Dear Editor
JAN Mangal’s public attack on the government and our energy sector is veering further and further off course. While he might be upset about losing his role as energy adviser, airing his grievances in the public discussion on oil-and-gas development is both embarrassing and counter-productive.

What disappoints me most is that Jan must understand how badly we need the revenue from oil to develop the Guyanese economy. He talks a lot about what is best for Guyana, but it’s clear he only believes that he is what is best for Guyana.

Mangal’s recent criticism of the GRA’s handling of the Liza Phase-1 contract costs is a great example. In his letter, he rants against the GRA, and claims that the government is incompetent. But the only solution he provides is, “Only highly experienced Oil & Gas professionals can understand and review these costs. Not the GRA.”

I wonder which specific professional he has in mind. One must consider that when his contract as government energy adviser expired earlier this year, it was not renewed. We don’t know why, but the government decided his services were no longer needed. Now, by claiming that he is the only person who can conduct an adequate audit, Jan is really just advocating for a new position for himself.

What is most astonishing is that Jan is now saying that Guyana should delay the approval of Liza Phase-2 until they have the right experts (i.e. himself) in place. But the government already has expert oil & gas advisers in place. The recent hiring of Mr. Matthew Wilks, with decades of energy industry experience, proves this point. They don’t need Jan to move forward, but he seems willing to delay billions of dollars in revenue for Guyana, just so he can recover his pride.

The government is taking steps to responsibly develop the energy sector, and should continue to do so. Audits and policymaking efforts don’t need to be held up because of one angry former bureaucrat.

Regards
Patrick Davis