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Nigel Hughes says no law prevents him from representing Exxon while leading AFC Jul 03, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Nigel Hughes, the recently elected leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC) and a prominent attorney, has addressed criticisms regarding a potential conflict of interest. Critics have pointed out that his law firm’s representation of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) could pose a conflict with his new political role. Hughes, however, has asserted that there are no legal provisions prohibiting him from maintaining EMGL as a client while leading the AFC. During a June 27 interview just days before he was elected leader of AFC, Hughes disclosed that Exxon is a client of his law firm – Hughes, Fields and Stoby.  Hughes was asked during the interview, that if elected leader of the AFC will he urge the party to renegotiate the lopsided 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which was signed with Exxon and the previous APNU + AFC Government for the lucrative Stabroek Block. In response the now AFC leader said, “…I will say this and I think I said it the other night…Exxon is a client of our firm, I’m making it public now so nobody can’t say that I have never made it [known]. Several oil companies are clients of our firm. I cannot comment on that.” On Sunday, the day after being elected leader of the AFC, Hughes stated that he would not sever ties with his law firm, which represents ExxonMobil, unless he is elected to government, according to a report by Demerara Waves Online News. Hughes told Demerara Waves, “No, no! This issue really only arises if and when I become President or acquire a position of power, because, then I’m in a position to influence government policy, they can claim. Right now, I can’t influence government and, therefore, it’s a theoretical conflict.” The renegotiation of the 2016 deal has been the topic for ongoing debates. There have been calls from locals and industry experts urging Guyana’s leaders to reopen negotiations with ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), to ensure more equitable benefits from the lucrative Stabroek Block. Former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and now General Secretary of the AFC, during his tenure under the Coalition government between 2015 and 2020, was the one who signed the deal in 2016 with Exxon. The deal Trotman signed waives all taxes from the oil companies, gives Guyana a 2% royalty on its rich resources, and agrees to the oil companies recovering 75% of investments before the remaining 25% is shared, with Guyana receiving 12.5%. The arrangement, with the lack of ring-fencing, sees Guyana paying for projects that are yet to commence production activities. Each month bills from future producing developments are added to the list of expenses to be cost-recovered by Exxon. In response to Hughes comments to Demerara Waves, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo posted to his Facebook page, “Nigel Hughes obviously did not read the definition of politically exposed persons in the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act 2009.” Jagdeo posted a snippet of the AML/CFT Act which explains who are considered a Politically Exposed Person (PEP).  It states, “politically exposed person means any individual who is or has been entrusted with prominent public functions on behalf of a state, including a Head of State or of government, senior politicians, senior government, judicial or military officials, senior executives of state owned corporations, important political party officials, and a person who is or has been entrusted with a prominent function by an international organisation, at the level of senior management, including directors, deputy directors and members of the board or equivalent functions including family members or close associates of the politically exposed person whether that person is resident in Guyana or not;” Hughes also on his Facebook page responded calling the Vice President’s post “another red herring.”  He explained that he has been PEP since 2011 when his wife, Catherine Hughes became a member of the National Assembly. He noted that while his wife is still a Member of Parliament (MP), they have annually declared their assets to the Integrity Commission as PEPs. Notably, Hughes said too that international client who seek to retain the services of his law firm usually conduct due diligence investigation of the firm and he had to declare that he is a PEP. “Commercial Financial Institutions in Guyana have designated me as a PEP which obliges them to conduct a higher level of scrutiny on all of my financial transactions. All members of the National Assembly including the Vice President are PEPs. There is no magic to being PEP. The close relatives of all MPs are PEPs,” Hughes asserted. To this end, he underscored that there is no law preventing him from having Exxon as a client. He said, “There is no law which prevents anyone from entering in contracts with PEPs.” Related Similar Articles

