News Editor

Jagdeo to seek verification of ExxonMobil ‘$20M signing bonus’ for Govt.

While the coalition Government remains tight-lipped on its dealings with ExxonMobil, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo says he plans to verify with United States oil giant about the alleged US$20 million signing bonus. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan recently told reporters that he was unaware that Government received a signing bonus, but did not deny the…

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‘Can’t bare all’

…Gov’t insists full release of Exxon contract has wide implications MINISTER of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman said government has been advised by external advisors and lawyers that it should not release the full contract with United States (U.S.) oil giant, Exxon Mobil, noting that a number of extenuating and external issues are being attended to,…

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Oil above politics

…Petroleum adviser says oil-and-gas policies must transcend election cycles THERE is need for Guyana to enforce legislation, policies and regulations in the emerging oil-and-gas sector that cannot be easily influenced by politicians, presidential adviser on Petroleum Dr Jan Mangal told reporters on Wednesday. Dr Mangal, who has a Doctorate in Offshore Geotechnical Engineering from the…

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Competitive bidding is the best approach for the award of oil exploration leases

A recent article in the Guyana Times ‘Minister’s relatives, friends now applying for oil licences, 2017-09-14’ makes reference to Dr Jan Mangal, Petroleum Adviser in the Ministry of the Presidency.  The article raises concerns with a type of process used in the award of petroleum leases or blocks, that is the “one-on-one negotiation” or “open…

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Journalists need to become more adept at investigating conflicts of interest in the oil sector

My term as Petroleum Adviser to President Granger began in March 2017, whereas the re-negotiation of the contract for the Stabroek Block was performed about a year earlier (early part of 2016).  I have not negotiated contracts between any oil company and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. President Granger has been clear that his priority…

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