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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Andrei Rudskoy took part in a meeting chaired by Russian Presidential Aide Nikolai Patrushev

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On January 23, a meeting on the participation of universities in ensuring technological leadership and developing engineering education was held at the Saint Petersburg State Marine Technical University under the chairmanship of Nikolai Patrushev, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation. The meeting was addressed by the Rector of SPbPU, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrei Rudskoy.

    The meeting was attended by the governors of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Education, university rectors and heads of companies in the shipbuilding and related industries. The participants examined issues related to the role of universities in the formation of a system of research, development and production of high-tech products.

    Aide to the President of Russia, Chairman of the Russian Maritime Board Nikolay Patrushev noted in his speech that in order to achieve technological sovereignty and technological superiority, the domestic industry needs to reduce the timeframes for developing and implementing new technologies in production, as well as eliminate problems associated with the specifics of certification processes. He emphasized the importance of developing various technical and technological areas, including the production of low- and medium-speed engines, robotics and instrumentation.

    Nikolay Patrushev also touched upon the issue of training highly qualified engineering personnel. He emphasized that increasing the number of scientists, researchers and engineers in the total number of workforces is a key factor for achieving technological sovereignty.

    In turn, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Valery Falkov, presented the results of monitoring the quality of admission to HSE universities and reported on the growth of interest in engineering education in recent years.

    Rector of SPbPU, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy presented the model of “Qualified Partnership” in his report. He noted that the university, regularly performing R&D, generates new knowledge. At the next stage, due to the introduction of digital platforms in the performance of R&D, knowledge is accumulated and competencies are formed.

    Effective actions based on knowledge and technology allow us to form a scientific and technological reserve on a systemic basis, which characterizes a qualified performer. A breakthrough, in fact, an exit to another level of development, is associated with the formulation of frontier engineering tasks by a qualified customer. This is how globally competitive market products are created – this is what real innovations consist of. Particular attention is paid to the transfer of knowledge through a new educational model with variable terms of basic educational programs, – Andrey Rudskoy emphasized.

    Andrey Ivanovich drew the attention of the audience to the fact that Russian President Vladimir Putin set the task of creating a new model of education based on the foundations of the domestic system, which is distinguished by an optimal ratio of fundamentality and practical orientation of training. Mathematics and physics are of key importance, allowing the formation of logical thinking in schoolchildren, a scientific view of the world and creating the basis for future fundamental training in any field of activity.

    Andrey Ivanovich noted that today the task of ensuring technological leadership is becoming vital for Russia. It is necessary to create a reliable foundation – well-prepared applicants to engineering universities. To this end, the standards of the current advanced level of studying mathematics and physics should become mandatory in secondary school.

    It is obvious that the need for mathematics and science teachers in schools will increase significantly, and this requires prompt decisions. In 2024, we launched a joint project of SPbPU and the Herzen State Pedagogical University to combine the competencies of the two universities in training physics teachers within the framework of a network educational program. The participation of the Polytechnic University in this program contributed to the development of specialized competencies of future physics teachers, including through the use of the material base of SPbPU. And this year, we are launching a unique master’s program with the assignment of two qualifications in the areas of training “Applied Mathematics and Physics” and “Pedagogical Education”, which will help compensate for the shortage of physics and mathematics teachers, – said Andrey Rudskoy.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic and transport arrangements for International Chinese New Year Night Parade and Chinese New Year fireworks display

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Transport Department (TD) today (January 27) reminded the public that the following special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in various locations on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon to facilitate the holding of the International Chinese New Year Night Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui on the first day of the Chinese New Year (January 29) and the Chinese New Year fireworks display at Victoria Harbour on the second day of the Chinese New Year (January 30).
     
    (I)       International Chinese New Year Night Parade on the first day of Chinese New Year
     
    Road closures
     
         In connection with the holding of the International Chinese New Year Night Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui at 8pm on the first day of the Chinese New Year, road closures and the corresponding traffic diversions will be implemented in phases on roads in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, including the Parade route along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road, and the section of Salisbury Road between Chatham Road South and Star Ferry Pier, from 3.30pm until the reopening of roads at about 11.45pm. During the road closure period, taxi stands (including taxi pick-up/drop-off points), public light bus stands, roadside parking spaces and private car parks on the roads affected will be suspended.
     
    Public transport services arrangements
     

    In connection with the road closure arrangements, the bus and green minibus (GMB) routes operating in the affected areas will be temporarily diverted or suspended, and the associated bus and GMB stops located within the affected areas will be suspended or relocated;
     
    Services on MTR lines, including Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, South Island Line and East Rail Line, will be strengthened subject to passenger demand; and
     
    For cross-boundary coach services, the en-route stop of the short-haul cross-boundary coach service plying between Jordan and Huanggang Port at China Ferry Terminal Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from about 3pm.

     
    (II)       Chinese New Year fireworks display on the second day of Chinese New Year
     
    Road closures
     
         In connection with the holding of the fireworks display at Victoria Harbour at 8pm on the second day of Chinese New Year, road closures and the corresponding traffic diversions will be implemented in phases in Central District, Wan Chai and Eastern District on Hong Kong Island from about 5.30pm. Moreover, the section of Island Eastern Corridor westbound between Man Hong Street and Victoria Park Road will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic (except for franchised buses) from 7.45pm until the reopening of roads.
     
         In Kowloon, road closures and the corresponding traffic diversions will be implemented in phases from about 5pm in the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui and the West Kowloon Cultural District until the crowd disperses and the roads reopen.
         
         During the road closure period, taxi stands (including taxi pick-up/drop-off points), public light bus stands, roadside parking spaces and private car parks on the roads affected will be suspended.
               
    Public transport service arrangements
     

    In connection with road closure arrangements, the bus and GMB routes operating in the affected areas will be temporarily diverted or suspended, and the associated bus and GMB stops located within the affected areas will be suspended or relocated;
     
    MTR services on the Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, South Island Line, Tung Chung Line, East Rail Line and Tuen Ma Line will be strengthened subject to passenger demand;
     
    The frequency of tram services will be strengthened subject to passenger demand;
     
    Star Ferry, Sun Ferry, Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry, Discovery Bay Transportation Services, Park Island Transport and Fortune Ferry will gradually adjust and suspend parts of their services from 6.20pm on the second day of the Chinese New Year to facilitate the holding of the fireworks display; and
     
    For the short-haul cross-boundary coach services to Huanggang Port, the following temporary stopping arrangements will be implemented:

    The terminus of the short-haul cross-boundary coach service plying between Wan Chai and Huanggang Port at Exhibition Centre Station Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from about 4.30pm until the reopening of roads, and a temporary terminus will be provided on Hennessy Road westbound near Southorn Centre; and
    A temporary pick-up point for the short-haul cross-boundary coach service plying between Jordan and Huanggang Port will be added at the coach pick-up and drop-off area on Wui Man Road outside Hong Kong West Kowloon Station from 8pm to 11pm; the en-route stop of this service at China Ferry Terminal Public Transport Interchange will also be suspended from about 7pm.

    ​
    Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System services
     
         The service of the Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System on the second day of Chinese New Year will be extended to 2am on the following day.
     
         Due to extensive road closures, the TD anticipates that the traffic in the vicinity of Hong Kong Island North (including Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Admiralty, Central and the Island Eastern Corridor), the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui and the West Kowloon Cultural District in Kowloon, and the Cross Harbour Tunnel as well as the Aberdeen Tunnel, will become significantly congested. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to these areas affected by the road closures. In case of traffic congestion, motorists should exercise patience and drive with care, and follow the instructions of the Police on site.
         
         Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays. The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. Subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas, the Police may adjust the traffic arrangements. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or the TD mobile application “HKeMobility”.
     
         For details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements, members of the public may visit the TD website (www.td.gov.hk) or mobile application “HKeMobility”. Passengers may also refer to the passenger notices displayed by the relevant public transport operators.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements for Lunar New Year fireworks display

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Police will implement crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements on both sides of Victoria Harbour on January 30 (Thursday) to facilitate the public to watch the Lunar New Year fireworks display.
     
    Kowloon
    ——-
     
    Crowd safety management measures in Tsim Sha Tsui
    ————————————————-
     
         Police will implement crowd safety management measures in Yau Tsim District and Hung Hom Waterfront Promenade, including pedestrianising roads at Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom Waterfront Promenade in phases.
     
         Depending on the prevailing crowd situation, Police will implement safety measures within the pedestrianised area including the closure of pedestrian subways and putting up barriers. One-way flow will be applied on overcrowded footbridges and in the vicinity of the waterfront promenade. If necessary, restrictions on access to MTR stations will be put into force by the MTR Corporation.
     
         The Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the vicinity of the Clock Tower, and the Avenue of Stars are known to be popular gathering and vantage points. If these areas are saturated, the crowd will be diverted to other areas.
     
         At present, there are some construction works at West Kowloon Cultural District. The contractors have erected hoardings and barriers to seal off the area concerned with relevant notices displayed. Members of the public are urged not to enter these construction sites nor climb or lean against the barriers.
     
         Members of the public should follow the instructions given by Police officers and take heed of Police signage and broadcasts at scene.
     
    Special traffic arrangements
    —————————-
     
         The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented by phases, until the crowd has dispersed and the roads are safe for re-opening:
     
    A. Road closure
     
         The following roads will be closed, except for vehicles with permit:
     
    Phase I (from 5pm onwards)
     
    – Salisbury Road and Salisbury Road Underpass between Cheong Wan Road and Kowloon Park Drive;
    – Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Metropolis Drive;
    – Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Hung Hom Road;
    – Chatham Road South between Granville Road and Salisbury Road;
    – Southbound Chatham Road South between Cheong Wan Road and Granville Road, except for franchised buses and green minibuses (GMBs);
    – Granville Road between Chatham Road South and Science Museum Road, except for franchised buses and GMBs;
    – Canton Road between Gateway Boulevard and Salisbury Road;
    – Southbound Kowloon Park Drive between Gateway Boulevard and Salisbury Road;
    – Northbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Salisbury Road;
    – Southbound Nathan Road between Granville Road and Salisbury Road;
    – Carnarvon Road between Granville Road and Nathan Road;
    – Hong Wan Path;
    – Mody Lane;
    – Mody Road;
    – Mody Square;
    – Granville Square;
    – Minden Row;
    – Hanoi Road;
    – Bristol Avenue;
    – Minden Avenue;
    – Blenheim Avenue;
    – Hart Avenue;
    – Prat Avenue;
    – Humphreys Avenue;
    – Cameron Road;
    – Cameron Lane;
    – Hau Fuk Street;
    – Middle Road;
    – Peking Road;
    – Lock Road;
    – Hankow Road;
    – Ashley Road;
    – Ichang Street; and
    – Haiphong Road.
     
         During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
     
    – Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Road will be directed from Hung Hom Bypass to Cheong Tung Road South roundabout;
    – Traffic along eastbound Metropolis Drive cannot turn right to southbound Hung Hom Bypass;
    – Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Bypass must turn right to westbound Metropolis Drive;
    – Traffic along westbound Cheong Wan Road leading to Chatham Road South must turn right to northbound Chatham Road South or go straight to westbound Austin Road, except for franchised buses and GMBs;
    – Franchised buses and GMBs along southbound Chatham Road South must turn left to eastbound Granville Road;
    – Franchised buses along southbound Nathan Road must turn right to westbound Public Square Street or westbound Jordan Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Jordan Road cannot turn left to southbound Canton Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Canton Road must make a U-turn to northbound Canton Road outside China Hong Kong City;
    – Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn left to southbound Canton Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Salisbury Road must turn left to northbound Kowloon Park Drive;
    – Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn right to Peking Road;
    – Granville Road between Nathan Road and Carnarvon Road will be re-routed to one-way eastbound, while traffic along southbound Nathan Road will be instructed to turn left to eastbound Granville Road;
    – Traffic along Science Museum Road cannot turn to Mody Road and Granville Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Salisbury Road near Hong Chong Road will be diverted to Tsim Sha Tsui East; and
    – Traffic along eastbound Granville Road near Chatham Road South must turn left to northbound Chatham Road South.
     
    Phase II (from 5.30pm onwards)
     
    – Northbound Kowloon Park Drive between Salisbury Road and Gateway Boulevard; and
    – Salisbury Road between Canton Road and Kowloon Park Drive.
     
    Phase III (from 6pm onwards)
     
    – Museum Drive;
    – Cultural Drive;
    – The slip road of eastbound Austin Road West at-grade leading to westbound Austin Road West near The Harbourside;
    – The slip road of westbound Austin Road West at-grade leading to eastbound Austin Road West near Xiqu Centre; and
    – The left lane of westbound Austin Road West leading to Austin Road West roundabout.
     
         During the above road closure period, traffic along southbound Nga Cheung Road cannot enter Museum Drive.
     
    Phase IV (from 7.45pm onwards)
     
    – Nga Cheung Road between Jordan Road and Austin Road West;
    – Canton Road between Austin Road West and Kowloon Park Drive;
    – Nathan Road between Jordan Road and Austin Road;
    – Eastbound Bowring Street between Pilkem Street and Nathan Road;
    – Tak Shing Street between Tak Hing Street and Nathan Road;
    – Southbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Granville Road;
    – Pine Tree Hill Road;
    – Hillwood Road;
    – Carnarvon Road between Kimberley Road and Granville Road;
    – Shun Yee Street;
    – Granville Circuit;
    – Northbound Chatham Road South between Observatory Road and Granville Road;
    – Kimberley Road between Nathan Road and Observatory Road;
    – Kimberley Street; and
    – Granville Road between Nathan Road and Chatham Road South.
     
         During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
     
    – Traffic along southbound Nathan Road must turn right to westbound Jordan Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Jordan Road cannot turn left to southbound Nathan Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Austin Road and southbound Cox’s Road cannot turn to Pine Tree Hill Road;
    – Traffic along Observatory Road cannot turn left to westbound Kimberley Street;
    – Traffic along northbound Pilkem Street cannot turn right to eastbound Bowring Street;
    – Traffic along eastbound Bowring Street will be diverted via northbound Pilkem Street;
    – Traffic along southbound Canton Road will be directed to eastbound Austin Road or westbound Austin Road West;
    – Traffic along eastbound Austin Road West cannot turn right to southbound Canton Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Jordan Road heading for Nga Cheung Road will be directed to Kowloon Station Public Transport Interchange;
    – Traffic along westbound Austin Road West will be diverted to northbound Nga Cheung Road elevated road; and
    – Traffic along southbound Nga Cheung Road will be directed to eastbound Austin Road West.
     
    Contingency plan
     
         If necessary, the following roads will be closed:
     
    – Hung Luen Road between Wa Shun Street and Hung Lok Road;
    – Oi King Street; and
    – Kin Wan Street.
     
         During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
     
    – Traffic along southbound Hung Luen Road must turn left to eastbound Wa Shun Street;
    – Traffic along westbound Wa Shun Street must turn right to eastbound Hung Luen Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Hung Lok Road cannot turn left to eastbound Hung Luen Road; and
    – Traffic along eastbound Hung Luen Road must turn left to northbound Hung Lok Road.
     
    B. Suspension of bus termini
     
         The Tsim Sha Tsui East (Mody Road) Bus Terminus will be suspended from 5pm.
     
         The Star Ferry Bus Terminus will be suspended from 5.30pm.

         The China Hong Kong City Bus Terminus will be suspended from 7pm.
     
    C. Suspension of parking spaces
     
         All on-street parking spaces, metered parking spaces and motorcycle parking spaces within the closed areas will be suspended from noon to 3am of the following day.
     
