Monday’s consultation at the Umana Yana for what is intended to be ExxonMobil’s seventh oil extraction project saw concerns raised over potential environmental damage, the absence of transparency and the impact of the cost of living.
A relatively low attendance did not quell the onslaught of criticisms at the Hammerhead Public Consultation. Another was held earlier in the day at Leonora.
The consultation at the Umana Yana focused on gathering information for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which has to be done. The project, pending government approval, is scheduled to begin production in 2029, significantly boosting the nation’s oil capacity to over 1.4 million barrels per day.
Exxon manages all activities in Guyana’s offshore oil operations in the Stabroek Block in collaboration with Hess Corp and CNOOC of China and anticipates daily crude production from Hammerhead to range between 120,000 and 180,000 barrels..
One of the attendees, John Palmer identified as a foreign-based ExxonMobil shareholder, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency in environmental compliance, stating, “We have repeatedly contacted Exxon with questions and receive zero response.” This sentiment reverberated throughout the gathering, where attendees voiced anxieties about the environmental impact of Exxon’s operations in Guyana.
Participants highlighted a range of issues, from personal economic hardships allegedly exacerbated by oil drilling to skepticism towards political promises of economic benefits. Questions were raised about the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) adherence to international standards, with attendees demanding credible information and independent verification of Exxon’s environmental practices.
In response to queries about accessibility of previous EIAs, Mariya Skocik, Projects Environmental Regulatory Manager of ExxonMobil assured attendees that these documents are publicly available. She stated, “The environmental impact assessments are public documents. They’re posted in their entirety on the EPA website and available at all RDC (Regional Democratic Council) offices and the National Library.”
Concerns about ExxonMobil’s environmental practices extended to operational safety measures and emergency preparedness. Rebecca Cvikota, Global Projects Cost Engineering Manager for ExxonMobil Guyana emphasized the company’s commitment to proactive risk management and emergency response plans, including the use of dispersants and mobilization of resources.
Local musician Justin Furniture posed questions about the broader environmental implications of oil drilling, including its impact on climate change and fish populations. In response, discussions pivoted to Exxon’s efforts to minimize emissions and design facilities for minimal environmental impact.
Janette Bulkan raised concerns regarding the monitoring and publication of fish stock assessments and population changes since 2018. Skocik assured Bulkan that these assessments and findings are publicly available on the EPA website and the National Library. Additionally, she mentioned that the EIA would cover these aspects and become available once conducted.
Highlighting the localized nature of potential impacts since 2018 due to ongoing activities, Skocik emphasized that any effects are confined to specific areas. She underscored that the timing of installation is primarily dictated by fish considerations. Responding to queries, Exxon representatives stated that their assessments thus far have not identified significant adverse impacts on fishermen.
A member of the audience was incensed about the issues of the cost of living as a result of the oil explorations and his understanding of how the company is seemingly taking advantage of the “limited” understanding of the Guyanese public. This young man shared his comments using obscene language and was asked by Alex Graham, CEO of Tagman media to tone down his language.
The consultation also addressed socio-economic concerns, with Deonauth Ramphal advocating for renegotiation of oil contracts to increase royalties, citing high poverty rates among Guyanese. Other attendees raised issues of corporate responsibility and the perceived lack of responsiveness from ExxonMobil to community inquiries.
As discussions continued, attendees called for greater transparency, robust monitoring, and tangible benefits for affected communities.
At the end of the event, ExxonMobil reiterated its commitment to responsible operations in Guyana, pledging to address community concerns and comply with regulatory standards.
