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August 25, 2020

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GEORGETOWN, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Ever since Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) found vast deposits of oil off Guyana's coastline in 2015, government leaders have pledged that black gold would transform the fortunes of one of South America's poorest countries.

This year alone, the economy should grow 48%, the fastest rate on the planet, according to the World Bank.

But managed poorly, development experts and diplomats warn, those funds will stoke Guyana's overheated, race-based politics, while adding the nation to a long list of petrostates whose people have remained poor despite vast resource wealth.

In May, Guyana's government announced it had tapped the sovereign wealth fund that holds the royalties paid by oil producers for the first time. By year-end, drawdowns will exceed $600 million, a figure that will soon balloon into the billions.

By 2027, Exxon and its partners, New York-based Hess and China National Offshore Oil Corp (0883.HK), aim to pump 1.2 million barrels per day from Guyana's seabed, making the country by far the world's largest producer per capita. read more

"Prepare for a massive influx of government revenue with little expertise on how to handle it," wrote analysts at the U.S. Agency for International Development in a report released earlier this year.

Interviews with more than 30 politicians, entrepreneurs, activists and citizens across the country showed both the buoyant aspirations and profound anxieties of a nation on the cusp of radical transformation.

The current government, supported largely by Guyanese of East Indian descent, says the oil boom will fund broad-based development with a focus on infrastructure and education for the nation's roughly 790,000 residents. read more

"Our commitment as a government is to ensure that opportunities are real across the country, irrespective of where one lives, irrespective of who someone might have voted for," Guyana's Finance Minister Ashni Singh said in an interview.

But many communities, particularly in areas associated with the Afro-Guyanese opposition, are skeptical. Some complain cash and contracts are already flowing to government supporters and allege the ruling party is installing loyalists to bodies meant to govern the nation's newfound riches – allegations that Guyana's leaders deny.

"What they're seeking to do is use oil for political patronage," said Aubrey Norton, a federal lawmaker and the head of the opposition. "There's no vision."

MAJOR OPPORTUNITY, COMPLEX TIMING

Tucked between Venezuela and Suriname, statecraft has long been volatile in Guyana, due in part to competition between its main ethnic groups.

Descendants of African slaves compose about 30% of the population. Another 40% of Guyanese descend from indentured workers from India. Mixed race and Amerindian peoples largely make up the remainder.

President Irfaan Ali of the largely Indo-Guyanese People's Progressive Party (PPP) assumed power in 2020 following a months-long political standoff after a disputed election.

In the legislature, the PPP is now in a position to make pivotal decisions regarding the nation's future thanks to a razor-thin, two-seat advantage over the opposition, led by a mainly Afro-Guyanese grouping of parties known as A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). In recent months, the two sides have butted heads on every issue from how the government's ballooning accounts should be audited to key appointments.

But perhaps the most central dispute has been fought over how to govern the Natural Resources Fund, the sovereign wealth fund holding Guyana's oil royalties. read more

Among the opposition's qualms with the current legislation, which came into effect this year, is that they have no right to appoint representatives to its board. That's a major concern in a country with a history of endemic corruption, they say.

The government calls those concerns baseless.

Singh, the finance minister, told Reuters a proposal under the previous APNU government, which was in power from 2015 through 2020, would have centralized power in the hands of the ruling party to an even greater degree.

In any case, he argued, the credentials of the government's board nominees are unimpeachable.

The opposition counters by saying that is beside the point. Regardless of any individual's qualifications, they deserve a seat at the table.

"When everyone is from one side, it sends one message - and that is that the fund will be politicized," said Vincent Adams, a former environmental regulator whose nomination to the board by the opposition was rejected by the government.

FIGHT FOR FUNDS

Beyond the halls of the National Assembly, Afro-Guyanese communities have taken to the streets at times to call out the government for allegedly unfair distribution of resources.

In an interview, the opposition leader Norton argued the government's generous use of cash handouts, often administered by local bureaucrats, promotes corruption and political favoritism.

The government has consistently denied any graft and said handout programs are subject to a federal audit. Outwardly, the government has made a point of adopting inclusive rhetoric.

