AS a matter of urgency, the newly formed Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA) is considering the contents of an audit report which levels corruption charges against its Chief Executive Officer, Bobby Gossai Jr.According to a release from the body, it has learnt of the allegations from a front page news article in one of the national daily newspapers.
The article pointed to corruption practices against Gossai Jr while he was attached to the Guyana Gold Board.
It was carried in the Kaieteur News on Thursday, two days after the oil and gas watchdog body was officially launched. The charges were made in a forensic audit report undertaken by accounting firm Ram and McRae.
“The Board of Directors of GOGA was unaware of the specific contents of the Audit Report referred to in the article,” the GOGA stated.
As such, the Board of Directors has since secured a copy of the report and will be considering its contents.
The body stated that Gossai Jr was retained as its chief executive officer and his employment is part of its start-up process. Gossai Jr is currently on a probationary period which has not ended.
“The board would like to assure the public that it is committed to the highest levels of transparency and disclosure in its efforts to develop a viable successful Oil and Gas Industry in Guyana,” the GOGA said.
Leading private sector executives have formed the Guyana Oil and Gas Association to police the nation’s move into petroleum production in efforts to ensure transparency and benefits for Guyanese.
“Starting on the right foot is particularly important,” said Gossai Jr, the President and chief executive of the association at its launch at the Marriott Hotel Tuesday evening.
The body is advocating comprehensive, science-based policies as well as the effective and transparent market principles to ensure benefits to locals.