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I had full backing from Ex-Pres. Granger and Cabinet to sign that Exxon contract – Raphael Trotman
Kaieteur News – Former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has strongly refuted allegations that he acted as a rogue element in the negotiation and signing of the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between the Guyanese government and an ExxonMobil-led consortium.
In his book ‘From Destiny to Prosperity,’ Trotman addresses these accusations and provides insight into the decision-making process that led to the now highly controversial agreement.
Former Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman
Trotman stated that both the former President, David Granger and the Cabinet were fully aware of the agreement being negotiated. “I was never acting alone, and did seek and obtain Cabinet’s approval to enter into the agreement.” He noted also that several weeks later, the former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan had even tabled a Motion for a Resolution to be adopted by the National Assembly in accordance with the Petroleum Act, further attesting to their involvement and approval. One of the main criticisms that was also levelled against Trotman was that he ignored expert advice during the negotiation process. However, Trotman vehemently denied this claim in his book, asserting that he followed the instructions and guidance he received from his superiors. He acknowledged that President David Granger’s former advisor on petroleum, Dr. Jan Mangal, among others, had their own perspectives on what the agreement should entail, and these views were shared with the Head of State. He noted however, “If my superiors wished, they could have stopped me from proceeding. No one stopped me from proceeding, and it was no secret that an agreement with Exxon, Hess and CNOOC was in the works.”
Former President, David Granger
The former oil minister strongly argued that as no such intervention occurred, it is clear that his actions were conducted with the knowledge and approval of his superiors.
Trotman’s assertions challenge the prevailing narrative which has been swirling for years, and has cast doubt on his true motivations for signing the contract. Global Witness, for example, had painted a picture of Trotman’s visit to Houston to meet with Exxon, in a manner that raised troubling questions about the former Minister’s integrity. Global Witness, which now has different reporting priorities, has since rescinded its ‘Signed Away’ report. Trotman insists however that the negotiation process was transparent, and the agreement with Exxon, Hess, and CNOOC was a collective decision made by the government.
He has now come forward to say that he believes the contract can be renegotiated. Despite the stability clause, Trotman asserts that if Guyana indicates an interest to renegotiate some terms, the oil companies would come to the table. However, the former minister’s seeming change of heart may be seen as convenient. Kaieteur News and many other advocates have carried the fight for this contract to be renegotiated for years, since its publication. Trotman has only now made this perspective known, after his government has been voted out of office, and when he has no power to do what he appears to be insinuating the PPP/C administration must do. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has indicated that Trotman’s writings are of little concern, and will not impact the current management of Exxon’s Stabroek Block PSA.
- Bharrat Jagdeo, David Granger, Former Natural Resources Minister, Former President, Raphael Trotman, Vice President
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