Nigel Hughes inescapable conflict of interest with Exxon

Jul 03, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

I offer my congratulations to Nigel Hughes, the newly elected AFC Political Leader. Mr. Hughes has, however, immediately disqualified himself from contesting for the Presidency of Guyana at the forthcoming General and Regional Elections, or for any other political national leadership post, by declaring that he cannot comment on any matter involving Exxon Mobil Guyana, who happen to be a client of his law firm and, worse, by his own admission, a number of other oil companies operating in the oil and gas industry of Guyana.

Nigel Hughes has tied his own tongue from speaking on any matter with regard to Exxon’s role and function in Guyana’s oil and gas industry other than which he is paid to do on behalf of Exxon.

Mr. Hughes is reported by Demerara Waves in arguing that the issue of him representing Exxon Mobil “only arises if and when I become President or acquire a position of power because, then, I am in a position to influence government policy”.

Not so, Mr. Hughes, because, by being unable to independently address any matter on the oil and gas industry on behalf of or representing the people of Guyana, you are in an inexcusable and inescapable conflict of interest.

Mr. Hughes even, unbelievably, goes on to argue that, if elected as President, he will isolate himself from any decision in relation to oil and gas. Then, may I ask, why would any Guyanese in his or her right mind vote for a Presidential candidate who disqualifies himself from directly addressing matters concerning the one major industry from which the country’s financial resources are found and economic future is based?

Mr. Hughes is most certainly amongst Guyana’s most respected and successful lawyers. In court I would rather have him on my side than against me, but, in politics, Nigel Hughes seems to want to have his cake and eat it.

Yours sincerely,

Kit Nascimento

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

AFC Political Leader, Exxon, General and Regional Elections, industry, Kit Nascimento

Latest News