Praised as the largest vessel plying the north-western region of Guyana which could cut down the transit time between destinations by half, the MV Ma Lisha was launched in Kolkata, India, on Wednesday and is en route to Guyana.

The ferry will travel some 11,000 nautical miles from its launch site in Kolkata to Georgetown, Guyana.

According to a press release from the High Commission of India in Georgetown, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, led a delegation to India for the launch.

Guyana’s delegation included High Commissioner of Guyana to India, Charrandass Persaud; Chair of the Transport and Harbours Development Board, Rosalinda Rasul; and Chief Transport Planning Officer, Patrick Thompson.

Mrs Joan Edghill, wife of Minister Edghill, performed the ceremonial “breaking of coconut” which launched the new ferry.

The ferry vessel, an ocean-going cargo and passenger carrier, was built for Guyana by M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd.

“Minister Edghill surprised the audience by beginning his address in the Bhojpuri language and highlighted the similarities between Indian and Guyanese people,” the release said.

Minister Edghill acknowledged the heavy transportation demand in Guyana’s northwest along riverine and coastal routes.

“This ferry is being built as part of Government of India’s USD 12.77 million Line of Credit-cum-Grant project,” the High Commission’s statement said, plugging that the event was well attended.

India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa was highly commended at the event for “resuscitating this prestigious project and ensuring proper progress of the ferry building despite the challenges posed by the pandemic”.

The ferry is propelled by two diesel engines, the release noted, with capacity for 294 passengers, 14 cars, two trucks, 14 containers, and other cargo. With this full load, the ferry advance to a maximum speed of 15 knots.

During his visit to the Indian sub-continent, Minister Edghill also met India’s minister for civil aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia. The two ministers discussed collaboration in aviation and trade between the two countries.

Minister Edghill also met with India’s minister of power, new and renewable energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh on “current collaboration projects especially the installation of solar energy in 30,000 households in Guyana under Government of India’s USD 10 million Line of Credit”. Future partnerships were discussed.

Finally, with India reaching 10 per cent ethanol blending in petrol before its 2025 deadline for 20 per cent, Minister Edghill stopped in at the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).

Recognising Guyana’s track record in sugar production, the release said IOC executives discussed ways of sharing technology with Guyana

 

Launch of the MV Ma Lisha

June 16, 2022

The Transport and Harbours Department’s new ocean-going passenger and cargo ferry vessel which will ply to Georgetown to Northwest District was launched in Kolkata, India on June 15, 2022. Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill and a delegation from Guyana along with Officials of the Indian Government and other dignitaries were present to witness this milestone event at the dry dock yard of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd in Kolkata, India.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) participated in the tender process, bagging the $12.7-million contract through competitive bidding. The government of India stepped in to fund the vessel via a grant and a line of credit to Guyana.
To date the ship’s construction has passed the three traditional milestones phases – Plate Cutting, Keel/Block Laying and Launching. The Plate Cutting milestone took place in April 2021 after the surface treated steel plates were cut into desired shapes and sizes in order to be developed to the required three dimensional shapes. The Keel Laying milestone was reached in November 2021 following the completion of the construction of the main block of the vessel.

The Launch on June 15, 2022, saw the ship move from the GRSE TWL dry dock yard to the Hooghly River for further out-fitting. So far, the ship’s main components – engines, gear box, pumps, propellers, shafting and steering system have been installed.

The vessel which is now about sixty (60) percent completed will be fitted-out and tested over the next few months in Kolkata. All finishing works such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC installations, interior and exterior painting, installation of crew and passengers facilities, navigational and auxiliary services, etc will be completed and must be approved by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) before the ship is transported from India and delivered to Guyana.

In about three months’ time, the vessel will be subjected to a sea trial over several days in the presence of ABS representatives and as per test protocol, the ship will undergo various trials including machinery, speed, maneuvering, endurance, anchoring, etc. The Transport and Harbours Department Crew will undergo training by the respective Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) after the completion of the out-fitting works as well as for the duration of the sea trials so that they can be familiarized with all the machinery, navigational and communication systems of the new vessel.

