By Mark DaCosta- Nigel Hughes, newly elected Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), has openly welcomed investigations into his ties with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), amidst mounting criticism and accusations of ethical lapses from political adversaries.
In response to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s scathing remarks during a press conference on Thursday, Hughes defiantly stated, “I welcome any investigation Mr. Jagdeo wishes to initiate into my relationship with Exxon. While he’s at it, he might as well include inquiries into other offshore connections.”
Jagdeo, speaking in his capacity as the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), launched a blistering attack on Hughes, accusing him of prioritising personal gain over national interest. Jagdeo pointedly criticised Hughes’ dual roles as an attorney for ExxonMobil through his firm, Hughes, Fields & Stoby, and as the leader of the AFC, questioning the potential conflicts of interest inherent in such positions.
“The hypocrisy is staggering,” Jagdeo asserted, visibly disdainful. “Here we have someone who claims to champion the people’s interests but continues to serve corporate giants like ExxonMobil, only contemplating severing ties if he ascends to the presidency. This is a clear betrayal of public trust.”
One critical observer of Jagdeo was quick to highlight Jagdeo’s own checkered history with ExxonMobil, some of which include the government joining with the company to appeal a case against the People of Guyana, refusal to re-negotiate the oil contracts as promised in 2020 campaign promise. They also pointed to lucrative agreements and perceived preferential treatment afforded to the oil giant under Jagdeo’s watch, raising questions about his sudden moral posturing against Hughes’ affiliations.
Moreover, Jagdeo’s selective application of ethical standards has drawn scrutiny. Despite his current criticism of Hughes, Jagdeo has been accused of shielding ExxonMobil from public scrutiny and regulatory oversight during his current tenure, fostering an environment conducive to corporate influence in national policy.
In contrast, Nigel Hughes’ supporters have rallied behind his extensive legal career and stated commitment to transparency. Hughes, a known attorney prior to entering politics, has been recognised for his legal work and advocacy for reforms within Guyana’s legal and business sectors. His tenure at Hughes, Fields & Stoby has seen him handle complex legal matters, including representations of multinational corporations like ExxonMobil, which critics argue provide him with invaluable insights into both legal intricacies and corporate governance.
Hughes’ leadership within the AFC is viewed as a continuation of his public service, with supporters emphasising his potential to bring much-needed reforms and accountability to Guyana’s political landscape. They contend that his experiences navigating the complexities of law and business uniquely qualify him to advocate for the interests of ordinary Guyanese, particularly in sectors critical to national development.
Nigel Hughes’ willingness to confront scrutiny head-on contrasts sharply with Jagdeo’s accusations of ethical impropriety by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) that he leads with an arguably autocratic hand. The unfolding saga underscores broader concerns about governance and the intersection of law, politics, and corporate influence in Guyana’s evolving democratic framework.
