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US yet to pass on to Guyana info on alleged tax evasion, gold smuggling – Jagdeo Sep 09, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Over a month after the Attorney General Anil Nandlall had written to the United States Department of Justice requesting information on the alleged gold smuggling and the sanction of three Guyanese citizens they are yet to get a response. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo This was disclosed by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday during his weekly press conference at Freedom House on Robb Street. Responding to media queries Jagdeo told reporters:  “On the gold mining sector, too you’d recall we have asked for information from the US government about the gold smuggling because we don’t have that information and we have asked the US government to share the information. We have not received it as yet and you should ask the attorney general where it is at this point in time but we have not received it as yet,” he added. Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, had revealed on a recent episode of his weekly programme ‘Issues in the News’ that he has dispatched the requisite request to the United States Department of the Treasury for information on the sanctions imposed on two Guyanese businessmen and a senior government official. The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on Guyanese billionaire Nazar Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed on allegations of tax evasion and the then Permanent Secretary (PS) for the Ministry of Labour, Mae Thomas for allegedly misusing her position to offer benefits, like government contracts to the Mohameds. The AG had said, it is being alleged that these persons are accused by the Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice, Criminal Division of committing a number of criminal offences in Guyana. “The Government of Guyana has already made it very clear that these grave allegations of criminal conduct will be thoroughly investigated by the relevant law enforcement agencies of the state and in this regard we have requested the information and the evidence etcetera that are in the possession of the American authorities and we did so under the relevant Treaty,” he explained. Previously, Dr. Ashni K. Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service announced that the U.S. informed the government that the request for information must be sent by Guyana’s Attorney General to the U.S. Department of Justice, which will then work with OFAC to gather source documentation on the matter. “Our Government will now submit the request following the process advised. We will also continue to pursue, through the appropriate channel, the relevant information covered by the Tax Information Exchange Agreement. This Agreement provides for the exchange of information to administer and enforce laws concerning the taxes specified therein, to assure the accurate assessment and collection of taxes to prevent fiscal fraud and evasion, and to develop improved information sources for tax matters,” Dr. Singh said. Following the sanctions handed down by OFAC, Dr. Singh and Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia wrote to the U.S. authorities seeking more information about the sanctions. Dr. Singh wrote to the U.S. Department of the Treasury while the Commissioner General under the ambit of the Tax Information Exchange Agreement between Guyana and the US, has been in contact with the American authorities. Moreover, United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot on June 14, 2024 on the sideline of an event at the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, said the sanctions, are the result of over two and a half years of investigations by U.S. authorities. Ambassador Theriot highlighted the gravity of the offenses that led to these sanctions. She stated, “We reserve these types of sanctions for gross levels of corruption and human rights abuses.” Theriot went on to explain that, “it’s a very high bar, we do not do this lightly. This is something that we ensure that we have a preponderance of evidence before we’re ready to levy the sanctions and we had that in this case against the three individuals who were sanctioned.” Related Similar Articles

Pedal cyclist dead after allegedly turning in path of car Sep 09, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A pedal cyclist is now dead after he allegedly rode into the path of a motor car on Friday night on Delhi Street, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown. Deceased is 30 year old Marlon Fraser. In a statement to the media police said that the accident occurred around 20:20 hrs on Delhi Street and it involved a motorcar PAC 1898 and a pedal cyclist. Police reported that the car which was being driven by 27-year-old Shaquille Benjamin was headed south along the “eastern drive lane of Delhi Street while the pedal cyclist was proceeding in the said direction on the eastern edge of the road. It is alleged that the pedal cyclist made an attempt to cross Delhi Street from east to west into the path of the motor car.” The driver told police that even though he took evasive action, the left front side of the car collided with the pedal cyclist and subsequently he fell onto the road’s surface. He suffered injuries about his body and police and the emergency medical services were summoned. However, he was pronounced dead by a doctor from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.  The body was escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting post-mortem examination and an investigation is ongoing. Related Similar Articles

