THERE exist general concerns about Exxon Mobil which has an Agreement with the Government of Guyana to exploit our oil and gas resources. These concerns include the non-disclosure of the agreement, how will local labour and the economy benefit, the company’s reputation, mechanism to prevent corruption and how this sector will impact on the proposed thrust of greening the economy.

None of the aforesaid concerns is without legitimacy. In societies such as ours where people have grown suspicious of government based on past instances such as the indiscriminate management of the economy, corruption, marginalisation, contracts shrouded in secrecy, which have hindered pursuits for upward mobility, they are hardly likely to remain silent in the presence of possibility for such advancement.

The APNU+AFC Government has inherited and functions in this reality and concerns are not going to dissipate, especially when experience has taught the consequences silence wreaked. There is a bitter taste in people’s mouth and whether the government acceded to this recognition, the sense is that nothing will contain the hunger to seek after information.

While the Government, both PPP/C and APNU+AFC, have not made public the Agreement, Stabroek News made public an alleged copy. Further, given that Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, in June called on the Government to make public the agreement, many wonder why, when he as President, signed the Agreement (1999) it remained shrouded in secrecy. Here is where suspicions would not only take partisan perspective, but could also hold sway there is something to hide. As intimated by Mr. Jagdeo, the Government is giving false hope to citizens.

There is also no denying that Exxon’s image, particularly in poor and small state societies, such as Equatorial Guinea, has been ensnared with allegations of cuddling and facilitating unethical practices in and out of government. In Guyana where citizens are badly scarred by corruption, the saying ‘once bitten twice shy’ holds true. The media and stakeholders, individual or group, will continue to dig and in this glasnost era, they will likely find.

Oil or ‘black gold’ for many raised on the fable of El Dorado and its potential for the people, see this as the opportunity to make real promised expectations in their lifetime. Guyana, under David Granger/Moses Nagamootoo, is pursuing a green economy and where concerns have been expressed that this could conflict with the environmental protection, assurance was given that such is not likely to be.

Citizens will look forward to strong, enforceable environmental laws, including that of disposal and spill protection, and acceptance by Exxon of Guyana’s green pursuit. Amid the foregoing, Minister Raphael Trotman had an instructive interview with Kaieteur News (24th August). He said he “understand[s] this is a time of great excitement and a time of great anguish and we have never come face to face with this at any point in our lives.

It is good for us to pay attention to what this company has done elsewhere and how it behaves elsewhere.” He went on to advise, with the public being engaged Exxon will know citizens are watching their dealings and the politicians need to be sharp and honest in their dealings with the company. Such frank recognition is not only a breath of fresh air but also assurance to citizens their interests are well-placed.