Dear Editor:
THE DISCOVERY of significant offshore oil & gas resources can begin a virtuous cycle to drive Guyana’s long term economic development given the right vision, planning, preparation and execution.   Or, Guyana can follow the same path as Nigeria and other oil rich West African nations into disparity and chaos with the wealth being fleeced by foreigners and the privileged few.   The credible alternative will be to look no further than Abu Dhabi.This new beginning can touch and positively affect every nook and cranny of Guyana’s economy and society.  If developed properly, the initial oil & gas find can result in hundreds of billions of US Dollars’ worth of economic growth.  More importantly, with proper planning, guidance and execution, the development can be economically and ecologically sustainable (i.e., growth can continue after oil and gas are tapped out).
In order to justify the economics of the grand developments in any master plan, more oil & gas development projects will be needed besides ExxonMobil’s development in the Stabroek Block. A master plan guided by credible economic data needs to be drafted and there must be a thorough economic analysis?  The economic analysis will be required to show the feasibility of the Plan.  Any information from Esso E & P Guyana on their short and medium plans will be greatly appreciated as well.  Esso E & P Guyana’s needs can drive some small projects to help local entrepreneurs benefit as well.
Please note that as a son of the soil, I will be happy to help Guyana develop a prosperous and thriving future for all Guyanese.  My associates and I can bring the expertise and resources to help plan and execute the projects.  However, the passion, initiative and actions must come from within Guyana.
Best regards,
Mike Singh