Blog

Oil hotspot Guyana is forging ahead with talks for a refinery to meet local demand, according to the country’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali. 

In a Facebook ‘Tea on the Terrace’ video, President Ali said his government is pursuing key long-term investments that would help insulate the country from external shocks such as the trade disruptions resulting from conflict between Iran and the United States of America. 

Those investments include a natural gas plant and a gas bottling facility, both ventures that will utilise the natural gas found offshore. By harnessing this abundant natural resource, the President believes Guyana will be better able to control the cost of gas and fertilisers, while guaranteeing that industrial and manufacturing opportunities remain viable. 

An oil refinery to meet local demand is another venture being seriously considered. 

“… now we are in serious discussions back to have a refinery here in Guyana for national security and a fertiliser plant for national and regional security,” President Ali said on Wednesday. 

The Head of State also said he engaged the President of the Dominican Republic and other stakeholders to “come up with a plan” to move the venture ahead. 

In 2023, Guyana and the Dominican Republic (DR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new oil refinery in Guyana, and President Ali said then that the Spanish-speaking country’s role in the project increased its viability.

Under the MoU, a feasibility study for the 50,000-barrels-per-day oil refinery should have been conducted. The Dominican Republic will be the majority shareholder, with a 51 per cent stake. That country’s private sector is expected to partner with the Luis Abinader government to set up the facility and eventually, process oil produced offshore Guyana.

President Ali had told the News Room in 2023 that the Dominican Republic is set to become an “off-taker” of Guyana’s oil; that is, some of the oil produced offshore and refined in Guyana, will be shipped to the country for use.

 

The post Guyana in ‘serious’ talks for local oil refinery – Pres. Ali  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A German oil trader who made an estimated $250 million trading Russian crude following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine is now turning his attention to Guyana, aiming to capitalise on the country’s rapidly expanding oil boom.

Christopher Eppinger, 31, plans to invest up to $60 million over the next three years through his company, Petrichor Energy. His plans include acquiring a quarry, establishing a trading office, and bidding for government contracts to transport crude and refined fuels.

Speaking from Georgetown, Eppinger described his excitement about entering what he sees as a high-potential market.

“I’m getting goosebumps,” he said. “This is exactly what I was waiting for my whole life. I’m coming into a new market where everything is possible.”

Guyana, a small South American nation with a population of about 800,000, has undergone dramatic economic transformation since ExxonMobil discovered roughly 11 billion barrels of oil offshore in 2015—one of the largest finds in decades.

Oil production has since surged to more than 900,000 barrels per day. According to consultancy Wood Mackenzie, the government’s share of oil revenues could reach $41 billion over the next five years. Between 2019 and 2024, Guyana’s GDP nearly quintupled to $25 billion.

This rapid expansion has created opportunities for international investors like Eppinger, who gained global attention after a Financial Times investigation highlighted the profits he made trading Russian oil at discounted prices during sanctions.

Eppinger said he has no intention of returning to Russian oil trading, despite tight global supply conditions following geopolitical disruptions.

“You need to leave the casino when you’re winning,” he said. “I was really happy with the money I’ve made and didn’t want it to go much crazier than that.”

He had also explored opportunities in the Middle East, including trading fuel oil from Iraq and petrol from the UAE, but ultimately decided against pursuing them—a move he now considers fortunate given subsequent regional instability.

“I think some higher force was protecting me,” he added.

Earlier this year, Eppinger relocated from Dubai to Monaco and New York. His interest in Guyana was sparked during a conversation with Houston-based traders discussing Chevron’s $53 billion acquisition of Hess, a key partner in Guyana’s oil sector.

“I was very surprised,” he said. “We found a country with resources comparable to—or even exceeding—Norway, yet very few major Western trading groups were active there. It all seemed very new.”

Eppinger’s optimism reflects broader sentiment among investors drawn to Guyana’s transformation. Georgetown has become a hub of construction activity, with cranes dominating the skyline as new hotels, offices, and infrastructure projects take shape.

“Everything is missing here for now, but everything is being developed,” he said. “Having the opportunity to participate in that environment is extremely interesting. It’s insane that nobody is looking at it.”

He noted that Petrichor Energy would begin with quarrying operations, citing strong demand for construction materials as the country builds roads, housing, and industrial facilities.

Guyana’s government has actively promoted the country as an attractive destination for foreign investment. President Irfaan Ali has pledged continued spending on infrastructure and public works, supported by oil revenues that are partly channelled into a sovereign wealth fund.

At a February event with ExxonMobil executives, Ali emphasised the country’s stability and investor protections.

“Here is where the rule of law applies,” he said. “Here is where your investment is safe, sound and protected—and that is how it will always be.”

The government has already overseen major infrastructure projects, including a $260 million Chinese-built bridge across the Demerara River, linking Georgetown to a growing industrial hub on the West Bank.

Eppinger said he has met with senior government officials and described them as “very supportive” of Petrichor Energy’s plans. (Reproduced from the Financial Times) 

The post Oil trader who made $250M on Russian crude turns focus to Guyana appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Led by dogged half-centuries from skipper Tevin Imlach and his deputy Matthew Nandu, Guyana Harpy Eagles commenced their Regional Four-Day title defence with a four-wicket win over Windward Islands Volcanoes on Wednesday in Antigua.

