A consortium comprising TotalEnergies, Qatar Energy International and Petronas Overseas is among four companies that accepted the proposed contracts for new oil blocks offshore Guyana.
The consortium was awarded Block S4 in Guyana’s first- ever oil auction.
A release from the Ministry of Natural Resources noted that the consortium accepted the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) and in the final stages of review with the Guyanese Government.
The International Group Investment Inc. has also accepted the PSAs for the two blocks it was awarded, that is, Blocks S5 and S10. The process, the release noted, is still ongoing.
Cybele Energy Limited, which was awarded Block S7, and Delcopr Inc., which was awarded Block D1, also both accepted their PSAs and are engaging in the final stages of review.
The 14 oil blocks that were up for grabs in shallow and deep water areas offshore Guyana (Map from the Ministry of Natural Resources)
The consortium led by ExxonMobil that includes Hess and CNOOC, which is already producing oil offshore Guyana, is still reviewing the PSA for Block S8. It was, however, noted that this consortium is also interested in assessing carbon capture and storage opportunities within the block.
‘S’ refers to blocks in shallow water while ‘D’ refers to blocks in deep water; there were 11 shallow water and three deep water blocks up for grabs but bids were submitted for eight of the 14 blocks.
La chanteuse haïtienne, Darline Desca a annulé sa tournée en République dominicaine. A travers un communiqué de presse publié en fin de journée du mardi 15 octobre 2024, l’artiste a fait mention des récents évènements tragiques liés aux expulsions massives et aux actes de violence dirigés contre la communauté haïtienne vivant en République dominicaine. Une décision saluée par des personnalités du secteur musical haïtien. Entretemps, les fans de DD doivent patienter pour une autre tournée de la star en République voisine.
Darline Desca semble ne pas digérer les mauvais traitements infligés à ses compatriotes par les autorités dominicaines dans le cadre des déportations massives. Alors que l’interprète de la chanson “Pic Macaya” devait se rendre sur le sol dominicain les 25, 26 et 27 octobre prochain dans le cadre d’une tournée, Darline Desca vient tout juste d’annuler cet événement pour se solidariser avec ses concitoyens.
« Je reste engagée à utiliser ma plateforme pour sensibiliser et dénoncer les violences contre les Haïtiens, et je continuerai à soutenir tous ceux qui sont touchés par ces événements », peut-on lire dans ce communiqué portant la signature de la chanteuse.
Tout en annonçant de nouvelles dates pour la tournée dès que la situation le permettra dans un climat plus serein et respectueux de la dignité humaine, Darline Desca croit dur comme fer qu’il est plus qu’essentiel de rester solidaire de ses compatriotes durant cette période difficile.
United States Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot has urged Guyanese authorities to consider options for greater and more efficient connectivity in the country, such as a major coastal highway or inland railway, as the country continues its drive to upgrade existing road networks.
She was speaking in the context of Guyana’s focus on improving its physical infrastructure over the past few years.
Delivering remarks at the opening of the International Business Conference (IBC) at Marriott Hotel in Georgetown last Tuesday, she said: “Focusing on interconnected infrastructure projects is absolutely essential. Goods must reach the market efficiently and people must be able to go where the opportunities exist.”
Better roads, bridges, and ports can bring down the price of goods, especially perishable agricultural products, she pointed out. Improving transport connections with Brazil and Suriname, for instance, could make Guyana even more competitive.
“Such a solution could also bypass Guyana’s urban centers, alleviating what are already incredibly busy areas and expanding the lifespan of residential roads that are currently being degraded by heavy trucks,” she observed.
The ambassador said she encourages U.S. businesses to come invest in Guyana at every opportunity she gets. “While the past GDP numbers are certainly impressive, many people do not recognize that Guyana’s best days are actually yet to come. There are incredible opportunities here for those who are patient, willing to listen, and sincerely want to get to know the country. And I truly hope that more U.S. companies will take advantage of these opportunities.”
Theriot pointed out how U.S. collaboration with Guyana is very robust and how it is the largest source of foreign direct investment into Guyana and its most important trading partner. “Our commercial engagement in Guyana has transformed the business sector,” she boasted, adding, “Ensuring our private sectors are connected and partnering is key to a strong foundation and bilateral economic relations.”
The Ministry of Labour is sounding the alarm over a disturbing spate of workplace fatalities in the month of October and believes it highlights critical safety failures in some of the country’s most hazardous sectors.
In just five days, three workers lost their lives on the job, prompting calls for immediate action to address workplace safety protocols, particularly in the construction and mining industries.
The first tragedy occurred on Saturday, October 12, when Patrick Picket, a serviceman at Top Mix Cement, suffered fatal injuries while servicing a 14-tonne ready-mix cement truck.
