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Chinese gold company produced over 68,000 ounces in first six months of this year in Guyana Aug 27, 2024 News Aurora mining operation in Guyana (Source: Zijin) Kaieteur News – Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd, a Chinese-state owned mining giant operating in Guyana, through its subsidiary Aurora Gold Mine (AGM) has disclosed that the company produced 1,949 kilograms (over 68,000 ounces) of gold within the first six months of 2024. This information was revealed in the company’s interim half-year report on its global operations. According to unofficial translation from the report, AGM who owns 100% of the Guyana project, produced 1,949 kilograms of gold. It was stated too that since the group holds full ownership, all 1,949 kilograms are attributed to the group’s equity production. The Chinese Mining Group’s presence spans across 17 provincial-level regions in China and encompasses operations in 15 countries worldwide, including their ventures in Guyana. Their foothold in Guyana’s mining landscape was solidified in August 2020 when they acquired the largest gold mines operation in the country from Canadian-owned AGM for a substantial sum of US$238 million. Recently, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat pointed out that gold production has been on a downward trend since its peak in 2016. He said, “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.” Minister Bharrat had also revealed that the government has no issues with AGM, since the company’s gold recovery level is in the 90’s while small- and medium scale-miners’ recovery rate lag behind. The minister had underscored that with the company venturing into underground mining, the company is set to produce even more gold. Kaieteur News had reported previously that the Bank of Guyana (BoG) disclosed that the country’s gold declaration decreased within the first three months of 2024. According to the Central Bank, the declaration fell to 89,845.8 troy ounces, when compared to the same period last year. It was stated that the dip in the gold declaration was mainly due to lower declarations from small- and medium-scale miners by 24.2 %.  It was explained that the lower declaration is as a result of prolonged dry weather which made access to water limited in many mining areas. Notably, it was stated that the sole large-scale operator, AGM recorded an increase in declarations by 5.2%, which resulted from continued favourable performance in their underground mining operations.  The Aurora gold project, originally developed by Guyana Goldfields, operates in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region as both an open-pit and now underground mining operation, sprawling across an extensive area of 12 square kilometers or 2,965 acres. Related Similar Articles

UN says Gaza aid operation paused due to evacuation orders Aug 27, 2024 News United Nations says it has had to temporarily suspend its aid operation in the Gaza Strip (BBC NEWS) – The United Nations says it has had to temporarily suspend its aid operation in the Gaza Strip because of Israeli military evacuation orders in the centre of the Palestinian territory. A senior UN official told reporters that its humanitarian staff had been unable to operate on Monday because of safety concerns. Evacuation orders covering parts of the Israeli-designated humanitarian zone in and around the central town of Deir al-Balah – where the UN has its main operations centre – had forced staff to relocate quickly and leave equipment behind, they said. However, the official stressed that UN agencies would not be leaving Gaza and were now trying to find somewhere to operate safely. The Israeli military has said it issues evacuation orders to try to protect civilians as it operates against Hamas and other armed groups. Earlier on Monday, it said troops were continuing to “dismantle terrorist infrastructure” and “eliminate terrorists” on the outskirts of Deir al-Balah. Up to 88.5% of Gaza has been placed under evacuation orders since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, according to the UN, which is the primary provider and distributor of humanitarian aid in the territory. That has forced an estimated 1.8 million people to shelter inside the humanitarian zone, which spans only about 41 sq km (15.8 sq miles) and lacks critical infrastructure and basic services. The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza to destroy Hamas in response to an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on 7 October, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. More than 40,430 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry. Local officials in Deir al-Balah say about 250,000 people have been forced to flee several neighbourhoods of the town since 16 August, when the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) started to issue evacuation orders there. Humanitarian staff from various UN agencies, NGOs, and service providers, along with their families, have also been displaced as a result of the orders. The