Set a target of 232 in the opening round of the West Indies Four-Day Championship, Harpy Eagles, resuming on 38-1, got home in 78.4 overs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound.

Click here to view full scorecard 

The backbone of the successful run-chase was a second wicket stand of 134 between Imlach and Nandu.

Imlach scored a fluent 82 from 147 balls, hitting 11 fours in his ninth First-Class fifty and passing 2,000 runs in the process. Nandu dropped anchor, his 58 coming off 182 balls and including six fours.

It was Nandu’s fifth First-Class half-century.

After the dismissal of Imlach and Nandu, Keemo Paul (17), Tagenarine Chanderpaul (17), Kemol Savory (24) and Gudakesh Motie (23*) chipped in to seal the win for the defending champions.

Motie hastened the end with three fours and six in his 13-ball knock, to accompany his 19 in the first innings.

With the ball, the left-arm spinner was outstanding, claiming 6-73 in the first innings and 4-46 in the second to crown a memorable game.

Bowling for Volcanoes, Ryan John and Kenneth Dember picked up two wickets each.

Final scores in the game: Volcanoes 286 and 209, Harpy Eagles 264 and 233-6.

The two teams face off in round two of the championship from Sunday, April 19, at the Antigua Recreation Ground in St. John’s.

The post Four-Day: Imlach (82), Nandu (58) lead Harpy Eagles to opening win over Volcanoes appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Contrary to public concerns, the government says the digital ID card will not store tax, health, or financial records.

Data Protection Commissioner Aneal Giddings told News Room that such information will not be placed on or inside the card at any stage.

“None of that information will be either on or in the card in any way, shape or form,” he said.

Instead, the card will function as a tool to identify individuals and locate their records within existing systems.

For example, agencies like the Guyana Revenue Authority or the National Insurance Scheme would use the card to quickly confirm identity and retrieve the correct record.

“It will help to take your card and quickly identify and locate the record that pertains to you,” Giddings explained.

He stressed that this does not mean agencies will gain access to each other’s databases.

As for the Tax Identification Number (TIN), authorities say it is not used to access tax records, but may be accepted as supporting documentation, such as proof of address.

The system is built on the principle that most of the data being collected is already held by state agencies, rather than entirely new information being created.

The clarification comes amid widespread concern about data sharing as Guyana moves toward a more digitised public service system.

 

The post No tax or health data stored on digital ID – Commissioner clarifies appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The new digital ID card cannot be used to vote in Guyana’s elections.

Data Protection Commissioner Aneal Giddings made this clear in an interview with News Room, stressing that the digital ID system does not replace the GECOM-issued identification card.

“This card is not intended… to replace GECOM’s ID card,” he said.

Giddings explained that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is a constitutional body with responsibility for voter registration and elections, governed by separate laws.

The GECOM ID card is tied directly to the National Register of Registrants, which is used to generate voters’ lists.

While a voter can still cast a ballot without presenting an ID card, having the GECOM-issued card makes the process faster and more efficient.

The digital ID card, on the other hand, is designed for general identification and service access, not elections.

“Coming to the Digital Identity Card Registry and getting a digital identity card will not enable you to vote,” Giddings stated.

Authorities are encouraging citizens to maintain both forms of identification, as they serve different purposes.

The post Digital ID is not your voting card; GECOM ID still required appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Guyana is calling on the United Nations to become more responsive and agile in protecting vulnerable people of African descent, as global crises continue to deepen inequality, poverty and discrimination.

Speaking at the Fifth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in Geneva, Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn said Guyana believes the UN must be “more nimble in response, delivery, advocacy and protection” to effectively address the growing challenges facing marginalized communities worldwide.

Benn was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs and Dr Leslie Ramsammy, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva, when she reaffirmed the country’s commitment to international agreements aimed at eliminating racial discrimination, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

“Guyana remains unequivocal in condemning human rights violations and appeals for the rights and respect for the people of African descendants against racial discrimination, social-economic stagnation and other injustices,” Minister Benn said.

She said Guyana commends the Permanent Forum for its renewed focus on advancing and uplifting people of African descent and remains unwavering in condemning human rights violations against those affected by racial discrimination, socio-economic stagnation and injustice. Benn also voiced concern over the worsening global crisis driven by war, conflict, disrupted supply chains, rising food and fuel costs, and climate change, all of which are contributing to higher levels of hunger, poverty and economic vulnerability.

“We are gravely concerned by the global crisis being exacerbated by wars and conflict supply chains disruptions rising cost of food fuel and other essentials and climate change all contributors to increasing levels of hunger poverty, socio-economic poverty and other adverse-economic exposure we condemn the racist and disproportionate treatment of African descent in migrant populations who are in desperate search of safety and secure livelihoods,” the minister said.

The minister further condemned the racist and disproportionate treatment of migrant populations of African descent who are in search of safety and secure livelihoods.