Patrick Picket
Picket was inspecting the differential oil beneath the vehicle when the truck was unexpectedly moved to the batching plant for loading. The truck, operated by Sham Singh, was not properly secured, and Picket was caught beneath it. Despite being rushed to Diamond Regional Hospital, he was pronounced dead.
The very next day, on Sunday, October 13, a second workplace fatality was reported. Marlon Davidson, a 37-year-old Security Supervisor employed by Hopkinson Mining Security Firm, tragically lost his life after an accident involving an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) on the northern side of Sand Hill Trail. Davidson lost control of the vehicle while on duty, leading to his fatal injuries.
Marlon Davidson
The Ministry of Labour received yet another report of a workplace fatality on Wednesday, this time in Region Eight, where a suspected drowning occurred. A Senior Occupational Safety and Health Officer has been dispatched to the scene to investigate the circumstances of the death.
In response to these incidents, the Ministry, led subject Minister Joseph Hamilton, has expressed deep concern over the repeated failures to follow established safety guidelines. Minister Hamilton called for an immediate review of safety measures, particularly in high-risk industries such as mining and construction.
“These tragedies are preventable, and we must do better,” Hamilton stated in a press release.
“Wherever people work, they must be safe. They must be able to return to their families at the end of each day.”
Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton
The Ministry is urging employers to strictly adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, Chapter 99:06, which sets out the legal obligations for maintaining safe working conditions. The Ministry emphasized that safety should be a top priority for all employers, and highlighted the need for continuous training, equipment maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols to prevent further tragedies.
“We stand ready to support employers who are committed to making their workplaces safer,” Hamilton added. “But for those who are not, we will take action.”
The Ministry also expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, and reiterated its commitment to preventing future fatalities by fostering safer work environments across all sectors.
Emmerson Campbell, Guyana’s premier Men’s Physique competitor, is gearing up for a pivotal moment in his athletic career as he prepares to compete at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championships.
This prestigious event will take place from October 19-20 at the National Cultural Centre, marking a significant occasion for Campbell and the local bodybuilding community.
After dedicating seven years to the pursuit of his lifelong dream—winning the coveted international pro-card—Campbell sees this championship as a golden opportunity to achieve his goal on home turf.
Throughout his career, Campbell has established himself as a formidable force in the world of bodybuilding. He has an impressive record at Guyana’s Senior Bodybuilding Championships, where he has claimed the Men’s Physique title an astounding seven times out of eight.
The only year he did not triumph was in 2017, when he finished third, a result that only fueled his determination to improve.
Notably, the championship was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making his return to competition even more significant.
In addition to his national success, Campbell has consistently made his mark on the international stage. His medal collection from the Central American and Caribbean Championships includes a gold, three silvers, and a bronze, showcasing his talent and resilience as an athlete. In a landmark achievement for Guyanese bodybuilding,
Campbell became the first local athlete to win a gold medal in the Men’s Physique class at the Regional Championship in 2023.
His victory in this class allowed him to advance to the overall round, where he competed fiercely for the prestigious Pro Card.
Although he narrowly missed out, finishing second overall, this close call has only intensified his resolve to succeed.
With his sights firmly set on the ultimate prize—the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Elite Pro Card—Campbell is determined to unveil his best package at the upcoming CAC Championships.
He approaches this competition with a mindset of confidence, declaring himself “the man to beat.”
As he prepares to take the stage, Campbell is not only representing himself but also embodying the hopes and aspirations of the local bodybuilding community.
The stakes are undeniably high, and the support from fans and fellow athletes alike adds an extra layer of motivation as he aims to cross the final hurdle in his quest for professional recognition in bodybuilding.
As the event draws nearer, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating showcase of strength, skill, and determination.
Campbell’s journey reflects not only his personal dedication but also the growing prominence of bodybuilding in Guyana.
With the spotlight shining on him, he is ready to make a statement and potentially secure the international recognition he has tirelessly pursued for nearly a decade.
A new partnership between Harmony Education Solutions (HES) and ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. (ACI) is set to transform STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education in Guyana, fostering the next generation of engineers to meet the country’s growing economic demands.
The joint venture was officially launched during the International Business Conference in Georgetown on Wednesday, with U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Nicole D. Theriot presiding over the signing ceremony.
The collaboration brings an internationally recognized STEM curriculum to Guyana, with the aim of developing highly skilled engineers and technical professionals ready to shape the country’s future.
Under the agreement, HES—a U.S.-based network of high-performance STEM schools—will provide its expertise and educational resources to local schools, which will now operate as “Harmony Partner Schools,” adopting global STEM standards.
According to Vishnu Doerga, CEO of ACI, the initiative is part of a broader vision to address the increasing demand for engineers and technical professionals in Guyana and the Caribbean.
