Unpatriotic On energy contracts

Dear Editor,

Reference is made to INews report, with pix, of a meeting between former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and VP Jagdeo. Is there no limit to the ‘unpatriotic behaviour’ of political leaders? It is reported that Pompeo has set up operations (oil, gold mining, etc.) in Guyana and is working closely with the Jagdeo/Irfaan administration. Given the tense relationship between Pompeo and President Trump, is it wise for Guyana to be so closely, publicly and financially associated with Pompeo?

There has been a public spat between Trump and Pompeo.  The former Secretary pondered running for the Republican nomination, irking Trump who won the nomination by a landslide. The President has withdrawn security details assigned to the former Secretary of State; such security is routine for all former top US administration officials like Secretaries of State, Defense, National Security, etc.

Shouldn’t Trump’s rebuff of Pompeo be seen as a red flag for Guyana’s continuous association with Pompeo (and others who were opposed to Trump). Trump does not take too kindly of countries and their leaders who are close with his former or current opponents and critics. Why is the VP and the PPP administration working closely with individuals, organizations, and companies not in Trump’s favour.

It was previously rumoured that several major projects in Guyana were being reserved for businesses associated with Pompeo and friends, including companies out of Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico that have shady deals in Guyana. Of particular interest a large gold mining concession and the Berbice Oil Refinery were approved. GtE is also being questioned.

The oil refinery was supposed to have been completed in 2024 as per the VP’s promise to Berbicians. Construction is yet to begin. Berbicians have been taken for a ride as has the entire country under this corrupt Ali/Jagdeo administration.

Also of interest is the President’s pronouncement last week of refined oil and oil storage to service Guyana and neighboring countries by foreign companies. Why are the same opportunities not given to Guyanese businesses and or those from the diaspora? Why are Guyanese companies blanked?

And would it not be much more economical for and beneficial to Guyana to process our own oil and benefit from the resultant oil products rather than ship our crude to foreign refinery that would then ship the refined oil to Guyana, leaving the precious by products overseas? Is this Jagdeo and Irfaan’s idea of patriotism?

Isn’t it better to have our local businesses that previously expressed interests in building a refinery and other related projects, allowed to undertake all of the above projects? At least it won’t consume foreign currency that is in shortage, and the money will remain in Guyana and be reinvested in other projects creating high paying jobs.

Yours truly,
(Outsider)
Tamesh Roopnarine