Carib Scope

标签： Guyana

圭亚那

  • Ghanaian company to sign oil exploration agreement with Guyana

    Ghanaian company to sign oil exploration agreement with Guyana

    In a significant development for Guyana’s burgeoning energy sector, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat announced Friday that Ghana-based Cybele Energy Ltd will formally sign an oil exploration agreement for Block S7 next Tuesday. The agreement grants exploration rights to Cybele Energy in a substantial 2,000 square kilometer shallow water concession.

    The ministerial confirmation came during a press briefing primarily organized to announce preparations for Guyana’s 5th Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, scheduled for February 17-20, 2026. Minister Bharrat revealed that negotiations with Cybele Energy had reached advanced stages, with the company successfully finalizing all agreement terms with the Guyanese government.

    Notably, the fiscal framework remains consistent with Guyana’s established petroleum terms: 10% royalty payments, 10% corporate tax rate, 65% cost recovery provisions, and an equal 17.5% profit oil distribution between the government and venture partners. The minister indicated that while the core fiscal structure remains unchanged, certain administrative matters were subject to final negotiations, with full details to be disclosed during next week’s signing ceremony.

    This agreement marks Guyana’s second shallow water block signing within recent months, following last month’s agreement with a consortium comprising TotalEnergies, Malaysia’s Petronas, and Qatar Energy. Cybele Energy, established in 2012 under the leadership of founder and CEO Beatrice Mensah-Tayui, now enters Guyana’s competitive energy landscape as an emerging international player.

  • New Parika-Supenaam ferry arrives in Guyana

    New Parika-Supenaam ferry arrives in Guyana

    Guyana’s transportation network has received a significant upgrade with the arrival of the ARIS IV, a modern roll-on/roll-off ferry that will soon commence operations on the crucial Parika-Supenaam route. The vessel, constructed in Greece in 2020, completed a transatlantic journey spanning 5,200 nautical miles before reaching Guyanese waters.

    President Irfaan Ali officially announced the ferry’s arrival through a social media statement on Thursday evening, December 4, 2025, highlighting the achievement as part of the government’s infrastructure modernization efforts. The acquisition represents a strategic investment in the country’s transportation capabilities, with the government purchasing the vessel for approximately $4.4 million USD (3.8 million Euros).

    Technical specifications from maritime database Shipax indicate the ARIS IV measures 58.8 meters in length with a 15.7-meter beam and substantial cargo capacity of 550 deadweight tonnes. The 827 gross tonnage vessel will be integrated into the existing fleet managed by the Transport and Harbours Department, joining other recently acquired ferries including the Chinese-built MV Kanawan and MV Sabanto, and India’s MV Ma Lisha.

    The addition of this European-made vessel to Guyana’s maritime infrastructure is expected to enhance connectivity and trade along the vital Parika-Supenaam corridor, potentially reducing transit times and improving reliability for both passenger and commercial transport services.

  • US assures Guyana of security support if Trump’s land operations trigger Venezuelan attacks

    US assures Guyana of security support if Trump’s land operations trigger Venezuelan attacks

    The United States has formally assured Guyana of its security commitment should Venezuela launch retaliatory attacks in response to potential US military operations. US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot declared Washington’s readiness to “stand shoulder to shoulder” in defense of the South American nation, emphasizing Guyana’s strategic importance as both a partner and regional ally.

    This security guarantee comes as President Donald Trump contemplates land operations in Venezuela targeting what he describes as narco-terrorist networks. The Maduro administration’s renewed claims over Guyana’s oil-rich Essequibo Region—approximately 160,000 square kilometers—has intensified diplomatic tensions throughout the Caribbean basin.

    Military analysts suggest substantial US firepower deployed throughout the region would effectively deter Venezuelan aggression. R. Evan Ellis, Latin America Research Professor at the US Army War College, characterized the risk of attack as “moderate,” noting that any serious military action would likely trigger a “crushing response” from US forces. He suggested Venezuela would be reluctant to compromise its international standing by initiating conflict.

