On February 15, 2023 Stabroek News reported that President Ali seemed to conclude that the renegotiation of the Stabroek Oil contract would lead to a halt in production. On March 6, 2023 Kaieteur News stated that, “Guyana’s top political leaders have likened local advocates championing a better deal for citizens as hypocrites”. There is a disturbing trend where the Government of Guyana (GoG) seems to misunderstand the fundamentals of renegotiation and the oil contract. What is more alarming, there seems to be a campaign by the GoG against citizens advocating for a fair deal.
Article 13 of the National Constitution states – “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.”
We at OGGN do not advocate stopping oil production. As per our mission statement, which can be read here, www.oggn.org/about, we advocate rule of law, environmental protection and financial norms with respect to oil exploration and production in Guyana. That is, we put the priorities of the citizens of Guyana ahead of the oil companies. We recognize that Guyana has a small population which is not familiar with all aspects of the new petroleum industry. The oil companies, some of which have existed for more than 100 years, will exploit our lack of knowledge and understanding for the benefit of their shareholders. However, Guyana has a large educated diaspora who can help navigate this new petroleum industry for the benefit of all Guyanese. Thus, we seek to engage with Guyanese in Guyana and abroad to achieve our mission statement.
The government should remember it was elected by the citizens of Guyana to represent the people’s best interests, not those of the oil companies. It can show citizens that it prioritizes Guyanese interests by: demanding that the Full Coverage Liabilities are enforced as per the signed EPA permits for the Stabroek block; applying the terms it is advocating for the new oil contracts to those of the Stabroek Block; working hard to overturn its EITI suspension status which measures accountability and transparency. The government can demonstrate it understands its role by using its energy to work on these priorities instead of going after groups in civil society who raise alarms with legitimate concerns.
Sincerely,
Darshanand Khusial
Alfred Bhulai
Janette Bulkan
Mike Persaud
Joe Persaud
Charles Sugrim
Ganga Ramdas
Andre Brandli
