Dear Editor,
Many are speaking to what is clearly a gap in the strategy of the government. Patterson has spoken, Janki has spoken, Article 13 has spoken, Ram and other individuals have also commented. The mark of good governance is to listen to those around you and consider the merits of what is being shared. Clearly there is a valid concern and with good reason.
It is to the benefit of the Government to have a transparent conversation with the intellectuals who have the experience and see where an urgent need to reduce risk exists. Embrace the merits of the discussion and take action to improve the approach being taken with the next phase of development. This is what the populace has been calling for since the inception of the discussion on the sector. It is unfortunate that the more we learn, the more we are concerned about the speed and approach being taken. The moment for the EPA to ensure the path of Exxon is corrected is now, and with this moment, also comes the opportunity to not only have the discussion on insurance coverage, but also to have a broader discussion on the costs, profit sharing linked to risk sharing, risk reduction, local content development, monitoring of operations and the maintenance of the equipment being used.
Guyana is not a place where we need an industry experiment that could result in a very bad experience that reduces the integrity of the Guiana Shield. The lungs of the planet is of utmost importance and the recent incidents that have occurred in Peru, Thailand and Nigeria, to mention a few, speaks volumes to the poor performance of the industry in the prevention of oil spills and the lack of reduction of risk associated with this very unstable endeavor currently occurring offshore in Guyanese waters.
The current Administration has shown its ability to quickly pivot on new information and course correct. The Finance Minister is also known for his ability to see both sides of an argument. With such agility in the government, surely we can find a better solution to the current problem we are facing in this next phase of development and the current gaps being discovered in the oil contract.
CRG looks forward to seeing the government work with those who are trying to help them improve the country’s position in the Sector to obtain a win-win solution for both the country and its suppliers.
Sincerely,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative
Republicans of Guyana