Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Mar 10, 2018 ExxonMobil, News
“It is important that the leaders of Guyana understand the worth of their country’s resources. For as long as they continue to see Guyana as the country that still has horse drawn carts traversing the streets, these politicians will continue to accept the little or nothing being offered in exchange for the exploitation of the country’s rich resources .”
Such is the view of an international oil expert who has been following closely, Guyana’s road to first oil.
The expert said, “There are several dynamics to this thing.” But he focused on two aspects.
The official touched on the fact that Guyanese are still to take control as the bosses of the local oil industry. The expert also noted that the leaders need to at all time act in a manner that sends a message both to the population and the oil companies that bribery in not an option.
Speaking on the need for Guyana to take charge, the expert said, “Guyana is new to the oil industry. There is much that the country needs to learn and that cannot happen overnight. However, your leaders need to understand that it is your industry at the end of the day; you have to shape it because you will have to deal with the consequences.
“I notice they are allowing the oil companies to dictate and that is not supposed to happen. You guys allowed ExxonMobil to set a date for production despite the fact that you are not remotely prepared institutionally.”
The expert said that there is a lot Guyana can learn from Saudi Arabians and the Qataris.
“I have worked with them and those people are serious. They let you know at all times that they are the bosses and you are the worker. Despite the fact that they needed my expertise, they let me know that they are in control. It is a powerful mechanism. The Saudis are rich; you cannot bribe them. Tell me, what can you offer them?”
The expert noted the fact that Guyanese officials made several trips to Texas to meet with ExxonMobil officials. “Here is what oil companies do to leaders of third world countries: they like when you go to visit them. They wine you and dine you. They put you in the best hotel suites; in short, they show you a good time.
“Then they sit at the other side of the table on the third or fourth day to negotiate a deal. By then, you consider them friends.”
The expert noted that Guyanese who have to read about their leaders travelling to Texas to speak with ExxonMobil officials about operations that are ongoing in Guyana will start to formulate questions.
He said that while Guyanese officials might have been innocent of the transactions, an image is also important.
With those comments, the expert highlighted the popular saying, “Not only must Justice be done; it must also be seen to be done.”
The expert said that unless policy leaders adopt “the rich man’s mentality”, the country would be stuck where it is since they are the ones who have to manage the nation’s resources.
JAGDEO ADDING MORE DANGER TO GUYANA AND THE REGION
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