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Lack of seismic studies, strict contract terms resulted in failure of country’s maiden bid round – Opposition Jul 13, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The country’s first oil blocks auction has been deemed an “unmitigated disaster” by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R). Opposition spokesman on oil and gas, Elson Low During a press conference hosted by the Office of the Opposition Leader on Friday, the PNC/R’s spokesman on oil and gas, Elson Low pointed out that the government just announced seismic studies will be conducted in the unawarded blocks. Low was keen to note that the revelation by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo during his Thursday press conference came after government hurriedly launched the country’s maiden bid round last year in the absence of seismic studies. Last week, the VP revealed, “We have gone out for an expression of interest for 3D-seismic studies. We went (at) the last auction without any 3D-seismic so we didn’t had much data for the areas. So when you have less data, people don’t put in great bids because they don’t know what is there, they can’t interpret the data.” Jagdeo said 3D-seismic may be conducted for the unallocated areas; however, this will not be paid for by the government. The data will however be shared with the Ministry of Natural Resources and other related agencies while interested oil companies will be required to pay for the information. Seismic surveys can provide crucial information on subsurface rock layers. It involves emitting acoustic waves, recording their reflections and measuring their characteristics. Through this technology, oil and gas companies gain valuable insights into potential reserves. To this end, the Opposition argued that seismic studies would have allowed bidders to access much more detailed information about each block. As such, Low told reporters, “There was therefore understandable surprise when the government decided to push forward with the auction without the needed studies. Now, like a child who ran to play without doing his homework, Jagdeo has to go right back to conduct the very seismic studies he neglected.” Guyana’s maiden auction launched in December 2022 featured 14 blocks but only eight received bids. In May this year, VP Jagdeo announced that Cabinet approved the award of Block S4, a shallow water portion, to TotalEnergies EP Guyana B.V. in consortium with Qatar Energy International E&P LLC and Petronas E&P Overseas SDN BHD. Government said it is still in negotiations with the other bidders on the terms of the new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), while others have been unable to pay the respective signing bonuses. A minimum signing bonus of US$10 million is required for the oil blocks located in shallow waters and US$20 million for the oil blocks in the deeper water. Low believes the sizing of the blocks, coupled with government’s lack of capacity to approve budgets for the oil companies and the fiscal terms in the new PSA have resulted in the “hit-or-miss” in the auction. He said, “Without comprehensive seismic studies and large enough blocks to allow companies access to more than one type of oil prospect, as has been the convention with Guyana’s oil blocks, these strict terms were bound to turn investors away from the start, and lead to endless negotiations with those who were brave enough to stay the course.” Consequently, Low noted, “The result of this is that the Cabinet has struggled to finalize agreements with companies to begin work on these blocks.” The Opposition believes that a thorough review of any oil block that may be auctioned in the future must be conducted, in concert with seismic studies to ensure the blocks are proportioned accurately to attract investment. Meanwhile, Low also opined that companies which are interested but unable to reach an agreement with the government for various prospects should be engaged to identify acceptable variances to the terms of agreement that would allow work to proceed. “Further, rather than the Minister having authority to approve operational budgets, we stress once more the importance of a robust Petroleum Commission which can operate at a large enough scale, and great enough level of expertise, to ensure the smooth function of the industry,” the Opposition spokesman on oil and gas said. He argued, “The PPP and Jagdeo must not be allowed to treat Guyana’s remaining oil blocks, and any acreage which is relinquished in the future, as personal property. This attitude has set any oil production in these blocks back by several years and as a result, may cost the country billions of dollars in deferred revenue at best and investor interest altogether at worst.” Low was keen to note that there may be billions of barrels of oil in the remaining offshore oil acreage which underscores the crucial need for the country’s national assets to be managed prudently. Related Similar Articles

