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A major milestone has been reached in Guyana’s ambitious Gas-to-Energy project, with the arrival of two cutting-edge steam turbines and two advanced oil tanks, LNDCH4, the joint-venture company building out the project has announced.

Delivered on December 21, 2024, these components are key to the project which will play a pivotal role in transforming the country’s energy infrastructure.

LNDCH4, a joint venture between Lindsayca Inc. and CH4 Systems, is spearheading this transformative initiative.

Arrival of the key components

The Gas-to-Energy project aims to harness natural gas from offshore oil operations, channeling it through a state-of-the-art pipeline to an onshore processing facility. This facility will convert the gas into reliable electricity, significantly reducing the cost of energy for households and businesses. Additionally, the project is expected to curtail Guyana’s reliance on imported fuel, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide a platform for economic growth and industrial development.

Safely transported and now securely stored at the warehouse, LNDCH4 said these assets will remain on standby until the project reaches the installation phase.

The arrival of the key components of the project signals tangible progress in the ongoing efforts to deliver cleaner, more efficient energy solutions to the people of Guyana.

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In a significant boost to his budding athletic career, multi-talented national athlete Zion Hickerson has signed a one-year sponsorship agreement with ENet, a leading digital service provider in Guyana.

This partnership aims to support the young prodigy as he seeks to excel in multiple sports locally and internationally.

ENet, recognised as Guyana’s foremost provider of digital cable television, internet, information technology and media services, will provide essential backing to the nine-year-old, who has already made waves by representing Guyana in Table Tennis, Squash and Tennis.

Multi-talented athlete Zion Hickerson (Photo: News Room/Avidesh Narine/December 2024)

With a growing reputation for his skills, Hickerson has proudly carried the national flag during various international competitions, showcasing his talent and dedication.

Zion’s father, Orin Hickerson, a former national Table Tennis player, articulated his vision for his son.

He emphasised the importance of providing Zion with diverse opportunities from an early age, allowing him to choose his path as he matures.

“It’s essential for him to explore different sports and decide what he truly loves,” Orin stated.

“With corporate support like ENet’s, we are optimistic that he can develop a professional career in one of these disciplines.”

The elder Hickerson expressed his gratitude for the sponsorship, noting its crucial role in Zion’s development.

“We are thrilled about the support from ENet. While we can manage locally and somewhat regionally, stepping onto the international circuit requires robust backing. This support is vital for his growth,” he added.

Lindon Henry, the Marketing Manager (Mobile) at ENet, echoed this sentiment, describing the sponsorship as more than just corporate responsibility; it is an investment in Guyana’s future.

Henry praised Zion’s exceptional talent and expressed confidence in his potential to shine in whichever sport he chooses.

Zion’s immediate focus is attending the prestigious Atlético de Madrid Camp in Spain, scheduled for April 2025.

His selection follows a remarkable performance during a tryout in Washington, D.C., where he impressed coaches and secured a one-week trial at the club’s training facility.

This opportunity marks a pivotal moment for the young athlete, who aims to hone his skills at one of the world’s top football academies.

During the partnership’s unveiling at the Georgetown Club, Zion expressed his excitement about receiving support from such a prominent company.

“It feels amazing to have ENet backing me,” he said.

“My dad has been working hard to get support for my sports endeavors, and now it’s paying off.”

As Zion approaches his 10th birthday in March, he continues to demonstrate his passion and commitment to sports.

Currently a St. Gabriel’s Primary student, he has shown remarkable versatility and skill in various athletic disciplines.

Recently, he made a strong impression at the Nine and Under Little Mo International Tennis Tournament held in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, further establishing his reputation as a rising star in the sports community.

Zion strongly desires to become a professional footballer when asked about his aspirations.

He cited his idol, Lionel Messi, as a key source of inspiration.

“I love all the sports I play but want to succeed in football. Messi is my hero; he inspires me to work hard and chase my dreams,” he stated with determination.

With ENet’s backing and a clear vision for his future, Zion Hickerson is poised to take significant steps toward realising his athletic ambitions in Guyana and on the global sports stage.

As he embarks on this exciting journey, the support of his family and sponsors will be instrumental in shaping his path to success.

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By Monday afternoon, the second power ship was fully connected to the Guyana and Power Light (GPL) grid, producing and adding 60MW of power.

The addition of this new power source bolsters GPL’s generation capacity, bringing it to 265MW, well above the holiday season’s peak demand of 195MW.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar stated that the project faced numerous challenges, including pile driving for mooring and wharf facilities to accommodate the vessel, constructing a temporary access road, and installing 3.9km of 69kV high-power transmission lines through communities and across highways.

Kalpataru Projects International, one of India’s largest engineering and construction companies, has been contracted to manage the power ship.

Initially, the power ship will contribute 60 megawatts of generating capacity to the grid. In its second phase, an additional 15 megawatts will be added, bringing the total to 75 megawatts.

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The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has uncovered a tax evasion scheme involving false declarations on the importation of luxury motor vehicles, resulting in an estimated loss of hundreds of millions in revenue.

According to the GRA, some importers, including auto dealers, have deliberately underreported the engine capacities (cc) of luxury vehicles to evade paying the full taxes mandated by law. This fraudulent practice violates tax regulations and deprives the state of critical revenue.

In response, the GRA has initiated a large-scale tax compliance operation. Vehicles identified with false declarations will be detained or seized unless the full applicable taxes, along with penalties, are paid immediately. The agency also warns that individuals involved in making or submitting incorrect declarations, or causing others to do so, could face prosecution under the law.

To encourage compliance, the GRA is offering an opportunity for individuals to voluntarily declare and regularize their tax obligations. Importers are urged to visit the GRA headquarters at 200-201 Camp Street, Georgetown, or contact the agency at 225-5061 ext. 2501-2508, to begin the process. Those who come forward voluntarily will avoid prosecution, and their vehicles will not be seized or detained.

