Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Manzoor Nadir, Wednesday declined to hear to the motion brought by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Ganesh Mahipaul, for the Assembly to take immediate leave to discuss Justice Sandil Kissoon’s ruling the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must enforce the environmental laws in its dealing with ExxonMobil.
The case against EPA was filed by Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte who were represented by attorneys-at-law Seenauth Jairam, S.C., Melinda Janki and Abiola Wong-Inniss. On May 3, Kissoon ruled the agency must enforce the liability clause in Exxon Permits and failure to do so will result in the permit being suspended.
The Agency’s Executive Director, Kemraj Parsram, in his filing, admitted a permit was issued last year May that requires a parent guarantee from Exxon to cover costs not satisfied by its subsidiary for an oil spill but disagreed with the court’s interpretation that the permit calls for this guarantee to be unlimited. The government has since appealed the court’s decision.
The Judge in handing down his decision called EPA’s action an abdication of its responsibility to ensure Exxon’s due compliance with the Environmental Protection Act 1996 and Environmental Protection Regulations 2000.
In reacting to the court’s ruling, Mahipaul called on the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall S.C, and the Executive Arm of Government to take immediate action to protect Guyana from any potential oil spill disaster and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. But the Speaker ruled against its hearing
The MP, appearing at the Leader of the Opposition press conference today, said his motion was permissible under the parliamentary Standing Orders, submitted within the time frame, and there was no justifiable reason to decline its hearing.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Opposition said the Speaking ruling was concerning and brought into question his role as a neutral arbiter in the House. His actions continue to undermine the integrity of the democratic process, stated the Opposition, making known: –
“The role of the Speaker of the National Assembly is to be a neutral arbiter and ensure that all voices are heard in the democratic process. This Speaker is biased and unpatriotic. His actions continue to undermine the integrity of the democratic process. Further, his actions erode public trust and prove that he is a puppet of the executive arm of government.”
According to the Opposition, the issue of protecting the Guyanese people from the environmental and economic impacts of offshore oil production is of vital importance.
Making known the potential of an oil spill could have devastating consequences for the environment, fishing industry, and tourism sector, as well as the health and well-being of local communities, the Opposition expressed concern the government has appealed the court’s decision.
Parliament is Guyana’s highest decision-making forum and the only forum where the Opposition and Government meet as equals on management of the country’s affairs
The full statement follows: –
HOUSE SPEAKER NADIR REFUSES TO ENTERTAIN OPPOSITION MOTION TO DISCUSS OIL SPILL LIABILITY COVERAGE
The Speaker, Mr. Manzoor Nadir, of the National Assembly has ruled against allowing a motion of definite urgent public importance concerning unlimited Parent Company Guarantee to protect the Guyanese people in the event of an oil spill from the current offshore oil production activities.
This ruling is indeed concerning. The role of the Speaker of the National Assembly is to be a neutral arbiter and ensure that all voices are heard in the democratic process. This Speaker is biased and unpatriotic. His actions continue to undermine the integrity of the democratic process. Further, his actions erode public trust and prove that he is a puppet of the executive arm of government.
Moreover, the issue of protecting the Guyanese people from the environmental and economic impacts of offshore oil production is of vital importance. The potential for an oil spill could have devastating consequences for the environment, fishing industry, and tourism sector, as well as the health and well-being of local communities.
It is therefore imperative that the government takes this issue seriously and implements measures to protect the Guyanese people. The Speaker of the National Assembly is preventing a motion that would help to achieve this goal. This is a serious problem that requires immediate attention.
In conclusion, the Speaker and Executive Arm of Government undermine the integrity of the democratic process in Parliament and have serious consequences for the people of Guyana. It is crucial that the people take action to ensure that the democratic process is fair and transparent, and that measures are put in place to protect the Guyanese people from the potential impacts of offshore oil production.
