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Minister Bharrat pledges Govt.’s continued support and incentives to strengthen mining sector Aug 28, 2024 News Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat Kaieteur News – In his message for Mining Week 2024, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, affirmed the government’s unwavering support for the mining sector through incentives to ensure the economic prosperity of the industry. The Natural Resources Minister underscored the sector’s critical role in Guyana’s economy and the importance of environmental stewardship. “As we celebrate Mining Week 2024, I would like to express our appreciation and best wishes to all the stakeholders in the mining sector, more particularly the small- and medium-scale Guyanese miners who continue to apply this trade and also to the staff of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, who continues to work tirelessly to ensure that the mining regulations are enforced, to ensure that the health and safety and well-being of miners are protected at all times, and, more importantly, to ensure that our environment remains intact,” he stated. The minister highlighted the need for mining activities to align with environmental protection efforts. “The theme under which Guyana Geology and Mines operate, I think, is very fitting as well: ‘Mine with the Environment in Mind.’ We cannot, at any point in time, speak of mining or extraction of natural resources without thinking or without the preservation and protection of our environment,” he said. Moreover, highlighting the sector’s significance, Minister Bharrat noted its substantial contribution to the nation’s economy. He explained that mining continues to be one of the main contributors to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “Mining has been the bedrock on which our economy has been based for several decades and will continue to be a sector that many Guyanese will continue to prosper in,” he explained. With nearly 30,000 Guyanese employed in the sector, the Minister assured continued government support and incentives, stating, “As a government, we are committed to ensuring that we grow the sector, to ensure that we provide continuous incentives for miners… all in ensuring that this economic activity continues to provide the kind of economic benefits that Guyanese would have enjoyed over the last decades or so.” Speaking at his recent press conference, Minister Bharrat attributed the steady decline in gold production and declaration over recent years to a combination of unfavourable weather conditions, outdated mining practices, and labour shortages. He outlined the challenges facing the gold mining sector and the efforts being made to address them. This publication had reported that from 2019 to 2023, gold declarations dropped by approximately 209,000 troy ounces, according to the Bank of Guyana annual reports. Recently, the government had warned gold smugglers to desist from the practice. Minister Bharrat pointed out that gold production has been on a downward trend since its peak in 2016. “I don’t think it’s any secret that gold production has been on the decline. I think if you look at the chart, you will see 2016 peak, and then after that, it went straight up and continues in the 2022-2023,” Bharrat said. He highlighted that several factors have contributed to this decline, particularly severe weather conditions. “In 2021 and 2022, there was significant flooding, not only on the coast, but the hinterland communities. I myself went into the Mazaruni district, and I saw the devastation of the flooding in that major mining district,” Bharrat explained. He added that in 2023, the industry was hit by a significant drought, which hindered operations in key mining areas. “Some people were unable to go and work simply because there was no water,” he noted. The minister noted that the situation has reversed again in 2024 with another bout of significant flooding, further complicating mining activities. Minister Bharrat also highlighted issues related to the mining practices of small and medium-scale miners, noting that many have been repeatedly mining the same properties resulting in low recovery rates. “The other reason being, which we have noticed, and I think it was mentioned by the commissioner, is that for decades, our small- and medium-scale miners have been mining the same properties over and over again,” the minister said. “[Small- and medium-scale miners] recovery rate in gold mining is too low, 35-40% is way too low,” he stated. The ministry is working with miners to introduce new methods and technology to increase recovery rates, which Bharrat believes will lead to higher production and profitability. In addition to technical challenges, the minister pointed to the accessibility of mining lands as a significant barrier for small miners. “Accessibility to land has always been a cry from small miners,” the minister said, stressing the need for more prospecting to ensure mineralized properties before investment. Labour shortages in the mining sector are another growing concern. Bharrat noted that many miners are moving away from the industry, often shifting to more lucrative opportunities in the oil and gas or construction sectors. “What we have seen is a lot of people moving from the mining sector into the oil and gas or construction sectors, or they are engaged in other sectors while they’ve scaled down their activities in the mining sector,” Bharrat explained. Despite these challenges, Bharrat affirmed that the GGMC is actively working to address the issues, particularly by increasing recovery rates and improving access to mining lands. Additionally, a US$1.8 million contract was recently signed with an American firm for mineral mapping of Guyana’s mining hotspots. Related Similar Articles

