Dear Editor,
The article titled, `Japanese study said gas to power viable’ (SN April 18) is both enlightening and timely. It requires some self-correction here and adjustment now that this new piece of information is available. I thank SN, amidst the uneven discourses (not a proper discussion) surrounding a likely gargantuan gas to shore project decided upon immovably for Wales.
I have said publicly before that I am for a gas to shore project, but on the condition of an independent and credible study that can be trusted. I cannot support because government leaders say so, for leaders have said many things, which we regret and pay harsh prices for. Based on existing studies, still not fully disclosed, I signaled my preference for a site at Clonbrook first and in the Berbice area second; the first because of the straighter line, the second because of deep water port and economic zone offshoot possibilities. But now being duly informed by the essences of this government commissioned 2019 Japanese study, I must reconcile what is now known with what I endorsed before, what may not be the best option, be it Clonbrook or Berbice. Or, to the possible dismay of the Hon. Vice President, Wales either. My emphasis is on what presents Guyanese with the project that is the best possible option. I regret not telling the Hon. Vice President what he wants to hear, what he has contemptuously called a ‘no brainer.’
Editor, what the 2019 Japanese study enlightened all Guyanese to, including the Vice President, is that onshore is of a little less viability than offshore. The cents are small, but they are they there, and they add up. I notice that they are curiously close to the numbers that the Vice President has bandied about, rather proudly, sometimes querulously. To be clear, I trust the Japanese and an entity like Mitsubishi that recommends offshore rather than onshore. To be clearer still, I do not trust the Vice President at all, and that is on anything; particularly on something as monumental and as costly as a gas to shore project. He likes big numbers and big projects; rather peculiarly, he dislikes intensely the associated big disclosures.
That offshore study should have been publicized from the inception, and a final decision made by either the coalition or this succeeding government in favour of what resulted. Again: it is that offshore is a more viable choice than onshore. Undoubtedly, the latter has its share of pluses, but those are aced by offshore. Now that we have the bottom-line recommendation from this reputable study, it is perplexing that the Vice President still barrels impatiently and furiously forward with onshore and Wales. I hope that he will not dismiss the Mitsubishi people as lacking altogether in brain cells. I will leave alone that this study and this recommendation was concealed from the Guyanese public. As to why, I draw no conclusions, but stand by why I distrust Guyanese governments and VPs so much.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
