To ensure that Guyanese have ample time to review, critique and voice their apprehensions on key documents and matters concerning the country’s natural resources, consultations should occur for at least 60 days. This contention was shared by Elson Low, Economic and Youth Policy Advisor for the Leader of the Opposition during a recent interview with the Guyana Standard.
Last Tuesday, the government released the draft documents for the new model Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) which are set to govern the nation’s deepwater and shallow water concessions. He noted that the public has two weeks to make suggestions for possible amendments. Today marks the remainder of 9 days.
It was made clear that the opposition is dissatisfied with the timeline given, especially when Low took the opportunity last Thursday to denounce the government for providing the public with only two weeks to review the documents and raise any objections.
Given that Low had expressed that the timeline was too short, this publication questioned him on what would be enough time for public consultations on matters regarding natural resources. His response was, “What I can say is that the correct thing is for 60 calendar days to be given.” Adding to his statement, Low highlighted that ideally, the best time for public consultations would be during a 60-day period, when the National Assembly is in session, but, given that Guyana’s parliament is not as active as other countries like the USA that holds congress frequently, “60 calendar days is more appropriate”.
Low was keen to note that this is just his stance on the matter, however, the opposition will be coming to a consensus and will issue its comments on the adequate period for public consultations some time this week.
Within the past few days, the government has faced notable criticisms from the opposition regarding its management of Guyana’s energy industry. But despite being scolded, the government is yet to issue an official statement in response to the respective criticisms.
