admin

APA highlights concerns about carbon credits, REDD+ initiatives at UN forum Sep 27, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Advocacy and Policy Officer of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), Mr. Nicholas Peters, on Tuesday, voiced concerns about the inadequate level of consultation and involvement of Indigenous Peoples and communities in the development and implementation of carbon credit sales withinJurisdictional REDD+ (J-REDD+) initiatives in Guyana. Policy and Advocacy Officer Mr. Nicholas Peters (right), Finance Manager Ms. Samantha Humphrey and Communications and Visibility Officer Mr. Lakhram Bhagirat are representing the APA at the UN events Peters was at the time, part of a panel discussion on the “Social Integrity within Voluntary Carbon Markets: Challenges and Opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities” in Manhattan, New York where Climate Week 2024 is currently ongoing.In a press release by the APA, it was mentioned that the event was co-hosted by Rainforest Foundation US and Rainforest Foundation Norway and explored the role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) in voluntary carbon markets. The other panelists included Ms. Jennifer Laughlin – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Safeguards Advisor and Stakeholder Response Mechanism Coordinator, Ms. Francisca Arara – Indigenous Peoples Secretary of the State of Acre, Brazil, and Mr. Daniel Ortega Pacheco – Co-Chairof the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM).During his presentation, Peters noted that while projects emanating from the financial benefits of the sale of carbon credits are potentially beneficial, there are serious questions among some Indigenous Communities regarding their participation, understanding, and the long-term implications for their landsand livelihoods. The information presented by the APA stems from its work with Indigenous Peoples in Regions 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 in addition to investigations carried out by other partners. While the APA acknowledges the importance of initiatives geared at addressing climate change, the Association has consistently highlighted the need for meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities. Some communities have shared with the APA that they have not been sufficiently consulted or informed about the terms of the carbon credit sales, particularly concerning the long-termimpacts on their lands. “One thing we’ve learned is that what looks good on paper isn’t always good in practice,” Peters noted.“While Guyana has laws protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and ensuring their right to free, prior, and informed consent, the quality of that engagement, particularly regarding carbon markets involving Indigenous [Peoples’] lands, has been insufficient.”The APA has raised concerns specifically about how the financial benefits from carbon sales are being distributed. Instead of being involved in crafting benefit-sharing mechanisms from the outset,Indigenous communities received village planning documents only after the initial sale of carbon credits. This approach limits their input and involvement in shaping how these projects can work for their long-term needs. “Although communities are benefiting financially, many feel they were not given the opportunity to contribute to designing these programmes…there hasn’t been a continuous process of consultation to ensure that they fully understand the implications of these programmes for their lands and future,” he said. Another critical issue raised by the APA is the sale of carbon credits to an oil company, a move that raises contradictions within Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy. This raises significant concerns given Guyana’s national efforts to combat climate change, and limit carbon emissions while selling carbon credits to major polluters. “We believe it is crucial for Indigenous Peoples to have a more central role in negotiating these deals and in planning their futures in ways that respect their rights and worldviews,” shared the Policy Officer.The APA is also calling attention to the wider gap between the technical frameworks governing REDD+ programmes and the lived experiences and knowledge of Indigenous communities.“While Indigenous peoples have rights, those rights are often overlooked in the complex systems of financial and climate response. The knowledge, needs, and contributions of Indigenous communities must be integrated into any system designed to address climate change.”As Guyana continues its efforts in the global climate response, the APA urges the government, buyers, and international partners to ensure that Indigenous communities are properly consulted and included in all stages of project development. Without their full and informed participation, these initiatives may not truly serve the long-term interests of the people whose lands and livelihoods they most impact. Related Similar Articles

Man found dead in house died from blunt trauma to head – autopsy Sep 27, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The post-mortem examinations conducted on a 56-year-old labourer, who was found dead at his Bartica home on Tuesday, revealed that he died from blunt trauma to the head. Dead is Rushik Ramkarran, also known as ‘Crushal.’ Ramkarran was found lying face down with wounds at the bottom of the stairs of his home, located at Lot 37 Seventh Avenue, Bartica. Police reported that the post-mortem was performed on Wednesday by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh. Police stated that the dead man’s niece of First Avenue, Bartica, reported to ranks that Ramkarran who is allegedly an alcoholic and drug addict had not been seen in several days. Subsequently, police ventured off to Ramkarran’s home, where ranks found the door, which was the only entrance into the house via the stairs, bolted from the inside and a reddish substance (suspected to be blood) was observed flowing down the stairs (steps). As such, ranks prised open the door and the body of the deceased was found. The man’s body was examined and a wound was observed on the head, with blood visible on the face. The body was transported to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.  “Based on preliminary investigation, it is suspected that the deceased may have fallen from the top of the stairway, hitting his head in the process. Further investigation ongoing,” police had reported. Related Similar Articles

