admin

US$1.8M contract inked with U.S. company to map Guyana’s mineral hotspots Aug 22, 2024 News Officials at the signing ceremony of the mineral mapping contract Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and American company Global Venture Consultancy on Wednesday morning signed a US$1.8 million deal to conduct a comprehensive mineral mapping of the nation’s mining hotspots. The multi-year project for Mineral Mapping Study of Guyana’s Mineral Resources, targets both traditional gold reserves and emerging non-traditional minerals. The areas that have been identified as priority for 2024 are the North-West Mining District, Cuyuni Mining District, Mazaruni Mining District, and Potaro Mining District.  It was stated that the project is intended to add to a previous inventory which was completed in 1968. Kaieteur News had reported that Global Venture Consulting’s bid of US$1,981,218 was ultimately selected following a tendering process. However, at the contract signing event it was revealed that the ministry was able to negotiate a 5% reduction of the cost, to US$1,875,000. The contract signing event hosted at Duke Lodge in Georgetown, was attended by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, Permanent Secretary of MNR, Joslyn McKenzie, Her Excellency Ambassador Nicole Theriot and others. In his address, Minister Bharrat said, “This project will reenergize the small and medium scale sector in Guyana we know that large scale is progressing well…” Bharrat noted that the project will also benefit indigenous communities to work with the Guyana Geology Mines Commission (GGMC) so that their mining activities can be more lucrative. He noted that instead of spending large sums on prospecting or prospecting in areas that do not yield great benefits, when the project is completed the government will be better able to point Guyanese to mineralised areas. “What is also important too with this project is to identify whatever critical minerals that may exist in Guyana….” Bharrat said the project ties in with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030), as the world moves towards renewable energy. “Critical minerals will become more critical…we believe that there may be traces of critical minerals in Guyana,” the minister said.  Bharrat is hopeful that the project would provide information on Guyana having minerals like Lithium, which he said is the most sought after. For her part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Venture Consulting LLC, Emily King stated that her company is ready to map out the mining industry for a better understanding of the country’s mineral potential. She also spoke about the cutting-edge technology that Global Venture Consultancy will be using for the project. “By crafting these mapping and surveying plans with precision, Guyana is set to leverage cutting-edge target detection, and predictive analytic tools. Guyana is poised to become the very first country to undertake almost a national scale mapping programme using this innovative approach.” Ambassador Theriot in her address underscored that mineral mapping provides a clear picture of what lies beneath the surface. “This is a country of remarkable natural beauty and rich biodiversity. It is also blessed with significant mineral resources that hold the potential to add to the country’s already impressive great, from gold and diamonds to bauxite…these minerals are not only  a cornerstone of economic growth but they are key to unlocking new opportunities to progress.” She added, “mineral mapping is a fundamental process to understand the full extent of these resources, it involved comprehensive analysis and document of mineral deposits across the country, providing crucial data that can guide policy making, attract investment and ensure that resource extraction is conducted in a responsible sustainable manner.” This year, the sum of $400 million has been allocated for the project. At his recent press conference, Minister Bharrat had underscored the importance of updating Guyana’s mineral inventory, noting that the existing data is severely outdated.  In mining, the mineral inventory, or mineral mapping, has not been updated for decades. So today, if we point a miner in a direction and say that there is mineral there, that data is old data that was that would have been acquired maybe 40, 50 years ago, and a lot has changed from now to then,” Bharrat stated. “We will start with specific mining districts… because we have a larger amount of our small miners and major scale miners concentrated in those four mining districts,” Bharrat said. Moreover, he stated that the project is not only about identifying existing mineral deposits but also about positioning Guyana to tap into the global demand for critical minerals, particularly those needed for renewable energy technologies. “So this is a project that will help us significantly to identify not only where our deposits are, but all minerals, and you know, in keeping with what is happening around the world, especially in the transitioning phase from fossil to renewable, critical minerals are critical. Critical minerals are needed. They are heavily in demand,” Bharrat outlined.  He pointed out the global interest in minerals such as lithium, especially in South America, and suggested that Guyana could potentially have traces of these valuable resources.  So this project is going to help us to identify all of these minerals in that we have. So, it will help us in the allocation of properties, and to ensure that we see a general forest,” the minister concluded. Related Similar Articles

