Over 2,000 years ago, Judas assured Jesus and the brethren that he was a genuine partner. A man in the trenches with them, one labouring in the rich fields of God. A man striving against the powers in the towers that held elders and scribes and all kinds of experts in the law, from the Torah to the Old Testament in the Bible. A friend in need that, indeed, could be counted upon when the situation demanded. Regardless of how difficult the uphill slog. No matter how self-enriching the temptation. To my fellow Guyanese, these questions are posed: has Exxon not been the same way (like Judas)? Has Exxon not, also like Judas, said to Guyanese brethren that I am with you, for you, and all about you? Well, with a partner of that quality, Guyanese should be doing very well. On top of the world, just like the stats and World Bank and a slew of other authorities write, report, and reveal.
Well, let’s take Exxon on its word, a global corporate power that has an intimate relationship with a word: honour. Well, having done so, where are Guyanese now, how good are they doing, with a partner like Exxon? In the position of Jesus, who had to be reeling from the sting of betrayals? Or big, brave, beautiful speeches walked back, trampled upon by a partner. Or, one that’s so fast on its feet as to leave locals creeping in poverty. The speeches from partner and Big Oil evangelizer, Exxon, are sure pretty. We are together with Guyanese on their great oil wealth. No mysteries about how much in total reserves there are. When Guyanese don’t know, are held as too daft to know, who are they dealing with: a commercial Jesus figure, or a plotter of Judas proportions in Exxon as partner? We will work with Guyanese for the betterment of their country, and yet there is a dispute for years now about a paltry US$214 million in audit findings. Paltry for Exxon, but significant for Guyana, and revealing as to the kind of snapping, grasping, stalking partner that it is. We will share together like true partners, Exxon tells Guyanese, only for its share of what’s supposed to be half for one and half for the other to be so lopsided that it is hidden from scrutiny. Remember how confidence rests in the company’s hands. Still, its offshore, oil rig, systems are off-limits to Guyana’s auditors.
WTF! Letters meaning what they represent. Bottom line: Guyana’s partner, Exxon, is screwing with the head of the people, with a fine hand from the PPP Govt, and a sly one from segments of the Opposition. So, who is the Judas now in this country? Sorry, Judases, since they are so many. Exxon is such a strong and caring partner that it shows Guyanese much love. Want a cricket bat and a cricket hat for the young ones to practice the national game? Forget about Christ is the Answer. Exxon is the answer, a special type of partner. In the spirit of the upcoming Easter Season, have a need for a kite for the kiddies, and a ball of twine? There is Exxon, coming out of nowhere, like some long-lost friend, with kite and twine at the ready. Who could wish for a better partner than Exxon! Those overjoyed with their cricket bats and kites see in Exxon, the second coming of Jesus. Forgive me, folks. On each occasion that I look or listen to people from Exxon, I remember Judas.
Ready to do business, there’s the invitation from Exxon to willing Guyanese. Want a few pieces of silver from a loaded purse? Just say Exxon is the best, and collect on the way out the door. Some come here and insist that that is the Exxon Way. Some right here in high circles stand as powerful but treacherous aiders and abettors in the company’s schemes. Here’s what is desired. Recall who was flown in, who ran the streets here in 2020. Here is staying power. It was called democracy, with not one word about treachery. Judas sleeping with Judas. Judas seniors, junior Judases. Blessed Holy Week, Guyanese. Figure out how to deal with the domestic and overseas Judases.