    D. Suspension of car parks
     
         During the implementation of the special traffic arrangements, vehicles cannot enter or leave the car parks within the closed road area in Tsim Sha Tsui and West Kowloon Cultural District from 5pm and 6pm respectively, until the roads are safe for re-opening.
     
    Hong Kong Island
    —————-
     
    A. Road closure
     
         Expo Drive East at the north of Expo Drive outside Golden Bauhinia Square, including the pick-up and drop-off areas, will be closed from 3pm.
     
         The following roads will be closed from 5.30pm:
     
    Central District
    —————-
    – Man Kwong Street;
    – Man Fai Street;
    – Man Yiu Street between Man Kwong Street and Man Po Street; and
    – Unnamed Road near Lung Wo Road outside General Post Office metered parking spaces.
     
    Central – Wan Chai Bypass
    ————————-
    – The slip road linking eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass to Expo Drive;
    – The slip road linking Lung Wo Road to eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass; and
    – The slip road linking westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass to Lung Wo Road.
     
    Wan Chai
    ——–
    – Eastbound Fenwick Pier Street;
    – Lung King Street;
    – Eastbound Harbour Road;
    – Expo Drive;
    – Expo Drive Central;
    – Expo Drive East;
    – Lung Wo Road between Lung Hop Street and Fleming Road;
    – Lung Tat Path;
    – Convention Avenue;
    – Fleming Road flyover;
    – Fleming Road between Expo Drive East and Harbour Road;
    – Northbound Tonnochy Road between Harbour Road and Hung Hing Road;
    – Southbound Tonnochy Road between Hung Hing Road and Gloucester Road;
    – Marsh Road between Gloucester Road and Hung Hing Road;
    – Marsh Road flyover;
    – Hung Hing Road;
    – Hung Hing Road flyover;
    – Wan Shing Street;
    – Wan Ying Street; and
    – The slip road leading from eastbound Victoria Park Road to Causeway Bay Promenade.
     
         The following roads will be closed from 6.45pm:
     
    Central District
    —————-
    – Yiu Sing Street;
    – Lung Wo Road between Man Yiu Street and Lung Hop Street;
    – Tim Wa Avenue;
    – Legislative Council Road;
    – Tim Mei Avenue;
    – Lung Wui Road;
    – Lung Hop Street;
    – Unnamed road between Harcourt Road and Performing Arts Avenue;
    – Performing Arts Avenue; and
    – Edinburgh Place.
     
    Wan Chai
    ——–
    – Tonnochy Road flyover;
    – Northbound Tonnochy Road between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road;
    – Harbour Drive;
    – Westbound Harbour Road;
    – Northbound Fleming Road between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road;
    – Fenwick Pier Street flyover;
    – Westbound Fenwick Pier Street; and
    – Fenwick Street between Harbour Road and Gloucester Road.
     
    Eastern District
    —————-
    – Watson Road;
    – King Ming Road;
    – Hing Fat Street northward of Whitfield Road;
    – Whitfield Road; and
    – Electric Road between Watson Road and Gordon Road.
     
         The following roads will be closed from 7.45pm:
     
    Central District
    —————-
    – Man Yiu Street between Man Cheung Street and Man Po Street;
    – Man Po Street; and
    – Finance Street between Man Yiu Street and Man Po Street.
     
    Wan Chai
    ——–
    – Lockhart Road and Jaffe Road between Percival Street and Luard Road;
    – Southbound Luard Road between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;
    – O’Brien Road;
    – Fleming Road between Jaffe Road and Hennessy Road; and
    – Stewart Road, Tonnochy Road, Marsh Road, Canal Road West and Canal Road East between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road.
     
    Eastern District (except for franchised buses)
    ———————————————-
    – Westbound Island Eastern Corridor (IEC) between Victoria Park Road and Man Hong Street;
    – The slip roads leading from Healthy Street Central and Tong Shui Road to westbound IEC;
    – The entrance of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel from IEC.
     
    B. Traffic diversions
     
         In connection with the road closure as mentioned above, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
     
         From 5.30pm:
     
         Rumsey Street between Chung Kong Road and Connaught Road Central will be re-routed to one-way southbound.
     
         From 7.45pm:
     
    – Traffic along westbound IEC will be diverted via Man Hong Street;
    – Traffic along slip road of Tong Shui Road heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via Wharf Road; and
    – Traffic along eastbound Connaught Road West flyover will be diverted via Finance Street.
     
    C. Suspension of parking spaces
     
         All on-street parking spaces, metered parking spaces and motorcycle parking spaces within the above closed areas will be suspended from 10am, until the roads are safe for re-opening.
     
    D. Suspension of bus termini and public transport interchange
     
         Exhibition Centre Station Public Transport Interchange and Central Ferry Piers Bus Terminus will be suspended from 4.30pm.
     
         Causeway Bay (Whitfield Road) Bus Terminus will be suspended from 6pm.
     
    E. Suspension of car parks
     
         Vehicles parked in car parks within the above closed areas in North Point, Wan Chai and Central District will not be permitted to enter or leave during the road closure period.
     
         If necessary, the car parks on westbound Gloucester Road between Paterson Street and Percival Street will be closed without prior notice.
     
         Police will continue to enforce traffic regulations during the Lunar New Year period. All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing. 
     
         Actual implementation of traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the areas. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience, and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Discusses Increasing Support for Ag Community in Confirmation Hearing with Brooke Rollins 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) questioned Brooke Rollins, President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) during her confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Ag). During the hearing, Senator Tuberville asked about Rollins’ plans to bolster global competitiveness of the American agriculture industry, improve federal forest management, and increase support for natural disaster assistance programs.
    As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, Senator Tuberville is committed to ensuring Alabama’s farmers, foresters, and producers have a seat at the table in the Trump administration.
    Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, and his full remarks can be viewed on YouTube or Rumble.

    TUBERVILLE OPENING REMARKS
    TUBERVILLE: “Mrs. Rollins, who would have ever known? Thirty years ago, I’m a young coach at Texas A&M, and you’re Student Body President.”
    ROLLINS: “That’s true.”
    TUBERVILLE: “First time we ever met.”
    ROLLINS: “And we sat next to each other in lots of meetings. That’s exactly right.”
    TUBERVILLE: “And look where we’re at now, huh?”
    ROLLINS: “I know, I know. It’s an amazing thing.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Congratulations. Congratulations.”
    ROLLINS: “Thank you, sir. Thank you.”
    ON ROLLINS’ PLANS TO BOLSTER COMMODITY PRICES
    TUBERVILLE: “You’re going to be awesome. But I don’t want to sugar coat this because my farmers back home are hurting.”
    ROLLINS: “Yes sir.”
    TUBERVILLE: “We’re in trouble. Our farmers are in trouble. Small farmers [are] selling right and left. I’ve got a bill on the floor—actually I dropped it yesterday—about keeping foreign adversaries from buying our farmland. We’re selling it right and left. But I don’t blame them because they can’t make a profit.”
    ROLLINS: “Mhm.” 
    TUBERVILLE: “Row croppers in my state of Alabama are really getting killed. Cotton farmers last year—the input cost was about $400 an acre. They might of got a $100 an acre out of their crop last year. That’s the reason we had to do a supplemental right before Christmas. My phone was ringing off the wall. We have got to help our farmers, but they hate handouts. I’ll tell you that right now—they hate it because they want to do their own work. So I’m glad you understand that—being from Texas, you understand it.” 
    ROLLINS: “Yes sir. Yes sir.”
    TUBERVILLE: “It is a dire problem. And it’s not going to get fixed overnight. I’m looking forward to seeing who your team is going to be around you. […]
    So, we have to get input costs down. That’s not your job. Six, seven years ago, a cotton picker cost six or seven hundred thousand [dollars] in Alabama. Today, it’s $1.5 million.”
    ROLLINS: “Yes sir.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Fertilizer’s gone sky high after the Ukraine war. I mean, it’s embarrassing to where we’ve got. There’s a $45-billion-trade deficit in ag. $45 billion. And the only way that we can get commodity prices back up is handle that trade deficit though, that being said, we need dialogue. If confirmed, will you commit on doing dialogue with President Trump and the people around ag to get our farmers an opportunity to have a better price for their crop?”
    ROLLINS: “Yes, I will, Senator. I so look forward to that. I think one of the things I read recently that only 43% of our ag producers are net-income positive. That is unsustainable. We have to find a better way and it can’t come always through government subsidies. We’ve got to expand the market, we’ve got to figure out input costs. One of President Trump’s top priorities was food inflation. Well, this comes before food inflation because this itself will drive the cost of food down if we do our jobs and if we’re able to produce for our ag community the way that, Coach, I believe that we can working together.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah, what we don’t want to happen is what’s happened to our drug industry. You know, we found in COVID, we look around [thinking] how do we keep people, get people healthy, and all the drugs are made in China. We’re going to end up in the same situation if we don’t wake up and smell the roses. It’s going to happen. Again, people are selling right and left and you can’t blame them. Our small farms are going to end up being corporations like the packing houses. We only got what, like three companies now that are meat packers—and one of them’s owned by China. We’re headed in a direction of unknowns, and it’s going to take leadership from your office back on the right track.”
    ON ROLLINS’ PLAN TO IMPROVE FEDERAL FORESTS
    TUBERVILLE: “Our forest industry in my state—$36 billion a year [in economic benefits]. With the USDA Forest Service under your purview, what priorities do you have for the health of our forests across the country? Not just in Alabama, but we have to continue that to make sure we have healthy wood because it is something that we’re very proud of.”
    ROLLINS: “I know that’s really important to Alabama and many of the other states that are represented here and across the United States Senate. My commitment is to hire an “A++” team. We’ve already announced our Undersecretary Mike Boren for this position. I have great faith in his leadership. He is a businessman, and I think bringing to the table—hopefully with a quick confirmation process from all of you—he will bring to the table a team that will take our great firefighters in the forest service and hopefully, realign and reorganize in a way that makes the forest service—including forest management—more productive, more efficient, more effective, so that we don’t have the issues that we’ve had in these last number of years and especially for our great producers in your state and other states.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Key word: forest management—[two key] words. We’ve got to manage our forests, do it the right way. The American people across the country that are not in this business don’t—they shouldn’t have to pay for the mistakes that we make.”
    ROLLINS: “Correct.”
    TUBERVILLE: “We’re broke. We’re $36 trillion in debt, and it’s getting worse every day. We’re printing $80,000 a second, by the way, and we can’t sustain that. [The] government is way too big.”
    ON GIVING SWIFT, FAIR, NATURAL DISASTER RELIEF TO FARMERS
    TUBERVILLE: “Disaster relief. Disaster relief. If we’ve had problems with tornadoes or floods or whatever in my state, it takes at least three years at times to get any kind of disaster relief. Three years. And you know as well as I do, farmers borrow money from banks for a crop, and those bankers are looking around going, ‘Where’s our money?’ ‘Well, we’re waiting for disaster relief.’ The bankers shouldn’t have to deal with that, nor should the farmers. But, I think there has to be a better plan for that at the end of the day. And again, I’m throwing all your problems out to you, probably don’t want to hear that, but we got a lot of problems that need to be fixed.”
    ROLLINS: “Well Senator—Coach—I believe that you and I have had a conversation with our Commander in Chief, and the fact that it is taking three years to get relief will be unacceptable to him. It is unacceptable to me, and I look forward to working with you to ensure that we do better—much much better than that.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Good luck.”
    ROLLINS: “Thank you, sir. Thank you.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Opinion piece: Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn with Labor’s tax cuts

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    Exactly a year ago this Saturday, the Prime Minister and I announced a controversial but important decision to provide every Australian taxpayer a tax cut to help with the cost of living.

    One year on and I can say without hesitation that it’s the policy I’m proudest of as Treasurer.

    Every taxpayer is better off as a result of the decision we took 12 months ago, not just some, and those benefits will be even bigger from July this year.

    New numbers just released show there will be even more money on average in the pockets of every taxpayer next financial year.

    Fourteen million taxpayers across the country have already received a tax cut under Labor’s plan since July last year.

    By the end of this financial year, around 84 per cent of all taxpayers will have received a bigger tax cut compared to Scott Morrison’s proposal from 5 years ago.

    And nearly 3 million people earning less than $45,000 who were going to miss out completely under the Liberals and Nationals are getting a tax cut under Labor.

    Whether you’re a nurse, a truckie, a teacher or a tradie, Labor’s plan is all about helping you earn more and keep more of what you earn.

    New figures show that with higher wages under the Albanese government, chances are your tax cut will be even bigger next financial year.

    Due to stronger wages growth under your Labor government, tax cuts will grow from $1,888 this financial year to $1,944 on average next year – putting more money back into workers’ pockets.

    It’s a meaningful increase because it shows we’re making welcome progress on the economy after a wasted decade under the Liberals and Nationals.

    A truckie earning $72,800 in this financial year, whose income grows to $75,600 in 2025–26, would get a tax cut of $1,569 next financial year compared to $1,499 this financial year.

    A nurse earning $72,300 in this financial year, whose income grows to $75,500 in 2025–26, would get a tax cut of $1,567 next year compared to $1,487 this year.

    A teacher earning $85,600 in this financial year, whose income grows to $87,800 in 2025–26, would get a tax cut of $1,874 in 2025–26 compared to $1,819 in 2024–25.

    We’re giving every Australian taxpayer a tax cut at the same time as we’re getting wages moving again, fighting inflation and creating jobs.

    Wages growth has picked up and on average, wages are growing at almost double the rate they were under our predecessors.

    Inflation was high and rising under the Liberals, it’s much lower under Labor.

    At the election, inflation was 6.1 per cent, it’s now 2.8 per cent.

    More than 1.1 million jobs have been created since the election and unemployment has remained low at 4 per cent.

    The combination of tax cuts, moderating inflation, wage and employment growth means real household incomes per person are also growing again.

    They were going backwards 1.6 per cent when we came to office.

    That means Australians are earning more and keeping more under Anthony Albanese and Australian Labor but all of this substantial progress is at risk under Peter Dutton and the Liberals.

    The Deputy Liberal leader is on the record saying that if the Coalition wins the next election, they will ‘absolutely’ unwind our tax cuts.

    If Peter Dutton and the Coalition really cared about the cost of living, they would have supported our cost‑of‑living relief but they didn’t and they don’t.

    They want Australians to work longer for less.

    The biggest risk to household budgets, jobs and wages is a Peter Dutton‑led Coalition government.

    Only this week we’ve seen Peter Dutton wants to make families worse off to pay for tax breaks for long lunches and golf days for bosses.

    The contrast couldn’t be clearer – we’re for tax cuts for workers and energy bill relief for families, they’re for taxpayer funded long lunches and golf days.

    The Liberals are all about waste and rorts and Labor is all about responsible economic management and that’s reflected in our decision to give a tax cut to every taxpayer to help with the cost of living.

    No matter what you earn or where you live throughout Australia, you deserve your tax cut.

    That’s what we’re delivering because of the important decision we took a year ago, and that’s why we’re proud of the even bigger tax cuts you’ll get next financial year.

    Our aim in all of this is to find the best way to help ease the cost of living for the biggest number of people in the most responsible way and that’s what we’re doing with tax cuts for every taxpayer, strong and sustainable wages growth and more jobs for more Australians.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Announces Nearly $1.2 Million Settlement with Valley Rock Foundation for Self-Dealing Transactions

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, January 23, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced a nearly $1.2 million settlement against the Valley Rock Foundation, formerly, Edward A. Keith Foundation, and its directors Celeste White and Dr. Robert White (Whites). The settlement resolves allegations that the directors engaged in self-dealing transactions, unjust enrichment, and breach of fiduciary duty for improper personal benefits from the Foundation’s charitable assets. The Whites do not admit liability in the settlement agreement.   