Chinese doctor leads complex liver surgery at GPHC Aug 22, 2024 News The surgical team led by Dr. Zhao Chang Yong, head of the 19th China Medical Team, in collaboration with GPHC’s Dr. Adhikar Ramjoo and Dr. Andrea Kissoon Kaieteur News – The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Wednesday announced the successful completion of the first laparoscopic liver resection in the hospital’s history. The ground-breaking procedure was performed by Dr. Zhao Chang Yong, head of the 19th China Medical Team, in collaboration with GPHC’s Dr. Adhikar Ramjoo and Dr. Andrea Kissoon, GPHC said in a press release. This team of surgeons executed the complex surgery on a 49-year-old female patient diagnosed with colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Liver metastases, occurs in approximately 15%-25% of patients with colorectal cancer and is the leading cause of mortality in these patients. Without intervention, fewer than 5%of patients survive beyond five years, GPHC said. It added that surgical resection is considered the most effective treatment for liver metastases, offering patients the only potential cure through complete tumour removal. The success of such surgeries depends on various factors, including tumour size, location, and extent, and can involve either open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. The goal is to remove as much of the tumour as possible while preserving healthy tissue, ultimately improving patient-survival outcomes. Despite its benefits, surgical resection for liver metastases is underutilized in many regions due to limited access to surgical expertise and resources. Laparoscopic techniques, in particular, offer reduced recovery times and lower postoperative complications, but these are rarely practiced in settings with limited infrastructure and training. In July 2024, under Dr. Zhao’s leadership and as part of the recently concluded China Medical Team Surgery Week, GPHC witnessed its first laparoscopic resection of two liver segments. The patient, initially seen in May 2024, underwent diagnostic imaging, which revealed a solitary metastatic liver tumour. After receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy to shrink the tumour, subsequent imaging confirmed the tumour’s reduction, making the patient eligible for surgical intervention. The laparoscopic hepatic segmentectomy was performed using advanced instruments and equipment supplied by the China Medical Team. The operation successfully removed the tumour, achieving grossly negative margins, and the patient is recovering well. This complex procedure not only saved a life but also provided invaluable training opportunities for GPHC’s surgical residents. Additionally, this milestone exemplifies the power of international collaboration and highlights the transformative impact such partnerships can have on healthcare delivery. The China Medical Team’s collaboration with GPHC has significantly advanced the hospital’s surgical capabilities, demonstrating the potential for improved patient outcomes through continued cooperation. The patient has since been discharged and is recovering at home, with follow-up treatment planned. The success of this intervention has significantly reduced the patient’s tumour burden, offering a greatly improved prognosis. GPHC said it remains committed to advancing medical care and improving patients’ outcome through innovative procedures, international partnerships, and the continuous education of its medical staff. Related Similar Articles

