Sheriff News Network – Guyana

Omai resource jumps to nearly 8Moz, company eyes multi-decade gold operation in Guyana

Staff Reporter — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:44:18 +0000

Omai Gold Mines says its updated mineral resource estimate has pushed the Omai Gold Project further into large-scale territory, with the company now reporting 2.495 million ounces of gold in the Indicated category and 5.465 million ounces in the Inferred category across the Wenot and Gilt deposits. The company is also positioning the project as a major long-term redevelopment candidate, with a Preliminary Economic Assessment now expected within two to three months. In a release dated April 14, Omai said the updated estimate for its 100%-owned Omai Gold Property reflects expansions at both the Wenot and Gilt deposits. Overall, the combined Indicated resource rose by 17.6% to 2.495 million ounces at an average grade of 2.04 grams per tonne, while the combined Inferred resource increased by 24.7% to 5.465 million ounces at 1.59 grams per tonne. Company President and CEO Elaine Ellingham said the update “reinforces Omai’s position as the largest gold project in Guyana,” while arguing that the property’s location and existing infrastructure continue to strengthen its development case. She said Omai has road access, an on-site airstrip, a cleared site, known metallurgical recoveries and established tailings sites, while also describing Guyana as “a favourable jurisdiction for permitting with Government and communities’ support for large-scale mine development.” Ellingham further said the latest estimate is the company’s fifth for the project and “again reinforces the potential for large-scale mine re-development at Omai.” According to her, “with each successive milestone it becomes even clearer that Omai has the potential to be a multi-decade large-scale gold mining operation.” The biggest movement came from the Wenot deposit, where the Indicated resource climbed 49.8% to 1.453 million ounces of gold in 28.4 million tonnes, grading 1.59 grams per tonne. The Wenot Inferred resource also rose by 7.6% to 3.999 million ounces in 92.4 million tonnes at 1.35 grams per tonne. Omai said recent drilling and refined geological modelling supported that expansion, while also helping convert a significant portion of previously inferred material into the higher-confidence Indicated category. The company said 31 diamond drill holes totalling 15,004 metres since the August 2025 estimate helped refine the Wenot model. It said the additional work supported an important step toward the upcoming PEA, since the revised geological model and mineralized zones now form the basis for an optimized mine plan. Omai said one of the objectives of drilling over 2024 and 2025 was to begin converting the large Inferred resource at Wenot into Indicated ounces, and it reported that recent drilling added 483,000 ounces to the Indicated category. Even with that conversion, Omai said Wenot still remains open for more expansion. Ellingham said both Wenot and Gilt are open at depth, adding that a deep hole drilled below Wenot in 2025 established the presence of the Wenot shear, which hosts seven gold zones, some 700 metres below the known deposit. At Gilt, the updated estimate showed a mixed but still materially larger overall resource. The Indicated resource declined by 9.5% to 1.042 million ounces at 3.33 grams per tonne in 9.7 million tonnes, while the Inferred resource jumped 120.3% to 1.465 million ounces at 3.22 grams per tonne in 14.2 million tonnes. Omai said the increase in inferred ounces came mainly from re-examining data from the upper part of the deposit and from deeper drilling, which showed mineralized zones extending into surrounding volcanic rocks. The company said two additional deep holes drilled across Gilt in 2024 and 2025 were included in the updated estimate. It also said a revised resource model identified 26 separate gold mineralized zones at Gilt, up from 11 in the previous model, allowing tighter definition of mineralization and less waste within the zones for future mine planning. As for the reduction in Gilt’s Indicated ounces, Omai said that came as the estimate applied a slightly higher cut-off grade of 1.7 grams per tonne instead of 1.5 grams per tonne, along with greater selectivity in defining mineralization domains and more restrictive criteria for classifying Indicated blocks. Even so, the grade of the Indicated resource increased from 3.22 to 3.33 grams per tonne. The release said the mineral resource estimate uses a gold price assumption of US$3,000 per ounce. For Wenot, the open pit cut-off grades remain at 0.20 grams per tonne for soft rock and 0.30 grams per tonne for hard rock, while the underground cut-off grade is 1.70 grams per tonne. Omai also said process recoveries were assumed at 90% for Wenot alluvium and saprolite, 92% for Wenot transition and fresh rock, and 92% for Gilt. Looking ahead, Omai said a 50,000-metre drill programme is already underway with five drills turning. Ellingham said the company is continuing to drill aggressively “to increase the Mineral Resources and to upgrade the Inferred Resources, as we set our sights on a future Prefeasibility or Feasibility Study.” She added that drilling is now focused on Wenot and certain nearby targets. The company said the effective date of the updated mineral resource estimate is April 7, 2026. It added that the estimate was prepared in accordance with Canadian Institute of Mining standards and National Instrument 43-101 disclosure rules, with Alan J. San Martin of SLR Consulting identified as the qualified person for the mineral resource estimate. Omai Gold noted that the historic Omai mine produced more than 3.7 million ounces of gold between 1993 and 2005, before operations ceased when gold was below US$400 an ounce. The company said the current project benefits from that legacy infrastructure and is connected by road to Georgetown and Linden.

