Ukraine: le barrage de Kakhovka touché, pas de “dégâts critiques”

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Guadeloupe FranceAntilles

Le barrage de Kakhovka dans le sud de l’Ukraine a été touché dimanche par une frappe ukrainienne selon les autorités d’occupation russes, sans faire toutefois de “dégâts critiques” à cette…

Le barrage de Kakhovka dans le sud de l’Ukraine a été touché dimanche par une frappe ukrainienne selon les autorités d’occupation russes, sans faire toutefois de “dégâts critiques” à cette infrastructure qui alimente notamment la Crimée annexée.

“Aujourd’hui à 10h00 (08h00 GMT), six missiles Himars ont été lancés. Les unités de défense antiaérienne en ont abattu cinq, (et) un a touché l’écluse du barrage de Kakhovka, qui a été endommagé”, a affirmé un représentant des services d’urgence de la région de Kherson, cité par les agences russes.

Le barrage hydroélectrique de Kakhovka, aménagé le long du fleuve Dniepr et pris dès le début de l’invasion russe en Ukraine, permet notamment d’alimenter en eau la péninsule de Crimée, annexée en 2014 par Moscou.

“Tout est sous contrôle”, a rapidement déclaré le représentant de l’administration installée par Moscou de Nova Kakhovka, village où est situé le barrage, à 60 km à l’est à vol d’oiseau de la grande ville de Kherson, sous contrôle russe.

“Un missile a touché (le site), mais n’a pas causé de dégâts critiques”, a précisé Rouslan Agaïev, cité par les agences russes.

Les Himars, des systèmes américains d’artillerie de précision, sont utilisés depuis juillet en Ukraine après que les Etats-Unis en ont livrés à Kiev, permettant notamment à l’armée ukrainienne d’effectuer des frappes plus précises qu’avec les armes soviétiques dont elle disposait jusque-là.

Le risque de frappes sur cette infrastructure stratégique est brandi depuis octobre par les parties ukrainienne et russe, les deux s’accusant mutuellement de mettre en danger la vie de “milliers” d’habitants dans cette zone de la région où les troupes de Kiev avancent depuis septembre.

Le président ukrainien Volodymyr Zelensk avait accusé Moscou il y a deux semaines d’avoir “miné le barrage”, l’un des plus grands en Ukraine, “des mensonges” balayés par les autorités d’occupation russes.

Menace d’inondation

Ces derniers jours jours, les autorités d’occupation russe ont mené dans les villages autour du site des “évacuations” de civils face à une “possible attaque de missile” sur le barrage dont la destruction entraînerait “l’inondation de la rive gauche” du fleuve Dniepr, selon le gouverneur régional installé par Moscou à Kherson, Vladimir Saldo.

Kiev a condamné à plusieurs reprises ces “déportations” d’habitants de la région vers des territoires moins exposés aux combats, ou même vers la Russie elle-même.

Si le barrage explose, “plus de 80 localités, dont Kherson, se retrouveront dans la zone d’inondation rapide”, avait, de son côté, alerté le 21 octobre M. Zelensky devant le Conseil de l’Union européenne.

“Cela pourrait détruire l’approvisionnement en eau d’une grande partie du sud de l’Ukraine” et affecter le refroidissement des réacteurs de la centrale nucléaire de Zaporijjia, qui puise son eau dans ce lac artificiel de 18 millions de mètres cubes, s’était-il alarmé.

L’Ukraine avait même dit réclamer une mission d’observation internationale pour sécuriser les lieux.

Prière

Sur le terrain, un Taïwanais de 25 ans, engagé volontaire contre les forces russes, a été tué au combat, première victime connue originaire de Taïwan depuis l’invasion du territoire ukrainien par Moscou, a annoncé samedi le ministère des Affaires étrangères de Taipei.

Dans son rapport quotidien, l’armée ukrainienne a, elle, accusé dimanche les Russes de “détruire” les installations “des opérations téléphoniques ukrainiens” dans la région de Kherson.

Dans le Nord-Est, à Starytsya, un petit village repris par les troupes de Kiev mi-septembre, l’armée ukrainienne patrouille. La Russie n’est qu’à quelques kilomètres.