UN said a new order issued on Sunday that covered one block in the south of the town had affected 15 UN and NGO premises, as well as four UN warehouses. “We’re unable to deliver today with the conditions that we’re in,” the senior UN official said on Monday. “As of this morning, we’re not operating in Gaza.” However, UN staff have been instructed to find solutions to allow operations to resume. “We’re not leaving because the people need us there,” the official said. “We’re trying to balance the need of the population with the need for safety and security of the UN personnel.” Sam Rose, a senior deputy field director for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) who is in Deir al-Balah, warned that both UN staff and Palestinian civilians were “being squeezed into ever smaller areas of Gaza”. “The humanitarian zone declared by Israel has shrunk. It is now about 11% of the entire Gaza Strip,” he told reporters in New York via video link. “This isn’t just 11% of land that is fit for habitation, fit for services, fit for life. These are dunes, these are crowded areas, where people are living cheek by jowl, doing whatever they can to get by.” “It is precisely in these circumstances that polio has recently re-emerged in Gaza, with a small number of cases. It could spread very rapidly,” he added.  “Malnourished children. A decimated healthcare sector. Very poor water and sanitation. People live amid garbage, amid lakes of sewage. They’re stressed, they’re anxious, their immune systems are suppressed.” Mr Rose said Unrwa and other UN agencies had been focusing their efforts on the polio vaccination campaign due to start this Saturday, which plans to inoculate more than 640,000 children and prevent an outbreak. “The vaccines have come in. We’re calling for calm, for humanitarian pauses that will allow the vaccination programmes to pass and be implemented successfully.” Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has also warned that the latest evacuation order in Deir al-Balah also affected areas close to al-Aqsa Hospital, the town’s main medical facility. The medical charity said in a statement on X that an explosion about 250m (820ft) from the hospital on Sunday had triggered panic, with many people choosing to leave afterward. “As a result, MSF is considering whether to suspend wound care for the time being, while trying to maintain life-saving treatment. From around 650 patients, only 100 remain in the hospital, with seven in the intensive care unit, according to the Ministry of Health,” it added. “This situation is unacceptable. Al-Aqsa has been operating well beyond capacity for weeks due to the lack of alternatives for patients. All warring parties must respect the hospital, as well as patients’ access to medical care.” Dr. Anas Ibrahim, an emergency physician at the hospital, told BBC Arabic’s Gaza Today programme on Monday that the situation there was “indescribable”. “As the evacuation news spread, patients with fractures and wounds all began to evacuate the hospital for fear of being exposed to an offensive,” he said. “Feelings of terror, fear, and panic have overwhelmed all people at the hospital. Everyone is afraid now… everyone is waiting to see what will happen.” The IDF said the evacuation order did not include nearby hospitals or medical facilities and that patients and medical staff did not need to leave. Related Similar Articles

Corentyne mom kills bedridden daughter, then commits suicide Aug 27, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A 73-year-old woman last week allegedly poisoned her 52-year-old daughter, then took her own life at their Lot 104 Warren Village, East Corentyne Berbice, Region Six, police have confirmed. Mother, Liloutie Barker Dead are Liloutie Barker and her daughter, Davi Nandalall. According to information from the police, the incident occurred on August 21, 2024 at their residence when Barker gave her daughter who is bedridden, a poisonous substance and moments later she drank the same substance and subsequently passed on the same day while Nandalall died two days later. Barker’s husband, Franklin Barker a 61-year-old Government Ranger, told investigators that his wife suffered from diabetes and hypertension while his daughter, Nandalall was disabled since she was 14 years old. The man informed police that about one week prior to the incident, Nandalall was not eating and that his wife reportedly told him on several occasions that she is going to drink poison. On Wednesday around 07:30hrs, police learnt that Barker was having breakfast when she asked him if he was ready for work, to which he replied “no”. “His wife then told him that she is afraid to be at home when he goes to work,” the police reported. The man further reported to police that after their conversation, she then gave him a black pouch containing jewellery and subsequently went back to the kitchen. About five minutes later, the man said Barker shouted for him and confessed that she drank poison and gave the same substance to their daughter.  Franklin ran into the kitchen where he found his wife lying on the floor with a green substance coming from her mouth. He also saw Nandalall with the same green substance to her mouth. With the help of a neighbour, he rushed both Liloutie and Nandalall to the New Amsterdam Hospital.  However, Liloutie reportedly died on the same day while Nandalall was receiving treatment until she passed away on Friday. Franklin reported the matter around 09:00hrs on the same day where ranks acted swiftly and visited the scene. Upon their arrival, police found a bottle labelled “Herbixzone” containing a green substance on a table under a shed in the backyard, and a glass with green substance on a table in the lower level of the building. Investigations are ongoing. Related Similar Articles