“The need for higher-level technical skills is critical to our future growth,” Doerga said. He emphasized that the partnership will prepare students for successful careers in engineering, technology, and other technical fields.
ACI, which also has a stake in Camille’s Academy in Guyana, is already making significant strides in local education. The organization has secured land in the Cummings Lodge area for the construction of a state-of-the-art institution, set to open in early 2026.
With an investment between $7 million and $10 million USD, the facility will serve both primary and secondary students, preparing them for a future in the growing engineering sector.
“This is our biggest investment to date in education,” Doerga added. Discussions are underway with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Republic Bank for funding, and architectural designs for the school are already in progress.
Vishnu Doerga, CEO of ACI and David Ackdemir, Head of Harmony Education Solutions
David Ackdemir, CEO of Harmony Education Solutions, highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to education. “At Harmony, we don’t just teach STEM subjects—we focus on the whole child, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and character needed to succeed in today’s rapidly changing economy,” he said.
With a proven track record across Texas and Africa, HES has already helped over 45,000 students receive a STEM-based education. Ackdemir expressed excitement about expanding into Guyana and emphasized that this partnership marks just the beginning of a larger mission to bring top-tier STEM education to the Caribbean region.
Ambassador Theriot praised the collaboration as a crucial step for Guyana’s economic future.
“This partnership is helping equip Guyanese students with the tools and knowledge they need to compete on the global stage,” she said. She stressed that STEM education is essential for economic growth, especially in fields like engineering, where the demand for skilled professionals is rapidly increasing.
Looking ahead, Doerga believes the initiative will deliver long-term benefits to Guyana’s economy. “The demand for engineers is extremely high, and many of our graduates currently seek training abroad,” he explained.
“But we’re committed to changing that. While we may not see immediate results, but in 10 to 20 years, we’ll have a highly skilled workforce ready to take on the challenges of the future.”
In the meantime, Camille’s Academy will continue to offer educational opportunities to nearly 2,000 students, with the option of pursuing a STEM-focused curriculum under the new model. This expansion will further enhance Guyana’s educational landscape and prepare more students for the global economy.
In a landmark move, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced the abolition of tuition fees not only for the University of Guyana but also for all government and technical institutions, including the Carnegie School of Home Economics and the Guyana School of Agriculture.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, marking a significant expansion of the government’s plan to make tertiary education more accessible to students nationwide.
President Ali, during a special address, revealed that the tuition fees at these institutions will be eliminated starting in January 2025.
This is part of a broader initiative aimed at making education free for all students in technical and vocational programs, in addition to university-level education.
“It would be recalled that I also announced the abolition of tuition fees at the University of Guyana with effect from the 1st of January 2025 in response to feedback received. The gratitude is overwhelming. Tuition fees will also be abolished at all government technical and vocational training institutions, including all of the technical institutes, the Guyana Industrial Training Center, the Carnegie School of Home Economics, and the Guyana School of Agriculture,” President Ali said.
This new measure is expected to benefit over 3,000 additional students, expanding the reach of the government’s free education initiative. The President emphasized that this move is part of a broader effort to provide equitable access to education for all Guyanese citizens.
The announcement builds on previous plans set by the government. In December 2023, President Ali had committed to making university education free in Guyana, outlining a phased approach that would begin in 2024.
The total cost of making university education free for approximately 11,000 students at the University of Guyana alone is estimated to be around $8 billion.
This initiative also marks the government’s step-by-step approach to abolishing tuition fees for students in various institutions, with the first phase having already been implemented.
Earlier this year, about $203.7 million in student loans were written off, benefiting 346 students—a move that had been seen as a precursor to making higher education completely free.
The move to include technical and vocational institutions under this free education initiative comes as the government seeks to broaden the scope of accessible education. I
nstitutions like the Guyana School of Agriculture and the Carnegie School of Home Economics play a vital role in the country’s economic development, particularly in fields like agriculture, home management, and technical skills.
By abolishing tuition fees at these institutions, the government aims to encourage more students to pursue careers in these sectors, which are crucial for the country’s growth. The President stated, “This measure will benefit in excess of 3,000 additional persons in our population.”
In a move aimed at bolstering disposable income and creating better opportunities for all citizens, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced a revised cash grant initiative on Wednesday.
The new measure will provide a one-off cash grant of $100,000 to every citizen aged 18 and above.
The President made the announcement after receiving substantial feedback and concerns regarding the previous plan, which proposed a $200,000 cash grant to every household.
According to Dr. Ali, the government’s decision to revise the scheme comes after careful consideration of challenges related to its implementation, including complications within families regarding the distribution of the benefit and issues with verifying households.
“In the past week, my government has received thousands of favourable responses to the measures announced last Thursday. However, we also received valuable feedback about the potential complications in implementing the $200,000 per household grant,” said Dr. Ali.
