Cricket threat
CARICOM security agency advises of possible terror threat to T20 World Cup: CARICOM’s agency for crime and security has advised regional governments of a possible Islamic State threat to the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup in June which will be played in Guyana, other parts of the Caribbean and the United States. The CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) in its communication said that the Pro-Islamic State (Daesh) media group “Nashir Pakistan” had called for attacks against the tournament via poster on its Telegram and RocketChat channels which included a Quranic passage warning “people indulging in amusement would ultimately face the day of reckoning”. The following message in Urdu “this is not a game but rather a blood deal” was also featured. Member States and partners were encouraged to continue sharing information and intelligence about potential threats and suspicious activities with CARICOM IMPACS in the lead up to and throughout the tournament. It said that increased vigilance and additional security precautions are critical to mitigating the threat of terrorism and ensuring a safe and secure Caribbean region.
Electricity
Power ship set for May 8 hookup – Nandlall: The Turkish power ship to provide relief to GPL was set to begin its journey last Saturday to Everton on the Berbice River where it is to be hooked up to the power grid. This was stated yesterday by acting Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Chief Executive Officer, Kesh Nandlall. The power ship arrived from Cuba on Wednesday and had been moored off of the Demerara River. Nandlall answered in the affirmative when asked yesterday whether GPL would meet the May 8th date which was given for the hooking up of the ship to the power grid. GPL staffers have been clearing the site at Everton to enable the power shop to manouevre easily in the area. On its Facebook page yesterday, GPL said that in order to facilitate the construction of the 69kv Transmission Line required to dispatch electricity from the power ship to GPL’s grid, customers from Islington to Maria, East Bank Berbice will experience an interruption in power supply today, Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. On May 1 the power ship, which was rented to supply 36 megawatts (MW) of power to GPL, arrived in Guyana’s waters. A statement issued by the power company announced that the ship will be stationed at Everton, Berbice, and connected to GPL’s grid at 69 kV. Preparatory work at the site has already begun to facilitate the power ship’s presence and connection to GPL’s grid, and according to the company’s Communications Officer Natalie Pindar, officials will be visiting the project site. “The contract includes the provision of operation and maintenance services as part of the agreement…The contract requires GPL to pay UCI a fee of 6.62 US cents per kWh as a monthly charter fee for the power ship and a monthly operation and maintenance fee of 0.98 US cents per kWh, based on electricity generated,” GPL said in a statement on April 18th as it pointed to the US$1 million mobilisation fee. The government has said that there will be no additional charge to consumers from the ship. GPL has been blasted for rolling blackouts because of a shortfall in power and frequent transmission and distribution issues.
Oil & Gas
Two oil platforms to be shut for two weeks to enable gas to power project – Exxon: As gas delivery for Guyana’s ambitious power project draws closer, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) is gearing up for brief shutdowns of two of its Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platforms. President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge spoke on the subject at a press conference last Tuesday at the company’s Kingston headquarters. “So, the pipeline will be ready by the end of this year. In order to get it ready, we do need to take those shutdowns on Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two. That will happen in the July/August timeframe, approximately two weeks for each of the shutdowns and those two FPSOs. They’ll be done separately… So, we’ll do one after the other. That will be one of the major steps to completing the pipeline. We’ll be ready by the end of the year,” Routledge explained to reporters. The company head also revealed that 70% of the pipeline’s offshore segment is currently complete. He further emphasized the importance of focusing on reserves rather than resources, as reserves, he said, are what generate revenue. Routledge highlighted the 4.8 billion oil-equivalent barrels of reserves being developed by the six approved projects, stressing that this is the key number to consider for revenue generation. Both government and Exxon have been pressed as to why updated figures are not being provided on resources in the Stabroek Block following new discoveries. According to Routledge, the Liza Destiny – Guyana’s first FPSO – is currently producing around 162,000 barrels a day, while the Liza Unity has a production of approximately 200,000 barrels a day. He noted that the estimated oil shortfall during the installation period for the gas pipeline is determined based on these figures, with emphasis on the fact that the deferred production is not considered lost production since the oil remains in the ground.