US$10B of ExxonMobil’s US$14B assets are oil wells – Annual Report Sep 09, 2024 News Oil spill protection for Guyana? Screenshot of Exxon’s Assets Kaieteur News – Is Guyana really protected from the financial burdens associated with an oil spill disaster that can occur at ExxonMobil’s ongoing Stabroek Block operations? This question would perhaps be best addressed by the Guyana Government that has since joined an appeal against a High Court order for an unlimited oil spill guarantee. President, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge The country’s financial line of defence or response to such an event includes a US$600 million insurance package, offered by a company owned by ExxonMobil, a US$2B oil spill guarantee, and assets which the company said can be sold to take care of its liabilities. A look at the company’s 2023 Annual Report however raises further concerns about Guyana’s preparedness to respond to any such event, as more than half of Exxon’s assets are production wells, located several thousands of feet below the water surface. According to the company’s 2023 Annual Report, at the end of December 2023, Exxon’s assets, including vehicles, buildings, wells and facilities in progress, production wells and facilities as well as other right of use equipment such as the FPSOs, drill rigs and others, totaled almost $3 trillion (GYD) or US$14B. Notably, the wells and facilities in progress and the production wells and facilities account for just over US$10B. This therefore raises the question of whether Exxon will cash out the wells and facilities to pay for an oil spill. At previous press engagements, President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge boasted of his company’s assets as a primary form of financial assurance. He said citizens should note that this is separate from the assets of the other Stabroek Block co-venturers who also have substantial assets and share any liability for response activities. Last week Kaieteur News reported Exxon can recover costs from Guyana’s oil that exceeds the insurance provided. This is according to the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with ExxonMobil and its partners.  ExxonMobil affiliate ExxonMobil Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45% interest in the Stabroek block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30% interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25% interest. Annex ‘C’ Section 3 of the PSA, which addresses costs recoverable without the approval of the Minister, makes it explicit at 3.1(g) that insurance and losses can be recovered. It states: “Insurance premium and cost incurred for insurance pursuant to Article 20 provided that if such insurance is wholly or partly placed with an Affiliated Company of the Parties comprising the Contractor, such premium and costs shall be recoverable only to the extent generally charged by competitive insurance companies other than an Affiliated Company of a Party comprising the Contractor.” The contract continues, “Costs, losses and damages incurred to the extent not made good by insurance, are recoverable, including costs, losses or damages resulting from the indemnities in Article 2 of the Agreement, unless such costs, losses or damages have resulted solely from an act of willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Contractor.” This means that Guyana will have to prove that an oil spill was caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct by Exxon for those costs to be borne by the company.  Cognizant of the damage that can be done by an oil spill, two Guyanese went to Court demanding an unlimited parent company guarantee, which is a signed document that legally binds Exxon to cover costs above the limited insurance. High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon on May 3, 2023 ordered the Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) to issue an Enforcement Notice to Exxon Mobil to ensure it provides an unlimited oil spill coverage to safeguard Guyana, but the ruling was subsequently appealed by both Exxon and the EPA. The government was later added as a party to the case, fighting against the provision of this guarantee. While the Court of Appeal deliberates on the matter, Exxon, Hess and CNOOC have lodged a US$2B oil spill guarantee to cover damages above the insurance.  Citizens have however continued to call for full protection against an oil spill, especially since such a disaster could not only affect Guyana, but Caribbean nations as well. Notably, the modelling results showed that an unmitigated oil spill can reach Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Martinique, and Barbados as well as Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica. Related Similar Articles

Nigel Hughes challenges Jagdeo to explain giveaway of Kaieteur and Canje oil blocks days before 2015 elections Sep 09, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes has challenged Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Bharrat Jagdeo to clear the air on the questionable giveaway of two of Guyana’s largest offshore oil blocks, the Kaieteur and Canje, days before the 2015 elections. Leader of the Alliance For Change, Nigel Hughes The prominent Attorney-at-Law, during the AFC’s weekly press conference, was responding to Jagdeo’s invitation to address corruption during the APNU/AFC’s tenure in government between 2015 and 2020. Perhaps, Hughes, said, it would be of greater significance if the past President could explain the suspicious giveaway of the oil blocks. “As Mr. Jagdeo has invited us to address the issue of corruption, he perhaps would like to tell us why within the last month before the 2015 elections two oil blocks, during an election campaign period, where the government activity is supposed to be reduced to running the basics, why two oil blocks- the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks were actually allocated,” Hughes urged. The lawyer was keen to point out that there was no public advertisement, no invitation to purchase, and no criteria provided upon which the two prime blocks were allocated. Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo Nevertheless, he reminded, “Those blocks have since changed hands at millions of US dollars and these were allocated within a month of the 2015 election so if we want to have a serious discussion as a country about corruption, which we should, we must be willing to discuss corruption (under the PPP).” The Canje Block was awarded by the Donald Ramotar administration on March 4, 2015, days before that year’s General and Regional Elections, to a local company, Mid-Atlantic Oil and Gas. Similarly, the Kaieteur Block was awarded on April 28, 2015, just two weeks before the elections, and like the Canje Block, it was done based on the advice of former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, Ramotar had said. Two companies received the blocks with 50-50 stakes – Ratio Energy Limited (now Cataleya Energy Limited) and Ratio Guyana Limited. The award of the oil blocks to the companies was especially concerning since the ultra-deep drilling is required for those blocks, a technique which only a handful of companies in the world have the technology, track record, and capability to execute. The red flags which have manifested in both situations include that the awards were given to unqualified companies, that the initial owners quickly flipped the blocks without doing any work, that they are incorporated in ‘secrecy’ jurisdictions, and that Guyana likely lost revenue due to the avoidance of an open, competitive bidding process. To this end, Hughes suggested that the administration should commence by publicizing data on all assets transferred by the state to private individuals during the PPP’s 27 years in office for the nation to see the beneficiaries of those actions. The Leader of the Alliance For Change was adamant that leaders must be willing to engage on such issues lest the country emerges as a ‘banana republic’ or a politically and economically unstable country with an economy dependent upon the export of natural resources. “We must be willing to discuss corruption because the track record that we have got as a country suggests that with the wealth that we have, all that we are going to do is become a rich banana republic. We are not going to achieve anything other than that. We will become a rich banana republic with lots of roads, lots of hotels (and) most of the citizens can’t even afford to survive because of the cost of living and we have these vacuous discussions about corruption that are not based on any sort of data,” Hughes argued. Furthermore, the attorney also noted that over US$1B from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) or the oil account, was spent by government last year; however, there is no evidence of a significant project developed. On the other hand, he said the country is left to marvel at an incomplete Demerara River Bridge and a promise that future projects will not be subjected to feasibility studies. Still on the issue of corruption, the aspiring President questioned the award of contracts under the incumbent administration.  He said, “How many companies which have been receiving major contracts in road construction have a track record of being more than 20 or 10 years old?”  Hughes pointed to the Schoonord to Crane, West Coast Demerara Road project as an example, citing that the contract was awarded to a contractor whose estimate was $600M above the Ministry’s Engineer’s Estimate, while other experienced contractors were reportedly sidelined. Related Similar Articles

Golden Jaguars on the hunt for three points against Martinique today Sep 09, 2024 Sports By Rawle Toney The Golden Jaguars will look to bounce back against Martinique in League A. Kaieteur Sports – The Golden Jaguars are set to roar once again today in Fort-de-France as they take on Martinique at 4:00 pm in the ongoing League A action of the CONCACAF Nations League at the Pierre-Aliker Municipal Stadium. Coach Jamaal Shabazz’s side will be looking to bounce back after a 3-1 home defeat to Suriname last Thursday. Similarly, Martinique also began their campaign with a 3-1 loss, falling to Guatemala. Omari Glasgow has scored 17 times for the Golden Jaguars and is just one goal shy of tying the country’s all-time record, set by Nigel Codrington. Despite the opening setback, Shabazz remains optimistic. “When you’re in League A, you want to stay up. It took Guyana ten years to reach this level. One loss won’t break our spirits,” he said. Acknowledging the challenge of facing Martinique, Shabazz added, “We know it’s a tough assignment, but these are the moments we’ve worked hard to reach. Now, we’re going to battle it out and see where it takes us.” After the defeat to Suriname, team captain Elliot Bonds reflected on their performance. He noted that while the team made individual mistakes, the match against Martinique offers a chance for redemption. “We know what needs to be done. The 3-1 loss was down to our own errors, but we’re learning from it and know where to improve,” Bonds said. With just four days between games, Bonds emphasized the need to move forward quickly. “There’s no time to dwell on it. We’ll review the game, make adjustments, and focus on what’s next,” he added. It will be interesting to see Shabazz’s approach against Martinique, a team they last faced in 2017, ending in a scoreless draw at Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden. Martinique, playing at home, have won four and lost one of their last five matches, scoring and conceding four goals in that period. In the Nations League, they’ve played 12 matches, winning two, drawing five, and losing five. Meanwhile, Guyana has played 17 Nations League matches, winning 11, drawing twice, and losing four. The Golden Jaguars have struggled on the road, with one win and four losses in their last five away games, while Martinique have two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five outings. Related Similar Articles

North Soesdyke Masters demolish East Coast Aash Decor in the 3rdRound BMC O50s Tournament Sep 09, 2024 Sports – Solid half centuries recorded by Clement Archer and Nanram Shamlall Kaieteur Sports – At the Enmore Cricket Club ground: East Coast called correctly and decided to take their first strike on a beautiful Saturday morning with a slightly heavy outfield. They started very slow and sedately but managed to speed up their innings with several wickets in hand to finish on a formidable 169 for 4 wickets off 25 overs. Archer & Sudesh Persaud after their record opening partnership Opener Nanram Shamlall batted throughout the innings to finish on a well composed 86* peppered with 4 @ 6s and 8 @ 4s. He was well supported by fellow opener J. Jitlall with 20 and Mohamed Shaw with a cameo 23. Skipper R Jaisingh finished with 3 for 31 off 5 overs. In reply, North Soesdyke made light work of East Coast’s total knocking off the required runs without any loss in 15 overs. Former East Bank 1st Division player, Clement Archer rattled up a commanding 81* with 6 @6s and 5 @ 4s. Sudesh Persaud narrowly missed out on his half century finishing on 47* with 4 @ 4s. North Soesdyke now take the lead on 5 points from 3 matches. Related Similar Articles

