Gas-to-shore project

July 20, 2023

During the signing ceremony of the Provision of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Services contract, which will see the installation of transmission lines and substations for integrating the new 300 MWe CCGT Power Plant), Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips, emphasised government’s dedication to completing the gas-to-shore project, which is anticipated to produce around 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity and is expected to reduce energy costs for citizens by 50%.

“More than 60% of the people of Guyana will benefit from this project; that is, the people along the coastland whose households and businesses are powered by the Demerara/Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS). This project will once and for all bring not only reliable and stable electricity, with the other components that will bring power for over 500,000 Guyanese at a cost that is half of what they’re paying now.”

Prime Minister Phillips, with responsibility for the Energy sector, explained that the cost of electricity currently stands at an estimated $48 per kWh and will be significantly reduced to around $24 per kWh hour. This undertaking is in accordance with the pledge made by the PPP/C Government in its manifesto to provide accessible and reliable electricity to the people of Guyana.

“We went to the elections in a manifesto in 2020. We made a promise to the people out there that once and for all, we will solve the electricity problem, the power problem for the households, citizens and the business community.”

He addressed the contractor to stress the importance of completing the national-scale project on time.

“This is another manifesto promise that we are delivering to the people of Guyana, and you are playing an integral role in ensuring that the people of Guyana are freed from unstable electricity, and blackouts come August 2024. So, I look forward to working closely with the principlas of Kalpataru and ensuring relief to the people of Guyana from unstable electricity to reliable and sustainable electricity at cheaper costs.”

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Honorable Deodat Indar, spoke on the importance of timely delivery and quality work.

“Our government has made a national commitment that we run on our election campaign that we will cut the electricity by half, and this aspect of the multiple moving parts needs to be completed on time. Timing is a critical success factor… but delivery now becomes of paramount importance….“for people to live comfortably, we have to cut energy costs, and that is the vision of our government, and that is what will be pressing forward.”

The project, according to the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, HE Dr KJ Srinivasa, reflects the two countries’ growing cooperation. Over the past 180 years, Guyana and India enjoyed successful cooperation in several sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, infrastructure, defence, and education.

Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL) has been awarded the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Services contract for the installation of transmission lines and substations required to integrate the new 300 MWe CCGT Power Plant. The contract is valued at approximately USD 159 million and is expected to be completed in 2024.

The contract was signed by Mr Derrick Cummings, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister; Mr Maurice Gajadhar, Chairman of Guyana Power and Lights Inc. and Mr Mainak Majumdar, General Manager (International Projects), Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL) in the presence of Prime Minister Mark Phillips. Head of Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy Taskforce, Winston Brassington and Mr Michael Munroe, Director & Company Secretary Guyana Power and Gas Inc., were also present at the signing.

 

 

Canada to collaborate on energy transition, food security

July 5, 2023

PARLIAMENTARY Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Canada, Maninder Sidhu, will be in Guyana from July 5 to 7, 2023. Secretary Sidhu will meet Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd to strengthen  collaboration on shared priorities, including energy transition and food security.

The Secretary will also get a better understanding of Guyana’s economic situation and its opportunities for Canadian companies by meeting key political and commercial stakeholders.

He will visit local projects that support migrants and early childhood development in Indigenous communities funded by the Caribbean Regional Development Programme and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

 

From July 2, the Parliamentary Secretary during his visit to Trinidad and Tobago represented Canada at the opening ceremony of the 45th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). He also met Trinidad and Tobago’s Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, and Fitzgerald Hinds, Minister of National Security, to discuss shared political and economic priorities, including furthering trade and investment, and regional security. Secretary Sidhu attended a round-table networking event to learn about the opportunities and challenges for Canadian business in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Canada and CARICOM are tightly connected through our deep people-to-people ties, shared economic interests and our commitment to common values, such as democracy, human rights, freedom of expression and the rules-based international order. I am delighted to represent Canada at the CARICOM heads of government meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in celebration of CARICOM’s 50th anniversary. I also look forward to strengthening our bilateral relationship with Guyana, as we are committed to collaborating on shared priorities, such as inclusive economic growth, food security and natural resource management.”

Canada and Guyana enjoy a close relationship built on over 50 years of deep people-to-people ties, important trading connections, long-standing collaboration aimed at advancing inclusive economic development and our security partnership. Guyana is one of Canada’s largest merchandise trading partners in CARICOM.