Accountability
Ramps just one of some 50 companies flagged over false declaration – GRA source: On the heels of allegations that Ramps Logistics Guyana (RLG) again made a false declaration to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) by inflating billions, the tax agency last year flagged and fined other companies for false declarations, sources say. “Many other companies have been flagged, and fined and additional taxes paid…,” a GRA source explained to the Stabroek News while adding, “this is not only for the oil and gas industry but also for other filings made for imports.” With a list of over 50 companies flagged, the source said GRA was engaging in best practices by utilising risk management approaches, post clearance analysis, and also valuation exercises when looking at filings. However, companies in the oil and gas sector were put on alert as the tax agency has a keen focus on filings for this sector. One official explained, “excessive wear and tear claims and increased cost oil claims that could arise from false declarations” could put this country at a loss, given that cost oil makes up for 75% of profits currently. The Stabroek News on April 26th reported on the massive inflation of the invoice from an estimated US$4.4 million to US$12.1 billion by Ramps Logistics. The inflated invoice pertained to a quantity of oil-well equipment imported on behalf of ExxonMobil Guyana. According to reports, the revenue authority said that an investigation it conducted uncovered that in November of last year, Ramps Logistics allegedly inflated the invoice value for a consignment of goods on behalf of ExxonMobil. According to a report seen by this newspaper, on November 16th last, Ramps declared to Customs that the goods were valued at US$12,192,103,923.91. The actual cost, however, of the imported goods, the GRA said, was US$4,467,662. Additionally, reports said that Ramps Logistics allegedly falsely declared itself as being the supplier of the goods imported by ExxonMobil when the suppliers were Baker Hughes and Technip FMC. According to reports, two weeks later, Ramps responded via letter stating among other things that the false declaration was prepared based on information provided by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited through its KABAL System. The reports said that to further support its claims Ramps presented a demonstration of how the information was extracted from Exxon’s KABAL System.
Municipality
Vendors who plied their trade around Demico House, Stabroek and outside the Discount Store, Regent Street were removed last Sunday by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development following two court orders. Town Clerk Candace Nelson, who led the exercise, told Stabroek News that the council was acting on the court orders and as a result the vendors were removed from both locations. Makeshift stalls, pallets, freezers and tables were removed from around Demico House. Workers attached to the M&CC removed excess garbage from the area. Vendors had received letters from the M&CC that demanded their removal early in April. However, Mayor of Georgetown Alfred Mentore explained that the vendors were given up to 30th April to be removed from the area based on the court order. The vendors were also notified about the deadline. The Discount Store was granted a mandamus by the High Court to have the vendors removed. Two popular shoe vendors who plied their trade in front of the Discount Store, Regent Street were also removed by the M&CC. The location was known for selling school shoes and the vendors, who operated there for years, were usually overwhelmed with customers during the back-to-school season. The tables and pallets used for vending were removed from the area. A popular fast-food spot located on the Wellington Street side of the building was also uprooted. The makeshift stall sold food to many workers and there was usually a long line of people waiting to purchase food and drinks daily. The makeshift stall consisted of many pallets placed across the drain, along with a tent. Some people dined there, while others would take away their meals. The exercise was conducted in the absence of the vendors but it was guided by a high police presence. The removal of pallets, makeshift stalls and tables revealed a buildup of garbage inside the drains and around the area. The council will now be able to access the drains to facilitate proper cleaning and desilting.
