Opinion

Kit Nascimento defends the government's stance on not renegotiating the 2016 PSA with ExxonMobil, criticizing Christopher Ram for advocating forced renegotiation. Nascimento argues that renegotiation without mutual consent risks economic stability and investor confidence. He also highlights the geopolitical threat from Venezuela and questions the logic of leaving oil resources untapped.

Sean Ori discusses the lack of dialogue between the President and the Opposition Leader in Guyana, attributing it to political issues. He urges the President to initiate dialogue, especially with elections approaching in 2025, and calls for a transformational government that moves beyond past conflicts.

John, unlike Bob, never forgets important dates and always buys gifts for his wife. For their 40th anniversary, he asked Mary what she wanted. Despite offering a ring, car, and vacation, Mary requested a divorce. John humorously declined, saying it was too costly.

The letter discusses the controversial 2016 PSA between Guyana and ExxonMobil, highlighting two options: moving on to develop local content or pursuing renegotiation for fairness. It critiques the feasibility of local content due to economic and skill gaps, advocating for renegotiation to ensure equitable resource distribution.

Dr. Bhagwan critiques Dr. Paul's letter on renegotiating oil deals, highlighting omissions regarding the 2016 PSA Agreement. He emphasizes the secrecy, imbalance, and minimal benefits for Guyana, arguing for a more equitable approach. Bhagwan calls for acknowledging these issues to improve future negotiations.

The Meadow Bank Wharf in Georgetown, Guyana, is undergoing significant upgrades to improve conditions for fisherfolk and vendors. With $150 million invested, the project is 80% complete and includes new facilities and security measures. Completion is expected by January 2025, enhancing the local fishing community's work environment.

Renegotiating Guyana's oil contracts with ExxonMobil is fraught with legal, economic, and political challenges. President Irfaan Ali ruled out renegotiations to maintain investor confidence. Economic risks include destabilizing oil export growth. Critics should focus on transparency and equitable wealth distribution. The IMF praised Guyana's transparency efforts, suggesting governance improvements for prosperity.

Anthony Pantlitz criticizes the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre's policy of denying care to patients wearing short pants, arguing it is unreasonable and inhumane. He questions the policy's alignment with compassionate, patient-centered care and urges a policy review to prevent denial of urgent dental care due to attire.

Halima Khan expresses concern over the treatment of elderly pensioners in Guyana regarding the distribution of a promised $100,000 cash grant. She criticizes the inefficient distribution process and suggests using multiple distribution points, similar to election polling stations, to ease the burden on pensioners.

The letter discusses contrasting views on Guyana's traffic situation. President Ali claims reduced accidents due to government interventions, while former diplomat Greg Quinn notes increased driver frustration. The author questions the effectiveness of fines and stricter laws, linking road rage to broader societal tensions in the oil economy.

The City Council's insistence on cash and cheque payments hinders revenue collection. Modern payment methods should be adopted to facilitate convenient taxpayer transactions, reducing long queues and eliminating the need for multiple visits. This change is necessary for addressing revenue shortfalls and aligning with Guyana's rapid development.

GuySuCo should adopt a differentiated product strategy, focusing on branded sugar products and utilizing excess land for diversification. Transportation efficiency and cost-cutting are crucial. Reclaiming Demerara Sugar rights and creating multiple income streams are recommended. Sugarcane can support high-value products like aged rum and Gasahol fuel, reducing reliance on loans.

Jamil Changlee critiques the President's response to a resident using government land for planting without permission. He emphasizes the need for clear legal guidelines and suggests compensating the resident for maintaining the Dam while providing resources for legal agricultural activities.

Antonio Dey urges Guyanese citizens to reject divisive behaviors during elections, emphasizing unity and respect across ethnic and political lines. He highlights the historical impact of racism and calls for maturity and social cohesion, particularly among the younger generation, to foster national progress.

The letter criticizes Ministers Charles Ramson Jr. and Sonia Parag for failing to assist a disabled mother, highlighting a lack of accountability. It contrasts their inaction with Azar Mohamed's efforts, who provided the family with a new home. The letter calls for ministerial resignations and urges the government to focus on genuine service.

Z. Williams expresses concerns about environmental hygiene at Bourda Market, suggests renaming CJIA to Guyana International Airport, and advocates for the abolition of horse-drawn carts due to animal welfare issues. Additional issues include noise pollution and chaotic traffic. Williams urges authorities to take action for the greater good.

Govind Singh praises the efficient distribution of the 'Because we care' cash grant, which disbursed over $9 billion to students. He suggests the government adopt this model for their own cash grant distribution to reduce recipient frustration and hardship.

The Saraswati Vidya Nikethan School will receive the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest honor for overseas Indians, recognizing its achievements. This award highlights the contributions of Pujya Swami Aksharnanda Ji in establishing the school. The recognition is a source of pride for Guyanese and celebrates the school's success.

Roy Paul advises Guyanese to plan and set life goals for the New Year. He emphasizes creating a personal mission statement, setting realistic goals, and being flexible. Paul outlines steps for success, including breaking goals into steps, overcoming obstacles, and seeking help. He encourages commitment and optimism for achieving success.

Hamilton Green criticizes the spending on renovations at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, highlighting past cost-effective construction. He questions the necessity of air-conditioning and calls for accountability from the Ministry of Youth, Culture & Sport. Green urges citizens to demand better governance and praises the editorial for its research.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) addresses allegations by R. Williams regarding partisan appointments and potential election rigging. GECOM refutes these claims, emphasizing its transparent hiring practices and commitment to free and fair elections. The Commission condemns misinformation that undermines its integrity and assures stakeholders of its dedication to credible elections.

Jamil Changlee discusses the need for Guyana to determine a minimum wage based on basic needs to reduce poverty. He emphasizes the importance of competitive sectors, market identification, trade policies, and skill development. Changlee suggests focusing on value-added products in safe markets to ensure economic stability and reduce poverty.

The letter highlights systemic issues in Guyana's handling of sexual assault cases, emphasizing the lack of independent investigative bodies and the pressure on victims to settle financially. It calls for accountability and the establishment of fair investigative processes to ensure justice for victims.

The letter criticizes the political dominance of PPP/C and APNU in Guyana, highlighting corruption and stagnation. It praises Azruddin Mohamed as a hopeful alternative, emphasizing his integrity and community support. The author calls for change, urging Guyanese to reject corrupt leadership and support leaders like Azruddin for a better future.

Guyana ends the year positively with major developmental projects, including roads, bridges, and pump stations, under President Dr. Ali's leadership. Future plans include significant investments in infrastructure and human development. The 'One Guyana' Initiative aims for a unified society, emphasizing democracy and free elections. Despite challenges, progress continues under strong leadership.