Author: Zena Henry

GCCI/MODEC prepare local companies for business opportunities

Posted on by Zena Henry

Japanese shipbuilder MODEC hosted a Vendor Forum on Thursday to help prepare local companies for business opportunities within its supply chain.

The forum, held in partnership with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI) Petroleum Commission, was part of the GCCI’s initiatives to ensure that local companies benefit from the oil and gas sector through information sharing and capacity building.

Members of the GCCI received key insights into MODEC’s procurement processes and standards. The event covered an overview of the company’s supply chain procedures, including vendor registration, as well as upcoming business opportunities.

Attendees also had the opportunity to interact with MODEC officials and ask questions.

GCCI’s President Kester Hutson emphasised the importance of engaging with MODEC, noting the strong interest in understanding the company’s role in Guyana and how local businesses can benefit from its operations.

Senior Vice President and Chairperson of the Chamber’s Petroleum Committee, Kathy Smith, highlighted the significance of not only contract opportunities but also skills transfer to benefit Guyanese workers.

The MODEC team in attendance included Country Manager Rafael Fumis and Supply Chain Manager Pedro Nascimento.

MODEC, a Japanese company specialising in the construction and operation of floating solutions for the offshore energy industry, established its local presence a year ago after being awarded a contract to build the Errea Wittu Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. Once completed, the vessel will be deployed in the Uaru field within the Stabroek Block to support oil production.

Speeding lorry crashes into GPL pole, car, and house

Posted on by Zena Henry

A speeding lorry crashed into a GPL pole, a car, and a house today on the Lusignan Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

According to a police report, the accident occurred at around 10:45 hours. The motor lorry, driven by Atash Singh, 28, of Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, first collided with a GPL pole before crashing into a motor car owned and driven by Jameela Kelvin, 31, of Norton Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown.

Investigations revealed that the lorry was travelling east along the northern carriageway at high speed when the driver lost control.

The vehicle slammed into a GPL pole at the centre of the road before colliding with Kelvin’s car, which was heading west along the southern carriageway. The impact sent the lorry crashing into a house post on the roadside.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) responded promptly, providing assistance at the scene. Both drivers, who remained conscious, were transported by ambulance to the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit for further medical attention.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Guyana, Suriname to unveil Dutch Heritage Tours

Posted on by Zena Henry

Guyana and Suriname are set to launch a joint Dutch Heritage tour, offering tourists an immersive experience in their shared colonial past.

The announcement was made today, the final day of the International Business Conference (IBC) in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Guyana Private Sector Commission (PSC) Executive Director Nayteram Ramnarine told Ignite News that the Dutch Heritage tour is one of the most exciting collaborations between the two countries. He explained that the tour aims to connect the rich colonial history of Suriname and Guyana while promoting their tourism sectors.

“This initiative was successfully launched to boost tourism by offering visitors a seamless cultural experience that explores the shared Dutch heritage of both nations. By packaging historic architecture, fortifications, and traditions from the Dutch colonial era, the tour has increased tourism revenue, strengthened cross-border cultural ties, and encouraged greater cooperation in the hospitality sector,” he said.

Evergreen Adventures, Guyana’s official tourism sponsor at the conference, praised the two nations for their efforts to expand their economic partnership. The agency’s website states that the tour will span seven nights and eight days, allowing visitors to explore historic sites, natural attractions, and cultural landmarks across both countries.

The itinerary includes more than 20 locations, such as Paramaribo’s historic Fort Zeelandia, the Presidential Palace, colonial plantations, and entertainment spots. Tourists will then fly to Guyana, where they will visit Dutch-era sites such as kokers and other Dutch-built infrastructure. The tour also includes a visit to the majestic Kaieteur Falls, Bartica, and an opportunity to go kayaking at Baganara, among other adventures.

Speaking from Suriname, the PSC executive noted that the business relationship between Guyana and Suriname has strengthened in recent years, particularly in trade, energy, infrastructure, and investment.

“Both governments and private sector entities have been working to deepen economic ties through bilateral agreements and regional collaboration. The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce plays a pivotal role in fostering business connections, ensuring seamless trade opportunities, and addressing any barriers that may arise. Additionally, the recent focus on joint economic activities, particularly in oil & gas, agriculture, and logistics, has created new avenues for growth.”

 

GCCI demands NIS deliver better service to the public

Posted on by Zena Henry

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), one of Guyana’s leading business support organisations, has expressed “consternation and dissatisfaction” at the high level of inefficiency which they say is being exhibited in the operations of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). The Chamber, in a public statement said that it continues to receive complaints from members of the business community, as well as individuals registered with NIS over the slow pace of conducting business with the agency, inefficiency in services, as well as NIS’s failure to transition to a digitised system that would allow for timely and convenient transactions.

