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‘Nothing new from Norton’ – promises again to engage Exxon, but can’t say if he will demand taxes, more royalty Aug 23, 2024 News Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton Kaieteur News – Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton is still promising to engage ExxonMobil for better benefits for the country but is unable to say whether he will demand taxes and more royalty from the company- two key aspects of the lopsided oil contract which his party when in government had signed that most people agree must be changed. Norton, the leader of the People’s National Congress Reform during his press conference on Tuesday said, “Increasing our share of the pie is a must; and ensuring Guyanese benefit fully from oil revenues is a must.” Kaieteur News therefore asked the Leader to say what specific areas in the Exxon deal he would seek to adjust for Guyanese to enjoy greater benefits, especially since there have been calls for the company to pay taxes and a fairer royalty to the country. Presently, Exxon does not pay taxes to Guyana while a meager two percent royalty is paid to the country. Norton however could not say whether he would engage the company on those areas. Instead, he said, “No area is a sacred cow. We will engage on every aspect of the contract with the aim of bringing benefits to Guyana.” He told Kaieteur News, “We have said article 32.1 of the PSA provides a wide range of opportunities for us to engage ExxonMobil and increase the benefits for the people of Guyana and we continue to be committed to that because the particular article is clear and provides avenues for us to engage Exxon and increase the benefits to the people of Guyana.” Norton however maintained that the entire contract will be open for discussion. “We will engage on every aspect of the contract with the aim of bringing benefits to Guyana. Now it might be X and Y but as the time progresses, there might be more added. Sometimes some change but in essence, that article permits us to look at every aspect of the agreement and to improve the benefits to the people of Guyana,” he explained. The PNCR in a previous statement said, “A new Coalition government will invite the company to the negotiation table within its first 50 days in government.” Guyana’s oil deal has been repeatedly criticized both locally and by experts abroad. Even the incumbent administration before it was elected highlighted flaws in the contract and promised in its 2020 elections manifesto to renegotiate the oil contract. After being elected, the leadership of the party now argues that seeking a renegotiation of the contract could affect investment in the Stabroek Block and deter future investors. Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Stuart Young during this year’s Energy Conference encouraged Guyana that a renegotiation of its oil contract was possible. In fact, he pointed out that T&T had changed the fiscal terms of its oil and gas contracts to benefit the citizens but this did not deter investors. He pointed out, “We in Trinidad and Tobago have spent the last seven years of our term successfully negotiating, and I can say here without fear of contradiction, every contract that we negotiated augurs better in direct revenue for the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the multinational oil and gas companies have not got up and run off.” Young reasoned that those companies are continuing to invest since “respect and fairness” are key pillars in business. “They continue to invest because it is all about respect and fairness of relationships and I offer that here to Guyana and to Suriname in a collaborative approach because you see I am convinced that [we can] work together to change the dynamics…” he said. Related Similar Articles

Eight contractors bid to construct multipurpose wharf at Charity Aug 23, 2024 News The market and wharf at Charity, Region Two. (Photo Courtesy, Marco Farouk Basir’s Facebook page) Kaieteur News – Eight contractors have submitted bids to build a new multipurpose wharf at Charity, Region Two. As reported previously, the Ministry of Public Works had tendered for the ‘Construction of the New Charity Market Multipurpose Wharf’ and shared that the project is estimated to cost $881,000,894. During the reading of bids this week at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, it was revealed that three out of the eight contractors bid above the engineer’s $881 million for the project. The contractors who applied for the project are S. Jagmohan Construction & General Supplies Inc., – $880,234,803; Well Built Construction Service – $1,182,494,670; Sheriff Construction Inc. – $797,325,847; Crown Road & Drainage Contractors; VG Group Guyana Inc. – $832,541,745; A Alli Construction – $777,778,365; S Maraj Contracting Services – $906,918,548; and Samaroo’s Investment – $874,707,800. Kaieteur News understands the Charity Market wharf has been in a deteriorated state for a number of years. Regional Chairperson of Region Two, Vilma De Silva told this publication previously that this new project is expected to be done in two phases, with phase one being done this year and the other phase beginning in the new year. “It would be a brand-new wharf, the old one will be demolished and then you would see the start of the new one,” she said. According to the Regional Chair, the move to have the new structure built is because the current wharf has outlived its lifespan posing a threat to persons who are operating at the facility. “Already persons who occupy there, we sent them notices to vacate because that structure outlived its life span so it’s only a threat for persons to be operating from there at the wharf,” she added. Still to receive the design works and other specifications for the project from the ministry, De Silva said at the time that she is unable to say if vendors would be accommodated at the new structure when completed. However, she noted that the Regional Administration is constructing a new market facility at Charity which is set to accommodate 115 vendors. “I’m not sure (if) we gonna house them, we want to do some changes but it will be real transformational,” she stated. Kaieteur News understands that the current Charity Market Wharf has been around for over 30 years and is frequently being used by persons heading into the hinterland of Region One, and farmers living in the Pomeroon area. Related Similar Articles