But the fight for resources is often subtler than a battle over bags of cash.

Under the previous government, many state-owned sugar farms - known locally as estates - were closed or downsized amid flagging productivity. That enraged the Indo-Guyanese community, whose members make up the vast majority of workers on those estates.

Since the government changed hands, the roles have begun to reverse, with many Afro-Guyanese complaining that sugar-growing communities are getting outsized investments, while their own neighborhoods are neglected.

The Uitvlugt Estate west of Georgetown lost hundreds of workers to other industries as the former government refused to adjust salaries, its manager Yudhisthira Mana said.

But in the last year, government investment has flooded back.

"What is happening with sugar now, I have never seen in my lifetime in terms of capital injection," said Mana, a 38-year veteran of the trade. He recounted with a smile a recent visit from President Ali, whose personal residence is nearby.

Fifty miles south, however, in the primarily Afro-Guyanese bauxite-mining town of Linden, much of the population is wary.

The government has made significant investments here, including an aggressive push to pave and resurface the isolated region's undermaintained roadways.

But many residents suspect their region is getting less than they are owed.

"We're in mourning because it seems Linden isn't benefiting like the rest of the country," said Charles Antigua, a retired miner.

Also fueling the sense of inequality is that most of the country's major entrepreneurs are Indo-Guyanese, giving their ranks a massive advantage in cashing in directly from the fast-growing oil sector.

One such businessman, Nazar Mohamed, a port developer, said in an interview that President Ali had asked him if he could add an Afro-Guyanese investor to a planned project near Georgetown, but that few had the funds.

Ali's office did not respond to a request for comment regarding the purported request.

"We did approach several persons," said Mohamed. "But they couldn't even find the money for the studies, much less building the project."

Article by.

Thomson Reuters

Rio de Janeiro-based correspondent specializing in the oil and gas industry, as well as white-collar crime and corruption. Recent stories have shed light on criminal wrongdoing by some of the world’s largest commodity traders and revealed how organized crime groups have infiltrated Brazil’s largest fuel distributors. Previously posted in SΓ£o Paulo and Santiago and has also reported extensively from Argentina and Bolivia. He was born in Massachusetts and graduated from Harvard College.

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@Django posted:

Oil money is flooding into Guyana. Who will benefit?

August 25, 2020

Source

GEORGETOWN, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Ever since Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) found vast deposits of oil off Guyana's coastline in 2015, government leaders have pledged that black gold would transform the fortunes of one of South America's poorest countries.

This year alone, the economy should grow 48%, the fastest rate on the planet, according to the World Bank.

But managed poorly, development experts and diplomats warn, those funds will stoke Guyana's overheated, race-based politics, while adding the nation to a long list of petrostates whose people have remained poor despite vast resource wealth.

In May, Guyana's government announced it had tapped the sovereign wealth fund that holds the royalties paid by oil producers for the first time. By year-end, drawdowns will exceed $600 million, a figure that will soon balloon into the billions.

Guyanese will benefit from from this development.

FM
@Former Member posted:

Guyanese as a whole will benefit.

Granted that in all countries there are a few sectors that will enjoy less benefits that other sectors.

Reuters article gave an insight of Guyanese who will benefit ,the quote below is eye catching.

One such businessman, Nazar Mohamed, a port developer, said in an interview that President Ali had asked him if he could add an Afro-Guyanese investor to a planned project near Georgetown, but that few had the funds.Ali's office did not respond to a request for comment regarding the purported request."We did approach several persons," said Mohamed. "But they couldn't even find the money for the studies, much less building the project."

This chap is shady ,there are some past post here about him.

Also Guyana don't have to follow countries where a few sectors enjoy less benefits. The country can be a leader with the new found wealth where everyone benefits. Many contracts are signed daily it can be seen who are the privileged.

Django
Last edited by Django
@Django posted:

Also Guyana don't have to follow countries where a few sectors enjoy less benefits. The country can be a leader with the new found wealth where everyone benefits.

Inequality in developments exist in all countries and will continue in such manner.

Extract from one of the number of articles on the inequality of developments in countries.

