admin

Govt. trusting Exxon’s oil reserves estimate    Aug 12, 2024 Editorial Kaieteur News – We reported last week that Vice President Bharrat is prepared to go along with what ExxonMbil has told him regarding Guyana’s current oil reserves. At a news conference last Thursday he insisted that the reserves have not shifted significantly, although reputable US firm, S&P Global recently disclosed that the oil reserves currently stands at 18.7 billion barrels, an increase from a previous estimation by the Chairman of the Wales Development Agency Asgar Ally who had put the reserves to at least 15B barrels in May of this year. Based on Jagdeo’s report last week the reserves have not significantly changed, which means it has not moved too far from the 11 billion barrel that was announced in 2022. That last resource count, dated April 26, 2022, declared the recoverable resource for the Stabroek Block at nearly 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels. Since then, Exxon announced eight subsequent discoveries, the Seabob-1 and Kiru-Kiru-1 wells, Sailfin-1, Yarrow-1, Fangtooth SE, Lancetfish-1, and Lancetfish-2 wells, along with the recently announced Bluefin discovery. It was revealed that the Lancetfish discovery, which was made in April 2023, averaged some 100 million tons, which is equivalent to 746 million barrels, according to the conversion formula of the Independent Petroleum Association of America. Yet Jagdeo is going along with ExxonMobil claiming that there was no significant increase since the last update. We have said here many times that Guyana does not have independent meters at the oil pumps offshore, so much of the information regarding production is being fed to it by ExxonMobil- a company which cannot be trusted. Any Guyanese that places an iota of trust in what ExxonMobil does here needs to obtain some professional attention.  Any national government, populated by patriotic leaders that think of ExxonMobil as a trusted partner, really ought to be nowhere near the corridors of power. We say it as bluntly as we can: ExxonMobil is not to be trusted, ExxonMobil has done little to garner credibility with Guyanese on their oil, has been as untrustworthy as they come when certain deplorable aspects of its presence here are weighed. The company has been found wanting, and by a large margin. In reverse order, there is this fascinating US$214 million in audit findings that was mysteriously shaved all the way down to US$3 million. Right now, both ExxonMobil and the PPPC leadership have egg on their faces, and it is not of the freshly cooked kind. This US$214 million audit is a stink bomb that is not losing any of its aroma, even as the PPPC Government labors around the clock to suppress the odors that intensify. Why did ExxonMobil engage in what it did, and how could a partnership that calls for the highest levels of reciprocal trust deteriorate to this ugly state? With the production of oil some 120 miles from Guyana’s shoreline, this question takes on even more severity.  With Guyana limited in terms of capacity and technology, and all the essentials of requisite expertise, the issue of trust becomes even more urgent. Then, there is this inexplicable matter of billions in oil expenses that the Government of Guyana conceals from its own citizens. Guyanese are the ones paying these expenses. Given what is taken out from their oil revenues, they have every right, therefore, to see every item that ExxonMobil has billed Guyana for under one project heading or the other. This assumes an even greater momentum when the absence of ring-fencing is given the sharpest gaze. Could ExxonMobil be trusted to be fair and principled in billing this country for expenses that belong only to our oil projects?  We at this paper are insistent: NO!  Should ExxonMobil be trusted to bill Guyana with accurate quantities and prices for materials and labor and systems said to be used in our oilfields?  Again, our answer is a resounding: NO! In focusing on ExxonMobil’s accounting books, the company was caught with its pants down, and it is a sight from which Guyanese turn their faces.  ExxonMobil billed Guyana US$460 million for pre-contract costs from 1999 to 2015, but its own accounting systems disclose the revealing amount of US$368 million. This is how a US$92 million differential got bagged and tagged and dropped on Guyana’s head. How can this company called ExxonMobil ever be considered as worthy of any smidgen of trust from any Guyanese?  ExxonMobil is ripping off Guyanese, laughing all the way to the bank, and actively seeking ways to gouge this country still more. Given all this, it is clear that ExxonMobil’s production numbers cannot be trusted. The same can be said for everything that it does offshore. Related Similar Articles

Miner admits to buying and selling weed Aug 12, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A miner caught with marijuana in his possession on Saturday told police that he bought the drugs from Berbice, Region Six, to retail. The Marijuana found in the miner’s haversack The miner, Ronel Trotman, 38, of Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, (ECD) was busted with 781 grams of marijuana inside of his haversack along the trail at Itabali, Region Seven. Region Seven ranks were conducting an operation in the area when they stopped a truck. Trotman was one of five passengers traveling on the heavy-duty vehicle. While searching the truck and their belongings, police found a multi-coloured haversack containing the marijuana. Trotman immediately said that the haversack belongs to him. Police cautioned him about the illegal possession of drugs and he admitted that he sells marijuana. “It is me weed; I buy it from Berbice to sell”, he reportedly told police.  He was arrested and is presently in custody at the Bartica Police Station. Related Similar Articles