Govt. working to equip hinterland with telemedicine features Aug 23, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister is working to install internet connectivity in health facilities across hinterland regions, ensuring telemedicine options are available. Telemedicine provides real-time interactive communication between patients and healthcare providers. The integration of audio and video equipment, along with medical devices, will enable healthcare workers to remotely diagnose, evaluate, and treat patients. During the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference on Wednesday, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, responded to the appeals made by Amerindian leaders regarding the need for internet connectivity in remote health facilities. “We’re going to make sure some internet connectivity is there. We’ll be collaborating very closely with the Prime Minister’s office to do that,” the health minister disclosed. Over 25 telemedicine sites have been established across Guyana to ensure even those in the most remote areas have access to reliable and efficient healthcare services. This transformative service has been welcomed by leaders representing various Amerindian villages. In addition to addressing the need for internet connectivity, Minister Anthony also responded to other health-related concerns raised by Amerindian leaders, including the need for transportation and the rehabilitation of various health facilities. He emphasised the government’s vision of modernising the healthcare system in the hinterland, promising significantly improved services. Leaders were also encouraged to ensure young people within the region are enrolled in the government’s numerous training programmes. This would ensure that persons within the communities are equipped with the skillset needed to construct and expand health facilities. Meanwhile, every village will receive a fogging machine as part of the government’s efforts to prevent and eradicate malaria infections. (DPI) Related Similar Articles

Overheated motor results in fire that destroyed four buildings in Non Pareil Aug 23, 2024 News The Non Pariel house that was destroyed by the fire Kaieteur News – An overloaded sponge chipping machine, which had been left plugged in for an extended period of time resulted in the fire that destroyed four buildings at Lot 24, Block 12 Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Wednesday. The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) reported that the machine’s motor overheated, igniting nearby combustible materials and eventually engulfing the entire building at the Non Pareil home, which spread to three other buildings. Upon receiving an emergency call, at 09:42hrs, the GFS dispatched several water tenders and firefighters at the scene. “Water Tenders #105 and #106, Water Carrier #16, and Ambulance #23, along with their respective crews, were immediately dispatched to the scene. The water tenders arrived at 09:43hrs, carrying a total of 9,274 liters of water. Firefighters began their operations at 09:44hrs,” GFS reported on its Facebook page. Notably, the affected structure was a single-storey wooden and concrete building, owned by 48-year-old Mohammed Azad Ali, who lived there with three others. As a result of the fire, which completely destroyed the building and its content, four occupants were left homeless. Kaieteur News reported that the owner estimated his losses to be $50 million. Furthermore, due to the intensity of the fire, four other buildings were also impacted. A storage bond located at Lot 25 Block 12, Non Pareil, was destroyed due to the radiated heat from the building of origin. The external walls, a washing machine, a freezer, two tanks and a quantity of guttering and pipes of three neighbouring buildings, located at Lots 22, 26, and 27 Block 12, Non Pareil, suffered varying degrees of damage, also from the radiated heat. Firefighters initially used two jets from Water Carrier #16’s tank supply, then deployed two more jets from Light Pump #126, relayed through Water Tender #106, to fully extinguish the fire. Related Similar Articles

12 Caribbean countries better equipped to advance digital transformation Aug 23, 2024 News Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy, CAF’s Regional Manager for the Caribbean, addresses opening ceremony Kaieteur News – Policy makers from twelve Caribbean territories are now better equipped to accelerate digital transformation and digitalisation efforts and take actionable steps toward a more sustainable and inclusive digital future for their citizens. The first Caribbean edition of the School of Digital Transformation and Innovation was held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago from August 12 – 15, bringing together a diverse group of regional policymakers, international experts and professionals from across the LATAM and Caribbean region. The initiative was co-organised by CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and the Internet Technical Community. In a press release CAF said the programme welcomed policymakers from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Sint Maarten, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. Participants were immersed in intensive capacity-building exercises designed to address the unique digital challenges and opportunities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The four-day programme provided insights into the latest global digital transformation trends and best practices in the digital economy. Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy, CAF’s Regional Manager for the Caribbean, was proud of the School’s mission and outcomes. “This inaugural Caribbean edition of the School of Digital Transformation and Innovation has been transformative. Participants are returning to their respective countries with enhanced knowledge and skills but also with a renewed purpose to drive digital change within their respective spaces, communities and countries.” “CAF has committed up to USD 75min grants and investments to support digitalisation initiatives of Caribbean SIDS,” Dr. Richards-Kennedy stated. “We are also partnering with the European Union to mobilise an additional €3m grant to support digitalisation in Trinidad and Tobago. It is testament to our commitment to digital innovation.” The event was developed around three pillars: the internet ecosystem and its critical infrastructure, the transition to a data-driven economy and its governance and aligning digitalisation with productivity goals. On the programme’s final day, policymakers visited Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Digital Transformation. CAF is providing the ministry with technical support for the development of a TIER-IV Modular Data Centre and Developers’ Hub. Participants were provided with key insights from the preliminary assessments for the project. This formed part of the showcase of innovative solutions for public policy issues which provided concrete examples of how digital transformation can be practically implemented within the Caribbean context. Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with leading experts and peers from across the region. More importantly, for implementable measures that can be applied immediately. “This was truly beneficial. I told my colleagues that while a lot of information was shared, I am going to begin implementing the lessons learnt almost immediately,” said Cheryleann Pemberton, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology and Posts in St. Kitts and Nevis. “There were areas that I found to be tremendously beneficial as we are now preparing the national budget for the new fiscal year. I will use the information shared here as evidence to justify the financial resources needed for digital transformation efforts in St. Kitts & Nevis,” she added.  With cybersecurity a growing threat for the Caribbean, Pemberton and other participants also welcomed the lessons learnt on cybersecurity and data management. They were also equipped with the tools to measure the status of digital transformation in the region. Eduardo Chomali, CAF´s Business Coordinator in Digital Transformation outlined the progress and challenges in the region’s digital infrastructure, public policies, digital economy and human resources. Oscar Vargas, CAF´s Executive of Financial Inclusion provided details about the regional digital economy and sustainable digital finance initiatives including CAF´s Laboratory on Financial Inclusion. This initiative has laid the groundwork for a cohesive regional approach to digital transformation, with participants now better equipped to implement innovative, out-of-the-box strategies that address their unique challenges. This is the tenth edition of the School of Digital Transformation and Innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean and the first held exclusively for the Caribbean. The previous editions were held in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Montevideo, Uruguay and Barcelona, Spain. Related Similar Articles

Guyanese & Chinese firms competing for Kato, Moruca hospital projects Aug 23, 2024 News Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony among other officials during a recent site visit in Kato. (Photo courtesy, Ministry of Health) Kaieteur News – Two Guyanese construction companies are among four bidders vying for the contracts to construct the state-of-the-art hospitals at Kato in Region Eight and at Moruca in Region One. It was reported that the Ministry of Health previously tendered for the design and build of the new Kato and Moruca hospitals. According to information released by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), among the three bidders who applied for the Moruca project are  PCI – Sinopharmintl Consortium (China), China Sinopharm International Corp, Sinohydro Bureau 10 Company Ltd, Powerchina International Group Limited; Sheriff Construction Inc. (Guyana); and Shandong Hi-Speed Dejian Group Inc (China). For the Kato hospital, the four bidders who bid are PCI – Sinopharmintl Consortium (China); Sheriff Construction Inc.; Zeco Group of Services Inc (Guyana), in joint venture with EJ Engineering & Construction Consultant Ltd (T&T), and Construction Services & Supplies (T&T); and Shandong Hi-Speed Dejian Group Inc. (China). It should be noted that all the bidders have submitted their technical and financial proposals to NPATB in relation to the projects. Kaieteur News reported that the Kato and Moruca Hospital projects are being funded through a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The ministry in its tender document stated that the Government of Guyana received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank under the Health Care Network Strengthening in Guyana project and intends to use part of the proceeds to fund the hospital projects. This publication had reported that the US$97 million IDB loan secured by the Guyana Government in December 2022, forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the nation’s healthcare network under the Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP). The comprehensive programme aims to bolster the capacity of seven hospitals across various regions, including key hinterland areas and urban centers. According to reports, the loan will be used to improve the health of the Guyanese population through increased access, quality, and efficiency of health services by improving health outcomes associated with low and high complexity procedures. This will be done by expanding the capacity of strategic hospitals, by extending coverage of diagnostic, medical consultation, and patient management services, inclusive of the country’s hinterlands, through digital health; and by increasing the efficiency of the public health system, by strengthening key logistic, management, and support processes and inputs. The project is also expected to target infrastructure improvement and expansion in seven priority hospitals, namely the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital (NARH) and the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), as well as four District Hospitals located in the hinterland (Moruca, Kamarang, Kato, and Lethem). Kaieteur News understands that the state-of-the-art facility for Moruca is set to feature a modern medical laboratory, and a 24-hour operated Accident and Emergency Unit among other facilities. The site for the new hospital has already been identified and it is located at 3 Miles, Moruca. As for the hospital at Kato, it is set to benefit residents of that Village and neighbouring communities and will consist of 75 beds, a modern medical laboratory, and a 24-hour operated Accident and Emergency Unit. The world-class health facility is set to be completed by the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026. Related Similar Articles