The post Omai resource jumps to nearly 8Moz, company eyes multi-decade gold operation in Guyana appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

Guyana among high-growth offshore markets as global subsea demand climbs -Westwood

Staff Reporter — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:41:26 +0000

Guyana has been identified as one of the emerging hotspots for offshore oilfield equipment, as global demand for subsea trees continues to rise, according to new insights from energy research firm Westwood Global Energy Group.In a recent update, the company said, “Subsea tree demand is building steadily, with a strong pipeline shaping the years ahead,” pointing to increased activity across major offshore basins.While much of the early 2026 awards have been driven by projects outside the region, including CNOOC International’s Kaiping 18-1 development, Westwood noted that countries like Guyana are expected to see significant growth in the coming years.The firm projects that approximately 1,375 subsea tree units will be required globally between 2026 and 2030, averaging about 275 units annually. Within that outlook, Guyana is grouped among a set of high-growth markets expected to surpass 100 units by the end of the decade.This places the country alongside other expanding offshore players such as Australia and China, signalling continued momentum in Guyana’s oil and gas sector as development ramps up across multiple projects.Westwood explained that while demand remains concentrated in traditional offshore hubs like Brazil, Norway and Nigeria, which together account for roughly 40 per cent of expected activity, newer producers are steadily gaining ground.The report also highlighted several key projects and contract decisions expected in the near term, including developments offshore Indonesia and Brazil, indicating that competition for subsea equipment and services is likely to intensify.Subsea trees, critical components used to control the flow of oil and gas from underwater wells, are a key indicator of offshore development activity. Increased demand typically reflects new project approvals and drilling expansion.Westwood, which provides data and advisory services to the global energy industry, said its projections are based on ongoing analysis of exploration and production trends worldwide.For Guyana, the forecast reinforces expectations of sustained offshore growth, as the country continues to expand production across its Stabroek Block developments and beyond.

The post Guyana among high-growth offshore markets as global subsea demand climbs -Westwood appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

5,000 homes targeted as GEA rolls out grid solar push, promising major cuts to electricity bills

Staff Reporter — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:24:22 +0000

Head of the Guyana Energy Agency, Mahendra Sharma, says the government’s newly launched grid-connected solar household initiative could significantly reduce monthly electricity costs for consumers, while creating a new class of energy producers across the country.Speaking on the Starting Point podcast hosted by Kiana Wilburg, Sharma detailed how the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) Grid Connected Solar project is designed to ease reliance on the national grid while putting money back into consumers’ pockets.Sharma explained that the system prioritises solar energy use within the home before drawing from the grid.“A grid-connected solar system is simply solar panels that you install on your roof… and that is connected to the mains of your building,” he said.As sunlight is converted into electricity throughout the day, that energy is used immediately within the household.“So if your refrigerator is on, your TV is on… it displaces that energy immediately with whatever comes from the sun,” Sharma noted.Only when solar generation falls short does the system automatically pull additional power from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), eliminating the need for manual switching.In cases where solar production exceeds household consumption, excess energy is sent back to the grid, enabled by upgraded bidirectional meters.“The excess then goes to the utility… the bidirectional meter counts energy flows from the grid and energy flows to the grid,” Sharma explained.Consumers are credited at 90% of the retail tariff rate, currently about $43.43 per unit, creating a “credit bank” system that offsets future usage.“At the end of the month… they discount what you gave from what you took,” he said.Notably, Sharma revealed that if a household generates more energy than it consumes over a year, GPL is required to pay the customer.“If by the end of the year you end up in a net positive situation… GPL will cut the check and give it to you,” he stated.Using a typical example, Sharma said a 5-kilowatt system, now the standard size on the market, costs about $1.2 million to install.However, it can generate approximately $28,000 worth of electricity monthly.“So it offsets that amount of energy that you use,” he said, pointing out that a household with a $30,000 bill could see most of that cost eliminated.Despite the upfront investment, Sharma noted that households often still consume slightly more than they generate due to increasing appliance use.“The more disposable income we have, the more our consumptive patterns change… so more than often, you end up netting out or you’re always paying a little bit more,” he explained.Still, he emphasised that the system reduces overall consumption while improving energy reliability.Acknowledging the high initial cost, Sharma said the agency has already engaged financial institutions to make the systems more accessible.“Every bank is on board with this initiative,” he said, adding that loan repayments could range from about $7,000 to $26,000 per month depending on financing terms.He noted that persons with existing mortgages may find it easier to access funding.While 5-kilowatt systems are being used as a baseline, Sharma encouraged businesses to consider larger installations.“A 10-kilowatt system is a good idea because the sun cycle… follows perfectly the business cycle,” he said.He added that such systems could also support the growing push towards electric vehicles, allowing businesses to offset both operational and transport energy costs.The initiative is aiming to onboard at least 5,000 households in its first phase. However, Sharma warned that technical limits within the grid could restrict uptake in certain areas.“If you live in a particular area and there is more solar… than the transformers can reasonably handle, GPL will have to set a limit,” he said.Because solar energy is intermittent, too much generation in one area could strain the system.“So the point… is first come, first serve,” Sharma urged.On timelines, Sharma said the process from expressing interest to installation could take between two to three months, depending on demand.The agency will guide applicants through the process, from assessing roof space to selecting installers and securing financing.“We’re going to hold your hands throughout the entire process,” he assured.Consumers will also be able to monitor their systems in real time through mobile apps, tracking energy generation, grid usage, and savings.With over 300 existing “prosumers” already feeding more than 11 megawatts of solar power into the grid, Sharma said the programme is not experimental but proven, and now poised for rapid expansion.“This is tried, tested, and established,” he said.