“Chacun chez soi, la Russie a son pays et qu’ils y restent”, commente auprès de l’AFP le commandant de la 127e brigade ukrainienne, Roman Grychtchenko, à la tête de 5.000 hommes de la “Défense territoriale” qui gardent ce secteur libéré allant de la ville ukrainienne de Kharkiv à la frontière russe, à 30 kilomètres à l’est et au nord.

Le ministère russe de la Défense a pour sa part affirmé avoir éliminé “un entrepôt de missiles et d’armes d’artillerie des forces armées ukrainiennes”, dont “120 roquettes du système Himars”, dans la région occupée de Donetsk (est).

En déplacement à Bahreïn, le pape François a finalement dit prier dimanche pour “l’Ukraine si martyrisée et pour que cette guerre finisse”, après plus de huit mois de conflit.

bur/pa

Zelensky accuse les dirigeants iraniens de minimiser le nombre de drones livrés à Moscou

A Moscou, le 6 novembre 2022, une affiche célèbre les “héros de la Russie”
• Yuri KADOBNOV

Roman Grychtchenko, commandant ukrainien de la brigade qui surveille une région frontalière de la Russie et reprise récemment par l’armée ukrainienne, dans le nord-est de l’Ukraine, le 6 novembre 2022
• Dimitar DILKOFF

Un bâtiment de la banlieue de Kharkiv, dans le nord-est de l’Ukraine, après un bombardement de l’artillerie russe, le 5 novembre 2022
• Dimitar DILKOFF

NewsAmericasNow.com

Burt Point sewage plant promised by May

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: The BVI Beacon

The wastewater treatment plant at Burt Point, which went offline after sustaining damage during Hurricane Irma, is awaiting materials and equipment for a $2.5 million repair project that is scheduled to be completed by May 2023, Deputy Premier Kye Rymer said during a House of Assembly meeting last week.

“It is anticipated that all the long lead material and equipment will be shipped by January for the commencement of physical works onsite,” Mr. Rymer said on Oct. 25. “It is further expected that the wastewater treatment plant will be fully repaired and commissioned by May 2023.”

In August, government awarded Biwater International Limited a $2,594,317 contract to repair the plant, and a mobilisation payment was handed over in September, according to the minister.

Cabinet decision

The contract stems from Cabinet’s August 2020 decision that Biwater, which built the plant and a similar one in Paraquita Bay, should be hired to recommission the Burt Point facility, Mr. Rymer said in May.

The same month, he said that government had drafted a contract worth about $1.4 million for Biwater to carry out the first phase of repairs and bring the plant back online.

At the time, Mr. Rymer also said that once the initial paperwork was finished he expected the plant to be recommissioned in six months.

Last week, he did not explain the $1 million-plus cost increase.

Operations contract

“My ministry is also working diligently on developing a tender document to coincide with the repair and commissioning of the plant for an experienced company to manage, operate and maintain the wastewater treatment plant for a period of seven years,” he added last week.

Apprenticeship

The chosen company will be responsible for undertaking an apprenticeship programme for young people interested in the field, according to Mr. Rymer, who is also the minister of communications and works.

Scholarships

Government, he said, will award scholarships through the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College to encourage students to become qualified plant operators and technicians.

NewsAmericasNow.com

New Elmore Stoutt High School buildings ‘90% complete’

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: The BVI Beacon

Though the new buildings at Elmore Stoutt High School initially were scheduled to be completed before September, shipping challenges and other issues have set the target date months behind, according to Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sharie De Castro.

Ms. De Castro explained the delays during a House of Assembly meeting on Oct. 25, saying that works are “90 percent complete” and that the date of the opening ceremony will be announced only after several more steps are completed.

Outstanding works include the delivery of furniture like office and computer desks, storage units, photocopiers, microwaves, and electrical appliances, according to the minister.

She added that 42 interactive whiteboards and three folding beds for the infirmary are scheduled to arrive no later than Nov. 18.

Shipping challenges

Ms. De Castro also pro- vided more details about the recent delays. Her ministry, for instance, has faced challenges with scheduled shipping dates for critical components of the project, she said.

Although contractors expected windows, doors, paints and floor stains in July so that construction could be completed by the end of August, “global supply chain issues” along with adverse weather conditions disrupted the transportation of these critical items, she explained.