Amerindians are only allowed to observe NTC “closed-doors meetings” from outside – Chairman says Aug 23, 2024 News NTC Chairman, Derrick John Kaieteur News – Amerindians and other observers will have to observe the ongoing National Toshaos Council’s (NTC) “Closed Door” meetings from outside of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre’s  (ACCC) Dome, NTC’s Chairman, Derrick John said on Thursday. According to John, the Amerindian Act No. 6 of 2006, empowers the NTC to determine its own procedures and establish its own rules for consultation with a minister. “In strict adherence to this Act, the NTC determined that the meetings held in the dome of the ACCC following the opening ceremony of the NTC Conference would be closed-door consultations reserved exclusively for Toshaos, village leaders, and Ministers of Government”, John stated before adding. “Therefore, entry to the dome requires proper accreditation from the NTC”. For other Amerindians, and observers who wish to be part of the meetings, John said “… provisions were made to accommodate them on the ground floor of the ACCC (outside of the dome), where the proceedings of the closed-door meetings are being streamed live”. John made the statements following strong criticisms that an Indigenous Member of Parliament (MP); Vincent Henry was wrongly thrown out of the NTC meetings.  Henry, an opposition MP had said, that he was not allowed to sit in at the ongoing National Toshaos Council Conference (NTCC) despite being an indigenous man. “The presentation by the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat was stopped because of my presence and then the police escorted me out of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre,” the opposition MP said in a Facebook post. According to Henry, those who accosted him said that he was an imposter and then later told him that the conference is only for Toshaos. The minister’s interactive session with the Toshaos ended around 16:30hrs following an announcement by one of the chairpersons that it was time to take a break. John in his statement said that Henry and another opposition member, Mervin Williams who too was reportedly denied entry, were not properly accredited to be part of the meetings. “In the case of Mr. Henry, he brazenly impersonated a delegate during an afternoon session, even going so far as to pose with an ill-gotten ‘officials’ badge,” John said while adding “Mr. Henry was instructed promptly to remove himself from the dome as he was not properly accredited, and both he and Mr. Williams, along with others who lacked accreditation, were invited to follow the proceedings on the ground floor of the ACCC”. John continued “The NTC stands resolutely by the actions taken to uphold the safety and order of the conference, for the rules and regulations regarding attendance are essential to protecting all participants and ensuring that the conference can fulfill its objectives without any form of disruption”. The NTC and the government had come under strong criticisms by the opposition for its actions. One of the executives of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Mark DeFrance stated on Tuesday, “It pains me therefore to see such treatment meted out to a son of our soil, a man who has given to our great nation in various aspects of life, but more so a sitting Member of Parliament.” DeFrance pointed out that the Amerindian Act of 2006 gives Henry the right as an Indigenous person to attend the conference. “Chapter 43 (3) b of the Act, states clearly who can attend meetings of the National Toshaos’ Council. Any Amerindian”, DeFrance said. He added that a few years ago, he himself as Guyanese of Amerindian heritage, wanted to attend the NTC conference and had reached out to Lennox Shuman (a former Vice-Chairman of the NTC) regarding who can attend. DeFrance said that Shuman had directed him to the Amerindian Act and since then he has attended the last three NTC meetings. “Sometimes observing and even asking questions and giving suggestions, as is my right,” DeFrance related before adding: “I do hope that our former Deputy Speaker (Lennox Shuman) has not lost his voice and will call out those who have disenfranchised an Amerindian brother (Henry) of his right to attend and listen to the plight of our people”. DeFrance believes that the move to throw Henry out might be because of his political affiliation. “For us to fix our country, we must learn to look beyond the veil of political parties and work together for the greater good,” he advised.” “All must have a fair and equal say in determining what is best for all Guyanese, through healthy and respectful dialogue and interactions.” He said too “as people of the first nation, it is our duty to lead. No one will put our interests first. We must represent us. The time for petty politics is long past. Today is the time for collective nation building.” DeFrance is not the only one who weighed in on the eviction of Henry. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in a statement said that his eviction from the conference is a “vile and illegal act” and blamed the PPP led administration. “APNU rejects the purported excuse that the conference is only for Toshaos.” APNU stated too that the Amerindian Act dictates that the NTC shall “allow Amerindians to attend its meetings.” “Guyanese should denounce the PPP’s action for what it is a blatant violation of the rights of Mr. Vincent Henry and another act of PPP bad mindedness and control freakism”, APNU said. The government and the NTC are yet to respond to the allegations made that they broke the law by throwing out an Indigenous Member of Parliament out of the NTYC conference. Related Similar Articles