Dutch fairytale amid Guyanese food shortage Sep 27, 2024 Editorial Kaieteur News – The Dutch are living in a wonderland and one of the key drivers is Guyana’s oil.  While the Dutch shipbuilding firm SBM Offshore enjoys a fairytale existence, there is the grinding reality of Guyanese forced to grapple with not having enough food.  SBM is a world leader in building Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. Meanwhile, the regular Guyanese family lives with the irony of the richest people in the world existing in a half-starved condition. A fairytale story for SBM from Guyana’s oil business, and a significant portion of Guyana’s population frantically hustling to get enough food daily. It is disturbing when foreigners are talking about billions in earnings from this country’s oil, but Guyanese are crying for any help they can obtain from any source to buy basic food items.  This is not merely a disconnect, it is a disaster for ordinary citizens running on nothing in a country that is the darling of the local and foreign business world. “Guyana so far has just been a fairytale, and it happened at about the same time as we launched our Fast4Ward programme, and that positioned us well for a series of Petrobras projects as well.”  So said SBM’s CEO Olvind Tangen in a recent interview.  He has good reason to celebrate, as he also said, “We are in a very good dialogue with Exxon and they know when it’s a good fit for SBM and themselves, where we unlock value together, that’s normally where we find the opportunities to move forward together.”  SBM and ExxonMobil “unlock value together” and “move forward together,” which is good for Mr. Tangen and Mr. Woods of ExxonMobil, holds prosperous potential for both companies.  Now, where are Guyana’s political CEOs and what do they have to say about moving this country and its citizens forward?  They have said a few things, but nothing that inspires Guyanese that things will be better. Undoubtedly, the present and future are bright for the private sector and the political players of Guyana.  Guyanese are still waiting to share in the benefits of this oil wealth that the world is talking about, and all those involved in it are gushing over.  The PPP/C Government has not delivered, has been mostly skimpy with what is best described as a trickling down of the profits from the national oil patrimony. The trickle-down of a small handout here, a little subsidy for gasoline and electricity (among other things), and a few thousand-dollar bills for pensioners and children.  A study of the 2024 national budget set asides for Guyanese confirms that what the PPP/C Government, its leaders, and its penny pinchers, have delivered is a study in what is paltry.  Guyanese stuck at the bottom of the local economic ladder know this and they are angry.  When Guyanese read of foreigners involved in the local oil sector in some supplier relationship boasting of how they are benefiting by the American billions from Guyana’s oil, they get angrier.  There is no grudging the foreign business owners when they make their billions, but Guyanese must also participate to the fullest in their wealth.  It must be side by side and now, not later and struggling to catch up, which is usually a futile exercise. Due to punishing local circumstances, there is another irony that has quietly happened in oil rich Guyana.  While the country basks in bright statistics, Guyanese are leaving by the thousands to hustle some temporary work in the United States for four to five months a year.  Even a menial, minimum wage job in America results in earnings that allow them to return to Guyana and live at a better standard.   It is an embarrassment that Guyanese are pushed to hustle for a few months a year in New York and New Jersey for a better life, while foreign contractors involved in the local oil business are celebrating their “fairytale” results and existence.  No Guyanese should be struggling with basic food shortage and endure a standard of living that drains the strength out of them.  The PPP/C Government knows where the holes are, what it must do.  It hasn’t lifted a finger to make a difference and eliminate this national disgrace. Related Similar Articles

Exxon proposes US$10B investment in Nigeria’s deepwater oil Sep 27, 2024 News Kaieteur News – (OILPRICE.COM) U.S. supermajor ExxonMobil has proposed an investment of $10 billion in Nigeria’s deepwater oil resource development, Stanley Nkwocha, spokesman and senior special assistant to the Nigerian President, said in a statement on Thursday. Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima “welcomed ExxonMobil’s proposed $10 billion investment in Nigeria’s deep-water oil operations, describing it as a clear testament to the administration’s economic reforms and investment-friendly policies,” says the statement. Shettima on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with ExxonMobil executives on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Nigerian presidency said. Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long plagued Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas industry, often resulting in force majeure at the key crude oil export terminals. International majors have shrunk their exposure to Nigeria’s energy sector in recent years, with transparency in the licensing rounds one of the reasons for Big Oil to divest from their Nigerian assets, on top of oil theft and frequent pipeline damages. ExxonMobil intends to sell its shallow water business in Nigeria to Seplat, the biggest Nigerian energy company by market value, in a $1.3 billion deal, which has yet to be approved by the regulator. Now ExxonMobil’s new strategy in Nigeria will focus on the Owo project, a substantial subsea tie-back that could represent a $10 billion investment, the presidential spokesman said today. “We’re working closely with the President’s office and the Special Adviser to the President to secure favorable fiscal arrangements that will make this significant investment possible,” said Shane Harris, chairman and managing director of ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria, as quoted by the press release from the presidency. “Our commitment to Nigeria remains unwavering. As we celebrate 70 years of oil production and 8 billion barrels produced, we’re not retreating but refocusing our investments on deep-water opportunities,” Harris was further quoted as saying. Related Similar Articles

