Suriname’s oil discovery puts Guyana to shame!
First of all, I must say that I am extremely happy Guyana was given oil by the universe — discovered through ExxonMobil. I am extremely happy that these enormous oil deposits in our country may hopefully propel us into becoming one of the richest and most developed counties in the world. I say ‘hopefully’ with my hand pressed against my heart in fear, all because of the lack of faith — generally politically — that I have within. I fear that the political mismanagement of our black gold will virtually kill off our economy, as we have seen in countries like Venezuela, Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria, just to name a few.
My humble suggestion is this: whichever Government is in power, they MUST include the Opposition, Civic Societies, Religious bodies, the Private Sector Commission and the Chamber of Commerce to sit on the oil passing board, with the aim that they will watch each other with the eagle’s eye.
At this juncture, I wish to take the opportunity to say congratulations to Suriname for being smart enough to drill right next to our territorial waters where we have discovered oil. The oil-bearing sands with sweet crude had to have moved along the subterranean channels over hundreds of millions of years for this to happen. I am happy for you, Suriname, as I am happy for my country.
However, after reading in a recent article, “Suriname secures three times Guyana’s royalty for its latest oil find,” published in the January 16th, 2020, edition of the Kaieteur News, I must give you, Suriname, a special kudos, a special tap on the back, a special hug, a special high-five, a special bow to you with my hat off for the excellent negotiating skills which will make you look strong, make you successful and which will also let investors know that you, the Surinamese, are no pushovers — that you have your pulse on the trigger! You, Suriname, remind me of a ‘giant in Guyanese politics’ — Former President Linden Forbes Samson Burnham (as I misunderstood him in my youth). He truly was a patriot to his country. He was tough on those who liked to capitalize on the respective nation’s weaknesses to enrich themselves and break or demoralize them.
Suriname, you are strong, you are tough! You have the back, chest, arms and muscles to take licks and to stand for yourself and for what is right! In my country, Guyana, if Mr. Linden Forbes Samson Burnham was here, the royalty and the tax that we negotiated for would never have happened. From my understanding, Guyana is to pay the taxes for the major oil companies. And, for some oil companies, we are getting less than ExxonMobil’s royalty.
According to readings by the undersigned in the media and newscast — locally and internationally — Guyana has signed a document that our country — our Government — is responsible for any damages to the environment. This is painful, simply because we are not responsible for the drilling of the oil, for the mechanics and the technology. My opinion is that the oil companies, who are the explorers, should be responsible! And more so, because they are getting the majority of our oil and gas reserves! I am wondering what Suriname did in this regard when they signed the contract.
I strongly believe that the Government of Guyana should hold the Minister responsible who signed the contract, and later admitted he never read it but was wined and dined in Texas, to the point where he had to admit that he was misled. The country needs to see how we could revisit the contracts we signed with the oil companies. We can see to get an equal share of the profits, proper taxes on the income of the respective oil companies and at the same time, keep them as our dear friends and partners. The aim is not to eject them but for them to use their conscience to ensure that we are not left belittled and pauperized in the discovery of oil and gas, particularly in comparison to Suriname.
Further, I reiterate, that the Minister who signed our oils and gas for a minimum returns, and who failed to read the documents even though he is a lawyer, he should be made to repay every cent for the rest of his life or be charged for compromising and jeopardizing the security and the future of our country. If anyone else was involved in this, then they also should be charged likewise.
Again, congratulations Suriname. You have also made Guyana look like encyclopedic stupidity! For we have become scholarly educators in poor negotiating skills.