MMG announces API Integration for digital payments Jul 13, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Mobile Money Guyana (MMG), on Friday said, it is set to transform the business landscape with its seamless API integration for digital payments. As businesses increasingly rely on online transactions, MMG’s API offers a secure, fast, and convenient solution for merchants and web developers. Mark Singh, CEO, Mobile Money Guyana Mark Singh, CEO of MMG, said, “By integrating with MMG, businesses can ensure immediate transaction processing, which improves cash flow and operational efficiency. Additionally, the integration enables a smoother, quicker checkout process, reducing cart abandonment and increasing conversion rates.” Singh said customers will benefit from broader payment options as they can pay using their mobile wallets, enhancing their convenience and satisfaction. “MMG’s robust security protocols ensure safe and secure transactions, reducing fraud and building trust between businesses and their customers. By tapping into MMG’s extensive network of users, businesses can open their services to a wider audience, increasing their customer base,” said Singh. MMG’s API is designed for straightforward implementation, allowing businesses to get up and running with minimal development time. With access to comprehensive documentation, SDKs, and developer resources, the integration process is smooth and efficient. The API also offers customizable payment solutions, enabling businesses to tailor the payment experience to match their needs and customer preferences. Monitoring and support are available around the clock, ensuring optimal performance and prompt resolution of any issues. Businesses can also leverage MMG’s analytics and reporting tools to gain insights into payment trends, customer behaviour, and transaction history, which can inform strategic business decisions. MMG said it is the first in Guyana to offer a local payment processor for digital payments. Related Similar Articles

Bamia School contractor misses 4th deadline Jul 13, 2024 News Some of the earlier construction on the Bamia Primary School. – gets another 8 weeks to complete Kaieteur News – After failing to complete the Bamia Primary School on four occasions, St8ment Investment Inc., the contractor has been given an additional eight weeks to complete the construction of the $346M school in Region 10. This is according to information provided by Deron Adams, Regional Chairman of Region 10 on Friday. The construction of the school was scheduled for completion at the end of June after missing several deadlines. Adams told Kaieteur News that a meeting was held earlier in the week with a consultant working with the Regional Administration who is monitoring the project. According to the Chairman, from information provided by the consultant, the “contractor said he will finish in 6-8 weeks”. Adams told this publication that should the contractor fail to complete the school, no more extensions will be granted. “If it’s not finish in that time, liquidation will start from the last due date, which was the end of June 2024,” he added. Kaieteur News had reported that the school project was expected to be completed in April this year, but at the time, works were only 75 percent completed. St8ment Investment Inc. was formed some six months prior to being handed the contract. Expressing his dissatisfaction with the slothfulness of the project, Adams said it is hoped that the school could be completed soonest so as to eliminate the challenges students from the Bamia community are facing. “The issue is that because of the distance, children have to walk from the Bamia area all the way to Amelia’s Ward Primary; it is a challenge for them. The delay of this school is bringing more hardship on them,” he expressed. Earlier this year, $127 million was approved by the National Assembly to go towards completing the school. This publication had reported that the contract for the school was signed in November 2021 with St8ment Investment. St8ment Investment Inc. was incorporated in March of 2021 and its principals are Rawle Ferguson and Kerwin Bollers of Hits and Jams Entertainment along with Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major and Kashif Muhammed of the Kashif and Shanghai football tournament. At the time of the signing, the project was expected to be completed within 20 months, that being completed by July 2023. However, the contractor was unable to finish the project, and was given a new deadline of November 2023 to complete the works. That deadline also passed and the works appeared to have been stalled. During the Consideration of the 2024 Budget, the Minister of Education was asked by the members of the Opposition to provide a status update on the school, to which she announced that the school will be completed for April 1, 2024. Kaieteur News was informed that as of June, works were at 88 percent completed. Related Similar Articles