“Based on these challenges, a new date for the shipment of windows, for example — which were manufactured in China — was determined and slated to arrive on Aug. 21, 2022,” she said. “However, these windows were further delayed due to the unusual congestion in port Kingston, Jamaica. That shipment was received on Sept. 4, 2022, but only included the bathroom windows and the sound retention louvers for the building walkways.”

Not offloaded

Windows and light fixtures arrived in the territory on Sept. 28 but were accidentally sent away to St. Maarten because the container wasn’t offloaded, according to the minister. It took another 18 days to correct the mistake, she said.

“These items were outside of our control and affected the timeline,” Ms. De Castro said. “In construction, there are unexpected mishaps that affect the work programme, and this was unfortunately a part of the process.”

Floor stains arrived on Oct. 4 and a final shipment of furniture came on Oct. 23, according to the minister. And despite an accident that affected the shipment of paint, locally sourced paint was used to finish painting works, she explained.

Despite the challenges, the minister thanked contractors Quality Construction, Metro Construction, Autland Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd., and the joint venture of Sunleaf Construction and Northam Construction for a “stellar job” in “advancing the buildings … within an unprecedented short timeline.”

Groundbreaking

The plans for three new ESHS buildings were unveiled in January. Among other uses, they will accommodate senior students who were then attending classes at the former Clarence Thomas Limited building in Pasea.

Even though the buildings weren’t finished at the start of this school year, the students moved to the existing ESHS buildings, where they are attending on a shift system.

RDA officials said they expected a total project expenditure of about $15 million.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Man dead from St Ann crash hailed as ‘respectful’ brother, jovial soul Loop Jamaica

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

Tributes continue to flow for a beloved resident of Brown’s Town, St Ann who died on Thursday after sustaining injuries in a motor vehicle crash in Discovery Bay in the parish.

The deceased is Nigel Gayle, alias ‘Gregory’ or ‘Greg’, an equipment operator of Orange Hill in Brown’s Town. He was said to be in his 40s.

According to police reports, about 6:40 pm on Thursday, the driver of a white Nissan motorcar was travelling along the Discovery Bay main road, when he lost control of the vehicle, which collided with a white Toyota motorcar that was being driven by Gayle.

Two other motor vehicles were reportedly damaged in the crash.

Gayle and two other injured persons were assisted to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

It is understood that the driver of the Nissan motorcar has since been warned for prosecution relative to the incident.

As news of Gayle’s death spread, several persons took to social media platform, Facebook, where they remembered him for largely being jovial and friendly.

Sharing his grief on Facebook was dancer, Blanka Syvaah, who said Gayle was his brother.

He lamented that he lost an older sister three years ago, and had now lost his eldest brother.

“I’m feeling weak right now,” he wrote on Facebook late Thursday night.

Continuing, he said: “The only brother I have that understands me and always showed respect even tho(ugh) he is older.

“He always pushed me in dancing, supported me 100%. We talk about everything and never had an argument since we became men… You didn’t even get to meet your niece and nephew from me.

“My head hurts. It feels like I’m dying. I love you big bro, and you know that before this day. We will meet again bro. Rest easy, Nigel Gayle,” the post ended.

Said another Facebook user, Dawn Edwards: “Gregory (Nigel Gayle), you shake me up last night (Thursday) bad.

“You were such an awesome, jovial person. All when I do not see you and you spot me, you… shout out, ‘Aunty Dawn’, with a hug or car horn. May your soul rest in peace. My condolences to all of the family.”

Wrote Stephanie Hector: “Nigel Gayle, we know each other for over 20 years.

“I lost my best friend last night. I am so sad and heartbroken. Rest well…”

Shared Donnett Linton: “It’s sad to hear such news this morning (Friday).

“Rest in peace Gregory (Nigel Gayle). You were a vibrant and loving soul. You didn’t deserve such pain,” she added.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Young funeral director reported missing in St Andrew Loop Jamaica

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News
Loop News

8 minutes ago

Tyrese Smith

NEWYou can now listen to Loop News articles!

Twenty-year-old Tyrese Smith, a funeral director of Plumbago Path in Mona Heights, St Andrew, has been missing since Thursday, November 3.

He is of dark complexion, medium build and is about 165 centimetres (five feet five inches) tall.

Reports from the Half-Way Tree police are that Smith was last seen at about 3pm at his workplace.

All subsequent attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful.

