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Three years into oil production… Guyana yet to make ExxonMobil’s field development plans available for public scrutiny
Kaieteur News – While the PPP/C administration has expressed its intention to ensure transparency is one of the main hallmarks of the oil sector, observers say there is still much work to be done regarding disclosure of key documents.
Industry experts have lamented the need for ExxonMobil Corporation’s Field Development Plans (FDPs) for its projects to be made public as well as the guidelines being used by the administration for due diligence. For readers unfamiliar with the term, FDPs provide key information about the geology of an oil and gas field, the commerciality of the oil find, steps to be taken to prevent a blowout or similar mishap, along with all the associated costs to extract and produce that oil.
T&T Energy Expert, Anthony Paul
Various arms of the government such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) examine this document and ensure that the requisite protective measures are in place, that the data provided is accurate and the costs for production as outlined are not inflated. Oftentimes, the government hires an expert to provide assistance in this regard.
This was done in the case of the projects pursued by ExxonMobil and its partners Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, in the Stabroek Block. Local Content Expert, Anthony Paul has told Kaieteur News on more than one occasion that in the interest of transparency and accountability, these field development plans should be made public, while noting that Norway, in particular, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, publishes this type of information. Paul categorically stated that the information contained in these documents allow citizens to be more informed about their resources and empowers them with the data they need to hold the authorities of the day accountable.
Former University of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro was also in agreement as he noted that citizens ought to know what the associated costs for the project are and be able to question whether they are economical. He said, “…But unfortunately in most cases, they aren’t. Companies tend to argue that they contain geological or engineering data and analysis that is proprietary and could benefit competitors. But since the planned development can have such a large and wide impact, public interest should override the company concerns.”
Mitro who has over 30 years experience in the industry added, “They could always separate any competitively sensitive information if needed.”
Also in agreement with Mitro was Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram. He opined in a previous interview with this newspaper that if the FDPs have proprietary information then indeed, he can see how this would be an issue for the companies as well as the government. Ram noted nonetheless, “But I don’t see how it can (have proprietary information). I do believe that these plans should be made public. The government should be insisting on it and the people should be demanding it, because it has environmental implications while giving you an idea of the costs.”
Earlier this year, Kaieteur News had asked Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo about the release of FDPs in the interest of transparency and accountability. He said at an August press briefing that he saw no issue with the release of the guidelines and the FDPs with proprietary information removed. He has not provided the media with an update on the government’s position on this matter.
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