PNC calls on Govt. to investigate infant deaths, gross mismanagement at Suddie Hospital Jul 13, 2024 News Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr. Karen Cummings Kaieteur News – The People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) is calling on the Government of Guyana to investigate the allegations of gross mismanagement as well as reports of multiple infant deaths at the Suddie Public Hospital. During a press conference on Friday, Opposition Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Health, Dr. Karen Cummings said that, “The Parliamentary Opposition is deeply concerned about the alleged gross mismanagement of the Suddie Public Hospital. Several nurses and doctors at the hospital have reported that there were no Obstetricians or Gyneacologists (OBGYN) on duty for at least two weeks and as such, mothers and their babies were at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Both Gyneacologists were on leave. The Neonatologist has since returned; however, the Gynecology Department remains without a specialist.” Dr. Cummings said too that the Chief Medical Officer had sent a General Doctor who was not specialized in the OBGYN field to manage the department and perform surgeries on those mothers. “In the event of any complications in surgery, what will be the course of action and who will take such responsibility?” There are also concerns on whether the new head of department is qualified to perform surgeries. “Another issue of major concern highlighted lies within the Paediatrics Department at Public Hospital Suddie. The Neonatal Intensive Care was allegedly deemed unsafe due to multiple neonatal (newborn) deaths,” she further stated. Dr. Cummings said that the political opposition has been informed that there were at least five deaths in the month of June which forced management to close the unit. She said that information pertaining to the deaths can be verified from the hospital’s records department. She added that, “At present, the Paediatrician is also unavailable to manage the department.  For at least two weeks, both the neonatal and paediatric departments were covered by a Cuban doctor whom we understand is allegedly not licensed to practice medicine in Guyana.” Citing that the revelations were very disturbing, she noted that if they were verified, they can have serious implications on the patients and their wellbeing at the hospital and the general accessibility to proper health care by the public. Guyana’s health system boasts five levels of health care which range from the health posts, health centres, district hospitals, regional hospitals, and the referral hospital, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). This system is also decentralized as decision-making is spread throughout the ten Administrative Regions which allows for less bureaucracy, but rather a more efficient and better health care system delivery for better health outcomes. “We, therefore, call on the Minister of Health to immediately launch an investigation into this matter and to quickly make public its findings along with all corrective measures taken. We proffer that if the trend of neonatal deaths continue, Guyana may fall short of reaching the Sustainable Development Goal 2030 of having at most (least) 12 deaths per 1000 live births.  We will continue to demand and agitate for a robust and committed workforce, the acquisition of adequate drugs and medical supplies based on patient intake, and good leadership and management for the providers and users of the health facility,” Dr. Cummings said. Related Similar Articles

GDF ranks being deployed to aid relief efforts in Grenada, St. Vincent Jul 13, 2024 News DPI – Fifty ranks of the Guyana Defence Force will soon be deployed to Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines under the leadership of Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Dale De Mendonca to aid in recovery efforts, following Hurricane Beryl. The troops are expected to leave as early as Sunday, July 14, and will join the eight ranks already deployed in the area of operation. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, during his address to the troops at Base Camp Ayanganna on Friday, urged them to execute their duties in the spirit of unity, pride, and service. “Today, you are a representation of what the Guyana Defence Force is all about. Service to nation, service to people, and making a difference, and that difference is a positive difference,” he said. The troops will be tasked with rebuilding key infrastructure so that government resources and services such as health and education can be returned to meet citizen’s needs. Building materials and other infrastructural support equipment have also been sent ahead to advance efforts in both Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “I know the prime minister and people of Grenada are eagerly awaiting your arrival…Guyana was the first deployment to arrive in Grenada, and that support…[has] continued from then to now,” he underscored. The president explained that Guyana’s greatest assets are its people, who will be used to bring about positive change. He urged the departing squad to seize the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in the CARICOM sister states. The Commander-in-Chief told the troops, “Today, you take with you the love, pride, and rich tradition of what makes us Guyanese, strength of character, and a sense of purpose as you help assist the nation within CARICOM to rebuild.” Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, reminded of President Ali’s mandate that the GDF be trained not only to be soldiers, but to rebuild homes, lives and communities. “We expect that you will play a very critical and important role as you execute your rebuilding process. Your mission is just that. With several shuttles moving from Guyana to Grenada, the moment is now to celebrate your service as you embark on this particular mission,” Brigadier Khan said. Hurricane Beryl has made history as the first Category four storm to form in the Atlantic Ocean in June. Hours after making landfall on Carriacou Island in Grenada on Monday, July 1, Hurricane Beryl strengthened into a Category five storm, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. President Ali has been serious about supporting the affected countries and has coordinated a swift response which saw several shipments of essential items being dispatched to Guyana’s sister states. Related Similar Articles

Six-year-old shot in head undergoes second surgery Jul 13, 2024 News – remains on life support Kaieteur News – Six-year-old Jeremiah Gustave who was shot in his head on Tuesday at Charles Street, Charlestown remains on life support at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Injured: Jeremiah Gustave His mother, Keisha Gustave, told Kaieteur News that the lad underwent a second surgery on Thursday as doctors try their best to stabilise his condition. The distraught mother told this publication that at the time of the incident, she heard sounds in the community, which she assumed were firecrackers. The woman was outside at her stall frying chips and chicken for her son when she heard the sounds coming from the bakery and soon realized that they were gunshots. The boy was discovered shot moments later. “I turned to take out something from the fridge and then I starting hearing him saying mommy, mommy, mommy, so I say mawn, just now you’ll get your thing… but something tell me to turn around and when I turn, there’s when I see he head down with blood all over,” the distraught mother recounted. Keisha said she learnt that the shots were meant for a man by the name of ‘Crab’. He was standing near the bakery when the suspect arrived on a motorcycle and started firing shots. The woman alleged that ‘Crab’ fired back shots in her direction and believes that it was a bullet from his gun that struck her child. Jeremiah was rushed to the hospital where he underwent emergency surgery on his arrival and was placed on a life support machine.  His mother said that the doctors have given him 48 hours to show signs of improvement. Keisha said that she was later told that the “doctors found a lot of tissues.” “They find a lot of fluid and a portion of blood clot to the side of his head, and water is draining out from his head,” she told Kaieteur News while adding, “Presently, right now, he is still critical. He ain’t catch he self to say he could do anything on his own; he remains unconscious. I am not getting any response from him,” Meanwhile, police are still on the hunt for the suspect (s). Area where the boy was shot According to their reports, the incident occurred at around 19:45hrs. At that time, a man who was riding a black motorcycle approached the stall with a gun in his hand. The rider reportedly fired four rounds in the direction of ‘Crab’, a man who was standing next to the mother and her child, police said. ‘Crab’ immediately fled the scene as the gunshots were discharged but the child was struck. He fell on the ground and was subsequently picked up by his mother and rushed to the hospital. Police discovered two 9mm shells at the scene. Investigations are ongoing. Related Similar Articles

73-year-old Better Hope man missing after going on routine walk Jul 13, 2024 News – family offering $100,000 reward for his return Kaieteur News – A 73-year-old man was reported missing on Tuesday after going on a routine walk and had not returned home since Monday afternoon. Missing: Harpaul Dhanpaul The man is identified as Harpaul Dhanpaul also known as ‘Snapper’, a retired fisherman of Better Hope North, East Coast Demerara (ECD).  His family is seeking urgent assistance in locating him. Speaking with Kaieteur News, Dhanpaul’s daughter, Felicia said her father was last seen wearing grey short pants only. He was not wearing any footwear at the time. According to Felicia, her father goes on his daily walk in the afternoons around 16:00hrs to the seawall and returns home an hour later. “He left home since Monday night and never returned home back,” she said. The daughter disclosed that her father is generally healthy but sometimes forgets things. The pensioner was reported missing at the Sparendaam Police station. Meanwhile, Felicia is offering a reward to anyone who can locate her father, “dead or alive”. Persons with information are being asked to contact relatives on (+592-638-7486) and (+592-619-4972). Related Similar Articles