Guyana deploys first relief shipment to Grenada, following Hurricane Beryl Jul 03, 2024 News Some hygiene items being deployed to Grenada Kaieteur News – The Government of Guyana (GoG) on Tuesday deployed the first shipment of relief items to render assistance to residents of Grenada, who are being affected by Hurricane Beryl. According to a statement issued by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the staff of the CDC along with volunteers from the CDC Volunteer Corps, packed relief hampers for residents of Grenada On Monday. “The storm has impacted several Caribbean islands so far and weather predictions show that its trajectory will cause more damage,” CDC said in the statement. During a news conference on Tuesday, Prime Minister of Grenada said, “There is no power, and there is almost complete destruction of homes and buildings on the island. The roads are not passable, and in many instances they are cut off because of the large quantity of debris strewn all over the streets.” As such, items such as tarpaulins, chain saws, generators, batteries, torch lights, safety vests, hygiene items, water purification tablets and collapsible water bottles were dispatched on Tuesday morning, via Guyana Defence Force (GDF) aircraft. Director-General of the CDC Colonel (Ret’d), Nazrul Hussain officially handed over the items to Grenada’s Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy, Kerryne James at the Maurice Bishop International Airport. Meanwhile, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali who is also the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) expressed via his official Facebook page “deep concern and continued anxiety over the passage of Hurricane Beryl through our region.” Director-General of the CDC Colonel (Ret’d), Nazrul Hussain officially handing out relief items to Grenada’s Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy, Kerryne James at the Maurice Bishop International Airport. The CARICOM Chair noted initial reports have indicated significant damage and destruction to infrastructure and private property on some territories. “As this weather phenomenon roars its way through the Region, we must continue to brace ourselves against the effects of high winds, storm surges along sea coasts, and heavy rainfall,” Ali said, while urging citizens and the private sector of the region to coordinate closely with their respective governments and regional emergency response mechanisms in providing immediate support and relief to those affected by the hurricane. Additionally, the President stated, “The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is already working to mobilise and coordinate assistance and disaster relief even as the storm is still passing through the Windward Islands.” President Ali underscored that this is the time for all of us as a regional community to stand together and extend our support to those impacted or are likely to be impacted by Hurricane Beryl. “Let us mobilise the necessary assistance and relief efforts in the true spirit of regional solidarity. Together, we can overcome the adversities posed by this hurricane and ensure the safety and well-being of all our peoples and communities,” Ali stated. NBC news reported on Tuesday that Hurricane Beryl has claimed at least four lives in the Caribbean as it continues to bring heavy rainfall, “life-threatening” winds and flooding to the region this week, with forecasters warning that it could remain at least a tropical storm as it moves towards Mexico. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in an update early Tuesday that the storm, which remains a Category 5 and is currently in the Caribbean Sea some 235 miles southeast of the Dominican Republic, had sustained wind speeds of almost 165 mph — making it the strongest July hurricane ever recorded, beating Emily from 2015. Three people were killed in Grenada and one person was killed in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, according to officials, who warned there could be more fatalities. In Grenada, two people died in Carriacou Island and one person died after a tree fell on a home on River Road. Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said on Monday that there are many downed power lines and roads that are not passable due to debris in the island nation. The NHC said Beryl is moving westward across the Caribbean at around 22 mph, which should continue through Wednesday when it is forecast to pass near Jamaica. The hurricane will then approach the Cayman Islands Thursday before reaching the Yucatán Peninsula at night. Jamaica upgraded its advisory to a hurricane warning, up from a watch, and Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged people to be prepared and seek higher, safer ground. He also warned that emergency services would not be able to operate during the peak of the hurricane. A large swathe of the Caribbean is now preparing for significant impact and damage this week. Jamaica remains subject to a hurricane warning, with heavy rain and flooding likely there on Wednesday. The storm surge in Jamaica could reach five to eight feet above normal tide levels, with up to 12 inches of rain possible there and the southwestern Haitian peninsula through Wednesday. In the Cayman Islands, storm surge could raise water levels 2 to 4 feet above the norm. Related Similar Articles