The new ferry and cargo vessel is 70 meters in length and will provide upgraded transportation services to the Northwest district. It will enhance the livelihood of its people by providing much greater levels of passenger and crew comfort, increased cargo volume capacity, containerized storage, cold and cool room storage for meat and perishables items, and will be able to accommodate 14 cars and 2 trucks with a seating capacity of 294 persons including 14 crew members, 4 auxiliary staff and 10 Officials.

 

 

World Environment Day

International organisations recognise importance of Guyana’s oil & gas

June 12, 2022

Observing World Environment Day on June 5, Guyana had much to be proud of, ranking amongg the highest tier of countries for efforts to preserve the Amazon, its low deforestation rate and its role as a vast “sink” that sequesters carbon dioxide. Even with petroleum production becoming a new centrepiece of the economy, Guyana is poised to maintain this delicate balance.

International organisations, despite their concerns about global climate change, recognised the vital role that oil and gas will play in Guyana’s development and supported efforts to develop those resources in a way that fortifies global oil and gas supply chains while preserving the environment and limiting emissions.

As part of her World Environment Day message, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Guyana, Yesim Oruc, said that if low carbon targets are met, “the country would see a tenfold increase in demand for electricity supply by 2040 whilst retaining greenhouse gas emissions at 2018 levels. This would be an extraordinary example of how economic growth can be decoupled from carbon emissions.”

While some highly developed oil and gas producers have been able to gradually reduce emissions attributed to fossil fuel development, Guyana’s example could one day be a model for other new producers.

Oruc said that “international organisations recognise the need for oil and gas in the developing world,” especially as record-high oil prices are weighing on consumers and countries globally are reducing their reliance on aggressive and non-democratic regimes. Oil and gas development is beginning to transform Guyana with investment driving new spinoff industries and some of the most rapid economic growth in the world. New training programmes are helping build skills and capacity in the country, especially when it comes to sustainable natural resource development.

On the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and transition to a more environmentally friendly future, President Irfaan Ali said, at the World Environment Day event, that Guyana “must explore every possible revenue generating activity so that we can have the resources necessary for adaptable implementation. But we must do so in a sustainable way.”

Oruc stated that Guyana is uniquely positioned, through plans like the LCDS to support both economic goals and green development. This could further position Guyana as an oil and gas producer of the future, that used its wealth to build a diversified economy, a cleaner electrical grid, and the infrastructure necessary to combat rising seas and other impacts of climate change. Guyana could be a global example for how oil and gas development can and should be done: responsibly and with a focus on sustainability.

… “for the first time in our history in Guyana we have the possibility to invest in these priorities and protect ourselves from the impacts of climate change, to mobilise much needed international financing including through private channels precisely because of oil and gas.”

Other groups have taken a similar position. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), “Guyana’s medium-term prospects are more favourable than ever before, with increasing oil production having the potential to transform Guyana’s economy.”

As Guyana approaches development through a sustainability lens, the government has implemented plans to ensure that the proper steps are taken to reach environmental goals.
The government has established conservation guidelines for its forests, which provide a significant carbon sink that has allowed the country to be a net negative carbon emitter. Guyana’s commitment to the LCDS is now “more important than ever,” according to Oruc. Guyana is expected to experience nearly 50 percent growth in 2022 with more to come in future years—an opportunity to change lives forever.

“Guyana would be an extraordinary example of how economic growth… made possible by oil and gas, can be decoupled from CO2 emissions and possibly even become an instrument for a net zero future,” Oruc said.