Woman now charged with murder for setting ex- boyfriend on fire Aug 22, 2024 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – Twenty four-year-old Melissa David of New Market Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, who was previously charged with attempted murder committed on her ex-boyfriend is now facing a murder charge following his death. Dead Edmond Moses Remanded Melissa David It was alleged that David on May 22, 2024 set her child father on fire following an argument over his missing wallet. On Wednesday David appeared virtually before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where the charge of attempted murder was upgraded to murder. She was not required to plea to the indictable charge and was subsequently remanded and is schedule to return on September 18, 2024. The now deceased is Edmond Moses, a taxi driver, 32, of New Market Street Cummingsburg. Moses was first admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for treatment following the attack. However, on July 11, 2024 he succumbed due to his injuries. David made her first court appearance on May  24, 2024 before the then Acting Chief Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where she was initially charged with attempt to commit murder. She was not required to plea to the indictable charge and was remanded. Kaieteur News understands the two shared a relationship in the past and have a child together. Although they are separated, they lived in the same apartment building but separate apartments. Police official reports disclosed that around 16:30hrs on May 22, 2024 Moses was about to leave his apartment, leaving behind $18,000 in his wallet. As he was about to exit, David approached him and told him that their child needed an Ensure drink.  However, Moses responded that she should get it herself. He subsequently left and retuned around 17:55 hrs. when David approached him again and threw the wallet at him. Moses searched the wallet and noticed the money mentioned was missing and inquired about the cash. He confronted David, who denied taking the cash. As Moses moved to the veranda, David allegedly approached with a container of liquid. She threw the liquid at him and then set him on fire with a lighter. Moses managed to remove his burning clothes and went into the shower to out the fire. The incident was reported to the police, and Moses was rushed to GPHC with burns to his chest, right hand, groin, and legs. David was arrested and admitted to setting Moses on fire. Related Similar Articles

Man put away for two years for stealing solar lights   Aug 22, 2024 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News Gary Kanhai at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court Kaieteur News – A 48-year-old man was jailed for two years on Wednesday when he pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing two solar lights valued at $60,000. The defendant, Gary Kanhai, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courty. The charge accused Kanhai of stealing two solar lights property of Bhomesh Lall. According to the prosecutor, Kanhai is known to the police and has been arrested on several occasions for similar offenses. He was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison back in 2014 for another simple larceny charge.  On August 15, 2024, the victim’s worker had secured the two lights in a guard hut on the premises, but when the security guard reported for work on August 18, the lights were missing. An alarm was raised and Kanhai was later found at his home on Thomas Street, where the two lights were recovered. Kanhai was taken to the Alberttown Police Station, where the matter was reported. Further investigations led to him being charged with the present offense. In court, Kanhai pleaded guilty confessing he had picked up the lights. Related Similar Articles

Lindeners can now pay rates and taxes via MMG Aug 22, 2024 News Kaieteur News – On Wednesday, Linden’s Deputy Mayor, Dominique Blair, announced that residents of the town can now pay their rates and taxes through the Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) platform, effective immediately. “This new service is part of our ongoing commitment to make public services more accessible and efficient for all Linden residents,” the deputy mayor said. He further stated, “By utilising MMG, we are providing a fast, reliable, and secure way for residents to stay up to date with their payments without the need to visit our offices in person.” According to the deputy mayor, the decision to implement MMG as a payment method comes in response to the growing demand for digital services and the need to streamline administrative processes. With MMG, residents can now pay their rates and taxes anytime, anywhere, using their mobile devices. This move is expected to improve overall customer satisfaction. To guide residents on how to pay using MMG, the statement provided the following steps: Download the MMG app on your mobile device or access it via the website. Register or log in to your MMG account. Select the “Rates and Taxes” option under the payment services. Enter your payment details and confirm your transaction. You will receive an instant confirmation of your payment. Deputy Mayor Blair added, “This initiative reflects our commitment to driving change and improving the lives of our residents. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this new service and experience the ease and efficiency it offers.” For more information or assistance, residents are advised to contact the Linden Town Council’s office during regular business hours or visit their Facebook page. Related Similar Articles