Cultural Icon, Ameena Gafoor passes on Aug 27, 2024 News Cultural Icon, Ameena Gafoor Kaieteur News – Author, cultural icon, and philanthropist, Ameena Gafoor passed away at the age of 83 on Monday after a period of illness. Mrs. Gafoor, wife of businessman Sattaur Gafoor has been described as someone who came from humble beginnings. In a statement, President Irfaan Ali hailed Mrs Gafoor, as a truly extraordinary woman whose contributions to our nation, and especially to the literary arts were exceptional. “Ameena’s kindness and generosity were unmatched, touching the lives of many through her consistent support for various philanthropic endeavours, particularly in the promotion of the literary arts. Her efforts nurtured and uplifted the talents of writers, poets, and artists across Guyana, making a lasting impact on our nation,” the President said. He said “Ameena will be remembered not only for her profound influence in the literary world but also for her humility and warm-spiritedness”. “Her gracious nature and compassionate heart made her a beloved figure to all who knew her. In her passing, Guyana has lost a true literary luminary and one of its kindest souls. On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I extend our deepest condolences to her husband, family, and all who mourn her loss. May her example continue to inspire kindness, generosity, and a love for the arts in all of us. May Allah’s divine blessings and mercy be with her.” Mrs. Gafoor founded The Arts Journal, Gafoor of which she was the editor and contributed significantly to Caribbean cultural history. She also co-founded the Gafoor Foundation with her husband, Sattaur Gafoor. The foundation over the years has assisted scores of Guyanese. Back in 2020, Mrs. Gafoor established the Ameena Gafoor Institute for the Study of Indentureship and its Legacies at Cambridge University. She was Secretary of the Arts Forum Inc (2002; a cultural platform that claims space for invisible artists in society), Editor of The Arts Journal (2004- present), and director of the Guyana Book Foundation. Ameena was also Chairman of the Doobay Medical and Research Centre Board of Directors. She was the Founder and Administrator of the Gafoor Foundation which supports organisations like ChildLink;  Step-by-Step Foundation for Autism; The Blind Institute; the Palms; a retirement home for the elderly; and the Dharm Shala. Back in 2020 Dr Vishnu Bisram in a letter to this newspaper praised the work of Mrs. Gafoor Saying that she boasts an impressive record of supporting public service, promoting the arts, and scholarly research work. “She is highly respected by Guyanese in the diaspora for her work. It is hoped that the Ameena Gafoor Institute on Indentureship will encourage research to fill the void of limited research on indentureship. Such an Indentureship institute is long overdue. No such institute exists anywhere in Guyana or the Caribbean. There are state-sponsored institutes and research projects on the legacies of slavery but none on indentureship or the Indian experience. The governments in Guyana and the Ministry of Culture have not been very supportive of programmes or activities pertaining to indentureship,” Bisram wrote. He noted then in his letter that indentured servants from India accounted for 90% of the indentured labourers in Guyana post-slavery and 95 percent in Trinidad. However succeeding governments in Guyana and in the Caribbean have not shown much interest in, or been forthcoming with sponsorship of projects relating to indentureship. He said scholars on indentureship told him that an Institute to examine the Indian legacy in Guyana and elsewhere is welcomed. “The Gafoors are applauded for conceiving this indentureship Institute. It is fitting to start it now since this year marks the centennial of the official end of indentureship. The recruitment of indentured labourers ended in March 1917 and the inhumane practice of indentured servitude came to an end on January 1, 1920. Ameena Gafoor is saluted for her leadership and commitment to conceiving this worthy institute. The institute is urged to provide college scholarships for underprivileged high school students, especially from neglected rural areas to promote research into the history and culture of Indian indentureds. It is expected that this Gafoor Indentureship project would fund research of new and experienced academics and that it would help to produce budding scholars on the indentureship experience like the internationally acclaimed David Dabydeen, Clem Seecharran, Baytoram Ramharack, Basdeo Mangru, Rhyaan Shah, Gaiutra Bahadur, and Ameena Gafoor, herself, among others. It is hoped that the Ameena Gafoor Institute on Indentureship would also produce outstanding new scholarship (research) and that it would help to make a positive impact on Indo-Caribbean people.” Related Similar Articles