Guyana will soon restart international adoptions – Min. Persaud Sep 27, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The government is set to resume international adoptions within a week. In compliance with the Hague Convention, the government has taken steps to ensure the process is handled smoothly and judiciously. The announcement was made by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, during an outreach at the Canefield Health Centre in Region Six on Tuesday. The Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Intercountry Adoption is an international treaty designed to ensure the safety and regulation of intercountry adoptions. The government has established the Guyana Central Authority in alignment with the recent passage of the Adoption of Children (Amendment) Act 2021. This body will administer the process of international adoptions and strengthen cooperation with countries that are a part of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. Its creation also aims to prevent improper financial gain associated with adoptions. Minister Persaud will chair the committee which will include six members – an experienced attorney, representatives from the Childcare Protection Agency, officers from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Guyana’s move to establish a central regulatory body follows its signing of the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption in 2019. The establishment of this body ensures that the country’s adoption procedures are aligned with international standards and best practices. When operational, the authority will follow strict guidelines to manage the intercountry adoption process. This will include rigorous investigations, home studies, and background checks to assess the suitability of adopting parties, ensuring that the child’s well-being remains paramount. Those who fail to comply with these requirements will face legal consequences, including fines of up to $500,000 and six-months imprisonment. Meanwhile, in addition to international adoptions, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is expanding its support for vulnerable children, offering foster care and adoption services. A key initiative is financial assistance of $20,000 per month for orphans and those in foster care. (DPI) Related Similar Articles

First it was Jordan then came Goolsarran Sep 27, 2024 News, The GHK Lall Column Kaieteur News – Former Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jordan, took the first bite, and it was bitter: there is the probably illegal at work.  Next, along came former Auditor General and international civil servant, Mr. Anand Goolsarran and he also did not pull his punches: this hazy business involving pipelines laid by Exxon to the Wales Gas-to-Energy (GtE) complex, and company loan that makes it possible, is counter to what the law requires.  These two Guyanese of considerable governance vintage are not lightweights.  They know what they are talking about, regardless of what anybody from Jagdeo to possibly Nandlall may say in efforts to minimize or undermine their representations.  Both Mr. Jordan and Mr. Goolsarran present compelling arguments about the legality of PPP Government loan maneuvers with Exxon, and where the money is going to come from when the debt becomes due. For starters, what’s up with all the secrecy about this whole Wales GtE project, billion-dollar pipeline included?  The whole three-prong project now stands at US$2 billion, but no Guyanese outside of Bharrat Jagdeo’s secret society has any idea about the basis of this project.  Jagdeo says he has all the cards but is so concerned about the reaction in the local environment that he keeps them in the tightly zipped inner pocket of his jacket.  He says he has aces and kings for the Wales GtE project but keeps them hidden.  Being Jagdeo, age and eyesight may be catching up with him, in that has mistaken jacks and jokers for aces and kings.  Guyanese who have lived here longer know that this has happened before, thanks to the wily machinations of Jagdeo in each of the official capacities that he has served in before.  If the Wales GtE vision is this good, holds this great promise for Guyanese, then any leader of substance would rush to share that with any audience that he could find. Guyana’s parliament is still waiting.  Both Messrs. Jordan and Goolsarran have made clear that they, too, are watching and waiting.  They wait to see how these out-of-sight, outside-the-backdoor, pipeline arrangements between the PPP Government (Jagdeo) and Exxon play out.  They and some other Guyanese are watching that National Resource Fund, and what will happen to it with that loan from Exxon for laying the pipeline.  As the former minister asked, “how much is the [Exxon] loan?”  Does any Guyanese outside of Winston Brassington and Bharat Jagdeo know what the terms of the loan are?  Both Dr. Brassington and Dr. Jagdeo are men of extraordinary integrity, so there should not be any great difficulty is providing answers to those routine questions.  The problem could be that the extraordinary integrity of the two men is of such a rare degree that it is unfamiliar to ordinary men and women.  Hence, the delay in laying any documents in the National Assembly, sharing any information with Guyanese, and saying anything other than ‘trust me’.  If there is hesitancy in doing that with a dollar, Guyanese could appreciate the commotion with doing so for a billion American ones.  Or if this whole secret shebang were to be hauled before the public, a whopping US$2 billion and counting.  This has been part of the bitter experience of Guyanese taxpayers: when Jagdeo sets his sights on projects like these, there is no limit to his counting, and his skill in dumping that on the heads of locals.  There should be no need for any mentioning of sugar or bridge construction, and who ended up holding the bag.  It is one thing to give citizens a heavy bag to hold.  But there must be leadership decency, at least, to remove the blindfold wrapped around their eyes. Guyanese want cheap and reliable electricity, as has been said so often in this space, that the count has been lost.  It would help immensely if either the PPP Government or Jagdeo (there is some duplication there) gave some “prapatrorkaa-gaaz” (supporting documents), on all three phases of the Wales project so that Guyanese can endorse it or put as much distance as they wished from it.  Once Dr. Jagdeo has the goods, he is best advised to put them on the table, with nothing withheld.  What could be more to his benefit?  What could do more for his reputation and that extraordinary integrity that was identified about him, which are both now under some severe weather?  The season of government secrets (Jagdeo’s) has been allowed to last too long.  Financial feasibility studies, Exxon pipeline loan details and arrangements, should not come under the roof of PPP family secrets.  Surely, there is neither leadership incest nor a nest of vipers lurking around this Wales project to tear the skin off from Guyanese.  President Ali who is always good for a round of hearty transparency must see to it that Oil VP Jagdeo delivers what he [Ali] swears his government is all about.  To prolong this state of secrecy makes a mockery of transparency, the presidency and Excellency Ali.  This is his government.  He deserves better.  Guyanese deserve better.  All citizens are encouraged to ponder this little thought.  If a leader, a government – any of the two at any time – decides on a project that stirs their fancy, then carries it out in secrecy, then that oil money is no longer a national fund.  It transforms into a leadership piggybank.  Every Guyanese knows what pigs do around a trough. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Related Similar Articles

