In a small, relatively unsophisticated country like Guyana, the influence of powerful corporations can have profound and far-reaching effects. One such corporation, oil giant ExxonMobil, has been using its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending and employing quiet propagandists to divide, attack, and destroy perceived enemies. The engagement of individuals like Joel Bhagwandin is a clear example of this strategy, which is not only dangerous and divisive but also reflects a deep-seated contempt for the Guyanese people.
In a revealing letter published in the July 16, 2024 edition of the Stabroek News, Joel Bhagwandin admitted to being under contract with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL). Over the past year, Bhagwandin has had numerous letters published in various newspapers, including Stabroek News, Guyana Times, Guyana Standard, and Guyana Chronicle, consistently questioning the legitimacy of the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN). The persistence and intensity of his campaign raise serious questions about the motivations behind his actions.
Bhagwandin has targeted OGGN and according to a recent letter by the organization, a sample list of Bhagwandin’s letters includes titles such as “The legitimacy of the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) is highly questionable” (Stabroek News, July 27, 2023), “OGGN Part 2: Is the OGGN adhering to the provisions of 501(c) (3)?” (Guyana Chronicle, July 31, 2023), and “OGGN’s brazen bogus behaviour” (Guyana Chronicle, March 28, 2024) reflect and unrelenting strategy of attacks. These articles, among others, have systematically sought to undermine the credibility of OGGN, an organization advocating for the renegotiation of the lopsided Stabroek Block contract that heavily favors Exxon and its partners.
The engagement of Bhagwandin by ExxonMobil, as he himself has admitted, creates concerns over the authenticity of his critiques. It raises the question, was his EMGL contract linked to his prolific output of letters attacking OGGN? This possibility suggests a deliberate effort by Exxon to use paid propagandists to shape public opinion and stifle dissent.
The tactics employed by ExxonMobil in Guyana are reminiscent of a divide and conquer strategy. By using CSR spending and quiet propagandists, Exxon seeks to fragment opposition and maintain control over the narrative surrounding its operations. This approach is not only unethical but also profoundly disrespectful to the people of Guyana. It implies that Exxon does not believe in engaging with the Guyanese people honestly and transparently but rather prefers to manipulate and control them through covert means.
The list of Bhagwandin’s targets over the years is compelling and disturbing. Some say that the sheer volume of missives is reflective of the lengths Exxon is willing to go to protect its interests. The broader question that arises is, who else might be quietly working as a paid hack for Exxon? The extent of this covert operation is unknown, but it is likely that Bhagwandin is the only one.
Exxon’s actions in Guyana reflect a broader pattern of behavior seen in other countries where the company operates. By using its vast resources to influence public opinion and policy, Exxon ensures that its interests are protected, often at the expense of the local population. This behavior is particularly egregious in a developing country like Guyana, where the balance of power is already heavily skewed in favor of multinational corporations.
The recent disclosure of Bhagwandin’s contract with Exxon should serve as a wake-up call for all Guyanese. It is a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance and transparency in the face of powerful corporate interests. Guyana deserves better than to be manipulated by those who see its people as mere pawns in a larger game.