In 2022, the value of bilateral merchandise trade totalled $294.1 million, with imports valued at $241.4 million and exports valued at $52.7 million.

Canada has long-standing ties with CARICOM and its members on a wide range of issues, including trade, security and defence, and governance.

 

 

 

Potential Irish investments at November forum

July 7, 20230
Seán Hoy

In November, Guyana is expected to mark its attendance at the first-ever Caribbean and Latin American Business Forum based in Dublin, Ireland which will facilitate dialogue on business opportunities and encourage future Irish investments into the country.

In November, Guyana will mark its attendance at the first-ever Caribbean and Latin American Business Forum based in Dublin, Ireland which will facilitate dialogue on business opportunities and encourage future Irish investments into the country.

Outgoing Ireland Ambassador to Guyana, Seán Hoy discussed current Ireland-Guyana relations, noting that this forum can play a vital role in strengthening the growing partnership.

“The idea of the forum is to determine what the interest is. I know a lot of Irish companies are sometimes a little hesitant about Latin America because they don’t understand the language, but Guyana has a real advantage there. I think there’s potential in the supply chain for oil and gas, for infrastructure. But also, on the soft side of things–teaching, health work. I would really like to see Guyana come to Dublin to talk about the potential in your country, and to look for stakeholders, investors and good partners in the future. I believe there are many people in Ireland interested in hearing this and responding.”

Ireland is also willing to share their expertise on training and investing in the local workforce. Guyana and Ireland established diplomatic relations in 2000. While an Honorary Consulate has existed in the country for some time now, Hoy has been the first ever Ireland Ambassador to Guyana since 2019. As he is based in Brazil, this marks his final trip to Guyana in this professional capacity with a new non-resident Ambassador expected to take his place in August. Hoy remarked on the tremendous progress he has seen in Guyana over the years.

“Guyana, to me, represents a country that is very fortunate because you have the ability to use natural resources–your oil and gas– in a way that is compatible with the challenges we have in the climate because you also have a very high level of forest cover.”

“The other important thing is [Guyana has] a small population so as the country becomes richer, you have a real chance with the right policies and leadership [to ensure] that everybody in the country benefits.”

During this final trip, Hoy also met President Dr. Irfaan Ali where he recognized Guyana’s strides in the agriculture sector and congratulated Ali on attaining the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Award for Contribution to Food Security and Sustainable Development.

“In terms of agriculture, I think this is something that everybody in Guyana should be very proud of because if you cannot feed yourselves, you have no security. And Guyana has the potential to feed itself and also the region.”

In addition to expanding the business relations between the two countries, Hoy noted that academic opportunities also exist. The Ireland Fellows Programme Scholarship is a one-year master’s level programme, available to those within Small Island Developing States (SIDS), that seeks to equip early to mid-career professionals with quality education from a higher education institution (HEI) in Ireland free of cost.

Sara Henry, one of the first recipients of this scholarship, had commended her experience, having studied Environmental Leadership at the University of Galway. Since returning to Guyana last year, Henry now works as a freelance conservation consultant and volunteers with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) United Nations Small Grants Programme where she works with civil society groups to develop proposals to solve environmental issues and improve the wellbeing of local people.

“[Henry] is back here as part of your future,” Hoy remarked. “We are advertising that programme again and we are looking for young people from the region, from Guyana to take up the opportunity and come study with us.”

Ireland’s Mobility and Travel Grants 2023 is one of several competitive opportunities available to Guyanese seeking to address specific ocean, climate and sustainable blue economy related challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) . This grant and seven others, available under the “Our Shared Ocean” programme is funded through Irish Aid, Ireland’s programme for overseas development and managed by Ireland’s Marine Institute (MI).

Given Ireland’s history of migration, their knowledge when it comes to connecting with the diaspora can be particularly helpful.

“I know that in Guyana, you have many people overseas in different countries. They can be part of your future. It’s not about bringing them back, but it’s about connecting them to your economic growth, sending out the message of where you want to be in the future, using them as ambassadors and telling the good story about Guyana.”

Hoy previously spoke to Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd on Ireland’s success in engaging its diaspora and welcomes the opportunity to exchange knowledge in this action.

 

 

Carbon credit funding

July 20, 2023

242 Amerindian villages and communities across Guyana are being transformed with funds earned from the sale of Guyana’s carbon credit. The monies being invested in these areas are a result of the ‘hard work’ by the PPP/C government. This was made abundantly clear by General Secretary of the PPP, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, as he shut down claims that resources being disbursed to these villages belong to a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO).