The organization said that, “with countless complaints of the inability to contact the agency via the telephone numbers provided, the hassle involved in registering a company, and misplaced documents which result in applicants having to reapply, the entire procedure results in lost time for businesses.”

The Chamber continued that, “as one of the world’s most rapidly emerging economies and a nation with such heightened investment interest, it is appalling that businesses are facing delays in registration due to the bureaucratic procedures implemented by NIS. Coupled with the outcry of contributors over the slow pace of processing applications, poor record-keeping and delayed disbursements, there is an urgent need for a review of the feasibility of the systems being used by the agency, and the implementation of reforms to address the growing challenges with this organisation.”

GCCI said that, “the advancement of the business landscape in Guyana cannot continue to be impeded by incompetence and complacency.”

Police seeking 40 -year -old-man in beating death of teen girl

Posted on by Zena Henry

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is currently investigating an alleged murder committed on Janelly David, a 16-year-old girl from Barama Line, Baramita in the North West District (NWD). The incident is said to have occurred between Wednesday 29th January 2025 and Thursday 30th of January, 2025 at Barama Line, Baramita.

Police said in a press release that a manhunt is on for the suspect Eon Moore, a 40 year old man, who reportedly fled the scene of the crime on an All- Terrain Vehicle (ATV) in the direction of Five-Star back dam, NWD.

Ranks from the Baramita Police Station in Region One and Medic Edghilo of Baramita Cottage Hospital visited the scene at about 11:00 hours Thursday. It was observed that the scene is a makeshift camp measuring about 12 x 18 feet in length and width.

Police examined the body and observed that the teen was lying motionless face-up in a hammock. She was clad in a peach-coloured top and a black short pant. Ranks checked the victim’s body and observed marks of violence to her right eye and what appeared to be swelling to the back of her head.

The police said that enquiries revealed that the victim and suspect are known to each other, and they shared a common law relationship and were living together up to the time of her death.

On 29th January 2025 at about 18:30 hours, a 31-year-old Cook whose camp is about fifteen feet from the couple’s camp at Baramita, said she saw both of them and the victim appeared to be in good spirits and health at the time. Subsequently, the Cook left her camp and went to Central Baramita and she returned at about 10:30, where she saw the suspect (Moore) packing his belongings on a Red Suzuki ATV, which did not have a Registration number.

The Cook said she asked the suspect where Janelly was and he responded: “She’s sleeping in her hammock”. The Cook said she immediately checked the hammock and observed Janelly lying motionless with visible marks of violence on her face. At that time, the suspect took off on the ATV and made good his escape.

A report was made to Baramita Police Station. The teen’s body was escorted to Baramita Cottage Hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival by the Medic.

Private Sector hands over recommendations for improved local content law

Posted on by Zena Henry

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has received a copy of the private sector’s proposed revision to the Local Content Act during a meeting hosted at State House. A public notice by the President’s Office Thursday noted that the proposal, which was put together by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) following a two-year consultation process across the country with the local private sector operators, is intended to address and strengthen areas that have evolved since the introduction of the act while covering new and emerging sectors that support oil and gas production.

The revised document comes on the heels of rapid development in the oil and gas sector and identifies conditional areas to be included in the law, the notice stated. President Ali signalled his intention to review the proposal with the option to amend the legislation.

The booklet with recommendations and scheduled expansion for the act was presented to the President by the Chair of the Private Sector Commission, Mr. Komal Singh, and the PSC Chair of the Local Content Committee, Mr Shyam Nokta. Other senior executives of the PSC were also present along with the Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Mr. Martin Pertab.

Recognising the need to properly manage the provision of goods and services to the lucrative oil sector, as well as the protection of local businesses here, the Committee on Local Content was established by a decision of the PSC Council on December 9, 2021, following the enactment of local content legislation in December 2021 and which brought into effect the Local Content Act No. 18 of 2021. The group is tasked among other things to keep track of key developments regarding local content in the Oil and Gas sector which will significantly impact the economic and social development of Guyana. The group is tasked to critically review policies, plans, and initiatives in relation to local content and the implementation of the provisions of the local content legislation, to consult with members of the private sector and other stakeholders on key issues regarding local content so as to inform the PSC’s position, to identify and develop positions on issues regarding local content which are important to the private sector and to maximize local content opportunities for Guyanese.

Some of the challenges the country’s local content legislation seeks to address include the building of a skilled workforce for the oil and gas sector, concerns about “fronting” where foreign companies use local names to meet local content requirements without genuine local participation. The legislation also seeks to address capacity building within local businesses, better enforcement mechanisms, and navigating the transition to a rapidly developing oil and gas sector while ensuring equitable access for local companies to opportunities.