    “At the California of Justice, we are unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of charitable organizations and will hold any individual or entity accountable that misuses charity funds for personal enrichment,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This settlement sends a clear message: Those who abuse their positions and exploit charitable resources for personal gain will be held fully responsible for their wrongdoings.”  

    The settlement resolves concerns that the Whites breached their fiduciary obligation to act in the best interest of their charitable organization. An investigation by the Attorney General’s Office revealed that the Whites made improvements to their personal real property (Barn), and to their condominium in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, using charitable assets. The investigation also showed that the defendants allegedly formed Veritas Refuge to acquire and manage the real estate assets of the Foundation. The expenses of the Veritas Refuge, however, do not appear on the Foundation’s IRS Form 990-PFs, resulting in a lack of transparency to our office and the public.

    Under the terms of the settlement, the Whites must adhere to the following: 

    • The Foundation will be required to dissolve, and any assets left after the payment of fees and expenses will be distributed to Westmont College, the named beneficiary of the Foundation upon dissolution.
    • One of the Whites will resign as a director of the Foundation, and the President of Westmont College will be appointed to the board as an independent director. 
    • The Foundation will make a set of final grants totaling $10 million towards the opening of a community-use area in Yountville, the rehabilitation and development of two churches in the Napa area, and the renovation of campus facility buildings at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. 
    • The Foundation will contribute $997,571 to ImpactAssets, Inc. This amount is to resolve flood damage claims related to the Whites’ Lake Tahoe property and fire damage claims at the Barn that led to a loss of use of charitable assets for their intended charitable purpose. The payments are restricted to specifically benefit residents of California. 
    • Pay the California Department of Justice $150,000 in attorneys’ fees, investigatory costs, and settlement of claims. 

    A copy of the settlement can be found here.  

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Statement from a DHS Spokesperson on Directive Expanding Immigration Law Enforcement

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – Today, Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued a directive essential to fulfilling President Trump’s promise to carry out mass deportations.

    The directive gives Department of Justice (DOJ) law enforcement officials in the U.S. Marshals, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons authority to investigate and apprehend illegal aliens.

    “Thanks to the last Administration’s open border policies, we’ve seen violent criminals and gang members terrorize American communities. Today’s action empowers law enforcement officials at the DOJ to help identify and apprehend aliens who have illegally come into our country. Mobilizing these law enforcement officials will help fulfill President Trump’s promise to the American people to carry out mass deportations. For decades, efforts to find and apprehend illegal aliens have not been given proper resources. This is a major step in fixing that problem.”

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Announces 2025 Guidance and Operations Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • 2025 Capital Expenditure Budget of $240-280 Million and Expected 2025 Cash Flow1of $260-300 Million
    • 2025 Capital Program Includes 10-14 Development Wells and 6-8 High Impact Exploration Wells
    • Forecast 2025 Production of 47,000-53,000 BOEPD, Representing at the Midpoint, an Increase of 44% from 2024
    • Forecast 2025 Free Cash Flow2of $90 Million Before Exploration, $20 Million After Exploration in Base Case
    • Plan to Allocate Up To 50% of After Exploration Free Cash Flow to Share Buybacks
    • Achieved Total Company Production for 2024 of 34,710 BOEPD, an Increase of 6% from 2023

    CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (“Gran Tierra” or the “Company”) (NYSE American:GTE)(TSX:GTE)(LSE:GTE) today announced its 2025 capital budget, production guidance and operational update. All dollar amounts are in United States dollars and all production volumes are on a working interest before royalties basis and are expressed in barrels of oil equivalent (“boe”) per day (“BOEPD”), unless otherwise stated.

    Message to Shareholders

    Gary Guidry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gran Tierra, commented: “Following up on a strong 2024, which included a very successful exploration campaign and a new country entry into Canada, we are looking forward to our 2025 development and exploration program. Our 2025 budget, which is expected to be fully funded by Cash Flow1, takes a balanced, returns-focused approach to capital allocation while focusing on portfolio longevity. At the midpoint of the Base Case, our production guidance of 50,000 BOEPD represents an increase of 44% from the 34,710 BOEPD 2024 total company production achieved in 2024.

    We plan to focus on profitably growing reserves and production across our Colombian, Ecuadorian and Canadian assets, pursue high impact exploration throughout our portfolio, and invest in facility and infrastructure projects to maximize the long-term value of our assets. This year’s budget would fulfil our exploration commitments in Ecuador which were a result of obtaining the lands back in 2019. Since 2021 we have drilled 10 exploration wells, had 9 discoveries and shot 238 kilometers of 3D seismic in Ecuador. This year, we expect to drill four exploration wells in Ecuador and two to three wells to further appraise our exciting discoveries. We have also planned a very active capital program in the Suroriente block including drilling 5-7 wells, investing in a gas-to-power project, and significant facility investment to increase fluid handling due to increased production and water injection. We forecast spending approximately $60-$80 million in Suroriente, which would fulfil a material component of our $123 million commitment associated with obtaining the 20-year extension. In addition, we plan on drilling a further two to four high impact exploration wells in Colombia. The exploration program and Suroriente capital program represent approximately $135 million of this year’s capital program. After the fulfilment of commitments in 2025, we expect 2026 and beyond to be focused on exploiting our extensive asset base, including anticipated development of our recent discoveries, drilling on our extensive Canadian landholdings and optimizing our assets under waterflood.

    We believe Gran Tierra is strongly positioned with a low base decline, a robust portfolio of conventional and unconventional oil and gas assets, and a high-impact exploration program. As we continue to profitably advance our operational and financial goals, we remain deeply committed to the well-being of our employees and the communities where we operate, recognizing their essential role in our success.”

    Key Highlights:

    2025 Guidance:

    • Gran Tierra is forecasting the following ranges for the Company’s 2025 budget:
     2025 Budget Low Case Base Case High Case
     Brent Oil Price ($/bbl) 65.00 75.00 85.00
     WTI Oil Price ($/bbl) 61.00 71.00 81.00
     AECO Natural Gas Price ($CAD/thousand cubic feet) 2.00 2.50 3.50
     Production (BOEPD) 47,000-53,000 47,000-53,000 47,000-53,000
     Operating Netback3 ($ million) 330-370 430-470 510-550
     EBITDA4 ($ million) 300-340 380-420 460-500
     Cash Flow1 ($ million) 200-240 260-300 300-340
     Capital Expenditures ($ million) 200-240 240-280 240-280
     Free Cash Flow2 ($ million) 20 60
     Number of Development Wells (gross) 8-12 10-14 10-14
     Number of Exploration Wells (gross) 6 6-8 6-8
     Budgeted Costs Costs per BOE ($/boe)
     Lifting 12.00-14.00
     Workovers 1.50-2.50
     Transportation 1.00-2.00
     General and Administration 2.00-3.00
     Interest 4.00-4.50
     Current Tax 2.00-3.00

    * Budgeted royalties as a percentage of total revenue were approximately 19% in the base case

    • 2025 Base Capital Program: Building on a successful capital campaign in 2024, Gran Tierra plans to continue to execute on its strategy of delivering value by seeking to add new reserves, investing in facility and infrastructure projects to maximize recovery and minimize cost, and providing future growth through exploration. Gran Tierra forecasts spending approximately 55% of its capital program in Colombia, 30% in Ecuador, and 15% in Canada, respectively.
    Category Capital ($ million) Key Activities
    Colombia Development 105-120 Suroriente (47% W.I.): Drill 5-7 gross development wells;
    facility expansion, gas-to-power generation upgrades and
    social investment in the area
    Acordionero (100% W.I.): Investment facility expansion
    activities, gas-to-power generation upgrades and injector
    conversions
    Ecuador Development 35-45 Chanangue/Charapa (100% W.I.): Drill 2-3 appraisal wells
    Canada Development 35-45 Simonette (50% W.I.): Drill 5 gross development wells
    Nisku (100% W.I.): Drill 1 development well
    Exploration 65-70 Ecuador: Drill 4 exploration wells
    Colombia: Drill 2 to 4 exploration wells
     
    • Development: Gran Tierra expects to drill a total of 10 to 14 net development wells in its 2025 capital program, including: 
      • Suroriente: The Company plans to drill 5-7 gross development wells in the Cohembi oil field located in the Southern Putumayo Basin of Colombia. In addition to development drilling, Gran Tierra is also planning facility expansion, gas-to-power generation upgrades, and continued social investment in the area. With the planned investments in 2025, production and reserves are expected to significantly increase in 2026 and beyond.
      • Acordionero: The Company plans to focus on the optimization of the field through continued waterflood expansion activities, including facility expansions, workovers (ESP upsizes and injector conversions) and gas-to-power generation upgrades. These expenditures are expected to reduce unit costs while maintaining production by offsetting natural declines and increasing overall recovery. The Company is planning an active development drilling program in 2026.
      • Chanangue: The Company plans to continue its appraisal program on the highly prospective Arawana/Zabaleta productive trend in Ecuador by drilling 2-3 appraisal wells.
      • Simonette: Gran Tierra plans to drill 2.5 net wells at Simonette targeting two-layer co-development of the Lower and Middle Montney offering improved capital efficiency and lower proportionate infrastructure spending.
    • Exploration: Approximately 20-30% of the Company’s 2025 capital program is expected to be allocated to high impact exploration activities and the drilling of 6 to 8 exploration wells in Colombia and Ecuador in the Base and High Case. Gran Tierra’s 2025 exploration drilling is planned to follow up on the encouraging results from the Company’s 2024 exploration program while meeting all its Ecuador exploration commitments. The Company continues to focus its exploration program on short-cycle time, near-field prospects in proven basins with access to transportation infrastructure.
    • Fully Funded Capital Program Generating Free Cash Flow2: Gran Tierra’s mid-point Base Case 2025 capital budget of $260 million is expected to be fully funded from the Base Case 2025 mid-point Cash Flow1 forecast of $280 million, based on an assumed average $75.00/bbl Brent oil price, $71.00/bbl WTI oil price, and CAD$2.50/thousand cubic feet AECO natural gas price. Gran Tierra remains focused on generating Free Cash Flow2, ongoing net debt5 reduction and shareholder returns via share buybacks.
    • Share Buybacks: During 2025, Gran Tierra plans to allocate up to approximately 50% of its Free Cash Flow after exploration to share buybacks in the Base Case. During 2024, the Company repurchased approximately 6.7% of its outstanding shares.

    Gran Tierra’s Commitment to Go “Beyond Compliance” with Safe and Sustainable Operations

    • 2024 was the Company’s safest year in company history, with a total of 27.8 million person-hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI), and a Total Recordable Case Frequency (TRCF) of 0.03, which places Gran Tierra within the top quartile in safety performance in the Americas.

    Operations Update

    • 2024 Production
      • Gran Tierra achieved total company average production in 2024 of approximately 34,710 BOEPD, an increase of 6% from 2023 and 13% from 2022.
    • Ecuador
      • Chanangue Block: Gran Tierra has completed its first horizontal well drilled in Ecuador, the Zabaleta Oeste well. The well drilled through 700 feet of pay in the Basal Tena formation and has yielded promising results, confirming the area’s potential for horizontal development. The well continues to clean-up and we anticipate the clean-up will take longer than what is expected for a vertical well. Encouragingly, the well encountered good porosity sands, validating our geologic and reservoir models and confirming the extent of the Basal Tena sands within the Chanangue Block.
      • Iguana Block: Following the drilling of the Zabaleta Oeste well, the rig is currently being mobilized over to the Iguana Block to drill the first exploration well of 2025.
    • Canada
      • Simonette: The development plan with our new Joint Venture partner, Logan Energy, has commenced with the first two wells being drilled. Both wells are planned to be stimulated by the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter of 2025.
      • Central: Gran Tierra has drilled a well in the Nisku play with a horizontal lateral length of over 3,000 meters; testing is planned to commence in February 2025.
      • Clearwater: Gran Tierra has drilled 5 new wells in the Clearwater at East Dawson and Walrus. The Clearwater program has confirmed the quality of our acreage in the Clearwater play. These wells are expected to come onstream in late January 2025.
    • Colombia
      • Suroriente Block: A rig is currently being mobilized to the Cohembi North pad, with first production expected by the end of the first quarter of 2025.

    1“Cash Flow” refers to line item “net cash provided by operating activities” under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
    2“Free Cash Flow” is a non-GAAP measure and does not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. Free Cash Flow is defined as “net cash provided by operating activities” less capital expenditures. Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this press release. Forecast 2025 free cash flow of $80 million “before exploration” is equal to the Base Case midpoint cash flow of $280 million less the Base Case midpoint total capital of $260 million, with Base Case midpoint exploration-only capital of approximately $70 million added back. Forecast 2025 Free Cash Flow of $20 million “after exploration” is equal to the Base Case midpoint cash flow of $280 million less the Base Case midpoint total capital of $260 million. Free Cash Flows in the table above are the midpoints of the ranges of cash flows less the midpoints of the ranges of total capital expenditures for each oil price scenario.
    3“Operating netback” is a non-GAAP measures and does not have standardized meaning under GAAP. Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this press release.
    4Earnings before interest, taxes and depletion, depreciation and accretion (“EBITDA”) is a non-GAAP measure and does not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this press release.
    5Net debt is defined as GAAP total debt before deferred financing fees less cash.

    Contact Information

    For investor and media inquiries please contact:

    Gary Guidry
    President & Chief Executive Officer

    Ryan Ellson
    Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    +1-403-265-3221

    info@grantierra.com

    About Gran Tierra Energy Inc.

    Gran Tierra Energy Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is an independent international energy company currently focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador. The Company is currently developing its existing portfolio of assets in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and will continue to pursue additional new growth opportunities that would further strengthen the Company’s portfolio. The Company’s common stock trades on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GTE. Additional information concerning Gran Tierra is available at www.grantierra.com. Except to the extent expressly stated otherwise, information on the Company’s website or accessible from our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into and should not be considered part of this press release. Investor inquiries may be directed to info@grantierra.com or (403) 265-3221.

    Gran Tierra’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company’s Canadian securities regulatory filings are available on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca and UK regulatory filings are available on the National Storage Mechanism website at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

    Forward-Looking Statements and Advisories

    This press release contains opinions, forecasts, projections, and other statements about future events or results that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and financial outlook and forward looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements, which can be identified by such terms as “expect”, “plan”, “can,” “will,” “should,” “guidance,” “forecast,” “signal,” “measures taken to” and “believes”, derivations thereof and similar terms identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company’s capital budget amount and uses; the Company’s strategies related to exploration, drilling and operation activities; expectations regarding reservoir prospects and production amounts; future well results (including initial oil and natural gas production rates and productive capacity based on past performance); expected future net cash provided by operating activities (described in this press release as “cash flow”), free cash flow, operating netback, EBITDA and certain associated metrics; anticipated capital expenditures, including the location and impact of capital expenditures; operating and general and administrative costs; production guidance for 2025; and the Company’s expectations as to debt repayment, share repurchases and its positioning for 2025 and beyond. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect several material factors and expectations and assumptions of Gran Tierra including, without limitation, that Gran Tierra will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with its current expectations, the ability of Gran Tierra to successfully integrate the assets and operations of i3 Energy or realize the anticipated benefits and operating synergies expected from the acquisition of i3 Energy, the accuracy of testing and production results and seismic data, pricing and cost estimates (including with respect to commodity pricing and exchange rates), and the general continuance of current or, where applicable, assumed operational, regulatory and industry conditions in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and areas of potential expansion, and the ability of Gran Tierra to execute its business and operational plans in the manner currently planned. Gran Tierra believes the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable at this time, but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct. 

    Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements in this press release are: certain of Gran Tierra’s operations are located in South America and unexpected problems can arise due to guerilla activity, strikes, local blockades or protests; technical difficulties and operational difficulties may arise which impact the production, transport or sale of Gran Tierra’s products; other disruptions to local operations; global and regional changes in the demand, supply, prices, differentials or other market conditions affecting oil and gas, including inflation and changes resulting from a global health crisis, geopolitical events, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza region, or from the imposition or lifting of crude oil production quotas or other actions that might be imposed by OPEC and other producing countries and resulting company or third-party actions in response to such changes; changes in commodity prices, including volatility or a prolonged decline in these prices relative to historical or future expected levels; the risk that current global economic and credit conditions may impact oil and natural gas prices and oil and natural gas consumption more than Gran Tierra currently predicts, which could cause Gran Tierra to further modify its strategy and capital spending program; prices and markets for oil and natural gas are unpredictable and volatile; the effect of hedges; the accuracy of productive capacity of any particular field; geographic, political and weather conditions can impact the production, transport or sale of Gran Tierra’s products; the ability of Gran Tierra to execute its business plan, which may include acquisitions, and realize expected benefits from current or future initiatives; the risk that unexpected delays and difficulties in developing currently owned properties may occur; the ability to replace reserves and production and develop and manage reserves on an economically viable basis; the accuracy of testing and production results and seismic data, pricing and cost estimates (including with respect to commodity pricing and exchange rates); the risk profile of planned exploration activities; the effects of drilling down-dip; the effects of waterflood and multi-stage fracture stimulation operations; the extent and effect of delivery disruptions, equipment performance and costs; actions by third parties; the timely receipt of regulatory or other required approvals for Gran Tierra’s operating activities; the failure of exploratory drilling to result in commercial wells; unexpected delays due to the limited availability of drilling equipment and personnel; volatility or declines in the trading price of Gran Tierra’s common stock or bonds; the risk that Gran Tierra does not receive the anticipated benefits of government programs, including government tax refunds; Gran Tierra’s ability to comply with financial covenants in its credit agreement and indentures and make borrowings under its credit agreement; and the risk factors detailed from time to time in Gran Tierra’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including, without limitation, under the caption “Risk Factors” in Gran Tierra’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed on February 20, 2024 and its other filings with the SEC. These filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Guidance is uncertain, particularly when given over extended periods of time, and results may be materially different. Although the current capital spending program and long term strategy of Gran Tierra is based upon the current expectations of the management of Gran Tierra, should any one of a number of issues arise, Gran Tierra may find it necessary to alter its business strategy and/or capital spending program and there can be no assurance as at the date of this press release as to how those funds may be reallocated or strategy changed and how that would impact Gran Tierra’s results of operations and financing position. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the fact that this press release remains available does not constitute a representation by Gran Tierra that Gran Tierra believes these forward-looking statements continue to be true as of any subsequent date. Actual results may vary materially from the expected results expressed in forward-looking statements. Gran Tierra disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. Gran Tierra’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

    The estimates of future production, EBITDA, net cash provided by operating activities (described in this press release as “Cash Flow”), Free Cash Flow and operating netback may be considered to be future-oriented financial information or a financial outlook for the purposes of applicable Canadian securities laws. Financial outlook and future-oriented financial information contained in this press release about prospective financial performance, financial position or cash flows are provided to give the reader a better understanding of the potential future performance of the Company in certain areas and are based on assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and proposed courses of action, based on management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available, and to become available in the future. In particular, this press release contains projected operational and financial information for 2025. These projections contain forward-looking statements and are based on a number of material assumptions and factors set out above. Actual results may differ significantly from the projections presented herein. The actual results of Gran Tierra’s operations for any period could vary from the amounts set forth in these projections, and such variations may be material. See above for a discussion of the risks that could cause actual results to vary. The future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks contained in this press release have been approved by management as of the date of this press release. Readers are cautioned that any such financial outlook and future-oriented financial information contained herein should not be used for purposes other than those for which it is disclosed herein. The Company and its management believe that the prospective financial information has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s best estimates and judgments, and represent, to the best of management’s knowledge and opinion, the Company’s expected course of action. However, because this information is highly subjective, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results.

    Presentation of Oil and Gas Information

    This press release contains certain oil and gas metrics, including operating netback, which do not have standardized meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies and should not be used to make comparisons. Such metrics are calculated as described in this press release and have been included herein to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the Company’s performance; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance of the Company and future performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods.

    References to a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume. Gran Tierra’s reported production is a mix of light crude oil and medium, heavy crude oil, tight oil, conventional natural gas, shale gas and natural gas liquids for which there is no precise breakdown since the Company’s sales volumes typically represent blends of more than one product type. Well test results should be considered as preliminary and not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Well log interpretations indicating oil and gas accumulations are not necessarily indicative of future production or ultimate recovery. If it is indicated that a pressure transient analysis or well-test interpretation has not been carried out, any data disclosed in that respect should be considered preliminary until such analysis has been completed. References to thickness of “oil pay” or of a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume.

    Boe’s have been converted on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) natural gas to 1 bbl of oil. Boe’s may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, given that the value ratio based on the current price of oil as compared with natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalent of six to one, utilizing a boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl would be misleading as an indication of value.

    Non-GAAP Measures

    This press release includes forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures as further described herein. These non-GAAP measures do not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. Investors are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as an alternative to net income or loss or other measures of financial performance as determined in accordance with GAAP. Gran Tierra’s method of calculating these measures may differ from other companies and, accordingly, it may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures are presented along with the corresponding GAAP measure so as to not imply that more emphasis should be placed on the non-GAAP measure.

    Gran Tierra is unable to provide forward-looking net income, net cash provided by operating activities, and oil and gas sales, the GAAP measures most directly comparable to the non-GAAP measures EBITDA, free cash flow and operating netback, respectively, due to the impracticality of quantifying certain components required by GAAP as a result of the inherent volatility in the value of certain financial instruments held by the Company and the inability to quantify the effectiveness of commodity price derivatives used to manage the variability in cash flows associated with the forecasted sale of its oil and natural gas production and changes in commodity prices.

    Operating netback as presented is defined as projected 2025 oil and gas sales less projected 2025 operating and transportation expenses. The most directly comparable GAAP measures are oil and gas sales and oil and gas sales price, respectively. Management believes that operating netback is useful supplemental measures for management and investors to analyze financial performance and provides an indication of the results generated by our principal business activities prior to the consideration of other income and expenses. Gran Tierra is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of either forward-looking operating netback to its most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure because management cannot reliably predict certain of the necessary components of such forward-looking GAAP measures.

    EBITDA as presented is defined as projected 2025 net income adjusted for DD&A expenses, interest expense and income tax expense or recovery. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is net income. Management uses this financial measure to analyze performance and income or loss generated by our principal business activities prior to the consideration of how non-cash items affect that income, and believes that this financial measure is also useful supplemental information for investors to analyze performance and our financial results. Gran Tierra is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking EBITDA to its most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure because management cannot reliably predict certain of the necessary components of such forward-looking GAAP measure.

    Free cash flow as presented is defined as GAAP projected “net cash provided by operating activities” less projected 2025 capital spending. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is net cash provided by operating activities. Management believes that free cash flow is a useful supplemental measure for management and investors to in order to evaluate the financial sustainability of the Company’s business. Gran Tierra is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking free cash flow to its most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure because management cannot reliably predict certain of the necessary components of such forward-looking GAAP measure.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: South Plains Financial, Inc. Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LUBBOCK, Texas, Jan. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — South Plains Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPFI) (“South Plains”), the parent company of City Bank, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share of common stock. The dividend is payable on February 18, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 3, 2025.

    About South Plains Financial, Inc.

    South Plains is the bank holding company for City Bank, a Texas state-chartered bank headquartered in Lubbock, Texas. City Bank is one of the largest independent banks in West Texas and has additional banking operations in the Dallas, El Paso, Greater Houston, the Permian Basin, and College Station, Texas markets, and the Ruidoso, New Mexico market. South Plains provides a wide range of commercial and consumer financial services to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in its market areas. Its principal business activities include commercial and retail banking, along with investment, trust and mortgage services. Please visit https://www.spfi.bank for more information.

    Contact: Mikella Newsom, Chief Risk Officer and Secretary
      investors@city.bank
      (866) 771-3347
       

    Source: South Plains Financial, Inc.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 01/23/2025 Blackburn, Van Hollen, Colleagues Introduce the Restoring Confidence in the World Anti-Doping Agency Act as U.S. Withholds Funding to WADA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Representatives John Moolenar (R-Mich.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) released the following statements after introducing the Restoring Confidence in the World Anti-Doping Agency Act. This legislation would permanently provide the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) the authority to withhold up to the full amount of membership dues to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) if the organization fails to operate as a fair and independent actor to ensure athletes are competing in drug-free Olympic and Paralympic Games.
    The U.S. is currently withholding funding from WADA after new details emerged about the agency’s complicity in covering up the wrongdoing of 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing drug before the 2021 Olympics. WADA has threatened to remove the U.S. from a position on its Executive Committee for withholding funding.
    “Since details of the Chinese doping scandal emerged, the World Anti-Doping Agency has tried to intimidate advocates for fair play at every single turn, and its officials have also stonewalled and lied to Congress,” said Senator Blackburn. “My colleagues and I have a message for WADA, the IOC, and any other international organization who tries to strong arm the United States: we are calling your bluff, and we won’t be silenced in our mission to promote fair play in sports. There must be real oversight and accountability at WADA, and that starts by passing this legislation.” 
    “Both our Olympians and the public should have confidence that all athletes competing in the Olympic Games are held to the same standards. But for too long we’ve lacked that assurance, due to WADA’s failure to provide transparency and accountability when it comes to enforcing anti-doping measures,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Our bipartisan, bicameral bill will help restore faith that athletes from around the world are playing on a fair and level field and ensure the integrity of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
    “This bipartisan legislation builds on the U.S. funding freeze for WADA by delivering substantive accountability and reform,” said the Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Representative Moolenaar. “Athletes deserve a fair and level playing field, and this bill ensures transparency and supports clean competition in international sports.”
    “Athletes and spectators across the globe must be able to trust that we have a level playing field for all levels of sports, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said the Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the CCP, Representative Krishnamoorthi. “Our Restoring Confidence in the World Anti-Doping Agency Act will help free the sports world from performance-enhancing drugs by ensuring anti-doping standards are properly enforced, thereby protecting the integrity of the highest levels of competition for clean athletes around the world.”
    Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) also co-sponsored this legislation.

    ENDORSEMENTS:

    This legislation is endorsed by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, Joel Rosinbum, and Greta Neimanas.
    “Athletes can wait no longer for change at WADA. Now is the moment. We thank the U.S. Government for protecting the rights of athletes and fair sport by withholding funding from WADA to encourage accountability. We also commend Senator Marsha Blackburn, and the many other champions of clean sport in Congress, for the reintroduction of the Restoring Confidence in the World Anti-Doping Agency Act. Passage of this legislation will be especially important since the U.S. is hosting many major events over the next decade, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 and 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games.” – Travis Tygart, CEO, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency
    “As part of the Team USA Athletes Commission leadership team, I’m proud to support this important legislative effort. Fair play is the foundation of sport, and every athlete deserves to compete on a level playing field. The Restoring Confidence in WADA Act is a positive step toward meaningful reform, but real change requires a global commitment to clean sport. We need every nation that values fairness to step up and do their part, alongside WADA, to ensure our athletes can trust the integrity of their competitions.” – Joel Rosinbum, Team USA Athletes’ Commission Leadership Member
    “I am grateful that members of Congress are supporting Team USA athletes by introducing the Restoring Confidence in WADA Act. For far too long, WADA has been inefficient and, as of late, incapable of ensuring fair competition and clean sport, with the Russian ice skating and Chinese swimming scandals as the most recent examples. The ONDCP should be empowered to push for much-needed reforms within WADA and be able to withhold the United States’ financial contributions to WADA until they implement change.” – Greta Neimanas, Paralympian and Team USA Athletes’ Commission Leadership Member

    BACKGROUND:

    Last year, reporting revealed that more than two dozen Chinese swimmers tested positive for performance enhancing drugs one month before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The Chinese Anti-Doping Agency secretly cleared the swimmers of the doping.
    When WADA learned of these positive tests, the agency chose not to intervene or require China to follow WADA rules. Over a dozen of these swimmers competed in the 2021 Olympic Games, winning several medals, including gold.
    Last summer, new reporting revealed two additional Chinese swimmers – including one who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics – tested positive in 2022 for a banned drug but were secretly cleared of doping by Chinese authorities.

    RESTORING CONFIDENCE IN THE WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY ACT:

    The Restoring Confidence in the World Anti-Doping Agency Act would allow the ONDCP to withhold up to the full amount of membership dues to WADA. The U.S. is the WADA’s greatest contributor, which makes this a powerful tool. 
    The bill would also authorize ONDCP to use all available tools to ensure that WADA fully implements all governance reforms, including a proper conflict-of-interest policy, and that independent athletes from the United States and other democratic countries, or representatives of such athletes, have a decision-making role on WADA’s Executive Committee and governing bodies.
    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd, Tillis Applaud Trump Executive Action Supporting Lumbee Recognition

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) issued statements applauding President Donald Trump for signing a Presidential Memorandum stating that “it is the policy of the United States to support the full Federal recognition, including the authority to receive full Federal benefits, of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.”
    The memorandum also directs the Secretary of the Interior to, within 90 days, “submit to the President a plan to assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full Federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms, including the right to receive full Federal benefits.”
    Senator Budd said in a statement:
    “I would like to thank President Trump for keeping his promise to the more than 60,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe in North Carolina who have waited decades for federal recognition. Today’s action underscores the urgent need to pass the Lumbee Fairness Act, which Senator Tillis and I reintroduced earlier this month. We will continue to work with the president, the Interior Department, and my congressional colleagues to get this bill passed and signed into law.”
    Senator Tillis said:
    “I applaud President Donald J. Trump’s executive order to prioritize the Lumbee Tribe’s fight for full federal recognition and the federal benefits they have long been denied. In September 2024, President Trump made a promise to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to right the historical wrongs of the Indian Termination Era, and today’s executive order is a major step to correcting that wrong. I remain committed to working with President Trump and the North Carolina Congressional Delegation in a bipartisan, bicameral manner to pass the Lumbee Fairness Act to ensure the Lumbee Tribe’s federal recognition is secure and free from legal obstacles.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Daines champion bill to stop small business tax hike, protect Tax Cuts and Jobs Act deductions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today joined Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) in introducing the Main Street Tax Certainty Act to make permanent the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 199A deductions for small businesses.

    “More than 230,000 small businesses in Louisiana will face tax hikes if the deductions we passed in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expire. The Main Street Tax Certainty Act will help make sure that the backbone of America’s economy continues to provide good-paying jobs to our communities,” said Kennedy. 