 

 

Marine science

Jun 12, 2022

Twenty-six-year-old Maria Fraser discovered her passion for the sciences and for marine life conversation at a young age, and it is arguably the first and youngest locally-based citizen to have obtained credentials in the field of oceanography. The marine scientist has an impressive resumé in the sector. Her qualifications include a Master of Science Degree from Zhejiang University, Ocean College for her studies in Marine Science (Biology), a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from the University of Guyana (UG) in General Biology, a University of Guyana Associate degree in Biology as well as a Chile University Diploma in Good Practice in Public Sector. Fraser received awards including the Excellence Award from the University of Guyana in 2018, the best Graduating student with the highest GPA in the Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Guyana’s Berbice Campus (UGBC), the Most Outstanding International student of Zhejiang University, China, and the Best Female Athlete at Zhejiang University, China, swimming, tennis, and badminton.

She holds a certificate from the Guyana Lutheran (Church) Music Academy for majoring in the keyboard.The New Amsterdam Multilateral School graduate has done the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas Ocean Expedition and Megafauna survey as a Marine Mammals Observer, volunteered at Environmental Management Consultancy and Saxicalli Rainforest Project, and other volunteer projects geared at the conservation of the environment and marine life.

Fraser is employed as a Marine Scientist at our Ministry of Natural Resources and is the Research Manager at the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS). She sits on the Executive board of Research Manager at the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) and is Vice President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Association Development.
She is attached to UGBC as an external supervisor for the final year research students. lecturer and an Executive Member of the UGBC Alumni. Maria cares about the future of young people, therefore enjoys mentoring and guiding one on a career path.

She remains active in various capacities for marine conservation and has worked as a research analyst for National Geographic in China during her studies. Fraser choose to work in the field of conservation, as she hails from a family that is well known in the Berbice area, as proprietors of the Fraser Farm.

“At an early age I was exposed to veterinary medicine as my grand-dad was an agriculturist and his father, was a veterinarian from the golden days.”

Living on a farm has advantages, “besides learning to grow your own food, farming life has taught me a great discipline and responsibility.”

She valued her academic pursuits. Given her attraction to nature, she was influenced to pursue scientific studies. Fraser She was not accepted by UOG medical school so completed a degree in Biology at the University of Guyana’s Berbice Campus. At the Zhejiang University, Ocean College in China she gained a Master’s in Marine Science and Biology.

“To be very honest marine science found me… It’s quite new to Guyana and I would want to believe I am the first person to hold a Master of Science in Marine Science in Guyana. Today I now have other colleagues perusing studies in marine-related studies.”

Fraser is thrilled to be working with the Ministry of Natural Resources encouraging for sustainable use and management of natural resources. She couldn’t ask for a better team and supportive leadership from the subject Minister and Permanent Secretary.
Her role is essential as Guyana places great importance on the sustainable use and conservation of marine resources.

“The LCDS 2030 project mentions support for the protection for low-carbon development of marine and coastal ecosystems which will be done by examining the ecosystems of the coastal and marine environment through marine spatial management and improving the capacity and knowledge of key stakeholders in these areas.”

Fraser looks forward to helping Guyana develop an Ocean Policy, an Integrated Marine Management for Land-Based Pollution, and Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) to promote the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

“I am happy to see this objective set, as I know I will have my role to play in ensuring this mandate is accomplished for the greater development of Guyana and sustainable use and management of our natural resources. Also, with the mandate from United Nations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.”

The UN’s SDG number 14 is to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, sea, and marine resources. , “One of the target goals is to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land base activities, including marine debris and nutrients pollution.
“It’s not just a source of food. The ocean is also home to an abundance of life.”

While estimates on the number of species that live in the sea exist, no one knows with absolute certainty what that number is. The US National Library of Medicine’s National Institutes of Health states that:

“91 percent of species in the ocean still await description. The ocean covers around 70 percent of the planet’s surface and is up to 11,000 metres deep.”

“The number of yet-to-be-discovered creatures living in the sea could easily run into the millions. Three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihood. The market value of marine and coastal resources and industries is estimated at US$3 trillion per year, about 5 percent of the global GDP. However today, 40 percent of the ocean is heavily affected by pollution, depleted fisheries, loss of coastal habitats, and other human activities.”

