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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo Thursday took the opposition to task for their attempts to claim credit for the government’s groundbreaking $100,000 cash grant initiative, laying bare the hypocrisy behind their rhetoric.

Jagdeo did not mince words, pointing specifically to the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), the main opposition party in the APNU Coalition, accusing them of blatant opportunism.

The Vice President bolstered his argument by presenting a video of former Finance Minister Winston Jordan, a key figure in the former APNU/AFC government, who had once vehemently opposed the idea.

In the video, Jordan is heard stating, “…I can tell you that will never fly, never.” His words, spoken during his time in government, were part of a broader dismissal of the notion of cash grants as impractical and unrealistic.

Yet, today, the same players that had scoffed at the concept seem eager to associate itself with the policy’s success. But Jagdeo would have none of it.

“This was part of our manifesto; it was not a product of anyone else’s ideas,” Jagdeo reminded the nation, reinforcing that the cash grant initiative was not some convenient afterthought or borrowed policy from the opposition.

It was a central promise of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), laid out in their 2020 election manifesto as part of a larger commitment to improve the lives of all Guyanese.

Jagdeo took aim at the inconsistency of the opposition, noting how they now attempt to claim credit for an idea they previously derided as unworkable.

Jagdeo was unequivocal: “Back then, the same individuals who are now criticizing the government said it was not feasible. It is well-documented that the opposition had dismissed the idea as unrealistic when they were in power.”

Jagdeo pointed out that no other political party had been as specific or consistent with their promises as the PPP/C, underlining that the initiative was part of President Irfaan Ali’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises.

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On Thursday morning, a significant meeting took place between Timothy Semons, Regional Security Officer at the U.S. Embassy, and his team, alongside Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken and senior officers from the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

The gathering highlighted the ongoing partnership between the United States and Guyana aimed at advancing security efforts and enhancing law enforcement capabilities in the region.

The discussions primarily focused on technical support and capacity-building initiatives from U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA).

These initiatives are part of a broader effort to improve the operational capacity of the Guyana Police Force and strengthen the nation’s crime-fighting efforts through specialized training, intelligence sharing, and technical resources.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged formal greetings before engaging in in-depth talks on how U.S. agencies can assist the GPF in improving investigative techniques, intelligence operations, and overall security infrastructure.

The commitment to mutual support was underscored as discussions explored potential areas for further collaboration.

Hicken expressed gratitude for the U.S. government’s ongoing assistance to the GPF, particularly in its efforts to maintain public safety and uphold the rule of law in Guyana.. Semons, in turn, reaffirmed the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to working closely with the Guyana Police Force to address common security challenges and enhance law enforcement effectiveness.

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By Vishani Ragobeer in La Jolla, San Diego

vishani@newsroom.gy 

Oil produced in the Stabroek Block offshore the tiny South American nation, Guyana is helping to stabilise oil markets and prevent price manipulation, a US State Department official said Thursday.

“The extra oil capacity that Guyana, along with Brazil, Argentina, and the US is adding to the global energy market is already playing a huge role in stabilising the market and making it harder for those manipulating energy prices to harm consumers,” Laura Lochman, the Prime Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Energy Resources at the United States Department of State, said at the La Jolla Energy Conference in San Diego.

According to her, oil production in Guyana has been fast-growing.

Guyana’s oil production in the Stabroek Block from December 2019, when the country produced its first barrel of oil up to August 31, 2024. The country is producing more than 660,000 barrels of oil daily now (Source: Ministry of Natural Resources)

Because of the swift expansion of oil production undertaken by an ExxonMobil-led consortium, Lochman believes the country has already established itself as a major oil producer in the Americas.

Laura Lochman, the Prime Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Energy Resources at the United States Department of State, speaking at the La Jolla Energy Conference in San Diego (Photo: Institute of the Americas/ X/ October 17, 2024)

Oil production in the 83,000 square miles country only started in December 2019. Production quickly increased to more than 660,000 barrels daily and with additional projects already sanctioned, daily production is likely to increase to about 1.3 million barrels by 2027.