Construction worker remanded for killing Tuschen taxi driver Aug 28, 2024 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – Thirty-year-old Ronald Sackoon, a construction worker of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was on Tuesday remanded to prison for stabbing and causing the death of Leon Parahoo, a taxi driver of Tuschen, EBE. Dead: Leon Parahoo Remanded: Ronald Sackoon The incident occurred between August 17 and 18, 2024 in Parika. Parahoo, who was hospitalised after the attack, succumbed to his injuries on August 23, 2024, while in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH). Sackoon appeared before Magistrate Rhondel Weaver at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, where the indictable charge was read to him. He was remanded to prison until September 23, 2024. Sackoon was represented by Attorney-at-law, Bernard Da Silva. According to police statement presented in court, ranks had arrested and interviewed Alejandro Alli, a 22-year-old taxi driver and also an acquaintance of the suspect. Alli allegedly recounted that on the night of the stabbing, he had just dropped off a customer at Parika Junction from Tuschen when he was approached by Sackoon whom he had known for about three months. Sackoon, who had been drinking, requested a ride to Nancy’s Bar at Parika Access Road. During the journey, Sackoon told him to stop the car saying that he forgot something. He abruptly exited the vehicle heading in a northerly direction and returned minutes later with a knife, stating that he just “juck up” somebody (Parahoo).  Sackoon then placed the knife to Alli’s neck and told him to drive. Alli testified that Sackoon threatened him with the knife, ordering him to drive while warning that he would kill Alli’s family if he reported the incident. Fearful, Alli complied but eventually stopped the car, confronted Sackoon with a piece of wood that he normally keeps on the driver’s side of his car, and forced him out of the vehicle. Sackoon exited the car and fled towards the riverside. Alli later reported the incident to the police and guided them to Sackoon’s residence at Lot 531 Zeelugt North Housing Scheme. Police conducted a search of Sackoon’s home, discovering two kitchen knives. Sackoon was taken to the Parika Police Station, where he was placed in custody. Authorities noted that Sackoon appeared to be behaving abnormally, possibly under the influence of alcohol or another substance. Further investigation revealed that Parahoo and Sackoon had a prior altercation in 2023, during which Parahoo had previously wounded Sackoon with a stab. Related Similar Articles

City Council to audit unauthorized billboards and other signage Aug 28, 2024 News The Georgetown Council is concerned about loss of revenue due to the erection of unauthorized billboards across the city. …as Councillors bemoan loss of revenue Kaieteur News – The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has expressed its concerns over the purported loss of revenue due to the erection of unauthorized billboards throughout the city. The issue was raised by members of the Council at a statutory meeting held on Monday.  During the meeting, City Councillors, Lelon Saul and Clayton Hinds expressed grave concern about the number of unlicensed billboards, banners, and posters erected around the City. Further, the City Council is particularly concerned about the utilisation of City spaces without its consent and the disregarding of the current protocol to carry out such activities. The councillors highlighted the fact that the municipality has not been able to collect revenues from the businesses utilizing billboards to advertise their businesses and services. Expressing his frustration, Saul noted that an investigation is necessary to ascertain how many businesses have billboards and how many of them have authorization from the city and are paying their dues. “Every day, billboards are going up around the city and nobody seems to know or seems to know or see anything,” Saul asserted. He told the Council that in his view, the City Engineer’s Department has not been managing the issue properly. “This has been going for years now and the Engineer’s Department has not given us any information on this. I think it is time that they answer us…How much money are we collecting? I don’t know if they can even say …” the visibly frustrated Saul said. Councillor Hinds raised concerns about the legitimacy of the billboards. “We don’t even who is operating with permission and who is not… We currently have applications from a company called Pixels but we don’t know much about this company except that they would help erect some billboards for the Guyana Police Force.” Hinds also pointed to the number of electronic billboards being installed across the