Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jun 02, 2018 News
By Kiana Wilburg
Governance of the oil and gas sector requires that the APNU+AFC Administration, and any other for that matter, be accountable to an “informed” public. But central to that equation is access to information.
This is according to the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI).
The Institute noted that the rules governing access to information on resource management are usually spread across different documents in a country’s legal framework. It said that these rules can make disclosure of certain types of information mandatory, or they can create processes that citizens can use to compel the government to release specific pieces of information.
The Institute said that while the government is expected to release information proactively, one must consider if the legal framework includes rules that enable access to information.
The Institute said, “It is important to consider whether proactive disclosure is mandated, or if disclosure is only required upon request. The government should release most information proactively. Request systems can be a useful complement to the proactive release of data, but they should not be the primary method by which citizens can access information, as the need to go through a request process can significantly hamper access.”
It continued, “If requests are required, what are the grounds on which an institution can deny a request? How quickly are institutions required to respond? What is the process for an appeal? Are there prohibitive fees for accessing information? Does the legal framework include rules that prevent access to information?”
The Institute said that these are important questions that citizens of emerging oil-producing nations need to address.
The Institute also noted that important places to look for these provisions include requirements in sector legislation and regulations, information laws, and provisions in contracts between the government and extractive companies.
NRGI said that where contracts are not publicly available, it can be helpful to consider model contracts to see if there is a standard clause agreed between extractive companies and the government that prevents public access to contracts.
With the aforementioned in mind, the Institute emphasized that transparency in the oil and gas sector means making relevant and timely information easily available to all actors so that they can observe and analyze decisions made and actions performed by authorities.
In addition to deterring bad behaviour, the Institute articulated that transparency also helps lay foundations of trust among citizens, the private sector and the government.
It commented that the need for transparency in the extractive industries is particularly strong, given that resource extraction and revenue management are processes that are highly technical, typically involve few people, and usually take place in locations that are physically distant from much of the public.
Furthermore, the Natural Resource Institute said reminded that large sums of money are on the line. It said that in order to assess whether there is sufficient and effective transparency, citizens must consider the rules regarding access to information, how information is managed, what information is disclosed and how it is disclosed.
ACCESS TO DATA HERE
Since the appointment of former Chief Justice, Charles Ramson Snr. as Commissioner of Information in 2013, Parliament is yet to receive a single report on the application of the Access to Information Act as well as the operations of his office.
While Parliament is left in the dark about the work of the Commissioner of Information, Ramson Snr. continues to draw a salary of approximately $1.2M a month. After 18 months in office, the Government is yet to take affirmative action on this matter.
Ramson’s office has also attracted intense criticisms for hampering the process of accessing information as opposed to assisting it.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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