Guyana Exclusive Economic Zone—oceanic boundary remains largely undiscovered.
Research is needed to raise awareness of the value of the marine and coastal ecosystem and the need for conservation and sustainable planning and development.

As a conservationist, Fraser works for Guyana’s oldest and only marine-focused conservation Non-Governmental Organisation —the GMCS. With GMCS, Fraser works with other local conservationists like Annette Arjoon whom she lists among her mentors in the field.

“We are a pool of committed experts from academia, government, private sector, and indigenous backgrounds. We work together passionately to support and advocate for the protection, conservation, and management of Guyana’s marine and coastal biodiversity.”
Through her work Fraser has had several opportunities, including one where she explored Guyana’s EEZ.
“I was given the opportunity to take part in the Ocean Mega fauna survey last October 2021, where we spent six days at sea documenting marine life. It was an honour to be a part of the WWF Guiana Megafauna expedition, there is no other way to put it over, before exploring other people’s countries, explore your own backyard! There is so much that Guyana has to offer us, but many of us are still in denial. Yes! Guyana has dolphins, whales, exotic fishes and marine life! And yes we do have blue waters,”

It is very important for Guyana to do more in protecting and preserving the ocean especially by reducing plastic pollution. Government and Private sector must play a major role in developing a stringent Marine Policy and Blue Economy plan to manage our marine resources.

“And with time I hope to see Guyana implement an Ocean Governance department.”

The marine scientist is an advocate for practicing sustainable harvesting of fish.  She has worked with UG in partnership with the WWF project as a field researcher for the collection of shark and rays data from different fishing locations across Guyana.  Most recently, she was a part of the fisheries studies conducted in the Barima Mora passage in Region One, where the team spent a week assessing the abundance of species in that area.

Her family and mentors, Jaggie Tribhawan Jagessar, her high school math teacher, Mr. Phillip Da Silva – UGBC Lecturer, and Dr. Gomathianygam – Director for UGBC, all played a role in motivating her in the direction of academic excellence.

 

 

Partnership with miners

June 16, 2022

Government, through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is accelerating plans to ensure the challenges in the mining sector, specifically land management, are addressed as soon as possible.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali , during an engagement the mining community, at an outreach to Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) iterated his administration’s aim to advance the industry and urged land owners and miners to honour their commitments to the GGMC.

Dr. Ali explained that there are owners of several mining lands who have not paid their dues to the state for a number of years, “Then when you go to cancel, they turn up to pay for the outstanding years…then they would go and sell the interest in those blocks and then come three years after to pay the fees for the blocks. Those are the challenges and difficulties.”

President Ali expressed his government’s intention to resolving the issue. The Ministry of Natural Resources has begun reclaiming lands with outstanding fees and is currently assessing plots from 2017.

While the administration is looking to resolve the matter between the miners as soon as possible, it does not want a total shut down nor disruption of operations in the fields. Another major difficulty the government encountered over the past months is the unusual weather pattern, which has caused massive flooding in mining areas, affecting infrastructure.

“Because you know the rain has a heavy toll on the terrains and the roadways in the hinterland, so this has taken a heavy toll on the hinterland.”

The price of fuel has exacerbated the situation, despite Guyana being among the many countries, or the only state that has completely removed taxes on fuel, the worldwide issue of rising fuel cost remains.

Government had previously held consultations with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), where strategies were outlined which provided timely assistance, after concerns were highlighted. At a meeting with Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo , on May 31, several measures were announced to benefit the mining community.

Some $2.4 billion is set aside to upgrade roads in mining areas, final tax has been reduced from 3.5 percent to 2.5 percent and about $1.4 billion will be returned to the industry. Value added tax (VAT) has been removed on lubricating oils which will benefit almost all of the productive sectors of the country. Thousands of workers in the industry are also benefiting significantly from the removal of the 10 percent Tributors Tax.

Also present at the meeting with President Ali, were Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, M.P, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, M.P, and GGMC’s Commissioner, Newell Dennison.

