The A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Member of Parliament (MP) Ganesh Mahipaul has tabled a motion in the National Assembly seeking full disclosure of the Wales Gas-to-Shore Energy project which was allocated some $43 Billion in the 2023 Budget.
The motion, which was moved by Mahipual and seconded by fellow MP Jermaine Figueira, is seeking answers from the Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Vickran Bharrat, MP, about spending and other particulars pertaining to the project and the release of all documents relating to the project and Agreement signed on June 30, 2022 to be laid in the National Assembly.
Government has come in for widespread flexing about the feasibility of the project and the secrecy surrounding the contract. There is also concern about ownership of the project, whether is Guyanese or a group of Guyanese and their friends. Environmental concerns were also raised.
In a Davina Bagot’s Kaieteur News story (December 4, 2022) environmental advocate and geologist Simone Mangal-Joly said the approval of the project is “criminal.” Mangal-Joly has advised that when hydrocarbon pollutants get into the water supply, [which is likely to happen with the project] they remain there permanently, and are cancerous, making the water unsafe for consumption. Vice President Jagdeo, who has overall responsibility for the oil and gas sector, dismissed the concern and said the project will not cause contamination but produced no scientific study to counter the geologist.
See full text of motion: –
WHEREAS, the Government of Guyana and Exxon Mobil are partnering to construct the Wales Gas-to-Energy Project;
AND WHEREAS, the Guyanese taxpayers in 2022 invested $24,613,000,000 and in 2023 the National Assembly of Guyana approved G$43,300,000,000;
AND WHEREAS, this National Assembly is yet to be provided with the Final Investment Plan;
AND WHEREAS, the Government of Guyana signed a Heads of Agreement with the Stabroek Block co-venturers, ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC on June 30, 2022.
BE IT RESOLVED that this National Assembly instructs the Minister of Natural Resources to forthwith lay over to the National Assembly all documents relating to the construction of the Wales Gas-to-Energy Project and the Heads of Agreement signed on June 30, 2022.
Moved by- Ganesh Mahipaul
Seconded by- Jermaine Figueira
Date- 6th February 2023