    The geopolitical stakes are substantially elevated by Guyana’s emerging status as a major oil producer. An ExxonMobil-led consortium including Chevron and China National Overseas Oil Corporation projects production exceeding 1 million barrels daily by 2030. This economic transformation positions Guyana as a crucial US partner in countering narcotics trafficking and transnational crime.

    Guyanese President Irfaan Ali affirmed his administration’s priority remains national sovereignty and citizen safety. While acknowledging continuous risk assessments with international partners including the UK and France, Ali declined to disclose specific security measures. Migration experts additionally warn that US military action in Venezuela could trigger renewed refugee flows across the Guyanese border, where approximately 100,000 Venezuelans already reside amid their homeland’s ongoing crisis.

    Despite these complex security challenges, industry observers maintain confidence in offshore operations’ resilience. Former UK High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn advised energy companies to maintain updated contingency plans while characterizing the overall risk environment as manageable.

  • Policeman faces life imprisonment, flogging if convicted on firearm charge

    Policeman faces life imprisonment, flogging if convicted on firearm charge

    A law enforcement officer from Guyana’s Region One (Barima-Waini) police division is confronting potentially extreme judicial consequences following formal accusations under the nation’s stringent firearm legislation. Constable Daniel Henry appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh on Thursday, December 4, 2025, to answer charges of possessing a firearm with demonstrated intent to inflict harm.

    The specific allegation indicates that Mr. Henry illegally possessed a weapon with the purpose of endangering human life or causing serious damage to property, an offense categorized as a felony under Section 37 of Guyana’s Firearm Offences Act Chapter 16:05. During the initial hearing, the defendant was not permitted to enter a plea. The court denied bail and ordered the accused remanded into custody until his subsequent scheduled appearance on January 14, 2026.

    This legal development emerges shortly after the political organization We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) circulated a video recording on social media. The footage depicted an individual, allegedly Mr. Henry, openly brandishing and discharging an AK-47 assault rifle while issuing threats toward another person in the Port Kaituma area. The judicial process will determine whether the individual in the video is indeed the accused officer.

    Guyanese law mandates severe punishment for such violations. If convicted, Constable Henry could receive a life imprisonment sentence coupled with corporal punishment, specifically whipping or flogging, regardless of whether the intended injury or property damage ultimately occurred. The case has attracted significant public attention, highlighting serious concerns about firearm misuse and accountability within law enforcement institutions.

  • Massy Gas Products offers to help crack down on unsafe cooking gas bottle gadgets

    Massy Gas Products offers to help crack down on unsafe cooking gas bottle gadgets

    In a significant move toward enhancing public safety, Massy Gas Products (Guyana) Limited has formally committed to collaborating with Guyanese authorities to eliminate hazardous cooking gas bottle gadgets from the market. The announcement was delivered by Chief Executive Officer Augustus Harris during his address at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) awards ceremony on Wednesday.

    Harris emphasized the company’s dedication to working alongside the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and policymakers to address regulatory gaps that permit substandard Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) products and other dangerous goods to enter consumer markets. ‘Massy stands ready to continue working collaboratively with regulatory bodies to help close these dangerous gaps,’ Harris stated before an audience that included Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Labour Keoma Griffith, and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill.

    The executive outlined how Massy Gas Products would contribute its technical resources, industry expertise, and regional experience to support national safety initiatives. This commitment comes against a troubling backdrop of multiple fatalities and injuries resulting from gas cylinder explosions in recent years.

    Harris further elaborated on safety as a core cultural value across all Massy operations, noting that even a single non-compliant component could compromise engineering excellence and endanger families, businesses, and entire communities. He also highlighted the economic impact of substandard goods, explaining that responsible manufacturers who invest significantly in meeting safety standards face unfair competition from inferior products.

    While stopping short of directly criticizing enforcement practices, Harris implicitly called for consistent application of product standard regulations across the board. His vision envisions a marketplace where safety is guaranteed rather than variable, and where ‘Made in Guyana’ and ‘Service in Guyana’ become synonymous with quality, integrity, and excellence.

  • Finance Minister says budgets focussing on long term objectives

    Finance Minister says budgets focussing on long term objectives

    In a significant address to the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s annual awards ceremony, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh articulated the government’s steadfast commitment to prioritizing long-term economic objectives over short-term populist measures. The minister revealed that Guyana’s Natural Resources Fund now holds surplus capital exceeding the nation’s entire external debt, creating a rare fiscal position among global economies.