GRA identifies Japanese company to inspect second-hand vehicles headed for Guyana

Posted on by Zena Henry

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is following through with efforts to curb the importation of “lemon” motor vehicles in Guyana and has identified the first Japanese company authorized to conduct inspection services on vehicles headed here.

The GRA announced that following up on public notifications relating to the new requirements for purchases and imports of used motor vehicles, “presently, AutoTerminal Japan Limited has met the specifications required and is the first authorized inspection agency for the required vehicle inspection certificates.”

“This means that effective February 1, 2025, AutoTerminal Japan Ltd. will be the first and presently the only competent authority in the Country of Export, for provision of the Vehicle Inspection Certificate, which must be uploaded along with all other pertinent documents in ASYCUDA to process the respective customs declarations.”

The GRA reminded that all licensed Customhouse Brokers must liaise with their respective clients and ensure that the Inspection Certificate is included when the declaration is submitted in ASYCUDA. “Failure to submit the Inspection Certificate may result in the Customs Declaration not being processed or the vehicles not being released,” the agency said. It noted however that vehicles already purchased and shipped prior to February 1, 2025 will not be affected by the new requirement.

The GRA stated December last, that emanating from numerous consumer complaints and in an effort to curb the importation of faulty ‘lemon’ vehicles, it hosted a meeting with the importers and dealers of the motor vehicles notifying them that effective January 1, 2025, they would all be required to provide with other relevant documents, an inspection certificate issued by a competent inspection authority in the country from where the vehicles are purchased and imported. This new February 1 requirement now identifies a named Authority to provide the inspection certificate for all used motor vehicles coming out of Japan.

The company’s website says that AutoTerminal Japan Ltd “is a leading company that conducts the highest level of inspections on behalf of customers who export or import used vehicles from Japan. Our inspections are carried out under government regulation and ISO 17020 accreditation to ensure the quality of the vehicles, meeting your requirements.”

Responding to the GRA notice in a Facebook post, the Guyana Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission saw the new requirement as a positive for consumers, as they too have been bombarded with complaints about purchasing used vehicles from dealers and importers that were defective, malfunctioning and unsafe. “This is a win for consumers. Thanks for being proactive with this initiative,” the Commission commented.

The GRA is expected to add other competent authorities to the list of companies authorized to inspect used vehicles coming into the country.

CANU hosts advanced drone training to enhance national security and operational efficiency

Posted on by Zena Henry

As part of the Ministry of Home Affairs initiatives to improve security domestically, the Customs Anti-narcotics Unit (CANU) has completed a five day advantaged drone training program for law enforcement personnel and environmental agencies.

The program, which began on January 27, is being held at the Parc Rayne Events Centre in Houston and brings together 13 representatives from CANU, the Guyana Prison Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs noted that the initiative was part of a collaborative effort to enhance national security and operational efficiency.

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, emphasised the transformative role of drone technology in modernising national security operations and highlighted its usefulness in the local security sector. “We must optimise the use of technology to ensure greater efficiency and safety in our responses,” Minister Benn stated. He stressed the importance of continuous training and inter-agency collaboration to maximise the potential of these advancements.

Minister Benn also highlighted the critical role of cooperation in effectively utilising technology stating that, “The development and application of these technologies are essential for ensuring peace, safety, and an enhanced quality of life for all citizens.”

The training, facilitated by Caliper Drone Services, combined theoretical knowledge with practical hands-on -experience. Participants will be trained in areas relating to drone Rules and Regulations, types and Applications of UAVs, Emergency Response Protocols,  ⁠DJI GO App Operations  and Basic Takeoff, Landing, and Manoeuvring Techniques.

Director of CANU, Mr. James Singh, underscored the strategic importance of integrating advanced technology to safeguard Guyana’s borders and improve coordination among agencies. “This training is aligned with the Ministry’s broader strategy of fostering inter-agency collaboration, not only within Guyana but also with our counterparts in Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, and beyond. It’s about creating a unified response to shared threats,” Singh explained.

He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the program in their daily operations. “We are the custodians of our territory, and this training represents a vital step in ensuring we can fulfil our responsibilities effectively,” Mr. Singh added.

Technical Director of Caliper Drone Services, Mr. Julian Cadogan, elaborated on the comprehensive nature of the training. “Participants will not only master drone mechanics but also learn to manage emergencies, such as low battery or signal loss. The training ensures they are equipped to conduct safe and efficient operations, whether in law enforcement, environmental monitoring, or emergency response scenarios,” the director explained. In addition, participants are being introduced to advanced drone features, such as thermal imaging for nighttime operations, high-resolution cameras for vehicle tracking, and specialised software for mapping and data collection.

These tools are expected to significantly enhance operational capabilities in areas like prison security, environmental protection, and firefighting. The Ministry of Home Affairs said it remains committed to fostering innovation and collaboration across agencies to ensure a safer and more secure Guyana.

