These are issues which are sufficiently important to warrant an investigation

Jun 08, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

I have no claim to any expertise when it comes to oil and gas, hence my reliance on those who are technically and legally qualified to speak on the subject.
My concern primarily has to do with the conflicting statements emanating from ‘experts’ on the subject regarding the contract entered into between the government and ExxonMobil. There is a strong body of technical opinion which is of the view that the existing contract is not in the best interest of Guyana and that the country stands to lose billions of dollars if the contract is not renegotiated.
The Government, on the other hand, seems quite comfortable with the contract and there is no indication that it is in any mood to renegotiate the contract.
There are also allegations in some quarters regarding the manner in which the oil blocks were allocated. There is a view that the blocks were hastily given out to companies way below market value and without due diligence.
These are issues which, in my view, are sufficiently important to warrant an investigation by a technically competent body. This body should be politically neutral and there should be full agreement by all stakeholders, in particular the government and political opposition, regarding its composition and remit.
One obvious advantage of such a body is that it will eliminate any room for perceptions of bias when the findings of the investigation are made public.
Hydar Ally

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