Dear Editor,
At one time or the other, the Exxon-Guyana oil contract has been called “a crime”, or the “crime of the century”, or surrounded by “criminality.” The mere mention of the word “crime” or any of its cousins, around this contract, or any other, raises some compelling issues and questions. The first of which is that if there is a crime, then there must be criminals around, or in the shadow of its proximity. So, what is being done about that and them, may I ask? I get rid of the baggage: the contract is an abomination for every second that it stands. It is an eyesore and an ‘eye-pass’ just from its existence.
Now, Mr. Raphael Trotman has introduced an interesting turn into all this chatter about crime and criminality lacing it. Why is it still standing? Why has the vocal and virulently truculent (rightly so), Dr. Jagdeo not moved against it and axed it, in that it is null and void? No crime should stand, and I am sure Dr. Jagdeo would heartily agree, except in the instance of a fine gentleman from distant shores. I add a few more spare pennies: why are the parties who were around it still free men and women? How about this one: by his inexplicable stubbornness, by his mysterious suddenly standing for it, does this not make it appear as though the Vice President, a former President, is a partner in an ongoing illegality? That is, he is aiding and abetting Exxon in its illegal existence? And, to take matters farther up the road, is Dr. Jagdeo not now coming across as consorting with those who run what is tantamount to an illegal contractual enterprise in this country?
If my ancient and creaky memory still holds up, I seem to recall that, at one time or the other, Dr. Nandlall, Dr. Singh, Dr. Jagdeo, and Dr. Ali all blasted in the most unambiguous terms (crime or synonyms of it), the heinous 2016 oil contract that Exxon foisted on this weak country. From their words, I detected the American corporate leviathan’s callous indifference, depraved and deranged disregard for Guyanese interests, as well as Guyanese life. Why do they all either spar with sleek and sly syntax constructs, or slip underground when this contract hangs over the head of Guyana, and blights the existence of Guyanese, save for those in the PPP circle of winners who betrayed the people. I repeat something already written, but not yet made public.
The men around that contract should all be stripped of their freedom. If it means Mr. Trotman and Mr. Granger, then let the chips fall. Mr. Granger has immunity. Since, Dr. Jagdeo et al in the PPP Government are now content to be part of this contract in upholding it, then the same fate should be theirs also. Let us all stop pussyfooting around this growing repugnance. Now, let me put my cards on the table. I genuinely wish that Exxon would be our first partner here. But if it refuses to adjust, then it must go. Frankly, I would like to see Mr. Routledge (though he didn’t sign, he sells it) and his growing cabal of bowing, groveling, grinning, Guyanese all be lashed in chains. Exxon either sees the light, or it is shown the door.
Exxon is free to seek recourse in the courts (or from the US Government with its own machinations and – pariah, rogue, UN, ICJ, sanctions). It is step up for Guyana, or step out. Be done with this damn contract! Crime or no crime.
Sincerely,
GHK Lall
