Members of the main opposition coalition APNU+AFC met with a team from ExxonMobil on Thursday to discuss issues relating to the malfunctioning third stage gas compressor.
According to a statement issued by the coalition, the meeting was attended by President of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) Alistair Routledge; Production Manager Mike Ryan, Public and Government Affairs Advisor Janelle Persaud, by Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon, Members of Parliament, Khemraj Ramjattan, Amanza Walton-Desir, David Patterson, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Ronald Cox, Roysdale Forde, and Executive Director of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton.
It was noted by the coalition that the significant scaling down of operations which was described as a base level of 30,000 barrels per day is of considerable concern given the impact it would have on Guyana’s earnings from the industry.
“We have been bombarded with questions and concerns from the public and our supporters and therefore took the opportunity to engage with Exxon to benefit from their direct explanations and to inform them of our position on the issues. At the heart of the issue is the flaring of gas into the atmosphere and the operational efficiency of critical equipment. We informed ExxonMobil that we are resolutely against flaring; except when permitted at pilot light level. We inquired whether the people of Guyana will have to bear the cost associated with the malfunctioning equipment,” the statement informed.
Harmon stated that they are insisting that the issues be treated as a matter of urgency so production can be safely returned to optimum levels. It was noted that while seeking to exploit the country’s natural resources, it is important to maintain a strong commitment to doing so within a green framework with minimal effects to the environment on land, sea and with respect to the country’s laws.
Since January this year, ExxonMobil has experienced major problems with the gas compression equipment on its Liza Destiny Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platform in the Atlantic and this has led to environmentally damaging gas flaring which is now set to continue.
In addition, the issue regarding ExxonMobil’s involvement on the gas to shore project was raised and a commitment was made to present a detailed presentation of all the matters on a later date.
“Overall, I am satisfied with the tone and content of the meeting both Mr. Routledge and both sides expressed a strong desire to engage on a more regular basis. This was the first in what I anticipate to be a series of ongoing meetings. I would like to thank Mr. Routledge and his team for meeting with us and for the information and assurances which they provided,” Harmon was quoted as saying.
