President David Granger pledged yesterday that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy to be signed between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago would be made public.
He told media operatives that the document is not a state secret. He emphasized however that it was thoroughly reviewed by the Department of Energy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Granger also revealed that the agreement which was supposed to be signed yesterday has been postponed. The Head of State did not reveal when the agreement is likely to be sealed between the two countries.
It was only a few days ago that Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo and representatives from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) called for the MoU to be made public. These calls were predicated on the concern that the absence of local content legislation, or any form of protectionism, would see experienced firms from Trinidad taking over the Guyanese oil and gas market, thereby leaving locals out in the cold.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge and Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin have said that there is no need for worry or panic. Both noted that Trinidad is facing hardships with its oil and gas sector, and Guyana, as a goodly CARICOM sister, should offer a helping hand.