Anyone with information that can assist the police to locate Tyrese Smith is being asked to contact the Half-Way Tree police at 876-926-8185, the police 119 emergency number, or the nearest police station.

Related Articles

More From

Business

When Sean-Paul Morgan and Kadian Thomas established a bar and grill three years ago in Portmore, St Catherine, the selling point they pitched to patrons was: “you don’t have to cross the toll for a go

Jamaica News

Check out this weekly feature for practical tips and information on living in, working, studying, and visiting the USA.

Many people visit the US on visitor’s (tourist) visas, which are official

Jamaica News

Three people are dead and 13 others injured following a two-vehicle crash on Melrose Hill bypass in Manchester on Friday.

Reports are that at about 11:30am, a taxi driver was operating a white moto

Our Endz

Name changes can come as a surprise to some people, especially when it comes to schools.

Take for instance the case of St James High.

This institution has been through the wringer over the years

Jamaica News

As the destination continues its strong tourism recovery, Jamaica has welcomed over two million stopover arrivals for 2022 as of October in line with previous projections.

“It is truly gratifying t

NewsAmericasNow.com

Police Force Ecstatic Over Keriann’s Victory as Miss OECS

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

Police Force Ecstatic Over Keriann’s Victory

A buzz of excitement and pride is emanating among the members of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda as they pour out words of congratulation to their own Queen Keriann Thomas for winning the Miss OECS 2022 Pageant.

The young Police Constable, who recently joined the rank and file of the Police Force, stunned her audience with sheer elegance, creativity, and beauty, as she walked away with the titles of Best in Creative National Wear, Best Creative National Wear, Best Swim Wear, Best in Swim Wear, Best Evening Gown and Best in Evening Gown.

Waking up to the news, several officers went on various social media platforms to express elation and satisfaction over Keriann’s performance.

Commissioner Atlee Rodney congratulated the newly crowned OECS Queen for her commitment, dedication and willingness to participate in such a high-level regional competition and for making the Royal police Force and the nation of Antigua and Barbuda proud.

He said, “This has once again demonstrated the various skill sets within our Police Force. We have the capability of keeping the peace by enforcing the laws of the land and still promoting the cultural aspect of our society. We are indeed a talented organization dedicated to making our contribution in various aspects of our national development.“ Other senior executive officers also echoed similar sentiments and offer their congratulations.

Miss Keriann Thomas was the winner of the 2022 Police Week Queen’s Pageant held in September at the Antigua Recreation Grounds. She was accompanied by her chaperone and other members of the Police Week Queen’s Committee.

The pageant was held in Dominica at the Old Mill Cultural Center on Saturday night.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP

NewsAmericasNow.com

Coosal: Support Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle campaign

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

Coosal’s Group of Companies executive director Tricia Coosal places the first donation into the Salvation Army Christmas kettle, alongside, from patron Zalayhar Hassanali, Salvation Army chairman Bindra Dolsingh, and Port of Spain Mayor Joel Martinez during the launch at MovieTowne, Mucurapo on Friday. Photo by Sureash Cholai

Coosal’s Group of Companies is encouraging the public to support the Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle campaign to raise funds for those less fortunate.

Executive director Tricia Coosal, who stood in for her father and executive chairman Sieunarine Coosal, said her family and the group have been long-time supporters of the campaign which was launched at MovieTowne, Mucurapo on Friday.

She added that corporate financial support of initiatives such as the Christmas kettle campaign is decreasing as world events have made it difficult for individuals and businesses.

“In spite of this environment, there is still a need to contribute to those less fortunate in society as well as an expectation of corporate social responsibilty.”

She said the Salvation Army has worked innovatively and creatively to be resourceful with what they have or can have access to. She said this is why the Coosal’s Group of Companies’ continues to support the event.

Coosal, the TT Manufacturers Association president, said the way in which people operate, their well-being, safety, good health, access to food and decent housing directly affects the productivity in society.

“As such, the more social improvement that we invest in, the more it leads to the benefit for both individuals and the country. The arising possibility of opportunity is what the Salvation Army offers and the element that dovetails with our mission and vision at the Coosal’s Group.”

She urged both corporate entities and individuals to offer not just financial support, but their vested interest in supporting the Salvation Army’s work.

“The kettle campaign and other such initiatives improve social conditions and the quality of local life, humanity, in ways that impact you. Your individual support pays if forward for a better society and country. I encourage all of you here…to give towards humanity.”