Law to be revised to allow for better access to monies left by deceased persons – AG  Aug 22, 2024 News Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC Kaieteur News – Government has moved to revise the Deceased Persons Estates’ Administration Act in a bid to help give relatives of the dead better access to monies that they left behind.  This is according to Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC.  Nandlall who tabled the amendments to the law during a sitting of Parliament held on August 9, last. During an airing of his programme ‘Issues in the News’ on Tuesday, Nandlall disclosed that the amendment is part of Government’s efforts to help relieve citizens who have to overcome several legal barriers to access their loved ones finances once they have passed on. Nandlall noted that under the current law, when an individual passes away, their assets are placed into an estate.  According to the AG, the management and distribution of the estate typically require a legal process. If you die and leave a will, you appoint an executor and the executor goes and takes charge of your assets and gives effect to your instructions in your will… However that executor must apply for probate to manage the estate similarly if there is no will then that person must apply for letters of administration to manage and distribute the estate’s assets,” he explained. According to the AG only spouses, a child or a sibling or next to kin can apply for letters of administration. However the process of obtaining the letters of administration has proven time-consuming and costly for the average Guyanese. As such, he noted that in an attempt to address this issue, two years ago, the State amended the current law to allow for a relative/beneficiary of deceased to be able to access their finances held in bank accounts without having to undergo the lengthy process of obtaining a letter of administration. The legislation was also amended to increase the legal threshold from $1000 to $750,000. “This allowed beneficiaries to access funds of up to $750,000 without needing letters of administration,” the Attorney General explained while noting that the amendment however still did not make provisions for financial assets held in place other than banks. “The provision did not cater for financial assets left in places like credit union funds or final salaries… The latest amendment seeks to rectify this by expanding the $750,000 threshold to include all types of holdings, not just bank accounts. This change will enable beneficiaries to access funds from various sources, such as credit unions or unpaid wages, without undergoing the lengthy and often costly probate process,” the Minister of Legal Affairs pointed out as he emphasized that the update is intended to further alleviate financial strains on families during difficult times. According to the Explanatory Memorandum of the Deceased Persons Estate Administration Amendment Bill 2024 the amendment pertains to cases where letters of administration are absent.   The memorandum reads that “Section 20 of the Deceased Persons Estates’ Administration Act is amended by the substitution of that section to provide that in the absence of letters of administration, a person may pay to a claimant, money deposited by the deceased person with the person or money owed by the person to the deceased person, a sum not exceeding seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars.” The amendment adds that the “person with whom the money was deposited by the deceased person or by whom money was owed to the deceased person includes but is not limited to any individual, anybody of persons corporate or unincorporated, any financial institution or national insurance body, and includes the State”. Related Similar Articles

$15B estimated to build four-lane road to new Demerara Bridge Aug 22, 2024 News Kaieteur News – At a recent opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPATB) office it was disclosed that the construction of the new four-lane approach road to the New Demerara River Bridge is estimated to cost $15,829,549,552. The project which will be executed through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) will be done in six lots and a total of 52 contractors from local and overseas have submitted bids. According to the engineer’s estimate, Lot1 is $2,129,892,314, Lot2 is $1,144,599,820, Lot3 is $2,020,451,965, Lot4 is $2,696,076,285, Lot5 is $2,032,042,985, and Lot6 is $5,806,486,183. It was stated in the tender document that the construction period for each lot is seven months and the new four-lane road would be on the eastern side of the new bridge. This publication had reported previously that the compulsory acquisition of several plots of land along the East Bank of Demerara for the purpose of the construction of the new Demerara River Crossing has been gazetted. According to information contained in an extraordinary gazette published on April 6, 2024, the lands are being acquired for public purpose to build connecting roads for the New Demerara River Crossing on the East Bank of Demerara between Plantations Peter’s Hall and Providence (EBD), passing through the lands described in the schedule to the order was declared to be public work under section three of the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purpose Act. The Government of Guyana had announced the acquisition of forty pieces of property from private land owners as it moves ahead with efforts to construct a new Demerara River Bridge (DHB) crossing. It was reported in May, that some 15 Peter’s Hall, residents rejected the Government’s proposal for the acquisition of their properties in order to facilitate the construction of the new bridge, citing their need for fair compensation. In 2022, a US$260 million contract was awarded to the joint venture of China Railway Construction Corporation (International) Limited, China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co., Ltd and China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group Co., Ltd for the project. The new crossing will replace the current bridge, which has already outlived its lifespan by some 40 plus years. Below are the companies and their bids: Central Housing and Planning Authority Construction of four-lane approach road to New Demerara River Bridge- Lots 1-6. Related Similar Articles