By Mark DaCosta- The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has officially denounced a recent editorial published by Kaieteur News, deeming it unfounded and lacking journalistic integrity. The statement, released on 13 May 2026, highlights the partnership’s strong disagreement with the claims made about its leader, Mr. Aubrey C. Norton, particularly concerning the issue of ring-fencing in oil and gas projects.
According to the editorial, Norton only recently began speaking strongly in favour of ring-fencing ExxonMobil’s oil projects after losing political influence and his role as Opposition Leader. It argues that concerns about the absence of ring-fencing provisions in Guyana’s oil agreement have been raised for years by international organisations, experts, and media outlets.
The author contends that Norton failed to confront ExxonMobil decisively while he held political power, instead offering cautious and ambiguous responses. The piece further claims that Norton’s current position on ring-fencing emerged only after his political standing weakened and his party suffered major electoral setbacks in the 2025 General and Regional Elections
However, the partnership has countered this assertion by referencing a previous article from February 2023, which indicates Mr. Norton’s support for higher royalties and the inclusion of ring-fencing provisions in contracts with ExxonMobil. Norton is quoted in this article stating Norton the Opposition would back any action aimed at closing what he described as exploitative loopholes in the oil agreement. He also stated that Guyana should pursue increased royalty payments from the company operating the lucrative Stabroek Block and push for the inclusion of ring-fencing provisions in the contract.
According to the APNU, the earlier reporting contradicts Kaieteur News’ recent editorial, leading the party to describe the claims as “false” and “malicious.” The APNU further argues that the editorial was designed to mislead the public and undermine Mr. Norton’s credibility, particularly on issues affecting ordinary citizens.
The issue of ring-fencing, which involves separating costs of different projects to prevent one project’s expenses from negatively impacting the profits of another, holds significant relevance in discussions surrounding the profit-sharing arrangements with multinational oil companies. The APNU argues that without such measures, the benefits that ought to enrich our population could be compromised through accounting practices that might delay revenue inflow, particularly in light of rising living costs.
APNU’s statement contends that by ignoring their historical stance on critical matters such as ring-fencing, Kaieteur News risks diluting its credibility as a source of independent journalism. The partnership demands that the editorial be retracted and an apology issued, emphasising that the misrepresentation could mislead the very public whose interests the media is supposed to serve. This calls into question, according to the APNU, the journalistic ethos of Kaieteur News, particularly at a time when fair and balanced journalism is essential to maintain democracy.
The allegations made by the editorial, according to APNU, are part of a broader pattern of misreporting and biased coverage aimed at discrediting opposition voices while glossing over the responsibilities of the government in power. Despite the claims that Mr. Norton lacks relevance, the publication’s focus on him in an unflattering light contradicts its own narrative, suggesting that the attacks are motivated by something other than a pursuit of objective journalism.
Furthermore, the APNU highlights its manifesto commitments, which outline a detailed plan to enhance revenues from the nation’s oil resources. Their agenda includes a comprehensive review of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) to secure more benefits for our people and to ensure transparency in engagements with ExxonMobil. This strategic vision reinforces their position on ring-fencing and securing fairer deals, which they believe are essential for the future development of our country.
The partnership has reiterated that its core mission remains clear: the oil riches of our nation must serve the populace rather than a select few. While they acknowledge the role of ExxonMobil in developing the sector, APNU remains steadfast in its determination to hold the government accountable for its stewardship over our resources.