Weather effects
Arecuna, Akawaio villagers cite `devastating’ effects of drought in Upper Mazaruni: As part of their efforts to exercise their right to self-determination and autonomy, the Indigenous Peoples of the Arecuna and Akawaio villages attended the first quarterly statutory meeting of the year, held from March 22 to 27 and the devastating effects of the drought was one of the issues addressed. A release from the Upper Mazaruni District Council (UMDC) stated that the meeting saw the assembly of representatives from eight Region Seven villages, Paruima, Waramadong, Kamarang-Warawatta, Kako, Jawalla, Phillipai, Omenaik/Kambaru, and Chinoweing for three days of discussions related to challenges and achievements in the district. Some of the key points that emerged from the discussions were 1) the need for urgent attention to address the devastating effects of drought on the livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples in the district; 2) Concerns raised by representatives from Chinoweing, Omenaik, and Jawalla, regarding violations of land rights, particularly concerning miners encroaching on sacred sites; 3) environmental concerns stemming from gold and diamond mining activities; 4) limited access to essential social services; 5) Socio-economic challenges; 6) the inherent need for a transparent National Toshaos election process, free from political interference; 7) The need to have UMDC formally gazetted; 8) Guyana and Venezuela Border concerns; 09) Projects update, including the mapping and monitoring of mining activities in the Upper Mazaruni, and 10) the recently facilitated Amerindian Act capacity-building sessions. The Council noted, “These deliberations underscored the gravity of the challenges facing the Upper Mazaruni District and highlighted the collective determination to address them effectively.” Also present at the assembly were representatives of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), Forest Peoples Programme (FPP), and Hughes, Fields & Stoby. APA’s GIS technician gave a presentation on the 1959 Arecuna-Akawaio Territory, FPP lawyer, Lan Mei, presented the intricacies of the ruling in UMDC’s land case. Attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes, provided an update on the appeal of the court case related to land rights. He also reaffirmed his firm’s pro bono support for the Indigenous Peoples of Upper Mazaruni.
Wages
`Demand fair share of pie’: In the aftermath of a four-week strike for collective bargaining and a court decision in the union’s favour, GTU President Mark Lyte last week upped the pressure on government for a fair share of the pie and sought solidarity from other sectors. Speaking at the annual May Day rally, Lyte took the opportunity to highlight struggles for improved working conditions and pay. Government and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) are still to agree on the way ahead for collective bargaining following the industrial action which has been seen as the most successful since the 1999 public service strike. Justice Sandil Kissoon’s decision has meanwhile said that the strike was legitimate and has prevented the government from deducting pay from strikers. Addressing the gathering at the GTU Hall on Woolford Avenue, Lyte emphasized the importance of recognizing social inequality among workers from different industries and countries. He stressed the need for trade union leaders to advocate for fair treatment, a fair share of wealth, and social justice alongside decent work for all. Amid chants of solidarity, Lyte called for the empowerment and mobilization of workers to demand respect from policymakers and politicians, and to raise awareness about ongoing injustices faced by the working class. He paid homage to those who sacrificed their lives to represent the cause of workers in the country, highlighting the importance of collective empowerment and unity in shaping a better future for all workers. “Some of us have to fight for others because they are too timid to fight for themselves. They are too tied up to fight for themselves. We must fight for all workers in Guyana because we are no longer shackled by the chains of oppression. We live as we say in a free land, we must act free, we must behave free, we must speak freely and we must be able to move freely,” he told the crowd, who cheered him on.
Jobs
President says gov’t has created more than 50,000 jobs since August 2020: Declaring that his government is ”deeply rooted” in the working class, President Irfaan Ali last Thursday asserted that it had created more 50,000 new jobs since August 2020. The creation of 50,000 jobs had been a manifesto promise of the PPP/C in 2020 but there has been no known compilation of the amount of jobs created, in which sectors or any independent review of these figures. In the aftermath of a bruising battle with the teachers union which saw a four-week strike and charges that the government was unconstitutionally refusing to hold collective bargaining talks, Ali yesterday played up the benefits accorded to workers. He said that his government had: paid cumulative across-the-board salary increases of more than 23% to public servants; adjusted salaries upwards for 5,000 healthcare workers and 9,000 members of the Disciplined Services; increased allowances and duty-free concessions and corrected anomalies in the wages and salaries of teachers; increased the monthly income tax threshold to G$100,000; increased allocations to the education sector, expanded the school feeding programme, provided more than 21,000 scholarships under the Guyana Academy of Online Learning, of which 20% have gone to teachers; distributed more than 30,000 house lots; initiated a part-time jobs programme that is placing incomes into the hands of 15,000 workers. He asserted that all of these measures are placing billions of dollars in disposable income in the hands of workers, empowering them and enhancing the well-being of their families.