    “As the son of a contractor, I’ve seen firsthand the hard work it takes to keep a small business flourishing—especially as Americans are still grappling with the effects of Joe Biden’s inflation. It’s absolutely crucial that we pass this legislation to prevent a 20 percent tax increase for hardworking Montanans and I’ll keep fighting for ways to support Montana small businesses, which provide the majority of jobs in our state,” said Daines.

    In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law. The law, under section 199A, provides a special tax deduction for millions of America’s small businesses. The 199A deductions are set to expire on Dec. 31, 2025 unless Congress acts.

    Most businesses in the U.S. are considered “pass-through,” which means their income flows through the business onto the owners or members. These profits are taxed as individual income rather than at the corporate rate. The Main Street Tax Certainty Act would permanently provide a 20% tax deduction for pass-through businesses, including sole-proprietorships, S-Corporations, partnerships and limited liability corporations.

    Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) also cosponsored the legislation.

    The full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy introduces bill to crack down on rogue prosecutors who refuse to keep Americans safe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today introduced the Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act, which would require district attorneys (DAs) in many large jurisdictions to annually report information on their handling of certain serious crimes to the U.S. Attorney General. Under the bill, DA’s offices that do not report this data risk losing priority funding for their districts.

    The bill would specifically require DAs in jurisdictions with more than 360,000 people to submit an annual report disclosing data on, among other things, the number of cases referred to them for crimes including murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault and burglary, and the number of these cases that the DA’s office dropped.

    “American families deserve good prosecutors to keep them safe by enforcing the law, but too many district attorneys cater to far-left activists. The Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act would hold rogue prosecutors accountable for refusing to punish criminals and protect innocent Americans,” said Kennedy.

    The bill would help correct a nationwide trend of DAs who decline to prosecute serious crimes. In recent years, a multimillion-dollar project has worked to hamstring effective policing in major cities by empowering soft-on-crime prosecutors.

    Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) cosponsored the bill.

    “With crime on the rise in Democrat-led cities across the nation, it is imperative that these Soros-backed prosecutors work, do their jobs and get these violent offenders off our streets, instead of allowing career criminals to run rampant in our community. Catch-and-release is enough of a disaster on the Texas-Mexico border. The last thing we need is to institute it in our courts. I’m proud to stand with Sen. Kennedy and our colleagues to demand transparency about this abdication of professional responsibility,” said Cruz.

    Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives.

    “Over the last few years, we’ve seen a disturbing trend in big-city district attorneys working to keep dangerous criminals on our streets rather than behind bars. Look no further than my city of New York where Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg released a ‘Day One’ memo initially directing his staff to not prosecute certain crimes, downgrade other felony charges filed by police, and no longer seek sentences of life without parole. The same type of woke policies have been enacted by progressive DAs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, and voters have had enough. With prosecutors refusing to prosecute and governors only enabling their leniency, Congress has a responsibility to step in and arm the public with the information they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box,” said Malliotakis. 

    The bill’s text is available here.

    Kennedy first introduced the bill in the 118th Congress in Feb. 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Budd Applaud President Trump’s Executive Order to Promote Federal Recognition of the Lumbee Tribe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd applauded President Trump’s signing of an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Interior Secretary to pursue all options to finally grant the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina with full federal recognition: 

    “I applaud President Donald J. Trump’s executive order to prioritize the Lumbee Tribe’s fight for full federal recognition and the federal benefits they have long been denied,” said Senator Tillis. “In September 2024, President Trump made a promise to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to right the historical wrongs of the Indian Termination Era, and today’s executive order is a major step to correcting that wrong. I remain committed to working with President Trump and the North Carolina Congressional Delegation in a bipartisan, bicameral manner to pass the Lumbee Fairness Act to ensure the Lumbee Tribe’s federal recognition is secure and free from legal obstacles.” 

    “I would like to thank President Trump for keeping his promise to the more than 60,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe in North Carolina who have waited decades for federal recognition,” said Senator Budd. “Today’s action underscores the urgent need to pass the Lumbee Fairness Act, which Senator Tillis and I reintroduced earlier this month. We will continue to work with the president, the Interior Department, and my congressional colleagues to get this bill passed and signed into law.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch Introduces Bill to Ban Critical Race Theory in U.S. History and Civics Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) introduced today the Protect Equality and Civics Education (PEACE) Act to prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars to promote politically divisive concepts, such as Critical Race Theory, through the U.S. Department of Education’s American History and Civics Education program.

    The PEACE Act codifies the Trump administration’s definition of “divisive concepts” as outlined in the 2020 Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping, ensuring our education standards reflect America’s founding principles and reject extreme ideology. 

    “For too long, the radical left has tried to rewrite American history and indoctrinate future generations with their woke agenda,” said Risch. “My PEACE Act ensures taxpayer dollars are not used to promote Critical Race Theory or subject students to a divisive and misguided political agenda.”

    “Teaching children they are inherently ‘bad’ or ‘good’ based on conditions they cannot control is destructive and unproductive,” said Crapo. “Schools should get back to quality education that will allow the next generation of leaders to thrive.”

    “It’s disgraceful that the Biden Administration spent the last four years using taxpayer money to force their radical, woke agenda onto our kids. I appreciate the work of my colleagues to put an end to this nonsense so the next generation can learn how to think, instead of what to think, and focus on preparing for success after graduation,” Sheehy said.

    “Rather than focusing on the safety and prosperity of our nation, the Biden administration spent the last four years funding and forcing far-left ideology on students across the United States,” said Lummis. “I am proud to join my colleagues to combat this radical agenda in our public schools and focus on quality education.” 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Moran Questions Brooke Rollins, Nominee to be the Secretary of Agriculture

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today questioned Brooke Rollins, President Trump’s nominee to be the Secretary of Agriculture, during a Senate Committee on Agriculture hearing.

    “It has been described here the dangerous and dramatic circumstances that farmers and ranchers find themselves in across the country – it is certainly true in Kansas,” said Sen. Moran. “We have the same difficulties that everybody else has across the country with high input costs and low commodity prices, but I would add that almost 80 percent of the counties in Kansas are in a drought, and so you add to those problems that we can’t grow a crop.”

    Sen. Moran raised the importance of quickly administering the disaster and economic assistance passed by Congress in December and emphasized the need for transparency on how the assistance will be distributed so famers will be in a better position to financially plan for the planting season. 

    Sen. Moran also highlighted to Mrs. Rollins the importance of passing a new Farm Bill, the need to have USDA employees in office, the Farm to Fly Act, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas, and important research at land-grant universities across the United States.

    Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Questions

     

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘A Generation Has Been Traumatized’, Says Humanitarian Affairs Chief, Briefing Security Council on Plight of Children in Gaza

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Meeting a week after a ceasefire paused the war in Gaza, after it raged for almost 470 days, the Security Council discussed the plight of children, with speakers calling for their needs to be prioritized, through the rebuilding of educational infrastructure, the provision of psychosocial support and ensuring a surge of humanitarian aid to the Strip.

    “A generation has been traumatized,” Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, told the Council, pointing to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) finding that 1 million children need mental health and psychosocial support for depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Nonetheless, today’s briefing marks “one of the rare times we are able to highlight positive developments”, he said, with the ceasefire providing a reprieve from relentless hostilities for Palestinians; allowing Israeli hostages and imprisoned Palestinians to be reunited with their families; and allowing a surge in life-saving humanitarian aid into Gaza.  “Children have been killed, starved and frozen to death,” he said, adding:  “Some died before their first breath — perishing with their mothers in childbirth.”  Citing conservative estimates indicating that over 17,000 children are without their families in Gaza, he stated that an estimated 150,000 pregnant women and new mothers are now in desperate need of health services.

    Outlining the UN and its partners’ stepped-up response across the Gaza Strip in recent days to meet the needs of 2 million people across Gaza, he said they were enabled by improved operating conditions, including safe, unobstructed humanitarian access, the absence of hostilities and the almost complete cessation of criminal looting. Such operations included the provision of life-saving services; delivering food parcels and flour and working to reopen bakeries; and distributing fuel to ensure that critical services, such as healthcare and water pumping, can run on back-up generators, he said, underscoring: “At the centre of this, as always, is United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).”

    He went on to express alarm over the situation in the West Bank, where record-high levels of casualties, displacement and access restrictions witnessed since October 2023 have intensified since the announcement of the ceasefire.  Voicing alarm over attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian villages and an ongoing military operation in Jenin causing death and displacement, he urged the Council to ensure the ceasefire is maintained and to ensure that international law is respected across the Occupied Palestinian Territory of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.  Restrictions on critical humanitarian items must be lifted, including items considered to be “dual use”, and there must be accountability for atrocities.  Underscoring the need to ensure humanitarian operations are well-funded, with the 2025 Flash Appeal in need of $4.07 billion to meet the needs of 3 million people in Gaza and the West Bank, he stressed:  “The children of Gaza are not collateral damage”, but deserving of security, education and hope.  “They tell us that the world was not there for them through this war.  We must be there for them now.”

    The Council also heard from Bisan Nateel, from Tamer Institute for Community Education, an organization that helps Palestinian children express themselves through artistic activities, who recounted the “very simple dreams” expressed in drawings by the children she worked with, who “dreamed of going back to school, of playing with friends, and of not hearing constant shelling”.  Instead, she said, they were told to go to the safe place in south Gaza, through a “so-called safe corridor” where their lives were under threat, forced to see bodies along the road, forced to walk as snipers targeted them.  “They arrived unable to say a word about the horrific sights seen in their displacement journey, to a safe area that was targeted,” she said.  Displaying a drawing by a child named Gazi when he was in al-Mawasi refugee camp, in which he drew himself feeling well-fed, at home with his father, she said:  “But Gazi lost his life, along with his father, when their tent was attacked.” Also citing the case of a 12-year-old girl in north Gaza, who saw the remains of relatives “torn to pieces” outside her tent, she said that amidst the horror and violence, the children of the Strip forgot “what it means to live, to be human”.

    Throughout the conflict, she recalled awaiting news of Security Council meetings on the radio, hoping for a ceasefire that would end the massacres.  “Every day we lost our friends, loved ones, our homes and lives,” she said, recalling the death of her friend Mohammed, alongside the children he was drawing and playing with at Al-Maamadani Hospital.  “We used to walk down the streets, not knowing if we would live or die, always waiting for the moment the Council would announce a ceasefire, and end the violations against the Palestinian people, including their right to life, violated during 470 days of continuous attack against Gaza,” she stressed.  She voiced hope that Gazans’ “right to life” will he restored, and that children can go back to school, to play, to draw and to sing; to being “normal children in a normal environment, not surrounded by soldiers, and hearing weapons”.  In Gaza, “we do not know how life looks like in the outside world,” she said, adding:  “We have lost a lot in this war and I hope we will not lose more.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Guterres voices alarm over M23 rebel offensive in DR Congo, ‘devastating toll’ on civilians

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    The UN chief on Thursday expressed alarm over a renewed offensive by M23 rebels in recent days in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which is taking a “devastating toll” on civilians.

    Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement issued by his Spokesperson noted the Rwandan-backed rebels seizure of Sake, in South Kivu, “which increases the threat” to the regional capital Goma – all of which is “heightening the threat of a regional war.” Rwanda denies any direct involvement with M23 fighters.

    Since the UN Mission withdrew from South Kivu in June 2024, peacekeepers have defended key positions in North Kivu, including Goma and Sake, where clashes between the M23, the Congolese Armed Forces and other armed groups have continued.

    Recent fighting in the village of Bweremana north of Minova claimed at least 10 lives and triggered mass displacement toward Kalehe, Goma and Rusayo, leaving more than 250,000 people displaced, the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, said.

    “The Secretary-General calls on the M23 to immediately cease its offensive, withdraw from all occupied areas and abide by the 31 July 2024 ceasefire agreement,” said the UN chief’s statement.

    Rwandan troops inside DRC

    He added that he was deeply troubled by the most recent report of the Group of Experts established under Security Council resolution 1533, which highlighted the “presence of Rwandan troops on Congolese soil and continued support to the M23.”

    He calls on all involved in the on-going conflict in eastern DRC to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and “put an end to all forms of support to armed groups, whether Congolese or foreign.”

    Mr. Guterres also reaffirmed his “unwavering support” for the Luanda peace process headed by President João Lourenço of Angola to de-escalate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda.

    Mediation talks began in the Angolan capital in June 2022. The UN chief commended the Angolan president for progress made so far.

    Civilian protection paramount

    “He urges the parties to remain engaged in the Luanda process and maintain momentum on the neutralization of the FDLR [ethnic Hutu rebel group of exiled Rwandan refugees] and withdrawal of Rwandan forces, as well as the swift operationalization of the Reinforced Ad-Hoc Verification Mechanism.”

    The UN chief urged all parties to the fighting to uphold human rights and international humanitarian law, including by ensuring immediate and unfettered access to populations in need of humanitarian assistance.

    “He reaffirms the determination of MONUSCO to implement its mandate to protect civilians. He strongly condemns action by any party that endangers the safety and security of UN blue helmets and civilian personnel.” 

    Soundcloud

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Joint Statement from Thirteen State Attorneys General: State and Local Law Enforcement Cannot Be Commandeered for Federal Immigration Enforcement

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, January 23, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with the attorneys general of New York, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, today issued a joint statement addressing a memorandum from a Trump political appointee at the U.S. Department of Justice addressing state and local involvement in federal immigration enforcement: 

    “It is well-established—through longstanding Supreme Court precedent—that the U.S. Constitution prevents the federal government from commandeering states to enforce federal laws. While the federal government may use its own resources for federal immigration enforcement, the court ruled in Printz v. United States that the federal government cannot ‘impress into its service—and at no cost to itself—the police officers of the 50 States.’ This balance of power between the federal government and state governments is a touchstone of our American system of federalism.

    “Despite what he may say to the contrary, the President cannot unilaterally re-write the Constitution. The President has made troubling threats to weaponize the U.S. Department of Justice’s prosecutorial authority and resources to attack public servants acting in compliance with their state laws, interfering with their ability to build trust with the communities they serve and protect. Right now, these vague threats are just that: empty words on paper. But rest assured, our states will not hesitate to respond if these words become illegal actions.

    “As state attorneys general, we have a responsibility to enforce state laws – and we will continue to investigate and prosecute crimes, regardless of immigration status. We will not be distracted by the President’s mass deportation agenda.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Ulster County Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 156 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Joshua Atkinson, age 27, of Ellenville, New York, was sentenced last week to serve 156 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.

    The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York; and Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, whose office leads the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT).

    Atkinson was one of 11 defendants charged in the case. These defendants have pled guilty and have been sentenced or are pending sentencing: 

    • Christopher Baez was sentenced to 71 months in prison, to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release;
    • Michael Herry was sentenced to 27 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release;
    • Joshua Morales is scheduled to be sentenced on February 19, 2025;
    • Joseph Logan is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2025;
    • Timothy Hutcherson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 9, 2025; and
    • Daryl Livingston is scheduled to be sentenced on April 2, 2025. 

    As part of his guilty plea, Atkinson admitted that during the conspiracy he distributed and possessed with intent to distribute approximately 3.2 kilograms of cocaine and 600 grams of fentanyl. Atkinson also admitted to using violence to obtain payments from his drug redistributors, including threatening a co-conspirator with a hammer. In January 2023, a search warrant was executed at Atkinson’s Ellenville residence and a .22 caliber pistol was recovered by law enforcement.

    Senior United States District Judge David N. Hurd also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release to begin after Atkinson is released from prison.