NewsAmericasNow.com

High costs of sea freight an obstruction to economic development – Pres Ali

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana
President Dr Irfaan Ali at the ACMF Anchor Awards 2022 in Florida on Friday

…calls for urgent action to address inefficiencies within transport sector at ACMF Anchor Awards 2022

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday zeroed in on the realities of soaring freight costs within the Region and its burden on developing states, and as such, called for urgent action to address the inefficiencies within the transport sector.

He made this call at the American-Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) Anchor Awards 2022 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he was the guest speaker.

During his address, the Guyanese Head of State acknowledged the ineptitudes in transport and how it is affecting the Region while outlining that expeditious movement cannot be achieved without intervention.

“Unless we can increase the productive capacity and we can improve the system of production, and use our geographic location to ignite a reversal in the chain of goods and supply, we will not be able to have this expeditious movement or changes in terms of efficiency within the Region,” Dr Ali stated.

He related that Guyana has been making strides to re-engineer the supply systems and develop infrastructure, as he lobbied for more investments in shipping logistics.

“Shipping and logistics, the industry itself has a very long life in the Region. This, of course, is critically linked to human resource development. It is not training people to be exported. It is not training people whose skills will not be required in the future. It is training in a developmental context.”

Today, more than 100,000 commercial shipping vessels navigate the oceans, moving more than 80 per cent of internationally-traded goods. This is seven per cent of the value of global trade.

Statistics show that trade in goods has more than quadrupled over the past five years, while it is estimated that the volume of cargo has increased from 2.5 trillion tonnes in 1970 to 11 trillion tonnes in 2019 – two-thirds of this trade occurring in developing countries.

Ali, however, underscored that the pandemic inflicted a range of challenges on the global economy with global output shrinking by 3.1 per cent in 2020. This slowdown in economic activity, lockdowns, and restrictions forced onto countries has led to a decline in maritime trade by 3.8 per cent and 422 million tonnes.

Moreover, shipping costs skyrocketed sevenfold in some instances, leading to a spike in prices and higher inflation.

“The high cost of sea freight stands as an obstruction to economic development. The high cost of sea freight is contributing to rising prices in commodities and inputs from both manufacturing and the agriculture sector. It is increasing import costs and making the Region’s export less competitive. Developed economies can better absorb price increases but not so much, as poor developing states. Our region’s Small Island Developing States, with a high dependence on imports, increased shipping costs add to their burden,” he noted.

He called for action and solutions immediately to turn around the sector, given the long-term consequences attached to current operations. According to Ali, the shipping industry has an important part in the recovery from COVID-19 devastation and the supply chain crisis. He added that better freight rates will support a better recovery.

“This requires us to collectively come to the table and find answers faster. Otherwise, we will be hurting our economies severely in the long-term and the social tensions within our societies is going to escalate,” the Head of State positioned.

Maritime responsibility

On the other end, the upkeep of maritime responsibility and ensuring that the Caribbean waters are kept safe from accidents were also put forward.

“The Caribbean Sea must be kept safe from conflict and environmental damage. The Heads of State in the Caribbean Community, since 1999, express great concern for the movement of nuclear and toxic waste through the Caribbean. This is a good time to reaffirm the position that the Region’s maritime space be protected from the risks of marine accidents,” the Guyanese President told the gathering.

According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.”

The President said in order to capitalise on the blue economy, modernisation of the economy is necessary.

“The maritime sector in the Caribbean must be modernised in order to help the Region seize the opportunity inherent to global trade and the exploitation of the blue economy. Enhancing the Region’s human resources is an integral element of that modernisation.”

NewsAmericasNow.com

Police destroy over $184M in ganja during operation at Fort Nassau Savannah

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana
The one of the camps destroyed by police

A 19-year-old farmer along with another man were on Friday arrested following the discovery of over $184 million worth of ganja during an operation at Fort Nassau Savannah, Upper Berbice River.

The exercise was conducted by ranks of B Division led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police.

Police stated that during the eradication exercise, a search was conducted on a two-storey wooden building owned Rasleigh Ragan called “Blackie”, 38, of Fort Nassau Savannah, Upper Berbice River, during which three live 20-gauge cartridges were found along with seven 25-gauge spent shells.

