A look at PPP/C Government shift on lopsided Exxon contract

Aug 10, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

Kaieteur News – The PPP Government has now shifted its position on Guyana’s burdensome oil contract with Exxon. It is speaking a different language in carefully constructed wording. It seems that the leaders in the PPP Government are readying to move slowly and cautiously to bring about changes in the contract that they had cursed so vehemently. I warn all citizens from today: be careful! Much more is afoot than meets eye and ear.

The record is an open book. Numerous PPP spokespeople, when the party was in the Opposition, had raged against the contract signed by the then APNU+AFC Coalition Government. The party’s spokespeople went to town with one scornful putdown after another on how vile the contract with Exxon was. The attacks against the Coalition continued when the PPP returned to power in 2020, and has never really let up in intensity, with every opportunity seized to remind all Guyanese how criminal the contract was. In parliament, in the media, and in the outreaches before captive audiences loaded with docile supporters, PPP leaders or ministers lashed and bashed the contract. It was another way of burning the Coalition in effigy before frenzied, delirious believers.

Now the Vice President has publicly announced the first movement in a different direction. The new position is that the oil contract with Exxon is not the worst one ever (walking back previous strenuous contentions), and it is not the best one that could have been had; a rare occasion he agrees with me. It is not that bad, and it is not so good. Therefore, the admission that some work is required to bring about much needed changes in this terrible contract. This is the new position taken, the new direction to be pursued, with the Vice President as lead vocalist.

It is not overnight development; but after wise weighing of the environment, the pressures coming from pockets of protesting, and with what the territory could absorb. Regarding the latter, it is where Government leaders could keep up the charade of not being in bed with Exxon, while working towards what would be acceptable to Exxon’s leaders and interests. I think that such an approach benefits the Government.

First, it weakens the steam from those in the streets calling for renegotiation; after all this is in motion, but on a different timetable, meaning, later. Second, tabling contract change buys time, distracts, and keeps the people occupied. Third, this development involving middle ground being taken, paves the way for the change talked about to unfold. This is the new mantra of change later in nuanced language. It will be radical (hostile) or aggressive (in the face), but deliberate, step-by-step methods to consume time, while maintaining the candle of change on this wicked stepmother of a contract. As a reminder, a contract by the enemy PNC; there is the added benefits of a possible major issue under review by the Coalition being preempted.

In sum, work is going for contract changes for more for Guyanese. Change will come, and though not foregone, there is energy, and plenty confidence in delivering for Guyanese. Nothing beats that; few can differ. Regarding Exxon, I foresee it playing along, which is part of the game played upon gullible Guyanese, with only polite noises from the top company people.

The timeline looks like this. The PPP Government, with the Vice President arranging and conducting the orchestra for oil contract change, would lead the dance, while tantalizingly dangling change before the nose. One year is a good middle ground regarding timeframe, for building up the narrative to a crescendo. As elections draw near, the more prominent talking about change, and moving towards change in the contract, will be in the air. Exxon will collaborate to maintain the appearances of real discussions going on. To take another position, I believe that Exxon has already finalized what it is prepared to yield; it is around a 1-2% increase in royalty (plus some fineries), and a year prior to elections. The victory for the PPP would be that it is 100% better than the PNC managed. As an elections ace, it can be bettered.

The PPP gets to crow about fighting for Guyanese, how well it did for them. Exxon is able to speak brightly about partnering and collaborating (if Guyanese know how) with this country. Americans get to join in the feel-good moment. And all Guyanese live happily ever after. What is there not to love about oil contract change(s), PPP Government and Exxon style?

Sincerely,

GHK Lall

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A look at PPP/C Government shift on lopsided Exxon contract

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