$475M Cemetery Road project to be fully completed today – Edghill   Aug 12, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The long-awaited $475 million Cemetery Road rehabilitation project which faced significant challenges will now be finished within the next 48 hours, enhancing the aesthetic of the West and East Ruimveldt communities. Cemetery Road in its final stage of completion as traffic traverses the thoroughfare During an inspection on Saturday afternoon, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill noted that 96 per cent of the works had been completed with two bridges left to be cured after being recently cast with cement. Currently, the bridge embankment closer to Princess Street is being cast and is expected to be done by this evening. However, it needs approximately two weeks of curing time. It will then be asphalted to ensure uniformity. During that time, that section of the road will only accommodate light traffic. Some sections of the road were widened by the use of a culvert design to approximately six feet. Streetlights have since been installed along the road’s median to improve security for residents. “Within the next 48 hours, the site will be cleaned up and the machines and everything will be removed. But as it is right now, traffic is able to flow through Cemetery Road in a very efficient manner,” the minister stated. During a visit to the community of Rasville in July, the minister made a promise to have the road finished before schools reopen, however, that commitment has been fulfilled one month ahead of school reopening. All the work that has been executed over the past two weeks was being done by sub-contractors who worked simultaneously to meet the deadline after a ‘Programme of Execution’ was agreed upon. These include Devcon Construction Inc. which did the culverts and is now finishing up with the pedestrian bridges and GDJ Logistics which transformed the site by removing the obstacles and completing the paving works that needed to be done. Additionally, final works are still being done by Avinash Contracting Company which is the main contractor that was awarded the contract. Due to difficulties faced by this contracting company, the Ministry of Public Work’s Special Project Unit stepped in to render significant assistance to ensure that the project meets its final timeline. “This is also a learning curve. And as a government, we learned and as a nation, we must learn. Experience is required when undertaking certain major jobs. The clear problem here was the low bid. You could win a contract by coming in low but in order to execute it at that price you have to manage and that was a part of the problem,” Minister Edghill noted. Meanwhile, highlighting that fences were built to enclose the cemetery; the minister is pleading with persons to not destroy the fence when they are visiting the area to build tombs for their deceased family members. He noted that during the construction process, the fences were being destroyed by persons to facilitate the mixing of cement for the tombs. “We put up the fence as part of the project. The funeral parlours or the relatives of the deceased, when they would like to build a tomb, they are cutting the mesh, dumbing the building materials on the carriageway, and mixing everything on the carriageway…So, we have to make a public appeal. When the government brings improvement, people just can’t for their convenience destroy a piece of infrastructure,” the minister charged citizens. The final product of the Cemetery Road project sees the upgrade from two lanes to four lanes, allowing the smooth flow of traffic. It will enhance the lives of residents living nearby. Officers from the ministry have been working tirelessly to get the project completed for the final due date. A hallmark of the PPPC government is to modernise the country’s infrastructure and enhance the livelihoods of citizens. (Department of Public Information) Related Similar Articles

House approves $16B more for GPL to purchase fuel Aug 12, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The National Assembly on Friday approved the total sum of $16 Billion to purchase fuel for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) David Patterson Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips The Committee of Supply first approved the sum of $4 Billion which is part of Financial Paper 1, and caters for advance the Government of Guyana (GoG) took from the Contingency Fund to purchase fuel for the state agency. Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips who had to give account for the advance, told the House that the money was spent on some 547,000 barrels of fuel at a cost of US$34 per barrel. Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) David Patterson first asked for a breakdown of which area the fuel was used to supply. In response, Prime Minister Phillips said, “The fuel was supplied to the Guyana Power and Light and it was utilised throughout the Demerara Berbice Inter Connected system where we are generating power for the people of Guyana who live in the DBIS, fuel supply to Essequibo, fuel supply to Bartica. Wherever GPL operates their generators the money is utilised to supply fuel and to cover all Guyana Power and Light operations.” Further, MP Patterson questioned the PM, given that based on his calculations of the figures presented there was $400 million unaccounted for. To this, Phillips said, “The other $400 million would have been utilised for other fuel related costs, you have to purchase oils, lubricants…the money was spent on what it was appropriated for, that is to keep the lights on for the people of Guyana…” During the evening session, Financial Paper 2 was up for consideration. This caters for an additional $12 Billion for GPL. Responding to questions on this, Prime Minister Phillips stated that the money will be spent 1,641,000 barrels of fuel at a cost of US$34 per barrel. Again, in response to enquiries by MP Patterson, the Prime Minister said, “Minister Speaker just as I explained this morning, the sum is for fuel. That is petroleum, oils and lubricants…in order to sustain the operations of GPL.” He further disclosed that the allocations will be used to provide the 36-megawatt power ship in Berbice with 1,125,222 imperial gallons per month.   Related Similar Articles