In March the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) Secretariat rejected a complaint made by the Amerindian People’s Association (APA), which could have delayed future payments to Guyana for its forests. This would have resulted in Amerindian villages not receiving financial resources to transform their lives.

According to the general secretary, “Now, many of them are telling the communities that this is NGO money that they are receiving. Well, it’s not NGO money, it came as a result of hard work by the Government of Guyana.”

He noted that the organisation lacks credibility to go to communities, so its members are attempting to downplay and erode development initiatives being made by the government. In 2009, Guyana under the leadership of Dr. Jagdeo launched the first Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) whereby 15 per cent of monies earned from carbon credits sale will go towards advancing economic and social development of the Amerindian population.

The PPP/C Administration immediately after assuming office began work to certify its forest coverage to receive carbon credit funding.

“Immediately, we set about working on the expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy. By December 2020, we started looking for a programme to certify our forest because, without international certification, we wouldn’t have been able to give the credibility to the forest credits that we were going to put on the market,” Dr Jagdeo told media .

It took two years of work by the government to receive certification for the nation’s forest coverage, which allowed for payment amounting to US$750 million over the next 10 years.

“Only because of that, we were able to sell 30 per cent of that credit for $700 million and the Amerindian communities over the next decade will get 15 per cent … it was because of this government’s efforts, it’s not NGO money, the money belongs to Guyana.”

 

 

$4.7B for Amerindian communities

July 20, 2023

Over $4.7 billion was passed in the National Assembly to further develop and empower indigenous communities. Responding to questions on the allocation. Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai told the National Assembly this amount was distributed equitably to communities in the hinterland and along the coast.

“The PPP/Civic Government has embarked since we came into office on developing and expanding the [LCDS]…the fund is legitimate, it is a much-needed transfer, and the LCDS which speaks about the sale of forest services and 15 per cent to the indigenous population is exactly what the government is doing.”

After the seven-month national consultation, it was agreed that 15 per cent of carbon credits would be paid directly to indigenous communities across Guyana. In January and February, the National Toshaos’ Council, the national body of elected village leaders from across all 10 regions led engagements, which determined a structure for the allocation of the carbon credit payments.

The structure centres on the determination of payments based on population, and includes villages (both titled and untitled areas), communities, and satellites. Indigenous villages and local communities will define for themselves their priorities of economic development initiatives on social uplift , climate adaptation and mitigation and food security that need to be advanced for foster village sustainability.

These plans detail how the villages will identify actions that will develop the village economy as it addresses the effects of climate change. The intention of the carbon credit financing is to ensure that there is a consistent flow of revenue to the indigenous communities. Plans outline how villages, through a process of self-determination and autonomous management, will identify and implement actions to develop village livelihoods while addressing the impacts of climate change.

 

 

Debt

Guyana recorded a Government Debt to GDP of 27.80 percent of Gross Domestic Product in 2022.

Related Last Previous Unit Reference:

Related	Last	Previous	Unit	Reference
Government Debt to GDP	27.80	43.20	percent of GDP	Dec 2022
Government Budget	-11.80	-6.80	percent of GDP	Dec 2022

President Dr. Irfaan Ali delivered a passionate address at a Guyana/Canada diaspora event held at the La Primavera Banquet Hall in Ontario.

 

 

 

Key player in global energy, food crisis

Jul 2, 2023

Guyana will leave its unique footprint in the global environment, President Dr. Irfaan Ali affirmed as he expressed the belief that the South American nation can play a significant role in confronting the world’s climate, energy and food crises.

To achieve this and continue on the trajectory of being deemed the fastest-growing economy in the world, President Ali encouraged Guyanese in the Canadian diaspora to invest in the many opportunities back home.

“We in Guyana will be part of a new global system, establish our credentials, and be part of the solution, not the problem. There will be no conversation about these crises without Guyana being mentioned as part of the solution”, the President told a Guyana/Canada diaspora event in Ontario.

This would require a paradigm shift by all Guyanese in their attitude and approach to development and the changes necessary to sustain it.

“The way we act, think and behave, relate to each other, see each other as part of a human family, does not require money; it involves mindset.

“Transformation requires societal change, shift in thinking, shift in behavior, which requires hard work and staying the course”, Ali reiterated to a resounding applause.