Section of Hogg Street without water for a month Aug 27, 2024 News A section of the Hogg Street area that has been without water for a month Kaieteur News – A section of Hogg Street in the Pont Trench area, Albouystown has been without water for about a month, leaving residents frustrated and struggling to cope. Despite assurances from Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) that water distribution issues in Central Georgetown were being addressed, a few residents remain without water. Ms. Hubbard, a resident of the affected area, described how the lack of water has severely disrupted her daily life. “It’s been extremely challenging…with hardly any rainfall, we’re hoping for a quick resolution. It’s frustrating to be without water while others around us have their supply restored,” she said. Another resident, Crystal Allicock who returned from a trip to find the water situation unchanged, shared her struggles. “There was a guy down the street who used to help by running his hose and filling up the tanks for us. I’ve had to purchase bottles of water daily. Not a single drop of water is coming out of the pipes, even in the yard,” the woman shared. The prolonged dry spell has only worsened the situation, with residents noting that the lack of rain has left them without alternative water sources. “It’s been two weeks now that I’ve had to send my clothes to the laundromat because I can’t wash them at home,” Allicock lamented. Notably, the issue was brought to the attention of GWI, who acknowledged that a blockage in the system is preventing water from reaching the affected residents. It was stated too that the water situation is expected to be fixed sometime this week. However, the residents expressed their disappointment with what they perceived as the slow response from the utility company. “We haven’t even heard from them about distributing water to us or offering any assistance while they work to fix the issue,” Ms. Hubbard said. The residents are now calling on GWI to expedite their efforts and provide immediate relief as the water shortage continues to impact their daily lives. Related Similar Articles

PNCR will release plans for oil sector closer to elections – Norton Aug 27, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton said his party will release its policy for the management of the oil and gas sector closer to the elections. Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton The Opposition Leader was addressing the media during a press conference on Tuesday last when he made it clear that the group has consistently outlined its positions on the sector, however, with regard to a comprehensive document outlining its policies, this will be done closer to the elections. “We have consistently outlined our policy positions on oil and gas, and so it is not for the lack of a policy. What you are seeking is one document. We will, like I have said before, we have put many policy positions, we will have a clear oil and gas policy document for the electorate as we move towards the elections,” Norton told Kaieteur News. This newspaper previously reported that the PNCR’s former Coalition partner, the Alliance For Change (AFC) recently revealed plans to release its policy statement on the petroleum sector. Chairman of the party, David Patterson disclosed that the first of about 18 policies seek to ensure there is transparency and sharing of information with the public.  “We have 18 different policy statements and every week we will announce one. The first one is on transparency, accountability and access to information,” the former Minister of Public Infrastructure disclosed during an interview with Kaieteur News, on the sidelines of a Parliamentary Sitting. Patterson added, “There will be time limits and it would be inscribed in law, so under an Alliance For Change government, no reporter has to ask for these information – they will be made public…so no longer can any politician say that information cannot be made available to the public.” Kaieteur News understands that the AFC’s Oil and Gas policy will also feature the party’s stance on ring-fencing and waste water disposal, among several others. Ring-fencing in the petroleum industry is a financial term which means that each oil project should pay for itself. In Guyana’s case, politicians have not ring-fenced the projects in the Stabroek Block. In this manner, the revenue generated by the three projects that are currently producing oil are used to pay for other projects which are now being developed.  