Some citizens expressed concerns about being left out, while others raised internal family conflicts over the distribution of the funds.
Dr. Ali explained that while the original $200,000 grant aimed to help households, it also created complexities in verifying and administering the benefit. He noted issues such as the rush to register utility meters and prepare tenancy agreements, which added unnecessary strain to the process.
After careful review, the President instructed a re-examination of the initiative, which led to the decision to scale down the grant to $100,000 per citizen, but expand its reach by ensuring that every eligible person, aged 18 years and older, would receive it.
The revised plan, according to Dr. Ali, will simplify the verification process, reduce administrative burdens, and minimize the potential for conflicts within families and communities. Eligibility for the grant will be based on simple documentation, including possession of a national identification card or a valid passport.
“The new approach will allow for a more equitable distribution and improve access across all communities,” the President added. “It is designed to be transparent, easy to implement, and will ensure that the maximum number of citizens benefit.”
Dr. Ali emphasized that this move is in line with his government’s vision of building a prosperous society for all Guyanese, where everyone, regardless of their location or background, has the opportunity to share in the country’s economic progress.
A 165 megawatts (MW) hydropower project at the Amaila Falls in Guyana’s Potaro- Siparuni region is still being pursued but the country’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud said a second hydropower venture is being seriously considered.
“The Government of Guyana plans to establish two hydropower projects including the Amaila Falls Hydro Project which is anticipated to provide approximately 370 MW of capacity by 2035 and an additional 150 MW of capacity by 2040,” Persaud said at the La Jolla Energy Conference in San Diego.
The Amaila Falls project was first identified in 1976 during an extensive survey of hydroelectric power potential in Guyana.
Though hydropower has been a serious pursuit for successive People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) governments, the project has not yet taken off. The current Irfaan Ali- led administration last year requested proposals for a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model but it may again look for favouable proposals, in hopes of getting hydropower in Guyana’s growing energy supply before the end of the decade.
Persaud told the News Room that the government envisions the 370 MW of power coming from a second hydropower project, not the Amaila Falls venture.
This is detailed in Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, the country’s blueprint for its development. The LCDS states that the new site for this second project should be identified in 2025, with the goal of providing power by 2030.
It is unclear if the delays at the Amaila Falls project would affect the timeline for this second project.
Smaller hydropower projects are already conceptualised and being developed in Moco Moco, Kato and Kumu- three hinterland communities. Those projects will have a combined capacity of about 2.35 MW, Persaud told those gathered at the conference.
He also said that energy production in Guyana would move from just over 200 megawatts (MW) now to a whopping 3,000 MW, possibly by the end of the decade.
That increased production will come from an energy mix of hydropower, solar energy and natural gas. Solar energy projects are being developed around the country and Guyana is banking on a mega 300-megawatt (MW) gas project that will harness the natural gas produced in the prolific, oil-producing Stabroek Block offshore and generate power at about half the current cost. A second power plant of this nature is being considered too.
The Concacaf Women’s U-17 Qualifiers 2025 groups are set, and Guyana has been drawn in Group C alongside Panama, Cuba, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The World Cup qualifying competition will take place from January 27 to January 31, 2025, across four venues, and 22 Concacaf Member Associations will participate.
The 2025 Concacaf U-17 Women’s Qualifiers are the first to be played under a new two-round format.
For Round One, the 22 participating teams, all ranked fifth and below based on the Concacaf U-17 Women’s Ranking, were split into six groups.
Round One matches will be divided across four venues. Puerto Rico will host Group A, Trinidad and Tobago Group B, Nicaragua Group D and E, and Dominican Republic Group C and F.
After round-robin play, between January 27 and February 1, the six group winners and the two best second-place finishers will advance to the Final Round, joining the four top-ranked teams, USA, Mexico, Canada, and Haiti (twelve in total).
The 2025 Concacaf U-17 Women’s Qualifiers Final Round will also be played in a group format, consisting of three groups of four teams each.
After round-robin play, between March 31 and April 6, 2025, the three group winners and the best second-place finisher (four teams) will qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Further details about the tournament’s Final Round will be published at a later date. (Modified release from Concacaf)
The six groups for Round One are as follows:
Group A: Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Group B: Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, Belize, and US Virgin Islands
Group C: Panama, Cuba, Guyana, and Turks and Caicos Islands
Group D: El Salvador, Guatemala, Curaçao, and Anguilla
Group E: Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Saint Kitts and Nevis
Group F: Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Grenada
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The 14 oil blocks that were up for grabs in shallow and deep water areas offshore Guyana (Map from the Ministry of Natural Resources)
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Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton
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Vishnu Doerga, CEO of ACI and David Ackdemir, Head of Harmony Education Solutions