To boost development will not be based on oil and gas solely but other sustainable areas of development, especially agriculture.

The President touted Guyana’s debt ratio (money being used to international service debt) at just 4.1% and believes that Guyana needs not to model after other countries but will create its own pathway to prosperity.

“A journalist asked me ‘how do I want to sell Guyana?’. We do not need to sell Guyana. What we need to do is talk about Guyana.

“Guyana is already creating its path, but we as leaders, we as citizens, must present what Guyana offers to the world, not what Guyana offers to Guyanese but what Guyana offers to the world because our prosperity must not lead to arrogance.”

The President called on persons in the diaspora to diligently research investment portfolios and noted that the business process would soon become more efficient with a shift to a “paperless” transaction. The aim is to develop a “world-class service center” by utilizing the technology available to “move Guyana up the chain.”

“We have to unlearn decades of what we learned and then relearn.”

In March, the Government signed a US$34.5 million contract with Veridos – a German-based provider of integrated identity solutions – to implement an electronic identification system locally to see new identification numbers and cards issued to Guyanese. The system, once fully implemented, will also help the government with its issuance of work permits and other necessary documentation for resident identification.

 

 

Growing Influence

July 3, 2023

THE 45th regular meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government, scheduled to take place in Trinidad and Tobago from July 3 to July 5, holds significant promise for the Caribbean region.

As leaders from across the Caribbean Community converge, it presents a unique opportunity to discuss pressing regional issues and lay the groundwork for a brighter future. While a wide range of topics is likely to be covered during the meeting, it is crucial to highlight Guyana’s growing importance and its emerging role as a leader in the region.

One of the pressing matters that will likely dominate discussions is climate change and its devastating impact on Caribbean nations. As vulnerable island states, many CARICOM countries face the harsh reality of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the destruction of ecosystems. These nations must unite and call for stronger global action to mitigate the effects of climate change and secure a sustainable future for their citizens.

Guyana, with its vast natural resources and its newfound role as an emerging oil producer, can play a pivotal role in the region’s response to climate change. The nation’s commitment to sustainability, as exemplified by its Low Carbon Development Strategy, positions Guyana as a leader in balancing economic growth with environmental preservation.

During the CARICOM meeting, Guyana can share its experiences and best practices in sustainable development, serving as a guiding light for other countries in the region. By emphasising the importance of diversifying the economy, investing in renewable energy, and implementing robust environmental regulations, Guyana can demonstrate that economic growth need not come at the cost of environmental degradation.

Guyana’s expertise and leadership in this area are invaluable as Caribbean nations strive to build resilience and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. Another key area that the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting is likely to address is regional security. With the Caribbean experiencing various transnational threats such as drug trafficking, organized crime, and the illegal arms trade, a coordinated and unified approach is essential. Guyana’s strategic location on the mainland of South America and its commitment to enhancing regional security make it a critical player in this regard.

Guyana’s recent discovery of vast offshore oil reserves has placed the nation in the spotlight, attracting both investment and geopolitical attention. As Guyana emerges as a significant player in the energy sector, it must navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with it. The CARICOM meeting, which will be attended by US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken and Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland, provides a platform for Guyana to discuss its plans for responsible and transparent resource management, ensuring that the benefits of its newfound wealth are shared equitably among its citizens and the wider Caribbean region.

In addition to climate change and regional security, the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting will address other pressing issues, such as:

1. 1. 1. economic development,
      2. healthcare, education, and
      3. regional integration.

Guyana’s increasing influence and leadership are crucial for the region’s progress in these areas. By leveraging its strengths and sharing its experiences, Guyana can inspire and guide other nations in their pursuit of sustainable development, economic prosperity and social advancement. Harnessing the collective strength of member states and working collaboratively, CARICOM can confront the challenges ahead, strengthen regional cooperation and build a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable region.

 

 

 

A unique and amazing journey’ – US Ambassador

June 30, 2023

Outgoing United States Ambassador , Sarah-Ann Lynch, emphasised the potential for transformational change from oil and gas, while advising inclusivity and compassion.

“As this is my last Fourth of July celebration in Guyana, I would like to once again thank you, Mr Prime Minister, and everyone in this room for your partnership and friendship and for allowing me to be a guest in your nation over the years,” Lynch told the gathering at the USA’s 247th Independence Anniversary celebrations, at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.”