The marijuana found

At the time of the operation, 19-year-old Atley Hinds of Gateroy Village, Berbice River, was at the location and as such, he along with Ragan were told of the offence committed, cautioned and arrested.

However, in the presence of the duo, a further search was conducted in the building, where three bulky parcels containing a quantity of cannabis were discovered.

Ragan immediately claimed ownership of one of the parcels while Hinds took ownership of the other two.

Nevertheless, about 30 metres away from the building, several cannabis plants measuring about six inches to three feet in height were found. Again, Ragan claimed that he cultivated the plants for smoking purposes.

Meanwhile, the ranks then went to a nearby makeshift camp where they found about 450 pounds of dry cannabis with an estimated worth of $183,704,940.

The ranks also found another makeshift camp on a plot of land with about 137 suspected cannabis plants measuring about six inches to three feet in height along with a chainsaw and a water pump and a quantity of cannabis seeds.

The suspected cannabis plants were uprooted and destroyed, while the makeshift camps, the dry cannabis along with the chainsaw and other items were destroyed by fire.

The suspected cannabis seized and destroyed by Police during the eradication exercise amounted to six kilograms.

Ragan and Hinds were escorted to Central Police Station where they were placed into custody pending charges.

NewsAmericasNow.com

No intention for Guyana to be refinery capital of Region; govt will only sell 30,000 bpd to 1 refinery for national security

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has made it clear that the Government will not be selling crude to any refinery with a capacity above the 30,000 barrels per day (bpd), as the Government is currently seeking proposals from interested companies.

During a press briefing on Thursday, Jagdeo explained that the Government does not want the carbon footprint a large refinery would leave. Earlier this year, there were a number of companies that had expressed an interest in building large refineries in Guyana. Jagdeo noted that this is why the Request for Proposals (RFP) that has been issued by the Government, specifies that the proposals must be for a 30,000-bpd refinery.

“We need for national security, a small refinery in the country. So, we’re not looking to become the refinery capital of the Region. So how do we trigger this? We don’t want to own it in Government, but how do we get all these bidders to work together? We’re only selling 30,000 barrels of crude per day to one, the bidder most serious about building the refinery.”

Jagdeo noted that in the Request for Proposals, the Government put out that they would provide the land, and tax concessions and would sell the oil needed for the refinery to operate. He explained that while the company that eventually wins the bid will not be restricted to selling fuel to the Government, in times of crisis the State can exercise its powers to restrict fuel export and make the company sell to them for domestic consumption.

“So, this is for national security purposes, to have energy security at home so we don’t run out of gas or diesel or anything like that here. We’re pursuing this refinery. But not with Government funds. And through an open process,” Jagdeo explained.

“I saw one person say they want to build four refineries. Who is that? I don’t know who would want to build four refineries… it doesn’t make sense. That’s all we’re supporting, a 30,000-barrel-a-day refinery for Guyana. The others, we’re not selling any crude to them.”

Successive Governments have been cautious on the matter of building a refinery in Guyana that is State-owned, resulting in the only takers for this initiative coming from the private sector. The former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government had previously hired a consultant, Pedro Haas, to carry out a feasibility study into constructing an oil refinery.

The results of the study did not favour building a refinery, particularly one with a capacity to produce over 100,000 barrels per day. In his study, Haas looked at the cost of building an oil refinery with a capacity of producing more than 100,000 barrels of oil per day. The study had come up with a US$5 billion price tag in order to construct the refinery in Guyana.

The expert also suggested that as an alternative to the establishment of an oil refinery, the Government could pursue maximising income from commercialising crude oil. Another suggestion was that the Government swap or toll crude oil for products on the global market or create joint ventures with offshore refineries, as well as acquire stock in refining companies.

However, the study was done at a time when oil giant ExxonMobil was the only operator in Guyana’s waters to find oil in commercial quantities. Members of the private sector have previously urged that the construction of a refinery be re-explored when more operators find oil.

Back in August, Jagdeo had hinted that while the Government had received at least eight or nine proposals for big refineries to be set up here, there is a need for at least one small refinery in the country to process the crude for local consumption in order to ensure the country’s energy security in the future.

According to the RFP that was issued, construction on the refinery is expected to begin by the first half of 2023, with the project expected to be completed within two years. The refinery will be located near the Berbice river. The proposals are due next month.

NewsAmericasNow.com