The GRA reiterates its commitment to ensuring fair tax compliance and emphasizes its role as a partner in the nation’s development. The agency encourages all stakeholders to act responsibly and fulfil their obligations to avoid legal consequences.

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Since the Government of Guyana launched its special prosecutors programme, 60 or more of those persons are operating as prosecutors in the magistrates’ courts to ensure that the State’s interests are better represented.

Prior to this, the State had to rely, almost exclusively on police prosecutors.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, at the opening of the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court on Monday, praised the programme as “unique” and “historic” as it brings together holders of Bachelor’s of Law Degrees who are unable to complete their training at a regional law school, to do so at government expenses.

“The police prosecutors have done an excellent job because they have been doing this for decades and I want to recognise the sterling services they have rendered. But at the end of the day, they are not qualified to be pitted against some of the most seasoned criminal attorneys in our country,” Nandlall shared.

“And I’m not saying the special prosecutors are either, but all things being equal…the special prosecutors ought to be in a better place, and better be able to represent the State’s interests,” he added.

Careful to accept applicants from all magisterial districts, Nandlall said those trained are able to go back and serve in the communities in which they live.

One such prosecutor is Satendra Persaud who was among the first 30 persons to be trained under the programme and who was sent back to Region Five to prosecute in the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court.

Special Prosecutor at Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court, Satendra Persaud (Photo: News Room/December 23, 2024)

Persaud shared with the News Room his experience of being a young prosecutor and what helps him to come up against some of the most senior lawyers in the profession.

“Initially it was a challenge but I always had a passion for law. It could be quite challenging at times. However, having done law; at any time, if I have any questions, I can always reach out to senior ranks in the police force, the Commander…for guidance,” he expressed.

The programme is offered through the University of Guyana and equips holders of a Bachelor’s of Law Degree and third-year LLB students with the necessary knowledge and skillset to prosecute cases in the magistrates’ courts on behalf of the State.

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The Hydromet Service on Tuesday reported that there are very high concentrations of Saharan Dust moving over the Caribbean and Northern Guyana and the situation is projected to remain until Friday, December 27, 2024.

The significant concentrations of the dust cause reduced visibility, inhibit deep convection and cloud formation and may affect persons with respiratory illnesses. Persons are asked to take the necessary precautions.

The National Weather Watch Center will continue to closely monitor this event and will issue bulletins as the need arises.

For more information, visit www.hydromet.gov.gy or call Duty Forecaster, National Weather Watch Center 261-3065/4489/2284/ 2216

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Mere weeks away from the presentation of the 2025 National Budget, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali said the government will explore initiatives to help citizens create wealth.

The President, in a recent interview, addressed questions about whether there will be another grant or cash transfer next year similar to the $100,000 cash grant currently being distributed to every adult Guyanese.

Dr. Ali clarified that this grant is no mere cash transfer. For him, it is an investment in the country’s human capital and he encouraged persons to invest in wealth-creation ventures, even if that means pooling resources with others.

Looking ahead, the President vowed that the government will explore what other ways individuals can be supported.

“In the budget, we will determine what are the next opportunities for wealth creation, how we are going to further support vulnerable groups

“There must be cash transfers but those transfers must be linked to specific outcomes, and for vulnerable groups,” he said.

The distribution of the $100,000 cash grant is ongoing. The President said public servants and pensioners will start receiving this grant before the end of the year and on Monday, teachers in Region Four were among those who started getting their cheques.

Citizens in hinterland regions, like Region Nine, have also been receiving their grant.

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The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has an ambitious goal: cutting down the exorbitant amount of money it spends on importing food by growing more within the region and finding ways to improve trade among the sister states.

This goal, named the 25 by 2025 agenda and led by Guyana, was hoped to be achieved by 2025.

To date, however, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali said enduring trade barriers, particularly those in Trinidad, still hamper regional trade.

“We still have major challenges with Trinidad, and many of it is bureaucratic. All these layers of bureaucracy and archaic laws must be addressed,” Dr. Ali said during a recent interview.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali engaging five women journalists in a yearend interview (Photo: Office of the President/ December 20, 2024)

He added that these issues were raised with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley. That leader promised to resolve those challenges though he too is constrained by the bureaucracy that exists, President Ali said.

At a recent yearend event organised by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), local manufacturers complained about barriers that hinder the export of their products within CARICOM.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said Guyana may need to impose restrictions too.

“It’s time for reciprocity in many areas.

“If you don’t take our stuff, we’re not going to allow free access to your products,” Jagdeo said at the event, acknowledging the issue has been a longstanding one.

‘It’s time for reciprocity’ – Jagdeo tells manufacturers complaining of enduring regional trade barriers

Phytosanitary restrictions are quarantine and biosecurity measures implemented by countries to help safeguard against the spread of pests or diseases that may be in agricultural products.

Locals have flagged how these restrictions impede regional trade. As Guyana leads CARICOM’s efforts to massively slash the region’s food import bill by growing more food and upping trade, there has been an increased focus on removing these impediments.

Beyond this, the Guyanese Head of State acknowledged that there have been successes, however. Guyana, for example, has smashed its food production targets. The country is set to become self- sufficient in corn and soya production and will soon export this product regionally.

Similarly, its bean production has increased significantly.

Still, the trade woes and the impact of Hurricane Beryl on other countries make it difficult to achieve the ambitious goal across the region.

“Every single Prime Minister, every single country in the region has embraced this strategy and plan with full determination…. But the recent damage by Hurricane Beryl and other tropical storms in the region has definitely impacted our 25 by 2025 plan,” Dr. Ali said.

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