Constitutional
Ramkarran urges removal of sweeping presidential immunity provisions: Commentator Ralph Ramkarran has called for the expungement from the constitution of sweeping immunity provisions for the President. In his column in last Sunday’s Stabroek, Ramkarran, a former two-term Speaker of the National Assembly said that he hoped that the constitutional reform commission that was recently established will rectify this travesty. “Hopefully, the current Constitutional Reform Commission will recommend the cleansing of our Constitution of this diabolical travesty of equating our President to a monarch”, he said. Ramkarran was the chairman of the 1999-2000 Constitutional Reform Commission which saw broad changes to the1980 Burnham constitution. In discussing immunity issues associated with former US President Donald Trump, Ramkarran alighted on the provisions in Guyana’s constitution. He pointed out that Guyana’s Independence Constitution of 1966 did not contain any specific provision granting immunities to officials, “but the 1980 constitution created a head of state with monarchical powers – placing him or her above the law”. He noted that Article 182 provides as follows: (1) Subject to the provisions of article 180, the holder of the office of President shall not be personally answerable to any court for the performance of the functions of his or her office or for any act done in the performance of those functions and no proceedings whether criminal or civil, shall be instituted against him or her in his or her personal capacity in respect thereof either during his or her term of office or thereafter. (2) Whilst any person holds or performs the functions of the office of President no criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against him or her in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him or her in his or her private capacity and no civil proceedings shall be instituted or continued in respect of which relief is claimed against him or her or anything done or omitted to be done in his or her private capacity.
Business
IPED says disbursed $4.3b in loans, created over 8,600 jobs in 2023: The Institute of Private Enterprise Development Limited (IPED) announced on April 24th , through the release of its 2023 Annual Report, that it had disbursed of a total of 4,881 loans valued at $4.3 billion, which contributed to the creation and maintenance of 8,655 jobs, a release from the company stated. According to Chairman of the Board at IPED, Komal Samaroo, “The strategic decision to focus the company’s resources on expanding micro and small loans ($2 million to $7.5 million) and reducing the micro loan interest rate by 31% supported IPED’s growth for 2023 in its efforts to meet market demands for financing.” The release said that IPED has placed a renewed focus on engaging micro and small entrepreneurs exclusively, serviced 4,750 small and micro enterprises, with non-performing loans reduced to $95 million. The company says that it has demonstrated financial resilience and operational efficiency, with its total operating income increasing by 12% to $952 million and operating surplus surging by 35% to $301 million. IPED stated that strategically, it has expanded its micro- and small-loans portfolio, lowered interest rates, and enhanced support services for entrepreneurs. Further, the institution has strengthened its international presence through partnerships such as the Memorandum of Understanding with the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, aimed at providing capacity-building training to entrepreneurs. Concerning its plans for the future, IPED says it remains committed to leveraging technology for improved service delivery, with plans to implement a state-of-the-art integrated loan management system. Additionally, initiatives like the Technical Skills-based Entrepreneurship Programme reflect the company’s dedication to fostering sustainable business practices and empowering individuals with technical expertise. IPED also reiterated its commitment to environmental sustainability with initiatives like the Green Loan Product, which contributes to climate-resilient practices in Guyana, the release added.
