Opposition should use Parliament’s Natural Resources Committee for constructive policy debates

In light of constant cries by the opposition that Parliament has been failing to give the oil sector proper oversight, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has shut down these claims, emphasizing that there are means of inciting constructive engagement on Guyana’s oil policies. Towards this end, Jagdeo called on the political opposition to utilize the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources as a platform for meaningful debates, rather than resorting to complaints and bluffing.

“The parliament is not designed for policy discussions; it’s all political,” remarked Jagdeo, highlighting the need for a dedicated forum for discussing oil policies. He pointed to the Natural Resources Committee as an ideal platform for raising concerns and engaging in substantive debates on Guyana’s oil sector.

Jagdeo stressed that the opposition should take advantage of the institutional arrangements provided by the Natural Resources Committee to address its concerns and invite relevant stakeholders for discussions. He also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in shaping policies that benefit all Guyanese citizens. “They can invite the minister (of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat) and the minister should speak on the policies and they can have a good debate on that. That’s how they can use the sub-committee,” he asserted.

The Vice President’s remarks come in the wake of recent criticisms aimed at the opposition leader, Aubrey Norton, for allegedly bluffing the nation with vague claims regarding oil and gas policies. Jagdeo had called attention to Norton’s reluctance to disclose details about his purported expert advisory team on oil and gas, citing it as evidence of the opposition’s lack of substantive contributions to the sector.