She noted that Guyana is pleased the United Nations has recognised slavery as the gravest crime against humanity, describing that acknowledgment as a vital step in confronting historical injustice and advancing equity for descendants of enslaved peoples.

The post Guyana wants UN to be more responsive to needs of people of African descent appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A woman and her niece narrowly escaped with their life on Wednesday morning after a fast-moving fire destroyed their Cummings Street home, causing millions of dollars in damage.

It was both tragic and horrific as Sandra Sandy and her niece’s ordinary morning quickly turned terrifying when a fire of unknown origin tore through the house at lot 331 Cummings Street. The building is owned by Guyanese and international bodybuilder Hugh Ross.

Sandy said she was preparing breakfast when neighbours suddenly began shouting warnings that her home was on fire.

“I was preparing my breakfast, then I heard the neighbours shouting, ‘Sandra, Sandra, house on fire, house on fire.’

“When I go to the room, we couldn’t save anything. Not even a bucket of water could’ve put it out,” Sandy said.

Sandy, who lived in the house with her niece, said the blaze spread so rapidly there was no time to rescue belongings. A vehicle parked on the property was also destroyed.

The intense blaze threatened the nearby Julian’s Restaurant, forcing an emergency evacuation of occupants as firefighters battled to contain the flames before they could spread further. Only the side of the restaurant was scorched.

The upper wooden section of the house was left nearly charred to charcoal, with hollow window frames and warped metal bars standing as grim reminders of the devastation. The ground floor, however, remained largely intact due to the swift response of the Guyana Fire Service.

Sandy estimates the losses to be in the millions, though she noted that the destroyed vehicle was insured.

“Its millions [lost] we couldn’t save the vehicle. Yes it’s [the house] insured,” she told reporters.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. Relatives and friends gathered at the scene throughout the morning, offering comfort and support to the two individuals.

 

The post Woman, niece narrowly escape fire at Cummings Street appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Residents of two remote communities in Region One (Barima- Waini) have improved access to healthcare services as two new centres were commissioned on Tuesday.

The new health centres were commissioned in the communities of Wanakai and Tobago. Both facilities were prefabricated and will serve the 169 residents in Wanakai and the 246 residents in Tobago.

Additionally, a resident from each village was trained and now serves as the Community Health Worker attached to the centres. These workers have been trained to provide a wide range of services, including outpatient and general consultations, antenatal and postnatal care, child wellness clinics, immunisation, chronic disease management, school health services, laboratory services, pharmacy access, and malaria testing.

Wanakai’s Community Health Worker, Darian February, told reporters that such a facility was badly needed in the community, as residents often travelled by boat to another community to get health services. Seriously ill patients were taken further away to Mabaruma for treatment at the regional hospital. Now, she said, residents have access to several services right in their community and would only travel when necessary.

“We don’t do it back-to-front… today, visionary government would have already trained your health worker and given you a brand-new building,” Dr. Steven Cheefoon, the Regional Health Officer, told residents of Wanakai.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony told residents in both communities that the government is keen on expanding access to primary healthcare services. As such, investments in such facilities are supported.

“Every community must have access to health care, education, and other social amenities so that those communities can grow,” Dr. Anthony said.

 

The post Remote Reg. 1 communities get new health centres appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A 23-year-old resident of Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown died during the early hours of Wednesday following a collision along the Harlem Public Road, West Coast Demerara.

Dead is Bernard North.

Police Headquarters confirmed they are investigating the accident which occurred at about 01:30 hrs

According to a Police report, initial investigations revealed that North was driving motor car PAJ 6755 heading east along the northern side of the roadway at an alleged fast rate of speed when he allegedly lost control.

The vehicle ended up on the southern side of the road and collided with the right front portion of motor pickup GAJ 761, which was travelling west along the southern side of the road.

The pick up was driven by a 32-year-old male of Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, with a 33-year-old female occupant from Bangkok, Thailand.

As a result of the impact, Police said all three occupants sustained injuries and were transported to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. North pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty, while the driver and passenger of the pickup were treated for injuries.

North’s body was taken to Ezekiel Funeral Home, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

A breathalyzer test conducted on the pickup driver returned a negative result for alcohol. Police said CCTV footage has been obtained and will be reviewed as part of ongoing investigations.

Investigations are continuing.

The post Man, 23, dies after collision on Harlem Public Road appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A decomposed body of a so far unidentified woman was discovered floating in a koker at Victoria, East Coast Demerara, on Tuesday afternoon.

Police said the woman appeared to be of mixed ancestry. There is a tattoo of a heart-shaped object on her right thigh area.

The discovery was made around 17:00hrs on April 14, 2026.

According to a Police report, preliminary investigations revealed that an alarm was raised after a body was seen floating in the koker.

Police responded and upon arrival, observed the body in the canal on the southern side of the first koker door.

The body was later retrieved from the canal. It was examined and Police said suspected fish bite marks on the left shoulder area.

The body was then taken to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where it was pronounced dead.

It was subsequently escorted to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaiting identification and a post-mortem examination.

Investigations are ongoing.

The post Decomposed body of unidentified woman found floating at Victoria koker appeared first on News Room Guyana.