    This case is being investigated by HSI; the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with URGENT (the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement and Narcotics Team), an inter-agency taskforce targeting drug dealers and gang members in Ulster County; the New York State Police; the Village of Ellenville Police Department; and the White Plains Police Department, with assistance from the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office.   Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda is prosecuting this case.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Employee Of Real Estate Investment Firm Indicted For Investment Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – The former Vice President of Project Management for National Realty Investment Advisors (“NRIA”) has been indicted for his role in an investment fraud scheme and for misappropriating approximately $2.3 million from victim investors, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced today.

    Ivel Turner, 51, of Newark, Delaware, was indicted by a federal grand jury with eight counts of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon A. King in Camden federal court and was released on a $100,000 unsecured appearance bond and other conditions.  His arraignment is scheduled for February 4, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    Turner was previously employed as Vice President of Project Management for NRIA, which held itself out as a real estate investment management fund with over $1.25 billion in assets under management. NRIA promised investors guaranteed returns of at least 12 percent per year for a period of five years, a full return of their investments, and monthly distributions of between six and ten percent of their original investments.  Turner had access to NRIA’s PPM, which made many such representations pertaining to NRIA’s purported returns on investment and distributions.

    In April 2020, while still employed at NRIA, Turner incorporated Oasis Realty Investment Group (“ORIG”).  Turner, through ORIG, solicited real estate investors to purchase, finance, and co-develop residential units in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere.  Turner used NRIA as a model for ORIG.

    To induce investors to invest and continue to invest in ORIG, Turner made material misrepresentations and omissions related to, among other things: (a) ORIG’s financial position; (b) the manner in which Turner used investor money; and (c) Turner’s role at ORIG.  Turner also falsely represented to the victim investors that substantially all of ORIG’s proceeds would be used for real estate investment purposes, but instead, Turner misused hundreds of thousands of dollars of investor money on personal expenses, including luxury retail purchases, several vehicles, international travel, and a down payment on his residence.

    The wire fraud charges each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.  The securities fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $5,000,000.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Terence G. Reilly, with the investigation leading to the indictment.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

    The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    ###

    Defense counsel: Rubin M. Sinins, Esq., Springfield, New Jersey

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney Announces Appointment of First Assistant U.S. Attorney

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – United States Attorney Leah B. Foley has announced that Katherine Ferguson has been appointed to serve as First Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. Ms. Ferguson, a career prosecutor, has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for more than a decade.

    “Ms. Ferguson’s leadership, dedication, and prosecutorial excellence have earned her widespread respect within our office and beyond,” said U.S. Attorney Foley. “Her deep understanding of federal law enforcement and her commitment to upholding the rule of law make her an invaluable asset. I am confident that she will bring the same integrity and vision to her new role as First Assistant U.S. Attorney as she has throughout her career.”

    Ms. Ferguson has served as Deputy Chief of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit for the U.S. Attorney’s Office since 2017 and Lead Task Force Attorney for the District’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force since 2021. As Deputy Chief of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit, Ms. Ferguson was responsible for overseeing federal narcotics and money laundering investigations and prosecutions. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney for 15 years, she has extensive experience working collaboratively with other federal, state and local partners to dismantle multi-jurisdictional and international drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.

    Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Ferguson served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. There, she handled over 600 cases in Boston Municipal Court from arraignment to disposition and oversaw the prosecution of child abuse and narcotics offenses in Superior Court. From 2006-2007, Ms. Ferguson served as a law clerk for the Honorable Sandra L. Lynch with the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

    Ms. Ferguson graduated from Princeton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics with Highest Honors, Phi Beta Kappa. While at Princeton, Ms. Ferguson earned Certificates in Political Economy and French Language & Culture. She also received a Masters in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government and graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School, where she was an Executive Editor for the Harvard Law Review.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Spokane Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Spokane, Washington – On January 22, 2025, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Johnathan Freeman Hunt, 56, of Spokane, Washington, to 12 years in federal prison for Receipt of Child Pornography. Judge Dimke also imposed 10 years of supervised release. 

    According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, Hunt came to the attention of law enforcement agents in July 2022, when Hunt distributed several child pornography files to another person via the internet.

    On November 30, 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at Hunt’s Spokane residence and seized several electronic devices. Forensic analysis of these devices revealed 11,149 files of child sexual abuse material involving children younger than 12 years old.

    In an interview with law enforcement, Hunt admitted to downloading child sexual abuse material and making that material available to others using peer-to-peer software. Hunt was previously convicted of Third-Degree Child Molestation in 2017.

    “Protecting children from harm remains a priority in my office and is critical to building a safe and strong Eastern Washington community,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “I am deeply grateful for the prosecutors and investigators who take on these difficult cases and hold individuals accountable who use technology to exploit our children.”

    “The sentence handed down today reflects the severity of the crime and underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting children from exploitation,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “The defendant’s actions of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material are not only illegal, but they also perpetuate the suffering of innocent victims. Our commitment to protecting children remains steadfast, and we will continue to work relentlessly to ensure those responsible face the full weight of the law.”

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann T. Wick.

    Case 2:23-cr-00096-MKD

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lincoln Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Felon in Possession of a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jovan Travis, age 38, of Lincoln, Nebraska was sentenced on January 23, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln for one count of felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Travis to a total of 92 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Travis’ release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.

    On January 12, 2023, an Omaha Police Department (“OPD”) officer was contacted by a Confidential Informant (“CI”) regarding illegal narcotics sales.  The officer had the CI arrange a controlled purchase of pills from Travis.  On that same day, the CI and Travis met for the transaction. However, at the time of the buy, Travis advised the CI that he did not have the pills yet.  Instead, he offered the CI a handgun for $300, which the CI purchased using the task force money.  The handgun was reported stolen out of Illinois.

    Travis was previously convicted of multiple crimes that were punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

    This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Amassing Another Cache of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Joseph Gallo, 80, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Juan R. Sanchez to 10 years in prison, five years of supervised release, $12,750 in restitution, and $10,000 in additional special assessments, for possessing thousands of images and videos of child pornography.

    In March of last year, the defendant was charged by information with possession of child pornography as a second-time child sex offender. He pleaded guilty in July, admitting that, over a period of more than three years, he had amassed a collection of more than 18,000 images depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

    At the time Gallo committed these crimes, he was already a registered sex offender under Megan’s Law, attending court-ordered sex offender treatment, and serving a sentence of supervised county probation, following his 2015 prosecution in Bucks County for similar offenses.

    “Gallo learned nothing from his first conviction and again started seeking out those abhorrent images,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Consumers of child pornography like him perpetuate the exploitation and trauma of innocent victims, which my office, HSI, and our partners simply won’t abide. We’ll continue to hold accountable collectors of child sexual abuse material, because protecting kids everywhere is paramount.”

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit projectsafechildhood.gov.

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: India- And New Jersey-Based Jeweler Sentenced To 30 Months Incarceration For Multimillion Dollar International Trade Fraud Scheme And Unlicensed Money Transmitting

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, NJ. –  An India- and New Jersey-based man who operated jewelry companies in New York City’s Diamond District was sentenced to 30 months incarceration for spearheading a scheme to illegally evade customs duties for more than $13.5 million of jewelry imports into the United States and for illegally processing more than $10.3 million through an unlicensed money transmitting business, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Monishkumar Kirankumar Doshi Shah, a/k/a “Monish Doshi Shah” (Shah), 40, of Mumbai, India and Jersey City, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to a two-count Information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and operating and aiding and abetting the operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business. Judge Salas imposed the sentence in Newark federal court and remanded Shah to begin serving his sentence.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    From in or around December 2019 through in or around April 2022, Shah engaged in a scheme to evade duties for shipments of jewelry from Turkey and India to the United States. Shah would ship and/or instruct his co-conspirators to ship goods from Turkey or India—which would have been subject to an approximately 5.5% duty if shipped directly to the United States—to one of Shah’s companies in South Korea. Shah’s co-conspirators in South Korea would change the labels on the jewelry to state that they were from South Korea instead of Turkey or India, and then ship them to Shah or his customers in the United States, thereby unlawfully evading the duty. Shah would also make and instruct his customers to make fake invoices and packing lists to make it look like Shah’s South Korean companies were actually ordering jewelry from Turkey or India. Shah also instructed a third-party shipping company to provide false information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) concerning the origin of the jewelry. During the scheme, Shah shipped approximately $13.5 million of jewelry from South Korea to the United States without paying the appropriate duty.

    In addition, from in or around July 2020 through in or around November 2021, Shah owned and/or operated numerous jewelry companies in New York City’s Diamond District, including MKore LLC, MKore USA Inc, and Vruman Corp. Shah used these entities to conduct more than $10.3 million in illegal financial transactions for customers—including converting cash to checks or wire transfers. Shah would also collect cash from customers and use other individuals’ jewelry companies to convert the cash into wires or checks. At times, Shah and other members of the money transmitting business moved hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single day. In exchange for their services, certain members of the money transmitting business charged a fee. None of Shah’s or his associates’ companies were registered as money transmitting businesses with New York, New Jersey, or the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Salas ordered restitution in the amount of $742,500 for the wire fraud scheme and forfeiture in the amount of $11,126,982.33 for the wire fraud and unlicensed money transmitting schemes.  In addition, the Court imposed a two-year term of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents and task force officers of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan in Newark; special agents with Homeland Security Investigations New York, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker; special agents with Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas; and special agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of New York/Newark, under the direction of Acting Port Director Jeffrey R. Greene, with the investigation leading to today’s sentence. He also thanked U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New York; Homeland Security Investigations in Seoul, South Korea; the Korea Customs Service in South Korea; the Seoul Customs Special Investigation Office in South Korea; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Paterson; the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department; the Morristown Police Department; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General; and the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) for their assistance in the investigation.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olta Bejleri of the Economic Crimes Unit and Marko Pesce, Deputy Chief of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit in Newark.

                                                     ###

    Defense Attorney: Rahul Agarwal, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wichita man pleads guilty to child pornography distribution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to distributing child sexual abuse materials over the internet.

    According to court documents, Sebastian Grattan, 28, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography.

    Grattan admits to creating an account on a messaging app and using it to distribute child sex abuse materials in November 2023.

    The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 10, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Wichita Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting the case.

    Project Safe Childhood
    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Amtrak Employee Admits Participating In $11 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – An Amtrak employee admitted participating in a health care fraud scheme to defraud Amtrak, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Rodolfo Rivera, 41, of Clayton, Delaware, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to an Indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. The Indictment also charges nine other co-conspirators in connection with the scheme: Kevin Frink, 53, of Willingboro, New Jersey; Quinton Johnson, 53, of Irvington, New Jersey; David McBrien, 36, of Levittown, Pennsylvania; Gregory Richardson, 35, of Roosevelt, New York; Michael Toal, 35, of Hazlet, New Jersey; Damany Walker, 41, of Irvington, New Jersey; Timothy Bogen, 59, of Hamden, Connecticut; Dion Jacob, 50, of Brooklyn, New York; and David Lonergan, 64, of Rockaway Park, New York.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    From January 2019 through June 2022, Rivera and his co-conspirators—who were also Amtrak employees—engaged in a scheme to obtain cash kickbacks from health care providers in return for their agreement to allow their health insurance plan to be billed for services that were never provided and were not medically necessary. As a result of the fraudulent claims submitted on behalf of Rivera, his dependent, and other Amtrak employees that he recruited into the scheme, the Amtrak health care plan paid over $2 million in reimbursements. In total, as a result of the conspiracy, the Amtrak health care plan paid over $11 million in fraudulent claims associated with providers connected to the scheme.

    Rivera received thousands of dollars in cash kickbacks from health care providers in return for his participation in the scheme, including from Punson Figueroa, an acupuncturist, and Michael DeNicola, a podiatrist. Figueroa previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and was sentenced on September 24, 2024 to 34 months in prison. DeNicola previously pleaded guilty on June 29, 2022 to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, among other offenses. His sentencing remains pending.

    The health care fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Rivera’s sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2025.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Waters, the Amtrak Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Samuel Dotson, and special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III in New York, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Ecker and Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit, and Senior Trial Counsel Barbara Ward of the Bank Integrity, Recovery, and Money Laundering Unit, in Newark.

    The charge and allegations contained in the Indictment against Frink, Johnson, McBrien, Richardson, Toal, Walker, Bogen, Jacob, and Lonergan, are merely accusations, and they are each presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

                                                                 ###

    Defense counsel: Dennis S. Cleary, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Urges Stockholders of ZUO, BERY, AMCR, AUB to Act Now

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Jan. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • Zuora Inc. (NYSE: ZUO), relating to its proposed merger with Silver Lake Group, L.C.C. Under the terms of the agreement, all ZUO shares will be automatically converted into the right to receive $10.00 in cash per share.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for February 13, 2025.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/zuora-inc/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYSE: BERY), relating to the proposed merger with AMCOR plc. Under the terms of the agreement, Berry shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 7.25 Amcor shares for each Berry share held upon closing, resulting in Amcor and Berry shareholders owning approximately 63% and 37% of the combined company, respectively.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for February 25, 2025.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/berry-global-group-inc-bery/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • AMCOR plc (NYSE: AMCR), relating to the proposed merger with Berry Global Group, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Berry shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 7.25 Amcor shares for each Berry share held upon closing, resulting in Amcor and Berry shareholders owning approximately 63% and 37% of the combined company, respectively.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for February 25, 2025.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/amcor-plc-amcr/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp. (NYSE: AUB), relating to a proposed merger with Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, all Sandy Spring shares will automatically be converted into the right to receive 0.900 shares of AUB, and cash in lieu of fractional shares.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for February 5, 2025.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/atlantic-union-bankshares-corp/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Reports Robust Reserves Replacement and Record High Reserves

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Sixth Consecutive Year of 1P Total Reserves Growth Resulting in Highest Total Reserves in Company History
    • Delivered 702% 1P and 1,249% 2P Reserves Replacement Including Recent Acquisition
    • Total Liquids 1P and 2P Reserves Increased to 128 and 217 Million Barrels of Oil Equivalent with 1P and 2P Reserve Life Index increasing to 10 and 17 Years, Respectively
    • Added Total Reserves of 89 MMBOE 1P, 159 MMBOE 2P and 191 MMBOE 3P
    • Net Present Value Before Tax Discounted at 10% of $2.0 Billion (1P), $3.2 Billion (2P), and $4.5 Billion (3P)
    • Net Asset Value per Share of $35.24 Before Tax and $19.53 After Tax (1P), and $71.16 Before Tax and $41.05 After Tax (2P)
    • Strong Finding, Development & Acquisition Costs of $4.49 (1P), $2.52 (2P) and $2.10 (3P), Excluding Changes in Future Development Costs

    CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (“Gran Tierra” or the “Company”) (NYSE American:GTE)(TSX:GTE)(LSE:GTE), an independent international energy company focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador, today announced the Company’s 2024 year-end reserves as evaluated by the Company’s independent qualified reserves evaluator McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. (“McDaniel”) in a report with an effective date of December 31, 2024 (the “GTE McDaniel Reserves Report”).

    All dollar amounts are in United States (“U.S.”) dollars and all reserves and production volumes are on a working interest before royalties (“WI”) basis (net). Reserves are expressed in barrels (“bbl”), bbl of oil equivalent (“boe”) or million boe (“MMBOE”), while production is expressed in boe per day (“BOEPD”), unless otherwise indicated. The following reserves categories are discussed in this press release: Proved Developed Producing (“PDP”), Proved (“1P”), 1P plus Probable (“2P”) and 2P plus Possible (“3P”).

