Insisting that he was trying to keep himself “out of these matters”, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday advised that all questions regarding the negotiations with the successful six oil block bidders be directed to Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat.
The VP was asked at a press conference about the phase of negotiations between the government and bidders who had won the offshore oil blocks that were up for auction in September. Saying only, “all the parties as far I know are in negotiations [and] I cannot say how these negotiations are going,” he diverted further questions to Bharrat.
He said that although the Cabinet has approved these awards, the respective companies which are currently in engagement have to verify their plans, show sources of financing, and the ability to pay the signature bonus among other credentials. The VP said that once all of these procedures are followed, these companies will know how they stand in terms of the negotiations.