United Nations

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS
WORLD SOCIAL REPORT 2020

INEQUALITY IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD

FOREWORD

The World Social Report 2020: Inequality in a rapidly changing world comes as we confront the harsh realities of a deeply unequal global landscape. In North and South alike, mass protests have flared up, fueled by a combination of economic woes, growing inequalities and job insecurity. Income disparities and a lack of opportunities are creating a vicious cycle of inequality, frustration and discontent across generations.

The World Social Report 2020 documents deep divides within and across countries despite an era of extraordinary economic growth and widespread improvements in living standards. The report also underscores how gender, along with ethnicity, race, place of residence and socioeconomic status, continue to shape the chances people have in life.

In some parts of the world, divides based on identity are becoming more pronounced. Meanwhile, gaps in newer areas, such as access to online and mobile technologies, are emerging. Unless progress accelerates, the core promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – to leave no one behind – will remain a still distant goal by 2030.

The inequality challenge is global, and intimately connected to other pressing issues of our times: not only rapid technological change, but also the climate crisis, urbanization and migration. In many places, the growing tide of inequality could further swell under the force of these megatrends.

The World Social Report 2020 sends a clear message: the future course of these complex challenges is not irreversible. Technological change, migration, urbanization and even the climate crisis can be harnessed for a more equitable and sustainable world, or they can be left to further divide us.

Governments are key players in creating more equitable societies, protecting the most vulnerable from the negative effects of these trends and ensuring that their benefits as well as adaption costs are broadly and equitably shared. But, in our increasingly interconnected world, the decisions of other countries can constrain national policy-making.

International cooperation is more important than ever.

Source & rest of article --- https://www.un.org/development...-2020-FullReport.pdf

FM
Last edited by Former Member
@Former Member posted:

Inequality in developments exist in all countries and will continue in such manner.

Extract from one of the number of articles on the inequality of developments in countries.

United Nations

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS
WORLD SOCIAL REPORT 2020

INEQUALITY IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD

FOREWORD

The World Social Report 2020: Inequality in a rapidly changing world comes as we confront the harsh realities of a deeply unequal global landscape. In North and South alike, mass protests have flared up, fueled by a combination of economic woes, growing inequalities and job insecurity. Income disparities and a lack of opportunities are creating a vicious cycle of inequality, frustration and discontent across generations.

The World Social Report 2020 documents deep divides within and across countries despite an era of extraordinary economic growth and widespread improvements in living standards. The report also underscores how gender, along with ethnicity, race, place of residence and socioeconomic status, continue to shape the chances people
have in life.

In some parts of the world, divides based on identity are becoming more pronounced. Meanwhile, gaps in newer areas, such as access to online and mobile technologies, are emerging. Unless progress accelerates, the core promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – to leave no one behind – will remain a still distant goal by 2030.

The inequality challenge is global, and intimately connected to other pressing issues of our times: not only rapid technological change, but also the climate crisis, urbanization and migration. In many places, the growing tide of inequality could further swell under the force of these megatrends.

The World Social Report 2020 sends a clear message: the future course of these complex challenges is not irreversible. Technological change, migration, urbanization and even the climate crisis can be harnessed for a more equitable and sustainable world, or they can be left to further divide us.

Governments are key players in creating more equitable societies, protecting the most vulnerable from the negative effects of these trends and ensuring that their benefits as well as adaption costs are broadly and equitably shared. But, in our increasingly interconnected world, the decisions of other countries can constrain national policy-making.

International cooperation is more important than ever.

Source & rest of article --- https://www.un.org/development...-2020-FullReport.pdeinvention always takes place or else things will remain the same. 

As said,

Also Guyana don't have to follow countries where a few sectors enjoy less benefits. The country can be a leader with the new found wealth where everyone benefits.

Django
@Django posted:

As said,

Also Guyana don't have to follow countries where a few sectors enjoy less benefits. The country can be a leader with the new found wealth where everyone benefits.

Indeed, indeed, indeed.

While everyone will benefit, such improvements will not be equitable.

There will always be more or less improvements for sectors/groups/individuals, etc..