    Gary Guidry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gran Tierra, commented: “2024 was another strong year underpinned by multiple exploration discoveries in Ecuador, continued success in managing our Colombian assets, and our new country entry into Canada. The organic and inorganic portfolio growth creates a future runway of highly economic development opportunities in proven plays with access to infrastructure. Gran Tierra’s entry into Canada fits our corporate strategy of focusing on proven hydrocarbon basins which have access to established infrastructure and competitive fiscal regimes. Furthermore, with the addition of Canada, Gran Tierra is well positioned for long-term commodity cycles with approximately 20% of its production, 23% 1P reserves and 26% 2P reserves now attributed to conventional natural gas and shale gas.

    We continue to generate shareholder value through focusing on portfolio longevity and executing on our mandate of growing cash flow and reserves, while maintaining low decline rates through production, development and enhanced oil recovery techniques. Gran Tierra has assembled a diversified, high-quality asset base across multiple attractive jurisdictions and combined with our management team’s strong track record of accretive acquisitions and value creation, we look forward to a successful 2025.

    The success of 2024 is reflected in yet another year of over 100% reserve replacement on a Proved basis. Gran Tierra achieved strong 702% (1P), 1,249% (2P) and 1,500% (3P) reserves replacement through exploration success in Colombia and Ecuador and our entry into Canada. This success resulted in record highs for the Company’s year-end 1P, 2P and 3P oil and gas reserves.”

    *See the below tables for the definitions of net asset values per share.

    Highlights

    2024 Year-End Reserves and Values

    Before Tax (as of December 31, 2024) Units 1P 2P 3P
    Reserves MMBOE 167   293   385  
    Net Present Value at 10% Discount (“NPV10”) $ million 1,950   3,242   4,517  
    Net Debt1 $ million (682 ) (682 ) (682 )
    Net Asset Value (NPV10 less Net Debt) (“NAV”) $ million 1,268   2,560   3,835  
    Outstanding Shares million 35.97   35.97   35.97  
    NAV per Share $/share 35.24   71.16   106.62  
    After Tax (as of December 31, 2024) Units 1P 2P 3P
    Reserves MMBOE 167   293   385  
    NPV10 $ million 1,385   2,159   2,930  
    Net Debt1 $ million (682 ) (682 ) (682 )
    NAV $ million 703   1,477   2,248  
    Outstanding Shares million 35.97   35.97   35.97  
    NAV per Share $/share 19.53   41.05   62.48  

    1Based on estimated unaudited 2024 year-end Net Debt of $682 million comprised of Senior Notes of $787 million (gross) less cash and cash equivalents of $104 million, prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    • As of December 31, 2024, Gran Tierra achieved:
      • Before Tax NAV of $1.3 billion (1P), $2.6 billion (2P), and $3.8 billion (3P)
      • After Tax NAV of $0.7 billion (1P), $1.5 billion (2P), and $2.2 billion (3P)
      • Strong reserves replacement ratios* of:
        • 702% 1P, with 1P reserves additions of 89 MMBOE
        • 1,249% 2P, with 2P reserves additions of 159 MMBOE
        • 1,500% 3P, with 3P reserves additions of 191 MMBOE
      • Finding, development and acquisition costs (“FD&A”), including change in future development costs (“FDC”), on a per boe basis of $9.74 (1P), $8.11 (2P) and $6.92 (3P).
      • FD&A costs excluding change in FDC, on a per boe basis of $4.49 (1P), $2.52 (2P) and $2.10 (3P).
    • Canada now represents 46% of 1P and 51% of 2P reserves compared to Gran Tierra’s total reserves.
    • FDC are forecast by McDaniel to be $1,029 million for 1P reserves and $1,809 million for 2P reserves. Gran Tierra’s 2025 base case mid-point guidance for cash flow** of $280 million is equivalent to 27% of such 1P FDC and 15% of 2P FDC, which highlights the Company’s potential ability to fund future development capital. Increases in FDC relative to 2023 year-end reflect that the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report now assigns Gran Tierra 227 Proved Undeveloped future drilling locations (up from 95 at 2023 year-end) and 441 Proved plus Probable Undeveloped future drilling locations (up from 147 at 2023 year-end).

    *The reserve replacement ratios were calculated based on an annualized production figure based on November and December for Canada plus Colombia and Ecuador actual production, in each case, for the fourth quarter of 2024. The total production rate was 46,619 BOEPD.
    ** “Cash flow” refers to GAAP line item “net cash provided by operating activities”. Gran Tierra’s 2025 base case guidance is based on a forecast 2025 average Brent oil price of $75/bbl. See Gran Tierra’s press release dated January 23, 2025 for additional information regarding cash flow guidance referred to herein. This forecast price used in Gran Tierra’s forecast is lower than the 2025 McDaniel Brent price forecast.

    GTE McDaniel Reserves Report

    All reserves values, future net revenue and ancillary information contained in this press release have been prepared by McDaniel and calculated in compliance with Canadian National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”) and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (“COGEH”) and derived from the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report, unless otherwise expressly stated.

    Future Net Revenue

    Future net revenue reflects McDaniel’s forecast of revenue estimated using forecast prices and costs, arising from the anticipated development and production of reserves, after the deduction of royalties, operating costs, development costs and abandonment and reclamation costs but before consideration of indirect costs such as administrative, overhead and other miscellaneous expenses. The estimate of future net revenue below does not necessarily represent fair market value.

    Consolidated Properties at December 31, 2024
    Proved (1P) Total Future Net Revenue ($ million)
    Forecast Prices and Costs
      Sales Revenue Total Royalties Operating Costs Future Development Capital Abandonment and Reclamation Costs Future Net Revenue Before Future Taxes Future Taxes Future Net Revenue After Future Taxes*
    2025-2029
    (5 Years)
    5,139 (981 ) (1,385 ) (1,025 ) (27 ) 1,721 (491 ) 1,230
    Remainder 3,617 (578 ) (1,549 ) (4 ) (377 ) 1,109 (370 ) 739
    Total (Undiscounted) 8,756 (1,559 ) (2,934 ) (1,029 ) (404 ) 2,830 (861 ) 1,969
    Total (Discounted @ 10%)           1,950 (565 ) 1,385
    Consolidated Properties at December 31, 2024
    Proved Plus Probable (2P) Total Future Net Revenue ($ million)
    Forecast Prices and Costs
    Years Sales Revenue Total Royalties Operating Costs Future Development Capital Abandonment and Reclamation Costs Future Net Revenue Before Future Taxes Future Taxes Future Net Revenue After Future Taxes*
    2025-2029
    (5 Years)
    6,620 (1,297 ) (1,583 ) (1,438 ) (25 ) 2,277 (791 ) 1,486
    Remainder 8,685 (1,529 ) (2,967 ) (371 ) (420 ) 3,398 (1,082 ) 2,316
    Total (Undiscounted) 15,305 (2,826 ) (4,550 ) (1,809 ) (445 ) 5,675 (1,873 ) 3,802
    Total (Discounted @ 10%)           3,242 (1,083 ) 2,159
    Consolidated Properties at December 31, 2024
    Proved Plus Probable Plus Possible (3P) Total Future Net Revenue ($ million)
    Forecast Prices and Costs
    Years Sales Revenue Total Royalties Operating Costs Future Development Capital Abandonment and Reclamation Costs Future Net Revenue Before Future Taxes Future Taxes Future Net Revenue After Future Taxes*
    2025-2029
    (5 Years)
    7,490 (1,467 ) (1,672 ) (1,563 ) (25 ) 2,763 (1,015 ) 1,748
    Remainder 13,422 (2,598 ) (4,106 ) (519 ) (439 ) 5,760 (1,907 ) 3,853
    Total (Undiscounted) 20,912 (4,065 ) (5,778 ) (2,082 ) (464 ) 8,523 (2,922 ) 5,601
    Total (Discounted @ 10%)           4,517 (1,587 ) 2,930

    *The after-tax future net revenue of the Company’s oil and gas properties reflects the tax burden on the properties on a stand-alone basis. It does not consider the corporate tax situation, or tax planning. It does not provide an estimate of the value at the Company level which may be significantly different. The Company’s financial statements, when available for the year ended December 31, 2024, should be consulted for information at the Company level.

    Total Company WI Reserves

    The following table summarizes Gran Tierra’s NI 51-101 and COGEH compliant reserves in aggregate for Colombia, Ecuador and Canada derived from the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report calculated using forecast oil and gas prices and costs.

      Light and Medium Crude Oil Heavy Crude Oil Tight Oil Conventional Natural Gas Shale Gas Natural Gas Liquids 2024 Year-End
    Reserves Category Mbbl* Mbbl* Mbbl* MMcf** MMcf** Mbbl* Mboe***
    Proved Developed Producing 25,539 20,631 329 123,192 2,302 14,464 81,877
    Proved Developed Non-Producing 1,864 1,256 18 5,769 47 746 4,852
    Proved Undeveloped 26,529 22,491 3,040 81,541 16,785 11,476 79,923
    Total Proved 53,932 44,378 3,387 210,502 19,134 26,686 166,652
    Total Probable 30,480 27,532 6,092 196,621 32,869 24,036 126,388
    Total Proved plus Probable 84,412 71,910 9,479 407,123 52,003 50,722 293,040
    Total Possible 27,606 29,916 2,848 99,333 14,506 12,317 91,659
    Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible 112,018 101,826 12,327 506,456 66,509 63,039 384,699

    *Mbbl (thousand bbl of oil).
    **MMcf (million cubic feet).
    ***Mboe (thousand boe).

    Net Present Value Summary

    Gran Tierra’s reserves were evaluated using the average of three independent qualified reserves evaluators’ commodity price forecasts at January 1, 2025 (McDaniel, Sproule and GLJ). See “Forecast Prices” for more information. It should not be assumed that the net present value of cash flow estimated by McDaniel represents the fair market value of Gran Tierra’s reserves.

    Total Company Discount Rate
    ($ millions) 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
    Before Tax          
    Proved Developed Producing 1,288,263 1,269,021 1,143,703 1,032,260 941,153
    Proved Developed Non-Producing 119,025 98,908 84,070 72,745 63,864
    Proved Undeveloped 1,422,638 1,002,220 722,242 527,670 387,664
    Total Proved 2,829,926 2,370,149 1,950,015 1,632,675 1,392,681
    Total Probable 2,842,656 1,852,742 1,292,189 945,677 717,447
    Total Proved plus Probable 5,672,582 4,222,891 3,242,204 2,578,352 2,110,128
    Total Possible 2,848,360 1,835,802 1,274,763 931,210 706,630
    Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible 8,520,942 6,058,693 4,516,967 3,509,562 2,816,758
    After Tax          
    Proved Developed Producing 984,109 1,012,837 921,809 835,838 764,272
    Proved Developed Non-Producing 82,049 67,860 57,418 49,460 43,223
    Proved Undeveloped 902,725 603,616 405,947 269,984 173,307
    Total Proved 1,968,883 1,684,313 1,385,174 1,155,282 980,802
    Total Probable 1,831,204 1,148,223 773,804 548,846 404,333
    Total Proved plus Probable 3,800,087 2,832,536 2,158,978 1,704,128 1,385,135
    Total Possible 1,799,304 1,130,855 770,970 554,619 415,175
    Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible 5,599,391 3,963,391 2,929,948 2,258,747 1,800,310

    Reserve Life Index (Years)

      December 31, 2024*    
    Total Proved 10    
    Total Proved plus Probable 17    
    Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible 23    

    * Calculated using an annualized WI production figure based on November and December 2024 for Canada plus Colombia and Ecuador actual average WI production, in each case, for the fourth quarter of 2024. The total production rate was 46,619 BOEPD.

    Future Development Costs

    FDC reflects McDaniel’s best estimate of what it will cost to bring the Proved Undeveloped and Probable Undeveloped reserves on production. Changes in forecast FDC occur annually as a result of development activities, acquisition and disposition activities, and changes in capital cost estimates based on improvements in well design and performance, as well as changes in service costs. FDC for 2P reserves increased to $1,809 million at year-end 2024 from $923 million at year-end 2023. The increase in FDC in 2024 was predominantly attributed to the acquisition of i3 Energy plc in 2024.

    ($ millions) Total Proved Total Proved Plus Probable Total Proved Plus Probable Plus Possible
    2025 141 147 153
    2026 343 379 387
    2027 291 380 388
    2028 135 311 358
    2029 115 221 277
    Remainder 4 371 519
    Total (undiscounted) 1,029 1,809 2,082
    ($ millions) Proved Proved plus Probable Proved plus Probable plus Possible
    Acordionero 175 175 175
    Chaza Block (Costayaco & Moqueta) 138 163 163
    Suroriente 130 213 292
    Ecuador 212 331 428
    Canada – Central 179 378 378
    Canada – Simonette 106 238 238
    Other 89 311 408
    Total FDC Costs (undiscounted) 1,029 1,809 2,082

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs

    Reserves (Mboe)   Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Proved Developed Producing 81,877
    Total Proved   166,653
    Total Proved plus Probable   293,041
    Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible   384,700
    Capital Expenditures ($000s)  
    – including acquired properties 400,532

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Excluding FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Proved Developed Producing    
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   50,933
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   7.87

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Including FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Proved Developed Producing    
    Change in FDC ($000s)   18,319
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   50,933
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   8.23

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Excluding FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Total Proved    
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   89,210
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   4.49

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Including FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Total Proved    
    Change in FDC ($000s)   468,518
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   89,210
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   9.74

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Excluding FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Total Proved plus Probable    
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   158,662
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   2.52

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Including FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Total Proved plus Probable    
    Change in FDC ($000s)   886,720
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   158,662
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   8.11

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Excluding FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible  
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   190,562
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   2.10

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Including FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible  
    Change in FDC ($000s)   917,617
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   190,562
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   6.92

    *In all cases, the FD&A number is calculated by dividing the identified capital expenditures by the applicable reserves additions both before and after changes in FDC costs. Both FD&A costs take into account reserves revisions during the year on a per boe basis. The aggregate of the exploration and development costs incurred in the financial year and the changes during that year in estimated future development costs may not reflect the total FD&A costs related to reserves additions for that year.

    Forecast Prices

    The pricing assumptions used in estimating NI 51-101 and COGEH compliant reserves data disclosed above with respect to net present values of future net revenue are set forth below. The price forecasts are based on an average of three independent qualified reserves evaluators’ commodity price forecasts at January 1, 2025 (McDaniel, Sproule and GLJ). All three of these companies are independent qualified reserves evaluators and auditors pursuant to NI 51-101.

      Brent Crude Oil WTI Crude Oil Alberta AECO Gas Foreign Exchange Rate
    Year $US/bbl $US/bbl $CAD/MMBtu $US/$CAD
      January 1, 2025 January 1, 2025 January 1, 2025 January 1, 2025
    2025 $75.58 $71.58 $2.36 0.712
    2026 $78.51 $74.48 $3.33 0.728
    2027 $79.89 $75.81 $3.48 0.743
    2028 $81.82 $77.66 $3.69 0.743
    2029 $83.46 $79.22 $3.76 0.743

    Contact Information

    For investor and media inquiries please contact:

    Gary Guidry, Chief Executive Officer
    Ryan Ellson, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
    +1-403-265-3221
    info@grantierra.com

    About Gran Tierra Energy Inc.