The post 5,000 homes targeted as GEA rolls out grid solar push, promising major cuts to electricity bills appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

Renewables to supply up to 25% of peak demand as Guyana adds 50MW this year -GEA

Staff Reporter — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:39:18 +0000

Guyana is on track to significantly boost its renewable energy capacity this year, with the government expected to add about 50 megawatts (MW), bringing renewables closer to supplying a quarter of the country’s peak electricity demand.This is according to Head of the Guyana Energy Agency, Dr. Mahendra Sharma, who said the expansion forms part of a broader shift away from heavy fuel oil towards a diversified energy mix.Speaking on the Starting Point podcast hosted by Kiana Wilburg, Sharma explained that the transition is being driven by a combination of natural gas, hydropower and solar investments.“Of course, the gas to energy is at the top of that list because it represents a significant shift from our dependence on heavy fuel oil towards cleaner forms of energy like natural gas,” Sharma said, while noting that the strategy goes beyond gas alone.He added, “It is not just natural gas. It is a combination of gas, hydro… and we’re investing in a number of utility-scale solar PV farms.”Sharma revealed that by the end of 2026, government-backed projects alone will account for “probably about 50 megawatts of new renewable energy installed capacity,” including mini hydros, utility-scale solar farms, solar mini-grids and rooftop systems.When combined with private sector investments, such as the recently commissioned solar facility at Aurora Gold Mines, which adds more than 49MW, the impact becomes more significant.“So what does 50 megawatts and 49 megawatts mean?… it represents a significant proportion of our peak demand,” Sharma explained, noting that Guyana’s peak demand currently stands at about 205MW.“In that context, it represents close to 20%, 25% of that peak demand,” he added.The GEA Head also disclosed that the long-anticipated Amaila Falls Hydropower Project is moving forward, with the request for proposals (RFP) expected to open this month.Beyond large-scale projects, Sharma said the agency is now targeting households as part of its renewable push, under a new initiative dubbed the LCDS Grid Connected Solar PV Programme.The programme aims to help citizens install rooftop solar systems, with technical and financial guidance provided throughout the process.“A major initiative that we’re driving right now is creating awareness and… an education campaign so that the average householder can play their part,” Sharma said.He noted that a dedicated team has been established within the agency to assist with everything from securing quotations to accessing financing and overseeing installation.The initiative is being supported by Guyana Power and Light, which has introduced a streamlined approval process.“They’ve actually created a special LCDS express lane to allow fast access, quick approvals to get this done,” Sharma said.He added that the agency is also working with the Government Electrical Inspectorate to ensure installations meet national standards and can safely supply power to homes.As Guyana accelerates its transition, Sharma said the country’s abundant natural resources, particularly sunlight, remain central to reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and advancing its low-carbon development goals.