Education
Campbellville school anti-violence pilot shows success – Manickchand: Minister of Education Priya Manickchand has said that an anti-violence pilot programme initiated at the Campbellville Secondary School last year has seen success, as there has been a decrease in reported incidents of violence. Speaking to Stabroek News on April 24th , Manickchand said that the programme involved increased parental involvement, extracurricular activities, and clear expectations outlined in contracts signed by parents and students. Due to its success, she said the ministry plans on replicating it in other schools with similar issues. “I know our programme at Campbellville, I think I feel comfortable saying that it has worked… It was a programme specific to Campbellville; getting more extracurricular activities on the campus, getting parents to come in and supervise when children were playing because a lot of what happened, happened when they were outside and playing… So, you had a whole parental involvement. We had parents sign contracts about what was expected of them and their children. So, we’re trying to replicate that in other places, we’ll see how that works,” she explained. The programme was implemented late last year, on the heels of a wave of violence that arose in Campbellville and other schools. The minister was contacted by this for her take on school violence, particularly against Venezuelan migrant students. According to Manickchand, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that violence in schools is on the rise, but rather that there is more visibility of incidents due to the prevalence of cameras. Regarding the specific issue of violence involving Venezuelan children, she stated that the ministry is currently investigating the complaints and will take action, if necessary. She further mentioned plans to meet with parents, teachers, and students in schools with a high migrant population to address any concerns. “What [we plan on] doing is move in and talk to all these schools that have a high population of Venezuelan migrants, we know where to start… parents, children, Venezuelans and Guyanese… tomorrow, for that particular school we have officers going in… today officers have gone to Stewartville…,” she explained.
Parliamentary
Kissoon’s hijacking of shared parliamentary seat still to be addressed: It has been over a year since Dr Asha Kissoon has refused to give up the parliamentary seat she was supposed to occupy temporarily under the three-party joinder agreement, and the situation remains unresolved. Despite calls from the head of The New Movement’s (TNM) list Dr Gerald Forde for Kissoon’s removal, both the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the Speaker of the National Assembly are yet to take any decisive action. In a recent interview, A New and United Guyana’s Althia King, who was elected to take up the parliamentary seat after Kissoon, expressed her disappointment at the lack of integrity displayed by Kissoon in holding onto the seat illegally for over a year. She emphasised the importance of honourable leadership in politics and reaffirmed her commitment to bringing about positive change in Guyana’s political landscape. “… The end of this month will be 13 months that she has been sitting there illegally, receiving two salaries… This goes to show the lack of integrity … beyond what I expected of Dr Kissoon… not just her refusal to relinquish her seat but … the desperate means and intentions to pursue her seat in Parliament. It also goes to show the inconsistencies in our system, specifically GECOM, to not act immediately on the removal of Dr Kissoon…,” she said. King further underscored the need for responsible and trustworthy representatives in positions of power to ensure the well-being and interests of the citizens of Guyana. “As a young woman now nurturing my way in politics, I’m not surprised [by] the outcome but remain concerned for the future of leadership in Guyana and the need to have not just intellectual competencies in politics but the urgent need for honourable representatives and leadership,” she said. “This situation has foster[ed] more inspiration in me to continue leading as a young woman with integrity and honour since there are few persons the citizens of Guyana can rely on within our political scope and I trust that is what I bring to the table and that is the change I would like to see in the culture of politics.”
In the courts
Linden taxi driver gets 12 years for rape of girl, 11: Thirty-two-year-old Linden taxi driver, Evon Barker called ‘Baby,’ has been sentenced to 12 years in jail for raping an 11-year-old girl in 2022. The sentence was imposed on Thursday by High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon. At his arraignment in February, the man denied the charge levelled against him. Two weeks later on the day his trial was set to commence, he changed his plea, admitting that he did rape the young girl. He owned-up to the prosecution’s case against him of preying on the 11-year-old whom he had dropped to an event. Prosecutors say that later on the day in question, Barker returned for the child and drove her to a bushy area where he raped her in the back seat of his car. When given a chance to address the court on Thursday, the offender said “I’m sorry for whatever act I committed. Sorry for whatever hurt that I’ve committed. I’m not a bad person. I pray to God. I am just hoping that this family could forgive me.” Meanwhile, in his mitigating address to the court, the offender’s attorney, Ronald Bostwick, asked the Judge to consider his client’s early guilty plea; stating that there was no evidence of grooming. In his sentencing remarks, Justice Kissoon said that he had considered the seriousness and prevalence of the offence of rape against children, the age-difference, and the impact the incident has had on the survivor and her family.
