Opinion
Is Guyana headed to a future where citizens cannot protest freely and the press is stifled?
The city parking meters galvanised the people of Georgetown. Irrespective of race or political party, they came out to protest against the implementation of the meters. The major newspapers in Guyana covered the protests, giving nationwide visibility to the issue. The pressure was sufficient to get the meters removed. The debacle turned the passion in…
The World’s Newest Petrostate Isn’t Ready for a Tsunami of Cash
The Caribbean beats of reggae and soca ease into American hip-hop at a roadside bar in Georgetown, Guyana. Outside, teenagers hoot as they whiz past palm trees on mopeds. But for Gavin Singh, a 36-year-old investment banker, this is no time for play or relaxation. “People out there don’t really get it,” he says, pushing…
Throwing Around oil numbers
Every Man, Woman and Child in Guyana Must Become Oil-Minded – Part 73 – August 9, 2019 Introduction It has been a week of headlines in the petroleum sector. First out was Dr. Mark Bynoe who told the Stabroek News about Government’s plans to market its share of crude oil. This was followed by a…
Stabroek PSA lets oil companies take an unquantified amount from Guyana’s revenue – Melinda Janki
Melinda Janki, an international lawyer, recently criticised the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that governs the Stabroek Block. Stabroek PSA lets oil companies take an unquantified amount from Guyana’s revenue – Melinda Janki It is rife with controversy. It has been called illegal by some because of the circumstances under which the concession was granted, and…
Melinda Janki: Is Guyana getting a Fair Deal for its Oil & Gas?
On June 21st, 2019, Melinda Janki presented in NYC. She explained why Guyana is NOT getting a Fair Deal for its Oil & Gas. Due to technical difficulties, the audio for the last few minutes were re-recorded.
The natural resource curse and plutocratic manoeuvres in motion
Many Guyanese are now aware of some version of the natural resource curse (NRC). One taxi driver explained the idea to me last week and he also gave the Dutch disease a good shot. Economists have been pondering these ideas for at least three decades. They, however, tend not outline the transmission mechanisms of the…
Esso’s, Hess’ and CNOOC/Nexen’s Recoverable Costs amount – Continued
Every Man, Woman and Child in Guyana Must Become Oil-Minded – Part 72 – August 2, 2019 Introduction Column 71 published last week included a summary table of the Statements of Financial Position (the Balance Sheet) of the three oil companies which will lead Guyana to First Oil projected to take place during the first…
Could Huawei be requested to counter any calls for oil contract renegotiation?
On the weekend, the media reported on a real time facial recognition and facial tracking system to be deployed for 24 hours surveillance in Georgetown and the East Bank of Demerara. It was described by a government official as, “…one of the best developments for our country…”.This facial recognition technology has been banned in San…
Esso’s, Hess’ and CNOOC/Nexen’s Recoverable Costs mount
Every Man, Woman and Child in Guyana Must Become Oil-Minded – Part 71 – July 26, 2019 Introduction Today’s column summarises some of the principal information extracted from the audited financial statements of the three Contractors to the Petroleum Agreement signed on June 27, 2016. The financial statements are filed with the Commercial Registry and…