The post Renewables to supply up to 25% of peak demand as Guyana adds 50MW this year -GEA appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

Contact Lost with Air Services Cessna in Mahdia; Search Efforts Underway

Staff Reporter — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:10:56 +0000

Authorities have lost contact with an Air Services Cessna aircraft, registration 8R-YAC, in Mahdia, Region Eight, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has confirmed.Director General Egbert Field disclosed that the aircraft, which was being piloted by a foreign national attached to the airline, made its last communication earlier today. It remains unclear at this time whether there were any additional persons on board.Search and rescue teams have since been mobilised to locate the missing aircraft. Meanwhile, other aircraft operating within the area have been urged to remain vigilant and report any signs of debris or a possible crash site.Investigations and search operations are ongoing as authorities work to determine the whereabouts of the aircraft. News Room

The post Contact Lost with Air Services Cessna in Mahdia; Search Efforts Underway appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

Unicomer Opens New Courts Location at Vreed-en-Hoop, Region Three

Staff Reporter — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:09:52 +0000

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Susan Rodrigues, today participated in the official opening of the new Courts location at Vreed-en-Hoop, Region Three, where she had the honour of cutting the ceremonial ribbon to declare the establishment officially open to the public.The new store, operated by Unicomer Guyana, represents a significant investment in the rapidly expanding West Demerara corridor, bringing greater access to quality furniture, appliances, and customer-focused services to residents of Region Three and surrounding communities. The modern facility is also expected to create employment opportunities while supporting increased commercial activity along the West Bank Demerara.Delivering remarks at the ceremony, Minister Rodrigues commended Unicomer for its continued confidence in Guyana’s economic trajectory and its commitment to expanding its footprint to better serve communities beyond Georgetown. She noted that the company’s investment aligns with Government’s vision of promoting inclusive growth and ensuring that development reaches all regions of the country.Remarks were also delivered by Managing Director, Gillian Matthews; Director of Sales, Katty-Ann Lewis; and Branch Manager, Melanie Thompson, all of whom underscored the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, community engagement, and continued growth within Guyana.The Minister further highlighted that the opening of the new Courts location comes at a time when Region Three is experiencing significant transformation, driven by major infrastructural developments and increased economic activity.The opening ceremony marks not just the launch of a new retail space, but another step forward in Region Three’s growing transformation into a hub of commerce and opportunity. The event was attended by stakeholders, regional officials, and members of the wider community.#DiscoverGuyana #SustainableTourism

The post Unicomer Opens New Courts Location at Vreed-en-Hoop, Region Three appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

G Mining moves to acquire G2 goldfields, creating major gold hub at Oko with over 500,000 ounces yearly output

Staff Reporter — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:29:50 +0000

Canadian mining company G Mining Ventures Corp. is moving to significantly expand its footprint in Guyana’s gold sector, announcing a major deal to acquire G2 Goldfields Inc. and combine their neighbouring projects into what is being described as a large-scale, low-cost mining hub.The agreement will see the consolidation of the Oko West and Oko-Ghanie projects into a single operation, creating what the company calls a “Tier-One” gold project in Guyana, an emerging hotspot for gold development.In a statement on Thursday, G Mining said the merger will bring together two major operations with combined life-of-mine production expected to exceed 500,000 ounces of gold annually. The Oko West project alone is projected to produce about 350,000 ounces, while Oko-Ghanie is expected to add another 228,000 ounces.The company said the move is aimed at unlocking large-scale efficiencies by integrating infrastructure and operations.“This Transaction delivers on GMIN’s stated vision to build and operate a large, long-life, Tier-1 mine in Guyana,” the company stated, noting that the combined operation is expected to generate “industry leading returns.”One of the key advantages highlighted is the potential to fast-track development at Oko-Ghanie by tying it to the already permitted Oko West project. This, the company explained, will simplify approvals and accelerate timelines, while maintaining its target of first gold production at Oko West by the second half of 2027.G Mining also pointed to more than C$1 billion in expected synergies, driven by shared infrastructure, reduced capital and operating costs, and improved mine planning.The deal will be executed through a court-approved arrangement, with G Mining acquiring all issued shares in G2. Shareholders of G2 will receive 0.212 G Mining shares for each share held, along with stakes in a new exploration company that will hold some of G2’s remaining assets.The transaction values G2 at approximately C$3 billion and represents a significant premium for its shareholders.G Mining said the combined company will benefit from stronger financial backing, including cash reserves, access to credit, and revenue flows from its operations in Brazil, positioning it to advance large-scale mining projects in Guyana.With the merger, the company is effectively betting on the long-term potential of Guyana’s gold district, aiming to build one of the largest and lowest-cost gold operations in the Americas.

