Dear Editor,
I noted that ExxonMobil has admitted to paying all expenses for First Lady Sandra Granger and Head of the Energy Department, Dr. Mark Bynoe, to travel to Singapore. However, I saw posts on Facebook by the Senior Communications Officer of the Ministry of the Presidency, Gomattie Gangadin, travelling in the first class cabin onboard Emirates airlines. Based on the information in the public domain so far, I have a few questions in the interest of transparency.
Can we have a complete list of members of the entourage that attended the ship launch in Singapore? An inclusion of their individual designation and purpose would be enlightening.
The cost in total (to date) paid by ExxonMobil and information on if these costs are being considered for ‘recovery’ from oil production expenses. My understanding is that such expenditure has to be pre-approved by the Government of Guyana for ‘recovery’ to be possible.
Editor, I also received an invitation to attend a fundraising luncheon in New York for a ‘conversation’ with First Lady Sandra Granger. Interestingly, donations of $50-100 USD, cash or cheque payable to ‘The office of the First Lady’ are expected of attendees. Given that this luncheon is taking place on Sandra Granger’s return leg of the journey from Singapore, who is paying the expenses for the stay in New York? And is ExxonMobil directly or indirectly contributing to this ‘fundraising’ activity?
Lastly as a ‘coverall’, what other activities on this trip have ExxonMobil funded? Given the folly of the offering by ExxonMobil and the acceptance by the Government officials, nothing less than full disclosure from all parties will suffice.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address
provided)