—PNCR calls on Gov’t to explore other viable options to utilise natural gas
Waring the Irfaan Ali Administration not to ignore the red flags, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Executive, Rear Admiral Gary Best intensified calls for the Government to explore other viable options to utilize Guyana’s natural gas.
During last week’s International Energy Conference and Expo at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Government’s Gas-to-Shore Project Lead, Winston Brassington indicated that the construction of the gas pipeline will begin by the fourth quarter of 2022, however, PNCR believes that there are other environmentally save and cost effective options that can be utilized.
“… it is clear that the Government intends to stubbornly forge ahead, ignoring the several red flags raised by independent analysts and technical experts on the project’s costs, design, and viability,” Best told reporters during a PNCR press conference on Tuesday.
He added: “Guyanese have suffered the consequences of such PPP recklessness before, losing billions of dollars in such monumental fiascos as the Skeldon Sugar factory, the fibre optic cable project, and currently the Packaging Plant at Enmore. The PPP has consistently wasted taxpayers’ money on ill-conceived projects that facilitate PPP corruption but deliver no real benefits to the people of Guyana.”
According to Best, based on consultations with experts, PNCR is convinced that there exist more viable, cost effective and environmentally friendly options in utilizing Guyana’s natural gas resources, such as the use of ISO containers to ferry liquified natural gas (LNG) to shore.
“We are advised that LNG ISO tank containers are seen in the industry as the easiest and most flexible means of conveyance to transport gases. Apart from the massive cost savings relative to gas pipelines, the LNG tank container option would allow the country to export excess gas to several overseas markets,” the PNCR Executive reasoned.
Describing the Government as stubborn, Best said it is unfortunate that the Irfaan Ali Administration is bent on excluding the Opposition from the development of the country’s Oil and Gas Sector, as he referenced to the Natural Resources Fund Act which was rammed through the National Assembly notwithstanding fierce objection from the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Members of Parliament.
Such, he contended, is breach of the Constitution of Guyana.
“This is a patent violation of the constitution which is based on the philosophy of inclusive governance. It breaches Article 13 and other provisions of the Constitution,” he said.
PNCR, which forms a major part of APNU+AFC, is therefore calling on Government to immediately consultthe opposition, and experts in the field on the best method of utilizing he Natural Gas.
“The potential large cost savings can be used to lift the living standards of the many poor and struggling families in our midst. It is not too late for the government to listen. The nation is watching!” Best said.
