizens can benefit. Todd explained: “With the UAE they are saying they comfortable with values that you have instilled in your people. So we are happy to have the people to people exchange… It very important for us, since we have many individuals who go to the UAE on  regular basis that they have to go through a challenge of having  to apply for a passport sometimes they have the time and money other cases they may waste time and money because a lot of these things may be time bound.” “We also have persons who want to come from the UAE …this poses a challenge as well. So having that reciprocal agreement is not only for diplomatic purposes…but also for the citizens,” he added. As it relates to the BVI, the Foreign Minister said that the Island is being embraced as a sister country within the CARICOM framework. “…We are well aligned similar history and values and they want to engage that they can export and we can benefit from because they are seeing opportunities as well so they want hassle free travel between the two States,” he said. Related Similar Articles

Oct 08, 2024 News Kaieteur News- Finding disciplined, honest and drug-free employees is one of the biggest challenges faced by Chief Executive Officer of local security firm, Secure Innovation and Concept Incorporated (SI&C), Harold Hopkinson. Hopkinson in an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News said that he employs over 400 employees. Notwithstanding that feat, the CEO said that his company suffers from a frequent turnover since the staff is frequently found to be indisciplined. CEO of Secure Innovation and Concept Incorporated (SI&C), Harold Hopkinson “The biggest challenge we have is getting honest drug-free employees… when you give people to administer drug tests, they come out positive. It is a complex situation where it is legal for people to have small amounts of narcotics, but some clients don’t want anybody that is inhibited by drugs.” He added, “We have been hiring all the time because some people cannot stand the discipline… The thing is we have work, but people want the money but not the work,” Hopkinson said. Established in 2006 and located at 246 Samaan Drive, Meadowbrook Gardens, SI&C provides security services for seven local and international airlines as well as the security firm of choice at the Eugene F. Correria International Airport with clients including U.S. oil giant, ExxonMobil. Hopkinson disclosed that the majority of dismissals involve Guyanese. “Since 95% of employees are Guyanese, they are the ones that give problems. We try very hard to be humane… We appeal to the local content laws, but the few people we have working here from overseas, like Nigeria and Dubai, the people are working,” he emphasized. However, due to local content laws the firm will continuously hire Guyanese. When asked about the average turnover rate, Hopkinson replied, “It varies. I would say sometimes a month would have eight to ten people, and a lot of them are being dismissed. Most of them are dismissed for impropriety, whereby they stay away for three days without a medical, excessive sleeping on the job, or improper record keeping.” Hopkinson also highlighted the challenges faced by single mothers, who often cannot find childcare while they work. “It is horrible that people cannot go to work because they don’t have anyone to look after their kids,” he stated, noting that he is working on establishing a 24-hour day care for parent employees to address this issue. He also noted that most females are applying and are fulfilling the employment requirements. The CEO underscored the firm’s commitment to maintaining high standards and called for disciplined employees to uphold these values. “We have a quality assurance team, and safety is our main criteria. I can say our standards have gone through the roof. We don’t play with standards; hence, I need my employees to be disciplined to maintain my standard, and it is not very hard to do.” When asked about hiring needs, he mentioned, “I can’t give you the exact stats, but we are constantly hiring and training. We have solid employment; it is not part-time. Our training starts with safety, workplace etiquette, and the importance of access control—that’s our main job, to ensure that what comes into the compound is legitimate and that everyone who enters is authorized.” Hopkinson founded the security firm in 1995 under the name TOPGUN Security Services. He noted that the company receives recommendations from foreign governments, including those of the United States and Canada. Recently, SI&C was honored with the President’s Award 2023 by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI). For further details on employment opportunities and requirements, interested individuals can contact SI&C via email at [email protected] or by phone at 231-4410. Related Similar Articles