Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC) Khemraj Ramjattan has condemned the decision to send Direc-tor of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams on 126 days leave.
Responding to questions from Stabroek News on Friday, Ramjattan lamented the decision as an “egregious development” which “ought to be condemned” by all including those who advocate for environmental protection.
“Sending him home….especially in the midst of negotiations in connection with the Payara FDP (Field Development Plan) …is pure trickery and chicanery,” he stressed.
“It’s a return of control freakism,” he argued.
Adams was directed to hand over management of the agency to Sharifa Razack. She is currently the Permit Review and Authorisation Manager and reports to the Director of Corporate Services.
The directive for Adams to be absent from his post for four months was delivered one day after ExxonMobil defended its plans to release thousands of gallons of reservoir water into the ocean instead of re-injecting it into wells, claiming that it could drive costs up and this country would need to determine the balance it takes.
This is one of two actions taken by the oil company which has resulted in a review of the Payara FDP.
Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat had told this newspaper that it was concerns raised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Department of Energy, such as the impact of reservoir water dumping into the ocean and flaring volumes that are among the issues to be addressed during the expanded examination of plans for ExxonMobil’s proposed third oil well, Payara. These examinations are to be led by the former premier of Alberta, Canada, Alison Redford.
Ramjattan referenced these issues noting that flaring was not part of the approved measures.
“We all are aware from the reports that we have seen over the past months that Exxon continues its flaring. Flaring was not to be done they were supposed to have equipment to reinject the natural gas into the well but instead they have created pollution.,” he lamented, adding that he was once very happy with Exxon’s operations but is not impressed with their current actions especially in view of the fact that better methods that can avoid environmental issues exist.
He acknowledged that these methods are likely to cost more but stressed that it is better to spend to protect the environment.
The party leader added that should Exxon balk at this request and “say they will take their money elsewhere” Guyana should call their bluff.
Ramjattan’s AFC was in government with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) when flaring began. The APNU+AFC government had also been strongly criticised for its handling of the oil and gas sector.