city and the revenue that should be garnered from it. “We don’t know whether we have been receiving any payments for these electronic billboards,” the Councillor said. In response to the questions raised by the councillors, Town Clerk Candace Nelson informed the Council that a meeting has been held with a popular printing company to in relation to outstanding payments. “A meeting was held and Mr. Neal Sukhlal of Impressions was asked to submit the list for his billboards and that was subsequently submitted to me and also we spoke of the payments that are outstanding. He did say that he has a payment plan in place… So we are working to address this issue,” the Town Clerk disclosed. The Town Clerk said too that as part of the plan, the Council has reached out to the Ministry of Public Works for guidelines on how to deal with the issue of billboards in the city. Meanwhile, City Mayor Alfred Mentore called on the City Engineer’s Department to begin an audit “to determine the number of signs erected, the nature of the information, duration of publication and persons responsible for erecting the signs”. He directed officials of the City Engineer’s Department to establish an inventory of the billboards and report to the Council within one week. “With reference to the ‘Municipal and Districts Councils Act’ Chapter 28:01, part VIII, Section 239 which says “A council may let any land which it possesses,” the Council strongly believes that they possess this authority. According to the ‘Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission Act 1999’ Part II: 4.1, the function of the commission is; (A) “to have charge of and act as guardian over all public lands, rivers and creeks of Guyana,” the City official stated. Related Similar Articles

We living in strange times, man! Aug 28, 2024 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – First, they tell we that women and men equal, then they turn ‘round and give all the alimony to the wife. But hear nah, things changing. Dem lawyers and lawmakers done change the game. Imagine this: a man can now claim alimony from he ex-wife! Yes, you read that right. Is like pigs flying or the rice price dropping—something nobody ever expect to see! So all them years men been paying out till they pocket flat, now it look like the women gun have to feel the squeeze too. Dem Boys seh, imagine the look on she face when the judge seh, “Madam, you got to support your ex-husband now.” Is a whole new ball game, man. Is like cricket where de batsman and de bowler switch role, and nobody ain’t know who got to bat next. But wait, it don’t stop there. Dem Boys seh if a man can get alimony, why he can’t get custody too? Imagine the judge saying, “Mr. Father, you is now de primary caretaker. You got to feed, clothe, and raise them children. And no, you can’t drop dem off by grandma every weekend!” All dem mothers out there, brace yourself, because the fathers coming for you, and this time, they coming with legal backing. Fathers demanding equal rights now, and dem seh, if women can be breadwinners, then men can be homemakers too. So all dem lil children gun soon have to start calling their papa “Mr. Mom.” Dem boys seh the mothers better start learning to pay child support, because them courts looking to level the playing field. Time gone when men use to give and give till dem ain’t got nothing left. Now, they looking to take some too. Is a whole new world, and dem men ready to step up and take they share. So ladies, watch out. The scales tipping, and dem fathers coming with receipts and they lawyer on speed dial. Talk half. Leff half Related Similar Articles

Tough start for Guyana at World U20 Championship Aug 28, 2024 Sports Team Guyana at the U20 World Championship – Austin, Springer and McPherson in 400m action today By Rawle Toney Kaieteur Sports – It was far from the start Coach Julian Edmonds had hoped for as Guyana endured a tough opening day at the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru. The mixed relay team of Enoch Monroe, Narissa McPherson, De Nelson Gill, and Tianna Springer finished sixth in Heat 2 with a time of 3:26.06, falling short of advancing to the finals. In the women’s 100m, 16-year-old Athaleyha Hinckson, the reigning CARIFTA U17 and South American U20 100m champion, clocked 12.01 seconds to place sixth in Heat 1. All eyes will be on the South American U20 and CARIFTA Games U20 400m Champion, Malachi Austin In the men’s 100m, Ezekiel Newton (10.80s) and Jackson Clarke (10.68s) were unable to progress beyond their respective heats. Looking ahead to Day 2, McPherson and Springer will compete in the women’s 400m, while CARIFTA U20 and South American U20 Champion, Malachi Austin will be Guyana’s only representative in the men’s 400m. Since the inception of the World U20 Championships in 1986, Guyana won just one medal—a silver in the women’s 400m, earned by Kadecia Baird. Baird clocked an impressive 51.04s to finish second behind the USA’s Ashley Spencer, edging out another American, Erika Rucker. Baird’s time remains the fastest U20 performance by a South American athlete. Shaunae Miller-Uibo, who later became a two-time Olympic gold medallist and World Champion in the 400m, finished fourth in that race. Related Similar Articles