 

 

Machines for sugar cultivation at Rose Hall Estate

June 3, 2022

Five new tilling machines valued at $100 million will advance the preparation process for cultivating sugar cane at Rose Hall Estate, East Canje, Berbice. .Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P, handed over the high-end John Deere equipment, during the commissioning ceremony at the factory.

The minister said the investment is timely, and will spur greater production in the fields, as the administration takes an aggressive approach to ensuring the factory returns to production soonest. Several residents in the West Canje district depend on the lone cane factory for an income and with the advancing of the tilling fleet, additional space has been created for more operators. The move coincides with the government’s plans to rehire the hundreds of workers who were terminated, when the factory was shuttered under the APNU+AFC government.

“All of us could remember that not so long ago when the chimney at the estate stopped working all the communities in Rose Hall were plunged into a state of devastation. People had to give up the basic necessities to make sure they survived.”

The significant enhancing of the tillage system there will also ensure less soil erosion. Special classes will be scheduled to train individuals who are identified to operate in the fields. Minister Mustapha stressed that the philosophy of the Government is to introduce measures that will help all Guyanese.

“And when you look, the way our country is moving, it is moving with tremendous pace.”

While other sectors including construction, housing and infrastructure are significant to development, agriculture is the pillar of the nation’s economy. The minister also encouraged persons to apply for the vacancies at the Rose Hall Estate, adding that two tractors will soon be procured for the factory.

Chief Executive Office of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Sasenarine Singh said the equipment’s procurement will boost the socio-economic impact of the community. He said without a massive tillage fleet, cane production will not be successful. Regional Chairman, David Armogan noted that the multi-million investment is a clear indication that the government is serious about fully opening up the estate for production.

 

 

David Lammy investigated by UK standards watchdog

Shadow foreign secretary faces allegations on late registration of financial interests

20 Jun 2022

The UK shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, is being investigated over allegations believed to centre on the late registration of financial interests. The parliamentary standards commissioner, Kathryn Stone, was examining possible breaches to the MPs’ code of conduct under areas covering earnings, gifts and foreign travel.

The Labour MP apologised for the error and said he had put “revised systems in place” to prevent late declarations in the future. This was included in an update to parliament’s website after Stone opened the investigation.

The MP for Tottenham in north London joins the Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, in being investigated by the watchdog. Starmer was “absolutely confident” he had not broken the rules, as he blamed the investigation on administrative errors in his office.

Under the rules, MPs must register changes to their financial interests within 28 days.
Lammy’s financial register contains a series of interests registered after that period, including a speech in the US on the invasion of Ukraine. A sum of £3,280 received from the Canary Wharf Group on 1 December for a speech and question-and-answer session was not registered until 27 May.

A spokesperson for Lammy said: “David Lammy takes his declaration responsibilities seriously and as soon as this was brought to his attention he wrote to registrar of members’ financial interests to apologise for the administrative errors in his office which led to late declarations in December last year.

“He has assured the registrar that he has put revised systems in place so that declarations are made in a timely manner. We are happy to provide the parliamentary standards commissioner with any further information.”

 

 

Mission of inclusion in prosperity

June 18, 2022

His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali told residents of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) that Government is on a national mission to bring prosperity to all citizens under the ‘One Guyana’ platform.

“The only way we can build an equitable society is if we have a society in which the prosperity of the country can be shared with every single family across our country….As a people, we have to have humility and we have to support each other.”

Residents were updated on the progressive agenda, including its aim to improve the health and education sectors countrywide. The visit is a continuation of the President’s outreach to the region which started in Bartica on June 15 during which the he conducted a community meeting, visited schools in the town and met the local private sector.

President Ali’s first stop was in Kaikan, where he reminded of Government’s interventions, including $7m in Covid cash grant, and numerous initiatives that aided a cross-section of the community members, including school children.

“We have also re-employed every single CSO (Community Service Officers) that was fired in the last government, every single one of those CSOs was re-employed, bringing back opportunities to those young people and revenue in the villages they are from.”

