The opposition has claimed the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government’s rejection and legal challenge of the ruling by Justice Sandil Kissoon for the EPA to enforce the liability clause in the permits issued to ExxonMobil Guyana puts the country at great risk at the expense of political expediency and corporate interests. As such, it said, Guyanese citizens are expressing national outrage and an emerging collectiveness to defend their country and its patrimony.
Recently the High Court, in a ruling found that Stabroek Block operator and ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) were in breach of the insurance requirements in its Liza Phase One Permit. This breach comprised the absence of an unlimited parent guarantee from ExxonMobil as well as an insurance package from an independent firm to cover the liabilities that would be owed by EEPGL. Justice Sandil Kissoon thereby gave the company as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) up to June 10 to ensure compliance, noting that failure to do so could see the permit being suspended.
In a recent statement, the opposition highlighted the potential risks of a massive oil spill and the government’s lack of commitment to protecting Guyana’s interests. They also expressed concern over the government’s fight to overturn the judge’s ruling noting that it should be focused on pursuing national interest while still welcoming foreign investment.
“We are witnessing an awakening of greater levels of patriotism. We are witnessing a coming together of citizens across social, ethnic and political lines to stop the sellout of the country by the PPP. We are seeing citizens calling on other citizens to defend our homeland for the present and future generations,” the opposition stated.
Further, it noted that it welcomes the emerging changes in the national mood and attitude, noting that an informed and active citizenry is necessary for a robust democracy and to protect against government corruption and authoritarianism.
“The change in the political mood of the people is more significant when it is noted that there are serious allegations of bribery and corruption leveled against Second Vice President Jagdeo and the need for serious action to root out corruption at a time when there is an abundance of income from the oil and gas sector. Now more than any time before, there is need for transparency and accountability – two concepts that elude PPP governance practices,” the opposition added.
In the wake of the government’s rejection and challenge of the High Court ruling, the opposition is calling for it to instead, accept its obligations to the people of Guyana and to work towards transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector.