Shepherd, Pooran and Hope help West Indies sweep South Africa 3-0 Aug 28, 2024 Sports (ESPN Cricinfo) – West Indies completed a clean sweep of the T20I series to underline a period of dominance against South Africa in this format. Since March 2023, they have played South Africa ten times in T20I cricket and won eight matches, including back-to-back 3-0 series victories either side of the T20 World Cup. The last of those wins came in a shortened affair in Trinidad. Nicholas Pooran blasted 35 off 13 (AFP/Getty Images) A rain delay caused the series finale to start an hour later than the scheduled 3pm start time but no overs were lost when play got underway. Another weather interruption, midway through the fifth over of South Africa’s innings, took 70 more minutes out of the game and reduced it to 13 overs a side. South Africa’s total of 108 for 4 lacked significant individual contributions, which has been a concern for them throughout the series. They were kept quiet by two West Indies’ spinners, Akeal Hosein and stand-in captain Roston Chase, who conceded 22 runs in five overs between. Only Tristan Stubbs scored more than 30 and West Indies’ target was adjusted to 116. The hosts were on the back foot early when Bjorn Fortuin had Alick Athanaze caught at mid-on in the first over but the rest of the batters grabbed the contest by the scruff of the neck. Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran shared a second-wicket partnership of 58 off 20 balls to put West Indies in a position to push for victory before an unbeaten 56-run stand between Hope and Shimron Hetmyer ended the match with 22 balls to spare. Shepherd’s double strike Romario Shepherd became the leading wicket-taker of the T20I series with two wickets in his first over, and South Africa’s tenth, to push the visitors back in their pursuit for quick runs. His first ball brought success as Aiden Markram went after a back of a length ball and nicked it off. South Africa’s T20 captain has not got past 20 in his last six completed innings in the format and only once in his 12 knocks. Three balls later, Shepherd’s slower ball had Ryan Rickelton caught at mid-off to send South Africa from 61 for 1 to 66 for 3, with 20 balls left in their innings. Stubbs signs off on a high After registering his first Test half-century in Trinidad earlier this month, Stubbs finished the T20I series as the highest run-scorer and displayed a level of maturity that bodes well for his future with the South African side. Left-hander Shimron Hetmyer goes on the attack during his unbeaten 81 against Sri Lanka on Thursday. Photo: CMC With South Africa in need of quick runs, he took on West Indies senior seamer Obed McCoy in his first over of the series to announce himself, even as he got his eye in. Stubbs had faced just four deliveries when he pulled McCoy over backward square leg for his first six, then hit a full ball through cover for four and finally smashed a short ball over deep mid-wicket for a 101 metre six. Stubbs took 16 runs off three balls and finished his innings on 40 off 15 balls to push South Africa over 100 and towards a competitive total. Maphaka learns the hard way Kwena Maphaka’s first IPL match was a baptism of fire when Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma tore him about and he conceded 66 runs in four overs to record the most expensive figures on debut and the lessons have kept coming. Playing his third international in six days and given the ball in the third over of the shortened chase, Maphaka started with a full, wide delivery outside off which he had to bowl again. With the gas ramped up to 141kph, Pooran took one run off his next ball to put Hope on strike and he showed Maphaka no mercy. He sent successive short balls over the leg side for six before being foxed by a slower ball. Maphaka could not close out the over quickly and sent down a no-ball and another wide before Pooran whipped him away for the third six of the over to put West Indies in charge of the chase. Maphaka’s first over cost 22 runs. Hetmyer hits out It was his first T20I of the year but Hetmyer looked as though he had not missed a beat after he found his feet. It took him seven balls to find his first boundary and it came off the outside edge of Lizaad Williams but runs came easily after that. Hetmyer pulled a Maphaka short ball over long leg for six, then sent Ottneil Baartman to opposite ends of the fields – through mid-off and backward point – for successive fours and finished the over with a third four over fine leg. He was the senior partner in a half-century partnership with Hope and scored 31 runs off 17 balls to ensure West Indies finished in style. Related Similar Articles

Rain curtails action yet again as Guyana end day 1 in charge Aug 28, 2024 Sports 2024 CWI Men’s Rising Stars U17 2-Day Championships Kaieteur Sports – Jamaica and Guyana had the opening day of action ruined thanks to rain, with the second day of action tentative following Tuesday’s showers. Guyana kept their opponents to 152 all out in 47.1 overs with Odane Binns the top-scorer with 33. Skipper and medium-pacer Johnathan Van Lange picked up 3-18 with help from spinner Riyad Latiff who had 3-15. Pacer Devon Wharton returned 2-27 along with left-arm spinner Golcharran Chulai who finished with similar figures. The final day is scheduled to resume at 9:00hrs today. Related Similar Articles