Guyana News Updates, August 17, 2022

EPA still in negotiation phase with Exxon on US$2B liability coverage – EPA Head: Guyana Times  

…says agency awaiting further information

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is still in the process of determining the level of liability coverage that ExxonMobil through its subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) will put up, with the US$2 billion proposal still up in the air. This was explained by EPA Executive Director Kemraj Parsram, who informed Guyana Times that his agency is still awaiting information from the oil company on what the real credible cost would be in the hypothetical case of an oil spill.

Guyana barrels delivering over 11 million gallons of fuel per dayOilNOW

A massive oil production ramp up off the coast of Guyana this year is seeing daily output at the Liza Destiny and Unity FPSOs reach record levels, delivering significant energy, and in turn revenue, for the country and the oil companies developing the vast hydrocarbon resources. Guyana has earned over US$1.2 billion since oil production started – nearly half its 2022 budget. Both vessels, built and operated by SBM Offshore, are on contract for ExxonMobil, operator and 45% stakeholder at the 6.6 million acres Stabroek Block. Hess holds a 30% stake and CNOOC holds 25%.

GAICO expands dredge fleet in Guyana with US$2.5M acquisitionOilNOW

Dredging the Guyana Demerara channel is becoming increasingly important as the country expects a ramp up in marine traffic due to oil and gas activities. And GAICO Construction and General Services Inc. is positioning itself to provide the needed service with a new addition to its fleet of dredge vessels. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Komal Singh, shared with OilNOW recently that the company made a US$2.5 million acquisition of a brand new 18” Cutter Head Dredge – the Ellicott.

Guyana Minister dispels claims government promised to renegotiate Exxon dealOilNOW

A Minister of Government in Guyana, Charles Ramson Jr., wrote a letter dispelling claims in one section of the local press that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration promised to renegotiate the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). The letter came after several reports were made by Kaieteur News, an advocate for renegotiation of the contract, that the promise was made in the lead-up to the 2020 elections. It recently quoted former Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, as saying this too.

OGGN to launch Legal Defence Fund to help fight oil contract cases: Kaieteur News

The Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN), comprised of a team of passionate Guyanese on a mission to educate the public, and demand changes to the unfair provisions in the 2016 oil contract signed with American oil major ExxonMobil, is advancing its efforts. The team is presently in the process of establishing a Legal Defence Fund that is geared at financing legal challenges to the lopsided deal. Dr. Jerry Jailall, a former University Lecturer in the United States and a born Guyanese, in a recent article said the idea of the Fund was first suggested by Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram, while delivering his presentation at an Oil and Gas symposium hosted on Saturday.

Rohee hopes to help improve GECOM’s professionalism: News Room

Newly appointed Commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Clement James Rohee has his ambitions set on improving professionalism within the electoral body, not only in its composition but also in the conduct of the execution of its mandate. “Professionalism in GECOM, as it is in any institution, has to do with good governance and democracy and is extremely important and I would want to help to make a contribution,” Rohee said at his swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday held at the Office of the President in Georgetown.

LGE to be held by December this year – GECOM Chair reassures: Guyana Times  

…says Claims & Objections exercise to commence on Monday

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is moving to have Claims and Objections start next week, a necessary step following its Continuous Registration exercise, as it prepares to hold Local Government Elections (LGE) by this year-end. LGE was last held in 2018 and is constitutionally due every two years. In an interview with the media on Tuesday, GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh related that the constitutional body is on track to hosting this important election by the end of the year.

Alexander presents motion to GECOM for recommendation of use of biometrics for voting verification: News Source

In the motion, tabled during today’s meeting of the Commission, Mr. Alexander submitted that the introduction of a biometric identification system at the place of poll can enhance the system of identifying voters at time when the country is faced with numerous allegations of voter impersonation. Elections Commissioner Vincent Alexander has tabled a motion at the Commission calling on the electoral body to recommend to the Government that biometric be considered as it takes legislative steps to reform Guyana’s Electoral System.

‘I make law-based decisions’- GECOM Chairman in response to Norton: Demerara Waves

Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Retired Justice Claudette Singh on Tuesday dismissed suggestions that she is biased because she votes with the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC)-nominated election commissioners. Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has repeatedly called for her to resign or face unspecified action in order to professionalise that election management authority.

Pricey FPSOs startle Petrobras as it pursues production ramp-up: OilNOW

IHS Markit said Brazil’s Petrobras has been making orders for floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels at price tags spiked by supply chain disruptions. As Brazil targets an aggressive production ramp-up, it will continue to be faced with higher prices for FPSOs as IHS Markit says this is the new normal. Petrobras ordered a US$2.3 billion P-79 FPSO in June last year, which will be delivered through an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract by Saipem and South Korea’s DSME. IHS said it marks the return of Petrobras to owning and operating its floaters after a long time of only hiring in lease contracts.

Centre for Local Business Development-Guyana posted: New business opportunities have been published on the Centre’s website.

– GYSBI – RFQ for the Supply and Installation of CCTV Cameras – deadline is August 29, 2022.

– G-boats – RFP for Various Goods and Services – deadline is August 29, 2022.

– Halliburton – EOI for IT Network Cabling and Network Wiring – deadline is August 30, 2022.

– Saipem – EOI for Various Services – deadline is August 31, 2022.

https://centreguyana.com/opportunities/

Trinidad and Tobago wants to join South American energy corridor – Demerara Waves Online News- Guyana

The Road to Net Zero in Latin America – AMI Report

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