Stolen fuel from toppled truck found at businessman’s shop Aug 12, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A Bartica businessman was on Saturday arrested after he admitted to stealing fuel from a truck that toppled along a trail near Takatu Landing, Region Seven. The stolen drums of diesel The stolen fuel is worth some $450,000 and was found at his shop located at Takatu Landing, not too far from the accident scene. Some $150,000 worth of groceries and a toolkit valued at $80,000 were also stolen from the vehicle. Police did not say if they were able to recover these items but reported that the businessman did not act alone and they are presently looking for his accomplices. According to police the stolen items and truck belonged to Brian Tiwari (BK). Police said that Tiwari, operates a mining operation at Farback Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven. On Friday August 9, 2024, he instructed two of his employees to use his truck to transport sixteen drums of diesel valued at $800,000, a quantity of groceries worth $150,000, and a Toolkit valued at $80,000. The truck was driven by a 23-year-old man from Mora Camp, Mazaruni River and commenced the journey to the back during the early morning hours. “At approximately 02:00hrs on Saturday, while traversing the trail near Takatu Landing, the truck overturned, causing the fuel and groceries to spill onto the road”, police said. Both the driver and the porter sustained injuries and were transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital for medical treatment, leaving the goods unattended. At around 09:00 hrs. that day Tiwari reportedly sent his supervisor, Shawn Wilson to check on the items. When Wilson arrived at the location he found that nine drums of diesel valued at $450,000, groceries worth $150,000 and the $80,000 toolkit were missing. The matter was reported to the police and based on information investigators received they visited the businessman’s shop at Takatu Landing around 14:30 hrs. A search was conducted there and police found the stolen fuel.  The businessman was arrested and taken into police custody as investigations continue.     Related Similar Articles

Tennis heat up the courts at NRC Aug 12, 2024 Sports Inaugural ‘One Guyana’ President’s Games… Kaieteur Sports – The 2024 ‘One Guyana’ President’s Games kicked off its Lawn Tennis segment in electrifying fashion on Saturday at the National Racquet Centre. With the energy of the nation behind them, the competitors took to the court, embodying the spirit of unity and fierce competition that defines the One Guyana Sports initiative. Johnathan Fagundes (right) and Osafa Dos Santos after their round-of-16 matchup Spearheaded by the President of Guyana, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, the One Guyana Sports programme is a celebration of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and national pride across six thrilling disciplines. As each participant battled for the coveted ‘One Guyana’ branded trophy, the intensity on the courts was palpable. In a match that had spectators on the edge of their seats, Johnathan Fagundes pulled off a stunning escape in the Round of 16. Facing Osafa Dos Santos, Fagundes found himself in dire straits, staring down five set points. However, with nerves of steel and a powerful serve, he mounted an incredible comeback, clinching the first set 5/4 (6) before dominating the second set 4/0 to seal the victory. It was a performance that will be talked about for years to come. Meanwhile, the veteran Ronald Murray showed that experience still reigns supreme, as he bulldozed through Junior Boys’ #2 seed Denzel Luthers in a commanding 5/4 (5) – 4/1 victory. Murray’s unrelenting pressure and precise shot placement left Luthers with no answers, as the seasoned player secured his place in the next round. The quarterfinals also delivered high-octane action, with No. 2 seed Phillip Squires dismantling Immanuel Barker in a swift 4/1 – 4/0 win. Squires’ relentless aggression from the baseline overwhelmed Barker, showcasing why he is one of the tournament’s top contenders. No. 1 seed Gerald Scotland lived up to his expectation; delivering a masterclass performance to earn his second win of the season over Javed Khan. In a match that featured powerful rallies and strategic play, Scotland held his nerve to secure a 5/3 – 5/4 (4) victory, booking his spot in yesterday’s semifinals. More thrilling matches were billed for Sunday, inching closer to the grand finale across the side disciplines. The Games also concluded with intense matchups in the One Guyana Futsal (football), Table Tennis and Volleyball championships, with results soon to be announced. Meanwhile the Table Tennis Edition of the championship kicked off yesterday with Open Novice’s, B-Class Open and Doubles Open categories. Detailed coverage of those matches will be issued in a future publication. Related Similar Articles

