Key conditions set for Guyana spaceport agreement
THE agreement to establish the Beal spaceport here may be signed next week after a "clean document" is prepared, Prime Minister Sam Hinds said yesterday. He told the Chronicle the agreement would become effective once three key conditions in it are met. Mr Hinds explained that because of the amendments during negotiations, each side has to prepare a clean document to include the agreed changes. The three key clauses are: ** that the site will not be used to launch or will not use ballistic missiles; ** that the operation would be insured under the United States insurance agency OPIC which covers American investments overseas; ** that all required tests for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are completed. The Prime Minister said the Beal Aerospace firm of Texas will have to pay for the Environment Impact Study after choosing an auditor from a list provided by the EPA. The Beal project will start with aspects like soil mechanics which includes surveys and testing, he said. Beal Aerospace began negotiations with the Guyana Government last year to set up a rocket launch base in a swampy region in the remote north west district. The firm says the location is ideal for its proposed plan to launch commercial satellites for customers. Sources said the American company wants a 99-year lease for 26,000 acres in Waini at a fee per acre for the main primary site. It is also seeking to buy 10 acres for its launching facility and a radar and tracking base in the project. The initial investment in the project is US$50M. Meanwhile, Beal Aerospace yesterday announced that in conjunction with the Dallas Council for World Affairs, it will sponsor a visit to Dallas by Guyana's Ambassador to the United States, Dr Odeen Ishmael. It said Ishmael's visit to Dallas is planned for June 16 where he will be a keynote speaker at a luncheon hosted by the Dallas Council for World Affairs to discuss Guyana's plans for improving its investment climate. Beal Vice President, Mr David Spoede was quoted as stating, "The economy of Guyana is important to us. "We are expected to be able to help introduce Guyana to the business and financial communities in Dallas". Headquartered in Frisco, Texas, near Dallas, Beal Aerospace designs, is building and will launch heavy-life vehicles for the international satellite community.
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