Residents will soon receive a new tractor with agricultural implements that will serve communities of Arauand Kaikan. These interventions,are to enhance the welfare and wellbeing of the people.

“Whether your community has 420 people or your community has 100,000 people, you’re entitled to the development, and you’re entitled to be part of the prosperity of this country.”

He lauded the support of the army in the border community, whose members worked on several projects over the last year. He announced that they will now work together to build a guest house, with materials from the Government. Several other projects were identified, including the construction of shade houses and a poultry project, both with an aim of enhancing food production.

In Phillipai and Kamarang, President Ali said that the Ministry of Agriculture will work with the communities on an agriculture plan to enhance production. He emphasised that this will align with Guyana and the Caribbean’s plan to reduce its food import bill by 25% by 2025. For Kamarang , t the community could become a central location for the mining and logging industry.

All of the initiatives implemented and those to come are “people-centred” and are being formulated through consultations.

“I want to say to you, as a Government, we believe in some very important principles. We believe that we must be responsive to your needs. But we cannot be responsive to your needs if we don’t listen to you if we don’t come to you, and we don’t engage you, and that is why you’re seeing the Cabinet all over the country.”

Residents were presented with cricket, football and volleyball gear after the meetings, attended by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, the Hon. Gail Teixeira; Minister of Housing and Water, the Hon. Collin Croal; Minister of Amerindian Affairs, the Hon. Pauline Sukhai and Police Commissioner (ag), Clifton Hicken.

 

 

Gas to Shore

Jun 18, 2022

Lawyer, Melinda Janki warned that approval for the ExxonMobil pipeline to supply gas to two facilities at the Wales development site that is yet to be decided on by government, can saddle Guyana with another white elephant project, or one in which it may never realize true benefits.

In a 13 page submission to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), she indicated matters regarding the Project Summary submitted by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Exxon’s subsidiary, which will undertake the project.  The Project Summary states that EEPGL will pursue a ‘Gas to Energy’ project. She pointed out however that this is misleading as Exxon’s proposed project will not deliver energy to Guyana.

“Page 2 of the summary says that the gas is to be received by a ‘planned power plant.’ In other words the power plant does not exist. Without a power plant EEPGL’s proposed project cannot deliver energy to the people of Guyana. EEPGL’s proposed project is a ‘gas to shore’ project that is misrepresented as a ‘gas to energy’ project. This is a major misrepresentation that affects the ability of the public to exercise their rights under section 11(7) of the Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05.”

Since the power plant and the distribution infrastructure are not included in the application, the EPA cannot take them into account.

“This appears to be an attempt to split up the gas-to-energy project into smaller components to avoid the level of scrutiny the project requires under the Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05,”

It is against this backdrop that she explained that the power plant is unlikely to exist, leaving Guyana with another white elephant. The lawyer who is versed in matters pertaining to the safety of the environment, pointed out that any planned power plant would clearly have a significant adverse effect on the environment and would be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

“There is no guarantee that the planned power plant would meet the requirements for an environmental authorisation. The EPA is not a rubber stamp for government or industry proposals. Therefore, planned power plant might never come into being. The ‘planned power plant’ might not obtain the necessary financing, might be prohibited as illegal, might never be built, might not be ready in time even if it is able to overcome the various obstacles.”

As a consequence, the regulator must consider these facts rather than proceed on the basis of speculation about a ‘planned’ power plant.   She listed eight points describing each as a significant obstacle to the planned power plant. Janki contended that the government has not produced an updated economic study on the feasibility of the project, taking into account the changes in the global energy market, while citing too, that the domestic demand for the natural gas supply simply does not exist.

“The evidence is set out in the World Bank’s report ‘Energy Markets in Latin America Emerging disruptions and the Next Frontier’. The report was published in 2017 and states that, “In countries such as Suriname, Guyana, Ecuador, Paraguay, and most of Central America and the Caribbean, natural gas demand is small or non-existent.” The World Bank has not shown that demand has grown since 2017.”