    Gran Tierra Energy Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is an independent international energy company currently focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador. The Company is currently developing its existing portfolio of assets in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and will continue to pursue additional new growth opportunities that would further strengthen the Company’s portfolio. The Company’s common stock trades on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GTE. Additional information concerning Gran Tierra is available at www.grantierra.com. Except to the extent expressly stated otherwise, information on the Company’s website or accessible from our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into and should not be considered part of this press release. Investor inquiries may be directed to info@grantierra.com or (403) 265-3221.

    Gran Tierra’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. Gran Tierra’s Canadian securities regulatory filings are available on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca and UK regulatory filings are available on the National Storage Mechanism website at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS ADVISORY

    This press release contains opinions, forecasts, projections, and other statements about future events or results that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and financial outlook and forward looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), which can be identified by such terms as “expect,” “plan,” “can,” “will,” “should,” “guidance,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “signal,” “progress” and “believes,” derivations thereof and similar terms identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expectations regarding its anticipated benefits of its recent acquisition of i3 Energy plc (“i3 Energy”), estimated quantities and net present values of reserves, capital program, and ability to fund the Company’s exploration program over a period of time, statements about the Company’s financial and performance targets and other forecasts or expectations regarding, or dependent on, the Company’s business outlook for 2025 and beyond, capital spending plans and any benefits of the changes in our capital program or expenditures, well performance, production, the restart of production and workover activity, future development costs, infrastructure schedules, waterflood impacts and plans, growth of referenced reserves, forecast prices, five-year expected oil sales and cash flow and net revenue, estimated recovery factors, liquidity and access to capital, the Company’s strategies and results thereof, the Company’s expectations regarding organic and inorganic growth opportunities, the Company’s operations including planned operations and developments, disruptions to operations and the decline in industry conditions, and expectations regarding environmental commitments.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect several material factors and expectations and assumptions of Gran Tierra including, without limitation, that Gran Tierra will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with its current expectations, the ability of Gran Tierra to successfully integrate the assets and operations of i3 Energy or realize the anticipated benefits and operating synergies expected from the acquisition of i3 Energy, the accuracy of testing and production results and seismic data, pricing and cost estimates (including with respect to commodity pricing and exchange rates), rig availability, the effects of drilling down-dip, the effects of waterflood and multi-stage fracture stimulation operations, the extent and effect of delivery disruptions, and the general continuance of current or, where applicable, assumed operational, regulatory and industry conditions in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and areas of potential expansion, and the ability of Gran Tierra to execute its business and operational plans in the manner currently planned. Gran Tierra believes the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable at this time, but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct.

    Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements in this press release are: certain of Gran Tierra’s operations are located in South America and unexpected problems can arise due to guerilla activity, strikes, local blockades or protests; technical difficulties and operational difficulties may arise which impact the production, transport or sale of Gran Tierra’s products; other disruptions to local operations; global and regional changes in the demand, supply, prices, differentials or other market conditions affecting oil and natural gas, including inflation and changes resulting from a global health crisis, geopolitical events, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza region, or from the imposition or lifting of crude oil production quotas or other actions that might be imposed by OPEC and other producing countries and resulting company or third-party actions in response to such changes; changes in commodity prices, including volatility or a prolonged decline in these prices relative to historical or future expected levels; the risk that current global economic and credit conditions may impact oil and natural prices and oil and natural gas consumption more than Gran Tierra currently predicts, which could cause Gran Tierra to further modify its strategy and capital spending program; prices and markets for oil and natural gas are unpredictable and volatile; the effect of hedges, the accuracy of productive capacity of any particular field; geographic, political and weather conditions can impact the production, transport or sale of Gran Tierra’s products; the ability of Gran Tierra to execute its business plan, which may include acquisitions, and realize expected benefits from current or future initiatives; the risk that unexpected delays and difficulties in developing currently owned properties may occur; the ability to replace reserves and production and develop and manage reserves on an economically viable basis; the accuracy of testing and production results and seismic data, pricing and cost estimates (including with respect to commodity pricing and exchange rates); the risk profile of planned exploration activities; the effects of drilling down-dip; the effects of waterflood and multi-stage fracture stimulation operations; the extent and effect of delivery disruptions, equipment performance and costs; actions by third parties; the timely receipt of regulatory or other required approvals for Gran Tierra’s operating activities; the failure of exploratory drilling to result in commercial wells; unexpected delays due to the limited availability of drilling equipment and personnel; volatility or declines in the trading price of Gran Tierra’s common stock or bonds; the risk that Gran Tierra does not receive the anticipated benefits of government programs, including government tax refunds; Gran Tierra’s ability to comply with financial covenants in its credit agreement and indentures and make borrowings under its credit agreement; and the risk factors detailed from time to time in Gran Tierra’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including, without limitation, under the caption “Risk Factors” in Gran Tierra’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed on February 20, 2024 and its other filings with the SEC. These filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

    Statements relating to “reserves” are also deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, including that the reserves described can be profitably produced in the future.

    Guidance is uncertain, particularly when given over extended periods of time, and results may be materially different. Although the current capital spending program and long term strategy of Gran Tierra is based upon the current expectations of the management of Gran Tierra, should any one of a number of issues arise, Gran Tierra may find it necessary to alter its business strategy and/or capital spending program and there can be no assurance as at the date of this press release as to how those funds may be reallocated or strategy changed and how that would impact Gran Tierra’s results of operations and financing position. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the fact that this press release remains available does not constitute a representation by Gran Tierra that Gran Tierra believes these forward-looking statements continue to be true as of any subsequent date. Actual results may vary materially from the expected results expressed in forward-looking statements. Gran Tierra disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. Gran Tierra’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

    The estimates of future net revenue, cash flow and certain expenses may be considered to be future-oriented financial information or a financial outlook for the purposes of applicable Canadian securities laws. Financial outlook and future-oriented financial information contained in this press release about prospective financial performance, financial position or cash flows are provided to give the reader a better understanding of the potential future performance of the Company in certain areas and are based on assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and proposed courses of action, based on management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available, and to become available in the future. In particular, this press release contains projected operational and financial information for 2025 2025 and for the next five years to allow readers to assess the Company’s ability to fund its programs. These projections contain forward-looking statements and are based on a number of material assumptions and factors set out above. Actual results may differ significantly from the projections presented herein. The actual results of Gran Tierra’s operations for any period could vary from the amounts set forth in these projections, and such variations may be material. See above for a discussion of the risks that could cause actual results to vary. The future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks contained in this press release have been approved by management as of the date of this press release. Readers are cautioned that any such financial outlook and future-oriented financial information contained herein should not be used for purposes other than those for which it is disclosed herein. The Company and its management believe that the prospective financial information has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s best estimates and judgments, and represent, to the best of management’s knowledge and opinion, the Company’s expected course of action. However, because this information is highly subjective, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. See Gran Tierra’s press release dated January 23, 2025 for additional information regarding cash flow guidance referred to herein.

    Non-GAAP Measures

    This press release includes non-GAAP measures which do not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. Investors are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as alternatives to oil and natural gas sales, net income or loss or other measures of financial performance as determined in accordance with GAAP. Gran Tierra’s method of calculating these measures may differ from other companies and, accordingly, they may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies.

    Net Debt as presented as at December 31, 2024 is comprised of $787 million (gross) of senior notes outstanding less cash and cash equivalents of $104 million, prepared in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that Net Debt is a useful supplemental measure for management and investors to in order to evaluate the financial sustainability of the Company’s business and leverage. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is total debt.

    Unaudited Financial Information

    Certain financial and operating results included in this press release, including debt, cash equivalents, capital expenditures, and production information, are based on unaudited estimated results. These estimated results are subject to change upon completion of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, and changes could be material. Gran Tierra anticipates filing its audited financial statements and related management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 on or before February 26, 2025.

    DISCLOSURE OF OIL AND GAS INFORMATION

    Boe’s have been converted on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) natural gas to 1 bbl of oil. Boe’s may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, given that the value ratio based on the current price of oil as compared with natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalent of six to one, utilizing a boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl would be misleading as an indication of value.

    All reserves values, future net revenue and ancillary information contained in this press release have been prepared by McDaniel and are derived from the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report, unless otherwise expressly stated. Any reserves values or related information contained in this press release as of a date other than December 31, 2024 has an effective date of December 31 of the applicable year and is derived from a report prepared by Gran Tierra’s independent qualified reserves evaluator as of such date, and additional information regarding such estimate or information can be found in Gran Tierra’s applicable Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information on Form 51-101F1 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

    Estimates of net present value and future net revenue contained herein do not necessarily represent fair market value. Estimates of reserves and future net revenue for individual properties may not reflect the same level of confidence as estimates of reserves and future net revenue for all properties, due to the effect of aggregation. There is no assurance that the forecast price and cost assumptions applied by McDaniel in evaluating Gran Tierra’s reserves and future net revenue will be attained and variances could be material.

    All evaluations of future net revenue contained in the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report are after the deduction of royalties, operating costs, development costs, production costs and abandonment and reclamation costs but before consideration of indirect costs such as administrative, overhead and other miscellaneous expenses. It should not be assumed that the estimates of future net revenues presented in this press release represent the fair market value of the reserves. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of crude oil reserves and the future cash flows attributed to such reserves. The reserve and associated cash flow information set forth in the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided therein.

    References to a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume. Gran Tierra’s reported production is a mix of light crude oil and medium, heavy crude oil, tight oil, conventional natural gas, shale gas and natural gas liquids for which there is no precise breakdown since the Company’s sales volumes typically represent blends of more than one product type. Drilling locations disclosed herein are derived from the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report and account for drilling locations that have associated Proved Undeveloped and Proved plus Probable Undeveloped reserves, as applicable. Well test results should be considered as preliminary and not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Well log interpretations indicating oil and gas accumulations are not necessarily indicative of future production or ultimate recovery. If it is indicated that a pressure transient analysis or well-test interpretation has not been carried out, any data disclosed in that respect should be considered preliminary until such analysis has been completed. References to thickness of “oil pay” or of a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume.

    Definitions

    Proved reserves are those reserves that can be estimated with a high degree of certainty to be recoverable. It is likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the estimated proved reserves.

    Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves. It is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus probable reserves.

    Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than Probable reserves. It is unlikely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus probable plus possible reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of Proved plus Probable plus Possible reserves.

    Developed producing reserves are those reserves that are expected to be recovered from completion intervals open at the time of the estimate. These reserves may be currently producing or, if shut-in, they must have previously been on production, and the date of resumption of production must be known with reasonable certainty.

    Developed non-producing reserves are those reserves that either have not been on production or have previously been on production but are shut-in and the date of resumption of production is unknown.

    Undeveloped reserves are those reserves expected to be recovered from known accumulations where a significant expenditure (e.g., when compared to the cost of drilling a well) is required to render them capable of production. They must fully meet the requirements of the reserves category (proved, probable, possible) to which they are assigned.

    Certain terms used in this press release but not defined are defined in NI 51-101, CSA Staff Notice 51-324 – Revised Glossary to NI 51-101, Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“CSA Staff Notice 51-324”) and/or the COGEH and, unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the same meanings herein as in NI 51-101, CSA Staff Notice 51-324 and the COGEH, as the case may be.

    Oil and Gas Metrics

    This press release contains a number of oil and gas metrics, including NAV per share, FD&A costs, reserve life index and reserves replacement, which do not have standardized meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies and should not be used to make comparisons. Such metrics have been included herein to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the Company’s performance; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance of the Company and future performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods.

    • NAV per share is calculated as NPV10 (before or after tax, as applicable) of the applicable reserves category minus estimated Net Debt, divided by the number of shares of Gran Tierra’s common stock issued and outstanding. Management uses NAV per share as a measure of the relative change of Gran Tierra’s net asset value over its outstanding common stock over a period of time.
    • FD&A costs are calculated as estimated exploration and development capital expenditures, including acquisitions and dispositions, divided by the applicable reserves additions both before and after changes in FDC costs. The calculation of FD&A costs incorporates the change in FDC required to bring proved undeveloped and developed reserves into production. The aggregate of the exploration and development costs incurred in the financial year and the changes during that year in estimated FDC may not reflect the total FD&A costs related to reserves additions for that year. Management uses FD&A costs per boe as a measure of its ability to execute its capital program and of its asset quality.
    • Reserve life index is calculated as reserves in the referenced category divided by the referenced estimated production. Management uses this measure to determine how long the booked reserves will last at current production rates if no further reserves were added.
    • Reserves replacement is calculated as reserves in the referenced category divided by estimated referenced production. Management uses this measure to determine the relative change of its reserve base over a period of time.

    Disclosure of Reserve Information and Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors

    Unless expressly stated otherwise, all estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves and related future net revenue disclosed in this press release have been prepared in accordance with NI 51-101. Estimates of reserves and future net revenue made in accordance with NI 51-101 will differ from corresponding estimates prepared in accordance with applicable SEC rules and disclosure requirements of the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and those differences may be material. NI 51-101, for example, requires disclosure of reserves and related future net revenue estimates based on forecast prices and costs, whereas SEC and FASB standards require that reserves and related future net revenue be estimated using average prices for the previous 12 months. In addition, NI 51-101 permits the presentation of reserves estimates on a “company gross” basis, representing Gran Tierra’s working interest share before deduction of royalties, whereas SEC and FASB standards require the presentation of net reserve estimates after the deduction of royalties and similar payments. There are also differences in the technical reserves estimation standards applicable under NI 51-101 and, pursuant thereto, the COGEH, and those applicable under SEC and FASB requirements.

    In addition to being a reporting issuer in certain Canadian jurisdictions, Gran Tierra is a registrant with the SEC and subject to domestic issuer reporting requirements under U.S. federal securities law, including with respect to the disclosure of reserves and other oil and gas information in accordance with U.S. federal securities law and applicable SEC rules and regulations (collectively, “SEC requirements”). Disclosure of such information in accordance with SEC requirements is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other reports and materials filed with or furnished to the SEC and, as applicable, Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The SEC permits oil and gas companies that are subject to domestic issuer reporting requirements under U.S. federal securities law, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only estimated proved, probable and possible reserves that meet the SEC’s definitions of such terms. Gran Tierra has disclosed estimated proved, probable and possible reserves in its filings with the SEC. In addition, Gran Tierra prepares its financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, which require that the notes to its annual financial statements include supplementary disclosure in respect of the Company’s oil and gas activities, including estimates of its proved oil and gas reserves and a standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserve quantities. This supplementary financial statement disclosure is presented in accordance with FASB requirements, which align with corresponding SEC requirements concerning reserves estimation and reporting.

    Proved reserves are reserves which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward from known reservoirs under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expires, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain. Probable reserves are reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered. Estimates of probable reserves which may potentially be recoverable through additional drilling or recovery techniques are by nature more uncertain than estimates of proved reserves and accordingly are subject to substantially greater risk of not actually being realized by us. Possible reserves are reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. Estimates of possible reserves are also inherently imprecise. Estimates of probable and possible reserves are also continually subject to revisions based on production history, results of additional exploration and development, price changes, and other factors.

    The Company believes that the presentation of NPV10 is useful to investors because it presents (i) relative monetary significance of its oil and natural gas properties regardless of tax structure and (ii) relative size and value of its reserves to other companies. The Company also uses this measure when assessing the potential return on investment related to its oil and natural gas properties. NPV10 and the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows do not purport to present the fair value of the Company’s oil and gas reserves. The Company has not provided a reconciliation of NPV10 to the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows because it is impracticable to do so.

    Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosures and risk factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in the other reports and filings with the SEC, available from the Company’s offices or website. These reports can also be obtained from the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

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