The lack of ring-fencing therefore shortens the profits available to be shared with Guyana. Each month, Exxon is allowed to deduct a whopping 75% of Guyana’s oil towards cost. The remaining 25% is split with the country as profits, with the country receiving an additional 2% as royalty – paid every quarter. Guyana has often been urged by international experts to ring-fence the projects to ensure the country enjoy the early benefits from the sector. The AFC previously voiced its support for the Stabroek Block projects to be ring-fenced, however its key Opposition partner, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) remains on the fence when it comes to a decision on the subject. Norton had said while there may be benefits to ring-fencing, his party would still need to assess each project individually to determine whether it would go that route. Related Similar Articles

Woman, 63, feared dead after missing for over six months  Aug 27, 2024 News …Family cites lack of police involvement  Kaieteur News – A 63-year-old woman who reportedly wandered off from her home early this year is feared dead by relatives after many attempts to locate her went to no avail. Missing: Gale Husbands The missing woman, Gale Husbands, who suffers from dementia and is a diabetic went astray after she left her home at Durban and Loisua Row, Georgetown in early February 2024. Gale was last seen in Durban Street, Wortmanville. Since February to date, relatives have searched endlessly to locate Husbands but were never successful. During an interview with this publication the husband of the missing woman, Karl Husbands related in detail the occurrence he had with her on the day she went missing. The day she went missing  Husbands (Karl) highlighted that on the day of Gale’s disappearance, which was a Muslim holiday, he and his family collected food from the Masjid. He related that during doing so, a friend of his was robbed and as such he dropped Gale home while citing to her, “ All of us can’t be in the car, so I told her to stay home and watch Lifetime movie.” Contrary to that Husbands related that he then returned home again, but headed out back after a Neighbour asked him, whether he was working to drop her somewhere. Even though he was hesitant, he said, “I get a work let me take it.” Importantly, he stated that when he went inside of the house to pick up his phone and then venture back out to his work, he noticed Gale looking lost. He said, “She looks like she is in a daze in her own world, but I say she was watching Lifetime.” Subsequently, he went back to work until 16:30hrs, when he decided to call Gale but her phone went unanswered. “She ain’t answering, so I told my sister downstairs, I asked her to go upstairs and just find out why, Gale isn’t answering her phone…” Husbands told Kaieteur News. Upon checking, Gale was not found in the house. Husbands related, “I get stressed out and I say Oh God, so I fly home fast right away, and call my mother-in-law and told her Gale isn’t Home.” Husbands along with other family members started to seek Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage, which hopefully could have guided them in the direction Gale wandered off to. Moreover, as a result of Gale going missing, Husbands related with regrets, that, “on the day it was like the devil was prolonging, I told the lady I was not working, I don’t know what was in my mind when I tell the lady come.” He further expressed the fear that engulfed him, when recently a woman’s body, which looks similar to Gale was reportedly found in a trench. “I could have sworn it was my wife…It’s a terrible thing and I think it trouble my heart.” Husbands said. Nevertheless, a police report was made about the incident. However, Husbands and another family member clamped down on the lack of police involvement in the matter. “The police ain’t really doing nothing, then they collect a phone from us (Gale Phone) and they ain’t give we back the phone and its over six months now. And they never return the phone.” Husbands said frustratedly. Additionally, another family member speaking on the same issue highlighted, “One thing of concern, which I would like to speak on is the general lack of interest and care and concern that the Guyana Police Force does absolutely nothing just the normal push around. No attempt into an investigation.” He further explained that the family insisted that police collect Gale’s phone, so an analysis can be conducted to determine whether she received calls or texts that could have lured her. However, he stressed, “We took the phone in, and we can’t get in touch with the person we handed it to.” The family member then told Kaieteur News, “Evidently the authorities in Guyana do not care about human lives. Human lives is one person missing or one person die in an accident is just a statistic to them. To this end, Gale was last seen wearing a floral dress (white, green, pink). If anyone has seen or has knowledge of her whereabouts, please call 617-1596 or 669-2832. She has been ill and experiencing symptoms of dementia/ nervous breakdown. Related Similar Articles