Concerns raised by Guyana’s oversight agencies were among reasons for an expanded examination of plans for ExxonMobil’s proposed third oil well, Payara, and the former premier of Alberta, Canada who is heading up the review had been recommended by the Canadian Government
This was disclosed yesterday by Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat amid continuing questions about the purpose behind the review of ExxonMobil’s Field Development Plan (FDP) for Payara and whether Canadian Queen’s Counsel, Alison Redford was the appropriate person for this exercise.
Bharrat said that oversight agencies here along with the previously contracted United Kingdom firm Bayphase oil and gas consultants are actively assisting the new team led by Redford. It is unclear how long the review will last and ExxonMobil has raised concerns for some months now that delayed approvals for Payara could cost the country money.