Cop rescues victim being robbed at gunpoint   Jul 03, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A money changer is counting his lucky stars after an on-duty policeman showed up just in time on CARICOM Day to rescue him from being robbed at gunpoint by two motorcycle bandits on America Street, Georgetown. The money changer was identified as 57-year-old Junior Reid. He was attacked around 10:30 hrs. while sitting on a bench along America Street. Two men on a motorcycle pulled up in front of him and the pillion rider pulled out a gun. He pointed the gun at the money changer and demanded that he hand over all of his cash. According to police, an on-duty rank was close and saw the money changer being robbed. He drew his weapon and intervened immediately cautioning the bandits to desist from their actions but instead of complying, the pillion rider turned his weapon towards the ranks and opened fire on him. The rank returned fire engaging the bandits in a brief shoot-out before they managed to retreat and escape on their motorcycle. No one was injured. Police are continuing investigations. Related Similar Articles

Teen dies from dengue four days after giving birth Jul 03, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Lanita Jacobs, a resident of Hampton Court in Region Two, tragically died on Saturday, four days after giving birth to a baby boy at the Suddie Public Hospital, due to complications arising from severe dengue. Deceased: Lanita Jacobs Jacobs died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Saturday after she was transferred there for follow up treatment. Reports indicate that Jacobs complained of feeling unwell and was admitted to the Suddie Hospital on Wednesday. At eight months pregnant, she underwent an emergency C-section and delivered a baby boy who remains in critical condition in the neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Suddie Hospital. However, following the delivery, Jacobs’s condition worsened and she was transferred to the GPHC, where she tragically succumbed to her illness on Saturday. According to the dead teen relatives, doctors confirmed that she had contracted dengue and experienced severe bleeding after the C-section. She was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital in an ambulance via a ferry. At present, Jacobs’s body remains at the GPHC mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination. GPHC’s public relations officer Stacey Peters told Kaieteur News that the case is currently under review by the maternal mortality committee. Related Similar Articles

Man perishes in Bush Lot WCB fire Jul 03, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The raging inferno which destroyed several building along the Bush Lot Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCB) has claimed the life of a male resident, who was reportedly trapped in his home. The deceased has been identified as Carl Persaud of Lot 16 ‘B’ Bush Lot Public Road, WCB. Dead: Carl Persaud Reports have indicated that a fire of unknown origin started sometime around 17:45hrs at Persaud’s two storey residence and quickly ravished through the building completely destroying it. The man was reportedly trapped in the upper flat of the building which also housed the Nalico & Nafico Insurance Office on the bottom flat.   Investigations revealed that Persaud who lived alone on the upper flat of the building was reportedly an alcoholic. At about 18:00 hrs, persons nearby, reportedly saw the victim pushing his hand through his bedroom window calling for help but at the same time, the fire had begun to spread quickly on the upper flat and persons could not have rendered assistance. After the fire was extinguished, a walk through was done and the burnt body of Persaud was discovered. The scene was photographed, the body was removed and is presently at Bailey’s Funeral Home awaiting an autopsy. Meanwhile, the Divisional Police in Berbice confirmed that the fire destroyed at least three other buildings that housed businesses. According to information released from the police, Ruth Persaud, an overseas-based Guyanese owned the second property that was destroyed. The building located at Lot 15 ‘B’ Bush Lot Public Road, WCB had an upper flat which was vacant, and a lower flat which housed the following businesses; Medical Aid Pharmacy— owned by Rochelle Cheefoon— a 38-year-old businesswoman of Lot 163 Lovely Lass Village, WCB– and Ramesh’s Jewelry— owned by Ramesh Persaud— a 46-year-old businessman residing at 103 Sec ‘B’ Bush Lot Village, WCB. Scenes from the fire in Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice. (Photo courtesy, Latchmin Azeez) Sundnrada Jagmohan, a 46-year-old Guyanese teacher residing at Lot 17 ‘B’ Bush Lot Public Road, WCB, is the owner of the concrete building, which housed two businesses on the lower flat, and the upper flat. That building was partly burnt. Kaieteur News understands that Sub-Division Officer Chesney and ranks from the Onverwagt Fire Station arrived in Fire Tender 90 and went into action some time  after the fire broke out. Firefighters battled to contain the blaze and were subsequently, assisted by Mahaica Fire Station, New Amsterdam Fire Station, and GUYSCO Fire Dept. However, by the time the fire was extinguished, the properties were completely gutted.  Commander Region 5 AC K. Simon, officers, and several other ranks also visited the scene of the fire on Monday night. The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Emergency Unit and Ambulance Service also responded. After the fire was extinguished, it was revealed that none of the buildings nor businesses are insured. As such the estimated cost of the damage is unknown at this time.  Investigations are continuing. Related Similar Articles

