Exxon Mobil Contract Review… We have a right to review any contract - Trotman tells Jagdeo

Exxon Mobil Contract Review… We have a right to review any contract — Trotman tells Jagdeo

Jun 30, 2016 News

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman.

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Moments after being criticised by the main Parliamentary Opposition’s Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, fired back. He described Jagdeo’s comments as nothing but “trash”.
Earlier yesterday during a Press Conference hosted by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) at the party’s Headquarters in Robb Street Georgetown, Jagdeo heavily criticized the move made by Trotman to review the 1999 Exxon Mobil contract.
The Opposition Leader told media operatives that the review of the contract will create a passage for corruption to enter into the Ministry.
He claims that there is poor management of the Ministry by a “mediocre” and “incompetent “Trotman.
Last evening Minister Trotman dismissed Jagdeo’s claims and said that the Government has a right to review any contract signed by the PPP Government and what Jagdeo is saying is nothing but trash.
“The government has a right to review any contract that the PPP has signed. We have that right to do so and I think what they are worried about is when we start reviewing contracts, they will be embarrassed. So that is a right that we have as government,” Trotman said.
Jagdeo also stated that it always raises concern when Ministers or politicians involve themselves in negotiations with companies, particularly oil companies.
Such engagements he added, lead to politicians selling out national interest.
He called on the Minister to explain the reason for the review and state whether more concessions will be given. Jagdeo explained that the oil and gas sector will be an important sector and the State should get the best agreement possible.
Trotman dismissed the Opposition Leader. He said that he would never expect to hear anything better from Jagdeo.
“Jagdeo being a Former President and “attacking” a ministry is an indication that the “ministry is hurting him”.
“Gold is up, diamonds are up, bauxite is up, timber is doing well and we’re about to declare oil so that is what has him vexed.”
Trotman also stated that Jagdeo may be “upset” because the Norwegians ignored his request to cut off the Norway funds from Guyana. He indicated that Norway has in fact, decided to continue.
“So he cannot point to any sector; any component of the Natural Resources saying that it is in trouble. He can say what he wants; we are well advised; we have international experts advising us but we will exercise our rights as a sovereign state and as a government. He is no longer President. He is the leader of the opposition and he has to remember who he is. So let him earn his salary there,” Trotman said.
The Minister concluded if Jagdeo is serious about debating this issue in Parliament, he is most welcome to “any day”.

3 thoughts on “Exxon Mobil Contract Review… We have a right to review any contract — Trotman tells Jagdeo”

Devil's advocate June 30, 2016 at 4:30 am

This article lacks substance. The media is expected to do a much better job in policing Guyana’s corrupt politicians. Kaieteur News needs to shred the Exxon contract line by line to establish where the Jagdeo administration compromises the nation’s natural resources. Rather than Trotman’s office, the public would be delighted for the media to dissect this agreement and expose its malicious contents.
bl_666 June 30, 2016 at 10:14 am

“Such engagements he added, lead to politicians selling out national interest.”
Speaking as the region’s foremost expert in such matters, naturally.
Roy Persaud June 30, 2016 at 1:02 pm

I do respect both men for the offices they hold in the government. However, comments made by these officers must be more respectful. In my opinion, these comments made by the current Minister were not ethical and were too personal.
These are some of the lines by the Minister that, in my opinion, were not well commented:

– “trash”.
– ” He can say what he wants”
– ” He is no longer President. He is the leader of the opposition and he has to remember who he is. So let him earn his salary there”

I am an independent. I do respect Mr. Trotman but to use this type of language or personal attacks against the opposition is consider a bit outside the ethical boundaries of his office.
C’mon guy, the politics of Guyana has now started. The Opposition has now wake-up.