At his press conference held yesterday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo addressed key concerns regarding the draft National Gas Strategy, making it very clear that it is not a finished document but, rather, a discussion paper.
He stressed the importance of receiving public input early on. He also noted that government did not have any detailed input in the draft document, stressing that it was solely the work of its consultants.
This strategy, released for public consultation on Monday, plays a pivotal role in charting the way forward for the development of Guyana’s substantial gas resources, estimated at 17 trillion cubic feet (tcf). Jagdeo stated during the press conference that the government has already started receiving feedback and appreciates external insights received thus far. Releasing the strategy early he said, allows for a proactive approach, as it can be improved simultaneously with public input.
“We have already started receiving feedback on where the gaps are and everything else, and we appreciate that,” Vice President Jagdeo stated during the press conference. He highlighted the proactive approach of releasing the strategy early to allow for external insights. “To do an internal rework would have taken a while,” he explained, “and we can benefit from the public view too as we do the internal rework. So that could be done simultaneously.”
He said the government eagerly awaits comments from various stakeholders, including entities like ExxonMobil, the operator of the Stabroek Block from where the gas will be drawn, the Qataris, and the public, as well as input from Tom Sanzillo, an international financial analyst know for offering his insights on Guyana’s energy industry. However, when questioned about the consultant who prepared the document and their compensation, Jagdeo chose not to provide answers. He directed media operatives to the Ministry of Natural Resources.
It is also worth mentioning that the discussion paper did not receive input from some of Guyana’s major bilateral partners experienced in gas production, such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Jagdeo however, said he is hoping that these key bilateral partners send their insights on the discussion paper during the public consultation period.
The deadline for public input on the strategy is November 14, 2023. Submissions can be sent via email to the ministry’s Permanent Secretary at [email protected].
For access to the Guyana Gas Monetization Strategy, please visit the ministry’s official website at https://petroleum.gov.gy/.