    Dr. Singh detailed a strategic reorientation of national budgets away from government consumption toward substantial investments in economic infrastructure. This shift has dramatically transformed the composition of public spending: while public investment constituted less than 25% of the total budget in 2019, it has now surpassed 50% as of 2024. The minister characterized this transformation as a series of ‘hard choices’ necessary to ensure long-term competitiveness and prosperity, even when such decisions lack immediate popular appeal.

    The address came amid mounting public anticipation regarding potential universal cash grants, following campaign hints from President Irfaan Ali and reassurances from Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. Opposition parties have intensified calls for the administration to fulfill these apparent electoral promises.

    Dr. Singh firmly rejected any approach that would compromise long-term economic health for short-term gains, emphasizing the government’s balanced strategy of prudent debt management and fiscal sustainability. Despite declining oil prices—with 2025 crude projections at $68 per barrel, below the initial $71.9 forecast—the minister declined to specify whether expenditure cuts would feature in the 2026 budget.

    Highlighting Guyana’s remarkable economic turnaround, Dr. Singh noted the debt-to-GDP ratio has plummeted from over 600% in 1990 to 24.3% in 2024, positioning Guyana among the world’s least indebted nations. Official figures confirm the Natural Resources Fund holds approximately US$3.64 billion, surpassing the projected 2025 external debt of US$3.77 billion—a rare achievement that enables simultaneous accelerated public investment and substantial sovereign savings.

  • ‘White Oats’-packaged ganja intercepted at Ogle Airport

    ‘White Oats’-packaged ganja intercepted at Ogle Airport

    Authorities at Guyana’s Eugene F. Correia International Airport, commonly known as Ogle Airport, intercepted a sophisticated drug smuggling operation on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The discovery occurred when narcotics officials identified approximately 60 grams of marijuana meticulously concealed within four commercial white oats packaging containers.

    The illicit substance was distributed across thirteen individual Ziplock bags hidden inside the seemingly legitimate food product packages. According to police reports, the contraband was detected during routine cargo inspection procedures at approximately 11:25 AM local time.

    The intercepted shipment was destined for Chi-Chi village in Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), indicating potential distribution networks in Guyana’s remote interior regions. The sophisticated concealment method demonstrates evolving tactics employed by drug traffickers attempting to bypass airport security measures.

    Despite the successful interception, law enforcement officials confirmed that no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The Guyana Police Force has launched a comprehensive investigation to identify those responsible for the smuggling attempt and determine potential connections to broader narcotics distribution networks.

    This incident highlights ongoing challenges in combating drug trafficking through commercial aviation channels and underscores the importance of vigilant cargo screening procedures at the nation’s airports.

  • Pistols, ammo, GY$8.5 million seized in Linden, one arrested

    Pistols, ammo, GY$8.5 million seized in Linden, one arrested

    In a significant law enforcement operation in the mining town of Linden, Guyana, authorities have uncovered an illegal arsenal and substantial cash reserves hidden within a local businessman’s residence. The Wednesday evening raid resulted in the seizure of two sophisticated firearms and a considerable ammunition stockpile.

    Acting on intelligence, officers from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) discovered a Glock 19 9mm pistol alongside a customized Polymer 80 handgun, concealed beneath the flooring of a bedroom in the upper flat of the property. The search, conducted with the 30-year-old businessman present, yielded fifty-six rounds of 9mm ammunition alongside the weapons.

    The operation escalated when additional搜查 uncovered significant financial assets hidden within a bedroom wardrobe. Police confiscated a combined total of GY$8.5 million in local and foreign currency, including GY$6,915,000 and US$7,445 in cash.

    The suspect remains in police custody while forensic examinations and investigations continue. All seized items – including the firearms, ammunition, and currency – have been officially logged as evidence. This operation marks one of the most significant arms and cash interceptions in the region this year, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat illicit activities in the area.