Caribbean Olympic Association meets to discuss strategic plans … Guyana’s potential to host major games on agenda

Posted on by Zena Henry

The Executive Committee of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) is expected to be here in Guyana to discuss its strategic plans for the advancement of sports in the Caribbean.  In a press statement, the Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) welcomed the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees members who they said would be arriving in Georgetown for its annual Retreat, scheduled from January 30 to February 2, 2025.

“This significant gathering will chart the future of Caribbean sports, focusing on strategic planning, financial sustainability, and regional collaboration,” the GOA stated. It said that the 2025 Retreat follows a landmark year for CANOC, marked by the successful inaugural CANOC Caribbean Sports Awards in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, which was broadcast on Sportsmax.

Against this backdrop, CANOC’s leadership will convene in Guyana to discuss its first-ever Strategic Plan (2025–2028), a milestone document that will define the organisation’s direction and priorities for the coming years.

The GOA said that the Caribbean body is expected to discuss the Strategic Plan 2025–2028 under the theme “Establishing a comprehensive roadmap for CANOC’s development and impact across the region”. Partnerships & High-Performance Development: Strengthening agreements with the Olympic Committee of Peru and revising CANOC’s Memorandum of Understanding with the University of the West Indies (UWI) to incorporate collaboration with the Government of Grenada on a High-Performance Centre for sports in the OECS and beyond. Advanced Sports Leadership Course: Reviewing progress on this initiative jointly developed by Panam Sports, UWI, and CANOC, and aims to enhance sports administration across the Caribbean.

Guyana’s Role in Caribbean Sports: Exploring Guyana’s potential to host the Caribbean Games and other major regional sporting events, as well as its commitment to developing coaching camps and training opportunities for athletes and officials will also be on the agenda. The discussions will look at CANOC’s Sustainability Action Plan (2025–2030): Leveraging Guyana’s leadership in climate action to advance sustainability efforts in regional sports development and Future Financing & Marketing Strategies: Examining innovative approaches to strengthen CANOC’s financial stability and global presence.

The Caribbean Association team is expected to meet members of the Government of Guyana. G.O.A. President, Mr. Godfrey Munroe expressed enthusiasm about hosting the CANOC Executive Committee. He said that, “Guyana is honoured to facilitate this pivotal retreat, where key decisions will shape the future of Caribbean sports. We are eager to engage with CANOC leadership on strengthening regional collaboration, advancing sustainable sports initiatives, and positioning Guyana as a hub for high-performance training and major sporting events.” He said that the Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association looks forward to productive discussions and meaningful outcomes that will benefit the entire Caribbean sporting community.

Guyana’s oil resuscitates Caribbean exports for 2024… leads growth by 59.6%

Posted on by Zena Henry

Guyana’s oil sector played a key role in the Caribbean’s export recovery for 2024 with the country’s exports soaring more than 50 percent. A report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on trade trends in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has highlighted the country’s growing oil industry as the key driver from export increases within the region.

The IDB noted that estimates  for  the Caribbean point  to  a  striking  18.3percent  export  recovery  in  2024 following  the 14.9 percent drop in 2023. “However, this growth was almost entirely due to Guyana’s performance,” the report stated.  It was noted that the country’s exports soared by 59.6percent in 2024, building on its 15.8percent growth experienced in 2023.

Guyana had recorded in the first half of last year, a 67.1 percent growth in the oil sector with 113.5 million barrels of oil. An adjustment was later made by the government to reflect the 228 million barrels that would later exceed the initial 202 projection.

The IDB report noted however that following  the  contraction  of  2023,  the  Caribbean’s  exports  recovered  dramatically,  although  this performance was entirely driven by Guyana’s soaring oil exports. External sales, it was reported, remained on negative ground in the rest of the subregion, except Belize.

”Export growth in Belize was modest while exports from other Caribbean nations continued to contract. The European Union and the rest of LAC were the destinations that contributed most to the increase, offsetting declines in sales to Asia and the rest of the world.”

Major players like Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica saw exports fall by an estimated 13.1 percent and 9.3percent respectively in 2024. Barbados fell by an estimated 0.8percent in 2024, slower than the decline observed in 2023 at 4.1percent. Suriname ’s  exports  plummeted  by  an  estimated  40.5 percent   in  2024,  deepening  the  15.5percent  contraction recorded  in  2023. The Bahamas contracted  by  15.1percent  in  2024,  marking  a  second  consecutive  year  of decline 14.0 percent in 2023.

Guyana’s crude oil production is estimated at about 616,000 barrels per day (b/d) but is expected to increase to about 674,000 b/d this year. The country is expecting the startup of the Yellowtail project slated for the second quarter of this year. The projected is pegged at US$10M.