Dear Editor,
A video clip of former ExxonMobil Guyana lawyer, Melinda Janki, has been making the rounds on social media based on a presentation she did at Moray House a few months ago.
Just like most other things Ms. Janki says about Guyana’s oil production; her claims about massive environmental impacts are unfounded. The former lawyer for the oil company claims that each phase of oil production will cause more and more damage, while citing hypothetical situations rather than hard evidence.

Ms. Janki, who no doubt felt differently while she was contracted by Exxon, now believes that it is better for the oil to be left in the ground so that Guyanese, particularly the most vulnerable, would never see any of the benefits the coming windfall is set to bring. In fact, Ms. Janki, by way of unfounded statements, claims that Guyana will not gain in any way from oil production. Real experts both at home and abroad agree that Guyana will rake in billions of US dollars from the first phase of oil production and billions more from subsequent phases. In fact, Exxon has said it expects production to hit 750,000 barrels per day by 2026 from a record 5 development projects offshore, which translates to tens of billions of US dollars for Guyana, by the end of the next decade.

When the oil companies put out statements, we are all quick to confirm the facts before we believe it, and rightfully so, but when overnight experts say anything, people immediately assume it to be true.

Ms. Janki must not be allowed to trick Guyanese into thinking the end is near, for the country’s future is now beginning.

Regards
Clement Smith