The neighbours’ new presidents have contrasting challenges
The Americas- Aug 8th 2020 edition – The EconomistFor five months Guyana has waited to see if the stand-off between its president, David Granger, and the opposition would end in violence, a coup or a peaceful transfer of power. On August 2nd peace prevailed. The Elections Commission declared that Irfaan Ali, the opposition’s candidate, had won the election held on March 2nd. He took office the same day.
Mr Ali had a minuscule lead on election day, but a disputed tally by the chief elections officer gave victory to Mr Granger. A drawn-out recount and legal battles followed. It looked as if Mr Granger, a former army brigadier, was determined to remain in office. He relented under pressure from other countries such as the United States and Britain, the former colonial power, plus regional organisations such as the Caribbean Community. Independent media and Guyana’s private sector lobbied for Mr Granger to go. His supporters plan a court fight, but have little prospect of success.
OIL: Seventeen Guyanese in the Diaspora demand comprehensive review of oil sector
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Aug 07, 2020 Kaieteur News – By Kemol King
– Resolve discrepancies in pre-contract costs
– Probe cost anomalies between Liza 1 & 2
– Review taxes paid by Guyana for oil companies
– Review unspecified interest rates on oil companies’ loans
– Improve weak environmental standards
– Regulate amount of oil being produced
Experts say that Exxon’s operations in the Stabroek Block will result in losses of billions for Guyana, due to a poor contract (Image: ExxonMobil)
A group of 17 civil society professionals in the diaspora are calling on President Irfaan Ali to undertake a comprehensive review of the oil sector before it approves the Payara Field Development Plan (FDP) permitting ExxonMobil to produce oil in a third well. Continue reading →
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