Guyana underscores importance of respect for international law at UN Security Council Sep 27, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Guyana‘s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd on Wednesday underscored the importance of respect for international law at the UN 9732nd  Meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd The United Nations Security Council on the “Maintenance of International Peace and Security was held under the theme:  Leadership for Peace – United in respect of the UN Charter, in search of a secure future” Todd in his address to committee spoke of the importance of upholding the principles of peace and security established under the UN Charter. He noted that “the United Nations was created nearly 80 years ago with the solid determination to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, to reaffirm faith in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women of nations large and small.” Minister Todd told the council that “Guyana firmly believes that the UN is as relevant today as it was in 1945 and that its purposes and principles must continue to be the standard that drives our actions.  In fact, Excellency, there is no alternative to the United Nations, and I shudder to think what our world would be like without the UN.” The Foreign Affairs Minister therefore, called on reject the prevailing culture of cynicism and addresses the shortcomings. “We must demonstrate by our collective actions that the UN remains the moral compass of the world.”We must therefore make it consequential for those Member States who violate established global norms and standards, including international law.” “We as Member States of the United Nations must not and cannot accept double standards in the application of the legal norms to which we have all agreed. We must make it a priority to promote the consistent application of the UN Charter and international law. “ Todd stressed that the world is replete with painful examples of the consequences of violating the provisions of the Charter.  Citing Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, he noted that the three such cases that are particularly concerning owing to the depth of human suffering and destruction taking place.  “Though there is political will on the part of most Council members to make the right decisions to bring these wars to an end, and to create conditions for the protection of civilians, the Council is stymied by one or the other veto.  Let us recall that one of the central pillars on which the UN was built is the dignity and worth of the human person and this must be the driving force for action, “the Minister said. He explained that war strips away a person’s dignity as we have seen in the case of Palestinians struggling for decades to exercise the right to self-determination, or in the case of Ukrainians to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity – a principle which is fundamental to the international legal order. “As for the Sudanese people, they too remain trapped, victimized, and brutalised in a war of political ambitions fueled by external interests.  We must use all tools at our disposal to protect civilians wherever they are,” he said. As such, Todd asserted that the maintenance of international peace and security is a collective endeavour that also involves regional organisations. “It is therefore important for the Security Council to continue working closely with regional organizations such as the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and my own Caribbean Community (CARICOM), inter alia, to jointly develop responses to threats to peace and security in the respective regions,” he said. Related Similar Articles