PPP media prostitution ring Sep 09, 2024 Features / Columnists, News, The GHK Lall Column Kaieteur News – The PPP Government is running a media prostitution ring.  It gets people to sell themselves, to peddle their minds, to push their flesh.  Why is this government and its warlike leaders so afraid of the independent media?  I try to rationalize it to myself but fail.  The government’s morbid fear of being exposed for what it is by the independent media has rushed it to the brink of excess, what I call madness itself.  The PPP Government went and built its own red-light district, and it is all in the center of public attention.  I trust that the deliverers of democracy (such as it is), the leading members of the resident diplomatic corps, are paying close attention, absorbing this indecent and lawless media cabal, and its shouts and showers of abuse that are pelted at the law-abiding in this country. In a true democracy, there is division of labor.  The government governs in a clean, transparent manner.  The legislature makes laws for the benefit of the people.  The opposition is a watchdog.  The judiciary judges with wisdom and freedom.  The people speak their mind without fear of retribution.  And the media reports on all this in a straight-up and unfettered manner.  In the make-believe democracy preferred by the PPP Government, it is the leadership that gets to decide, sound off, and close out any discussion about what constitutes clean and transparent governance.  When that is challenged and put to shame repeatedly, the PPP leadership lets loose its media eye gougers, nutcrackers, and backstabbers.  Who would believe it when they are told that taxpayer’s money is being used to pay an army of ghost writers, public commentators turned citizen letter writers, and a brigade of goonish social media operators, to attack protesting citizens.  Believe it, I say.  When men and women can lower themselves to perform such media tricks, then what is that if not a media prostitution ring operating in broad daylight.  Take off the mascara and lipstick (fake names) and ignore the revealing apparel and come-hither aura, and these are the dregs from Guyanese society that the national government has dug up and sent out to attack principled citizens.  One big chief is so in love with his version of democracy’s media norms that he has his own standby social media troll farm hanging onto his every word and ready to utter calls for vengeance and violence against citizens. They do not worry about the law and its long reach. It is part of the setup in a regular prostitution ring, where the law enforcers are bought out and turn a blind eye, once they are allowed to continue to collect out of sight in the business corners of the street. In this government ring, there is a ringmaster with his coiled whip to keep the troops on their toes and delivering.  How many that contribute through the independent media have been targeted today, and where is the tally sheet?  How many bold Guyanese brutalized?  Why, how, and since when has the independent media become such a thorn in the eye, such a feared presence in this country?  I will take the easy way out: it has been since the beginning going back to the 1960s, with matters never so ugly, and at such menacing levels, as today.  The why is almost as straightforward: when a government and many of its people have been about the crooked and corrupt, then they can never rest placidly, because there is that dread that they will be discovered and exposed.  Regarding the how, this is where the independent media earns its spurs.  The choice is that it sticks to the honest road and gives value to the people thirsting for authentic information.  Or that it joins with the flashy state media counterparts, who have sold all that they may have once stood for, to take the fullest advantage of PPP Government generosity.  Like a worker of the evening on the street, the more customers the better.  More fake news stories (pretended bliss) mean more cash in the pocket.  It is a sweet racket.  In the PPP Government’s media prostitution ring, greater output is intended to inundate and overwhelm.  There is state media, which houses the known characters.  There is the government-influenced private media.  There is the private media that aids and abets government calumnies and atrocities.  In the language of prostitution, they are called Johns.  Those who come crawling around corners under the cover of darkness, to sample the delights of the flesh.  Who are the ones feasting at the fleshpots of the PPP Government, if not those loading up on concessions, awards, and free money like they have never encountered in their lives.  Oil money is abundant, a veritable gravy train that helps to grease their pens and morals and conscience.  I made a mistake on the last two: those were imaginary, never present.  Whoever heard of a street worker with a conscience or a soul or morals?  This is what Guyanese live with today: the soul of a who**, those who will do anything to get even, to get ahead, and to get in the good books of those in charge. The question is who the Lord of the Flies (Roger and Jack) in the Guyana context is. Leaders or those who readily do their bidding. Thanks to the arrangements of leading PPP lights, this is how the respected Fourth Estate has been degraded into an abused state.  It has gone from a power for truth, to mainly a cheap prostitute slaving for scheming politicians. Independent media pays hard prices. Related Similar Articles