  • GPHC boasts of being Caribbean’s leading kidney transplant centre; each recipient saves almost GY$90 million

    GPHC boasts of being Caribbean’s leading kidney transplant centre; each recipient saves almost GY$90 million

    The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has established itself as the Caribbean’s premier kidney transplant center, achieving regional medical leadership through innovative surgical programs and substantial cost savings for patients. Health officials announced Wednesday that the Guyanese institution has performed more transplants than any other Caribbean facility in 2025, with 13 procedures completed this year alone.

    GPHC’s transplant program delivers extraordinary financial benefits to recipients, saving patients between US$400,000-$500,000 (approximately GY$87.2-109 million) compared to market rates for equivalent surgeries elsewhere. The hospital has provided these life-saving procedures completely free of charge, including for patients from several Caribbean nations such as Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, The Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago.

    CEO Robbie Rambarran highlighted the hospital’s pioneering achievements, including performing the Caribbean’s first kidney transplant on a 20kg infant in 2023 and conducting the region’s first laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in 2024. The institution recently achieved another milestone by completing its first chain transplant surgery—an intricate process involving multiple donor-recipient pairs that demonstrates sophisticated medical coordination.

    Multi-organ transplant specialist Dr. Kishore Persaud emphasized the entirely local nature of these accomplishments: “Culturally, there is sometimes a belief that outsiders can do it better than our own. Today, I proudly sit here to say that these surgeries were performed entirely by the doctors and staff of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.”

    Despite these successes, hospital officials revealed concerning statistics about kidney disease in Guyana. From 2023 to present, GPHC has registered 2,200 individuals diagnosed with kidney disease, with 368 patients currently on dialysis—246 of whom began treatment this year. Rambarran noted that demand for dialysis and transplants “exceeds our capacity,” describing this as a “call to action.”

    Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony indicated that while services remain free for now, the government might eventually charge foreign patients for these “very, very expensive” surgeries as the program develops. The ministry plans to enhance capabilities through international training partnerships with institutions in Spain, Brazil, India, and Canada, and will soon send a doctor to India’s Apollo Hospital to advance HLA testing capabilities.

    Patient testimonials highlighted the exceptional care received. Samantha Ault, who experienced transplants in both Trinidad and Tobago and at GPHC, praised the “amazing transplant team” in Georgetown. David Singh, who previously received treatment in the United States, commended the local doctors’ accessibility: “I’ve never seen a team of doctors that are so loving and caring.” Donor Akeem Ault reported that his experience “changed my entire narrative that I had about hospitals especially Georgetown Hospital.”

  • Surinamese police intercept fuel smuggled from Guyana

    Surinamese police intercept fuel smuggled from Guyana

    In a significant crackdown on cross-border crime, Surinamese law enforcement authorities have intercepted a substantial shipment of smuggled fuel originating from neighboring Guyana. The operation culminated in the arrest of a gas station proprietor in the Nickerie district, located near the strategic Corentyne River border.

    According to an official statement released by the Suriname Police Corps, the interception followed a meticulously planned surveillance operation targeting illicit cross-border activities. Officers initially identified a truck loaded with fuel whose distinctive coloration matched specifications used exclusively in Guyana. The vehicle was initially spotted parked at a local gas station on Ramadhar Rajaramweg in the Corantijnpolder district.

    Police temporarily withdrew from the scene for preliminary assessments, but upon returning discovered the truck had been moved. Investigators immediately suspected the owner, identified as LR (36), had relocated the contraband to his secondary gas station facility in the Henar district. With coordinated assistance from Paradise police units, authorities successfully intercepted the vehicle on Ir. Mn. Ataoellahweg in Henar.

    The subsequent inspection revealed four large square barrels containing approximately 4,000 liters (nearly 880 imperial gallons) of illegal fuel concealed on the truck bed. Both the gas station owner and his employee, MM (39), who were present inside the vehicle, were promptly arrested and transported to Paradise police station for processing. The truck and its illicit cargo were impounded as evidence in the ongoing investigation.

    Following consultation with the Public Prosecution Service, the primary suspect has been remanded in custody pending further investigation, while his employee has been released. The case has now been transferred to the West Region Detective Department for comprehensive investigation, highlighting the seriousness with which Surinamese authorities are treating cross-border fuel smuggling operations.