Use of associated gas to supply energy is not economical, based on decisions by the World Bank.

“In August 2020 concerned citizens sent David Malpass, the president of the World Bank, a Request for Evidence that the use of associated gas for energy meets the requirements for ‘economy’ and ‘efficiency’ under the World Bank’s Articles of Agreement. The World Bank has so far been unable to provide the evidence requested. Therefore it must be concluded that either there is no evidence that gas to energy project is economic, or the evidence that exists does not support gas to energy.” Janki argued renewable energy had greater economical benefits, compared to gas.

The planned power plant will be owned and operated by the government . Therefore, she suggested that this can land the project into further uncertainty.

“The Project Summary says that the power plant will be owned and operated by the Government of Guyana. If EEPGL is correct then the ‘massive climate risks’ that are being shunned by global investors would end up being imposed on the people of Guyana. That may not be politically acceptable. In light of the overwhelming economic and financial case against gas and in favour of renewable energy, no government can guarantee that the planned power plant is viable.”

As a consequence, Janki asked that ExxonMobil say what its plan is should the power plant and associated infrastructure fail to meet requirements and gain approvals

 

 

NRF Directors

April 20, 2022

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali appointed Mr David Lammy to the Board of Directors of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) of Guyana, his parental homeland

Now David Lammy, UK Labour MP for Tottenham since 2000, is to be investigated by the parliamentary standards commissioner for allegedly breaching rules over late reporting of earnings and gifts. On 20 June media reported a probe was launched by the UK Parliament. Under the MPs’ code of conduct, members must register any extra wages or hospitality within 28 days of receiving them.

David Lammy believes “We must urgently move away from fossil fuels that empower the worst dictators, not repeat the mistakes of the past. Time for an approach based on law, democracy and multilateralism” He claims climate change can be solved by addressing racial, social and intergenerational justice. In 2020 the Envoy of the University of Guyana co-founded Sophia Point Rainforest Project, the first centre of its kind in Guyana to transform research, education and conservation to empower the next generation in conserving the rainforest at a critical time.

Like other afro-caribbean identity politicians, he is an advocate of social activism. Tottenham, a crime blackspot, was notorious for 1985 riots when blacks killed a policeman and Lammy’s predecessor, born in Guyana. was an anti-police councillor.

In 2010 Lammy predicted the England riots of 2011, profiting from his first book analysing the uprising. London riots in August 2011 sparked mass looting and arson, mass deployment of police and 5 deaths. Protests started in Tottenham Hale after police lawfully killed a black gunman on 4 August. Violent clashes flared with looting, destruction of police vehicles, a double-decker bus, cars, homes and businesses. The worst rioting erupted in Hackney, Brixton, Peckham, Lewisham, Walthamstow, Enfield, Battersea, Croydon, Ealing, Barking, Woolwich and East Ham.

Copycat conflict and fire escalated in iconic cities of Birmingham, Bristol, Coventry, Derby, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, West Bromwich, and Wolverhampton. In over 3,003 arrests across England, over 1,984 rioters were issued with criminal charges .. 3,443 crimes across London were linked to the public disorder. At least 16 were injured WIth .£200 million worth of property damage, economic activity was significantly compromised

Exploiting the umbrella of climate and of law-abiding minorities, the MP again took profits from civil unrest in 2020, with a book on social and racial divisions, challenging perceptions of British history in communities wrecked by anarchy, racial envy, sacrilege of heritage and criminality in his corrupt constituency.

Lammy regularly earns large sums attacking the UK government and enjoys all- expenses- paid overseas trips. In his second lucrative job as a presenter on LBC TV and Radio he banks fees for propaganda on diversity, inclusion and race. Brief stints as Minister for Universities and Culture or Shadow Minister for Justice made no impact. As Shadow Foreign Secretary in a world emergency, his priority is Britain which needs jobs, healthcare and security as armed black drug gangs and killers create terror on peaceful streets.