FREE REIN ON OUR OIL

Aug 28, 2017 Editorial

Upon taking office, the government had promised to arrest and prosecute those found culpable of corrupt practices.
However, after more than two years in power and several forensic audits that cost the taxpayers’ more than $150 million, only a few middle level officials have been charged but no one has been convicted and sent to prison as yet, which begs the question: What has happened to those senior officials of the last government who have been deemed corrupt by this government when in opposition? What has happened to the investigations into NICIL and the schemers of the Pradoville Two housing scheme?
Many are of the opinion that there is plenty of evidence to charge several senior officials of the last administration for corruption, but the government is slow to act and is fearful of being accused of witch hunting by the opposition.
It may also be that some public officials in this administration may be guilty of corruption and will be pointed out by the opposition. However, the government’s secret dealings with Exxon Mobil are not only mind-boggling but its refusal to release the contract to the public is of grave concern to the people.
But the Minister of Finance has made it pellucid that it matters not if it is a good or bad deal with Exxon Mobil.
However, the Minister of Natural Resources has assured the nation that such bribing culture is not unique to Guyana, and that the government is doing everything to insulate the oil revenue from corruption to make sure that it benefits the development of the country and its people. He stated that the government will implement a raft of legislation and other initiatives to strengthen good governance, plug loopholes, ensure declarations and guarantee arms-length relations so as to prevent persons of influence to divert oil resources to their family and friends.
Which means that oil revenue will not fall victim to the vicious and unscrupulous friends and family culture as is the case in Equatorial Guinea.
During the last election, the government had promised to end corruption, but after more than two years in office, there is hardly any sign that corruption has even been reduced. Guyana is considered one of the most corrupt countries in the hemisphere, therefore, it is expected for some of the benefits from the oil revenue flow into the pockets of senior officials.
The truth is the people are not really sure what the future of oil holds for them. It is known that the previous administration had signed the oil contract with Exxon Mobil, but if it is true that an addendum to the contract by the government provides for a 50 percent share of the oil revenue proceeds after expenses, then why is the government is so hesitant to release the details of the contract to the public.
It means that this government is just as guilty as its predecessor of not being transparent and accountable to the people and that the people are not important to whatever is being discussed between the government and the oil company.
Based on information released by this publication on the troubled past of Exxon Mobile in several countries, it seems that the government is not putting the interests of the nation first.
However, the good thing is that the people are not sitting back idly and allowing the secrecy to continue without a serious challenge. Many have turned to the social media and to letter writing to express their frustrations.
They simply cannot understand why both the government and Exxon Mobil are keeping them in the dark. At least they expect to know what is happening, especially since oil has thrusted Guyana, once thought to be in obscurity, into the limelight.

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