Int’l Building Expo or Guyana Presidential Expo Aug 12, 2024 Features / Columnists, News, The GHK Lall Column Kaieteur News – If President Mohamed Irfaan Ali wishes to be taken seriously, he must conduct himself with the seriousness befitting his high office.  His personal instincts may be to shout and scream, but he is not the British Beatles of John Lennon and Paul McCartney fame.  He is Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, and he must always bear that in mind, whatever the circumstances.  The International Building Expo at the Sophia Center was one such recent circumstance.  Truth be told, I think that Guyana’s President Ali got a bit carried away.  All the way to some Trinidadian carnival, even as far as Mars.  Seeing that the US Ambassador, Excellency Nicole D. Theriot hails from Louisiana, the president’s top of the charts exposition at pealing volume had to have reminded her of the New Orleans Mardi Gras bacchanals, which are well-managed riots in full flow, but under the covers of restraint and police rigor.  Like Willima Falkner wrote, it was all sound and fury and leaving nothing to the imagination.  Or longsuffering eardrums.  Thanks for nothing, Excellency Ali. I have tried to give him a hand before.  I must report failure; there is no listening.  But it is my duty to the leader and country (all citizens too) to keep on trying with a bigger, bolder, and more determined hand for the big president.  Accepting losing has never featured well with me, so I persevere.  I appreciate that the men and women, who are paid to guide the president are squeamish, or simply not up to the task before them.  But somebody must do the dirty jobs around here, so it might as well be me, since there are no volunteers.  I cannot and will not stand idly by and let my president self-destruct.  His doing so in private is one thing (maybe even pardonable, if negligible), but not when he makes himself lesser in full public view.  Shouting in Sophia is the silly season taken to extreme.  Shouting at microphone busting volume at the International Building Expo in Sophia is condemning Guyana’s president and his presidency into hillbilly territory.  As the Brits would say, it is not proper form, just would not do.  Where are those weak and absentee people around the president when he needs them the most?  Why do all the nasty jobs in this country must fall on me?  Like making whispered recommendations in this public space to a dear national leader.  Like giving him a look straight in the eye and the slightest shake of the head from side to side.  No sir! Don’t do that, don’t go there.  Calm down.  Maintain a modicum of control.  Easy does it, lower on the larynx too.  Okay, that’s the ticket.  See, I knew I had some usefulness to offer this country and its biggest people. The fact is that whenever President Ali proceeds on one of his now patented brawls, there are many Guyanese who hurry to crawl under the nearest, biggest rock; or up the highest, most convenient tree.  Screaming at the top of the lungs is most unbecoming of a president.  Diplomats do their funny dances.  But what President Ali did in front of them was as close to bellowing and skin stripping as I can remember hearing from anyone.  The president may think that his impressions of Chuck Berry or Little Richard was karaoke at its best.  If asked, the foreign visitors at the Expo and the diplomatic community in attendance would quickly put that local leadership misimpression to rest.  It pains me to remind President Ali that he is the highest officer in this land called Guyana.  He would do well to conduct himself as one that has the honor of such rank.  He is not a drill sergeant on parade ground duty.  President Ali is the commander in chief.  The last thing that Guyanese need is another Donald Trump here.  They already have one presently and that is more than good enough for them. Leave the bubbling over and bawling out to the junior fella, Dr. President.  Guyana has only one sitting president and there are no points to prove.  Why do I care?  Why am I doing these things?  I must be a sucker for more curses and stabs in the back.  The reality is that I owe the president.  Just like I had the bitter message to deliver to then President Granger (he and his group lost the elections, so he must bow out gracefully), so I do for President Ali: pause and try a little listening, then take a graceful bow. To state this differently, more caustically: it is time to stop the shouting and bouncing around as if a rapper and an overage bopper.  The worst idea that President Ali could entertain is that he is Big E. Small, and that he is on display.  He is Mohamed I (am) Ali and the Sophia International Building Expo was not a drill rapper concert.  I aid him some more; this time I fall back on one of those storied Yankee sayings.  From American Rough Rider, Theodore Roosevelt: speak softly and carry a big stick.  Not to beat people like me, but those who truly deserve such.  I have some names from right inside his party, his office also.  For his political comrades, the charge is about felonies; for his servants, it is gross dereliction of duty, not protecting their president from himself.  Like ah keep saying, it’s a hard, thankless job, but there is none but me to do it.  Get better, Mr. President.  And be assured of my best wishes.  Messages delivered. Related Similar Articles