Norton wants to meet with Govt. on spending of oil money Jul 03, 2024 News Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton Kaieteur News – During a radio interview on Tuesday, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton expressed his readiness to engage the government on critical issues, particularly on the spending of funds from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF). The NRF is Guyana’s share from the sale of the oil as well as the 2% royalty from the oil. Last year, Guyana’s NRF recorded an inflow of US$1.617 billion. When asked if he had considered engaging the government on matters of concern for Guyanese citizens, Norton highlighted that the most significant issue he has addressed with the Irfaan Ali administration since becoming Opposition Leader is the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy. On Saturday, Norton was re-elected unopposed as the leader of the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R). “Though I have taken a particular position against the PPP, I engaged President Ali and the government on this question to ensure that we were united against Venezuela,” he said during the interview. He added that, unfortunately, the government only accepts support on the border controversy, but remains in denial when it comes to other issues, such as discrimination. Norton stressed the need for serious discussions on creating employment, eliminating discrimination, and ensuring the development of young people. “I am prepared to become involved in serious developmental discussions but I am not up for the picture optics…,” Norton said. He continued, “I am for serious engagement on the critical issues for instance the use of our oil resources, to me is critical and should be discussed.” The Opposition Leader asserted that the current situation is unsustainable, with the government withdrawing money from the NRF while only engaging the opposition on trivial issues. “The Natural Resource Fund is a serious issue that should gain attention, we identified Terrence Campbell months ago to be on the [NRF] investment committee that will determine investment et cetera. The government took months before they appointed him now that they appointed him, I don’t know when the committee will meet,” Norton stated. Moreover, he stated that he is prepared to have discussions with the government that is related to serious issues. Earlier this year, the amendment to the NRF withdrawal rule was approved in the National Assembly to enable the government to spend more of the oil revenues, this year. According to the Ministry of Finance, the change allows greater utilization of the revenues from oil to support this year’s $1.146 trillion budget. For his part, Norton had stated that this move is a grave risk that endangers future generations. Related Similar Articles

Plant thief remanded Jul 03, 2024 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – Forty two-year-old Krishna Singh was remanded to prison on Tuesday for three counts of break and enter and larceny. According to the charge, the incidents occurred in June at the Garden Land Nursery Plant Shop which is located at Lot 1on Brickdam, Georgetown. Remanded, Krishna Singh The property is owned by Peggy Chin. According to reports Singh allegedly broke into the shop on multiple occasions and stole various plants and a wheelbarrow. Singh, who has no fixed place of abode, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate Court before Principal Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. The charges read that between June 5 and June 6, 2024, Singh stole a total value of $199,000, worth in plants including 35 anthurium Lilies, three golden palms, 10 cacti, and five dwarf plants. Additionally, between June 6 and June 7, 2024, he reportedly stole a total value of $181,000 worth in plants, including 10 anthurium lilies, six orchids, 12 mini plants, 20 jump and kiss plants, five thyme plants, four snake plants, and three mint plants. Thirdly, between June 17 and June 18, 2024, Singh allegedly stole a wheelbarrow valued at $35,000 and a quantity of flowering plants valued at $305,000. Police Prosecutor Quincy Lacon objected to the bail, citing the severity of the offences committed. The prosecutor reminded the court that the suspect has no fixed place of adobe and was previously charged with an offence of a similar nature. The prosecutor noted too that there is video footage of the incident. As a result, bail was refused and Singh is schedule to return on July 16, 2024. Related Similar Articles