Lochman said these developments are significant.

“In Guyana, the fast-growing oil production is reshaping energy markets and positioning the country as a major oil producer in the Americas,” she said.

The three additional projects already approved by the Government of Guyana that will unfold in the country’s prolific Stabroek Block (Source: ExxonMobil Guyana 2024 Annual Report)

Lochman’s comments on Guyana came as she stated that the US wants to be the “partner of choice” for countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region to build and modernise their energy systems. This aspiration, she said, has been a crucial part of the country’s diplomatic outreach.

Outside of the focus on oil production, Lochman also highlighted that the US is also supporting the clean energy goals of Guyana and other Caribbean countries through the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030.

The post Guyana’s oil helping to prevent price manipulation – US official appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Demerara will defend its senior Inter-County 50-over title when it faces Essequibo in the final on Saturday at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda, from 09:00h.

The finalists were confirmed after the preliminary rounds were completed on Thursday.

The defending champions defeated their upcoming opponents at GCC, while Berbice defeated the Guyana Cricket Board’s Select XI at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground.

At GCC, Demerara was bowled for 227, with Akshaya Persaud continuing his attacking form this tournament with a top score of 62 (1×4; 6x6s) from 50 balls, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul was dismissed for the first time in the tournament, making 41 (4x4s; 1×6) from 46 balls.

All-rounder Ronaldo Alimohamed struck two sixes and four fours in his 39 from 37 balls, while Richie Looknauth made 21.

In his first match in the tournament, Keemo Paul led the figures for Essequibo, bagging 3-43, and got support from Antony Adams (2-20) and Quentin Sampson (2-33).

In response, sedate but controlled batting from Essequibo made them the front runners to get one over Demerara before the final.

Still, an inability to rotate the strike caused the run rate to spiral which followed a procession of wickets.

Kanhaiya Ramkarran dug in for 39 (3x4s; 1×6) from 67 balls, and Kemol Savory, 30 (2x4s) from 59 balls, added 63 for the fifth wicket, but after Savory’s dismissal, no other partnership reached double figures.

FULL SCORECARD: https://cricheroes.com/scorecard/13023079/gcb-senior-male-super-50-intercounty-2024-/demerara-vs-essequibo/scorecard?type=m

 Berbice gets a Victory

SUMMARY: Select XI 127 all out in 34 overs (Jonathan Van Lange 72, Brandon Jaikaran 15; Kevin Sinclair 5-32, Junior Sinclair 2-20, Veerasammy Permaul 2-44) lost to Berbice 128-4 from 13.2 overs (Rampertab Ramnauth 52, Junior Sinclair 38, Kevlon Anderson 28; Kwesi Mickle 2-15, Johnathan Rampersaud 1-46) by six wickets

Kevin Sinclair collects his Man-of-the-Match award from Match Referee Moses Ramnarine

Berbice eased to a commanding six-wicket win over the Select XI led by a five-wicket haul from Kevin Sinclair, then smashing a half-century from Rampertab Ramnauth.

Sinclair took 5-32, which helped to bundle the Select XI for 127 despite a blazing 72 (4x4s;5x6s) from 62 balls from national youth player Jonathan Van Lange.

Ramnauth then raced to 52 (8x4s; 1×6) off 35 balls and shared a 53-run opening stand with Junior Sinclair, who made 38 (1×4; 4x6s) off 23 balls.

FULL SCORECARD: https://cricheroes.com/scorecard/13023090/gcb-senior-male-super-50-intercounty-2024-/gcb-select-xi-vs-berbice/scorecard?type=m

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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.

Oil auction: Company run by Guyanese women among six firms getting oil blocks

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.

Meanwhile, the Guyanese women-led company Sispro Inc. is still to respond to the PSA put forward by the government for blocks D2 and S3.

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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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