 

 

 

Foreign, economic diplomacy escalates

June 30, 2023

Having restored Guyana’s position as a leader on the world stage, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government is pleased that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali is currently handling invitations for state visits from over 50 countries. He will be travelling to China next month to strengthen bilateral relations with the Asian nation.

In a video message he justified how his international engagements have been bearing fruits of development for Guyana over the last three years.

“For the month of July, I received more than 50 direct requests from Heads of Governments around the world. We’re going on our official state visit to China. These are the things we do to bring results for the country. We have proposals coming from France, French Guiana. These are all proposals that come directly from our international engagements, directly from pushing and promoting Guyana and what we have to offer. We are on the right trajectory.”

Since assuming office, the Head of State had the honour of engaging with over 60 leaders from across the world and more than 50 Chief Executive Officers from major multinationals, engaged with international organisations. He was asked to give the keynote addresses at over 150 events.

“I could not have done all of those [as it was not] humanly impossible. But I’m giving you these figures so you understand and what esteem our country is held with today.

“My International agenda has been a very active one, but with a difference, we have been focusing on economic diplomacy, bilateral relationships to ensure that Guyana’s position on many global issues is understood and that the support for Guyana is overwhelming.

“As could have been seen from the vote for us in the United Nations Security Council. The highest vote, unanimous, just one abstention, not many countries can boast of this. That is because of the level of respect and regard that the international Community has for us.”

Earlier this month, Guyana was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nation’s Security Council for the period 2024 – 2025. However, this was just the pinnacle in Guyana’s rise on the international stage that has been ongoing over the past three years.

The government has an agenda to place Guyana in global leadership on food, security, energy, security and climate security. However, this requires a strong position on the international stage, with bilateral and multilateral engagements that build support for Guyana.

The President has been observably active in engaging with the international community, but he noted his disappointment that anyone would see this as anything less than a plus for Guyana.

“So, those engagements take time, we have been able to establish numerous bilateral and multilateral relationships and contacts. We’ve been able to enhance our image and where we were taken off of the agenda. We had lost our place on the global agenda in terms of forests of climate change. We are now once again leading this globally. Only recently at the Commonwealth Heads of Government, everyone was high in praise for Guyana’s leadership on climate change [through] the Low Carbon Development Strategy on forest.”

 

 

50th anniversary of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

July 3, 2023

Message from Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali President of Guyana
CARICOM at 50

“I extend greetings to all the peoples of the Caribbean as Guyana celebrates CARICOM Day. This year our Community is observing its Golden Jubilee a milestone that attests to the relevance and sturdiness of our regional family, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Over the past five decades, integration movements have come and gone; others have stuttered and stagnated; new regional groupings have emerged. But our Community has not only remained together but it has been enlarged and its membership expanded. During this period also, CARICOM has remained steadfast and committed to the ideals of its founding Charter: to promote economic integration, coordinate foreign policy and promote functional cooperation (human and social development). The original treaty establishing our Community has since been revised. A new charter to guide the work of the Community has been adopted, and security has become a fourth pillar of regional integration.

The past 50 years have not been all smooth sailing. The Caribbean has been subject to many challenges including invasion, threats to our markets, the emergence of mega economic blocks, devastating natural disasters and geopolitical changes. As a constellation of small-island developing and low-lying coastal states, the Caribbean Community has been able to navigate these turbulent periods because we have stayed together as a united Caribbean family.

Guyana is proud to belong to this regional family. The country’s commitment has been unwavering and its support unquestionable. Guyana has been the host of the Community’s Secretariat and has been integrally involved in the work, policies, programmes and organs of the Community over the past 5o years. In recent times, we have been very forceful in propelling the region’s agenda in the areas of climate, food, and energy security.

We will continue to be a vibrant and engaged member in the future. This month Guyana will assume membership in the Bureau of the Conference and will undertake Chairmanship of the Community from January to July 2024. We aim to use these opportunities to provide strong leadership and to energize the Community’s work.

As the Caribbean Community celebrates its Golden Jubilee, the Co-operative Republic of Guyana heralds the contributions of the Caribbean Community towards regional integration and by extension to the Region’s economic, human and social development. We pay tribute to the founders of our Community and their successors who have kept the ship of regional integration steady and on course. Guyana looks forward to working within the Community to help realize the vision of a united, resilient and prosperous Caribbean.

Happy CARICOM Day!