FM
@Former Member posted:

Indeed, indeed, indeed.

While everyone will benefit, such improvements will not be equitable.

There will always be more or less improvements for sectors/groups/individuals, etc..

@Mitwah posted:

So profound! It's like the sky filled with billowy clouds.

Roflmao GIFs | Tenor

Perhaps, you are immersed way up in the thick billowy clouds and unable to see and read; hence your incoherent expressions.

FM
@Former Member posted:

Mitwah --- unfortunately for centuries/eons, child beggars are all over the world.

Do you think the recent action by the PPP turning the lights on the child beggars as if they are cockroaches will make them scurry off and hide?

What do you think of the three schmucks in the below picture?

Street Light Project launched to get child beggars off country’s roads

Human Services Minister Vindhya Persaud and UNICEF representative, Irfan Akhtar [in fore ground) and an officer from CPA at the launch of the Street Light Project. (Ministry of Human Services and Social Security photo)
Human Services Minister Vindhya Persaud and UNICEF representative, Irfan Akhtar (in fore ground) and an officer from CPA at the launch of the Street Light Project. (Ministry of Human Services and Social Security photo)

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Monday rolled out a project to bring an end to instances of children begging on the streets across the country.

Street Light Project launched to get child beggars off country’s roads - Stabroek News

Mitwah

Oil money helping to ease impact of inflation, says government

By OilNOW 0 --- Source --- OilNOW

https://oilnow.gy/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/guyana-georgetown-stabroek-market-was-designed-constructed-edgemoor-iron-company-delaware-usa-over-period-49233514-800x580.jpg

The Stabroek Market area downtown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Following the passage of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) legislation, the Guyana government has been able to authorise a US$607.6 million transfer to support the 2022 budget. The administration has said that the withdrawal would be used to invest heavily in capital expenditure while supporting the critical needs of the vulnerable population.

The government was keen to note that the strong oil windfall is therefore allowing the authorities to improve the standard of living of citizens as well as temporarily lower rates or remove taxes on selected items, including gas and diesel fuels, to mitigate the impact of rising inflation.

Its commentary which was included in the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s latest economic review also noted other ways in which the government has used the oil revenues to ease the pressures facing the nation. With the significant rise in fertiliser prices, the authorities said they are supporting farmers to access fertilisers at a more affordable cost.

The administration said too that it is committed to strengthening the medium-term fiscal framework. It said the framework will be underpinned by prudent transfers from the NRF over the medium to longer term. Such actions, the government said, will put the country in an even more sustainable fiscal position and reduce the risk of macroeconomic imbalances.

While the IMF has lobbied for the oil funds to be used for the strategic closing of the budget deficit, the government said this will take some time to achieve. In fact, the government said it will take longer than the 2025 target put forward by IMF staff in the report, considering the significant investment in both physical and human capital needed to support Guyana’s development goals.

In the meantime, the government said the oil windfall will help boost fiscal buffers and significantly improve the public debt outlook.

Guyana currently exhibits one of the lowest debt-to-GDP ratios in the region, with all external debt indicators below the relevant vulnerability thresholds, according to the IMF staff’s Debt Sustainability Analysis.

FM
@Mitwah posted:

Focus on GUyana and tell us why your PPP closed out the day care and kindergarten schools. There are so many Mandirs and churches around the country that seems to open only on Sundays and special occasions days.

When do children start to attend school? What proof do you have that Jagdeo closed Daycare and Kindergarten schools? There are Nursery schools, not Daycare.  Enmore Nursery and Kindergarten schools are opened.

R
@Ramakant-P posted:

When do children start to attend school? What proof do you have that Jagdeo closed Daycare and Kindergarten schools? There are Nursery schools, not Daycare.  Enmore Nursery and Kindergarten schools are opened.

Where did I mention Jagdeo's name? Which Government Agency is responsible for children's welfare? It was recently exposed a day care centre was operating for 10 years without a license. What do you have to say about the father beating his 5 year old daughter with a pipe?

Check and you will see that the daycare / Nursery School at the West Canje Dharamshala is closed.

Mitwah