The post G Mining moves to acquire G2 goldfields, creating major gold hub at Oko with over 500,000 ounces yearly output appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

Housing demand surges — Gov’t moves to access NICIL lands

Staff Reporter — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:39:07 +0000

Government is intensifying efforts to secure additional lands for housing, with Ministers Collin Croal and Vanessa Benn engaging the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) on the transfer of state lands to support ongoing programmes.The meeting, held on Wednesday at the Ministry’s boardroom and led by NICIL Chairman Radha Krishna Sharma, focused on making lands under NICIL’s control available for housing development, while also addressing the regularisation of informal settlements located on those properties.Senior officials, including Permanent Secretary Bishram Kuppen, Chief Development Planner Germene Stewart, and Head of the Corporate Legal Secretariat Haniffah Jordan, were also part of the discussions.The move comes as the government continues to grapple with a significant demand for house lots. Housing Minister Croal had previously revealed that while more than 53,000 allocations have already been made, over 78,000 applications remain pending.To tackle this backlog, the Ministry has been working closely with multiple state agencies to identify and acquire lands nationwide.“…we are continuously working to find land [and] to engage with our partners… to be able to acquire additional lands to address these backlogs,” Croal had said, referencing collaboration with agencies such as the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission, NICIL, GuySuCo, and the MMA authority.Officials explained that Region Four accounts for the bulk of the demand, with more than 52,000 pending applications, making it the most challenging area to clear.The government has already surpassed its previous target of distributing 50,000 house lots and is now shifting focus toward construction, amid growing public demand for completed homes.President Dr Irfaan Ali had noted that many applicants are no longer seeking land alone but are asking for assistance to build, citing the challenges of sourcing materials, managing contractors, and the time required to complete homes.In response, the administration has set a target of constructing 40,000 houses in its current term, about 8,000 annually. To accelerate delivery, the Housing Ministry has expanded its contractor pool, moving beyond local builders to include firms from across the Caribbean.Authorities say the engagement with NICIL is a key step in unlocking additional lands to meet demand, while advancing a broader plan to deliver both house lots and turnkey homes across the country.

The post Housing demand surges — Gov’t moves to access NICIL lands appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

Jury empaneled for Berbice man to face trial for sexual penetration

Staff Reporter — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:35:28 +0000

A 12-member jury was empaneled on Wednesday for a welder to face trial for sexually penetrating an underage girl. It is alleged that on April 30, 2020, while in Berbice, 37-year-old Robert Campbell engaged in sexual penetration with a child who was 12 years old at the time. Campbell, who resides at Murphy Dam, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared in the Berbice High Court before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall. Attorney-at-law Marisa Edwards, representing the State, indicated that eight witnesses, including one police officer and a doctor, will testify during the trial. A 12-member jury has been selected to consider the evidence and decide whether Campbell is guilty or not. Campbell who is out on bail is being represented by Kevin Morgan from the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic.

The post Jury empaneled for Berbice man to face trial for sexual penetration appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

Digital driver registry to power tougher enforcement, AG Chambers says

Staff Reporter — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:34:16 +0000

The Government is moving to tighten road safety enforcement through a new digital system that will track the behaviour of drivers across Guyana, as part of a broader push to clamp down on traffic offences and improve public safety.In a statement, the Attorney General’s Chambers said it will spearhead the creation of a national digital registry containing “crucial information of road users,” including licensing details and their history of traffic-related offences. The initiative forms part of the Government’s wider “Safe Country” agenda, which has been highlighted in recent pronouncements by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.According to the Chambers, the registry will not operate in isolation. Instead, it will be accessible to multiple state agencies, including the judiciary, law enforcement, and prosecutorial bodies, allowing for more coordinated and efficient enforcement of traffic laws.Officials explained that the system is expected to strengthen the application of existing penalties, particularly the Demerit Point System, which allows for the suspension or revocation of driver’s licences for serious offences such as drunken driving and motor manslaughter. Beyond enforcement, the Government is also preparing to update the legal framework governing road use. The Attorney General’s Chambers indicated that a new set of legislative amendments is ready, targeting persistent issues such as noise nuisance, especially from vehicles, and littering in public spaces.While the statement did not provide a timeline for rollout, it underscored that the measures are part of a sustained effort to make roadways and public spaces safer.The move signals a shift toward data-driven policing and accountability on the roads, with authorities aiming to ensure that repeat offenders are more easily identified and penalised under the law.

The post Digital driver registry to power tougher enforcement, AG Chambers says appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.