Dear Editor,

THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure wishes to respond to an article published in Stabroek News under the headline, “Gas and Patterson”, on Friday, November 7, 2018, in which there are a number of inaccurate statements that were advanced by the author.

As minister, I adamantly and in no uncertain terms refute this narrative that was posited by the author, and wish to correct certain statements through the following facts:
(i) Included in Volume 1 of the estimates is the Energy Matrix Diversification Programme, which covers three major components targeting the synergy of our energy sector- (1) institutional strengthening of the Department of Energy to develop a regulatory framework and improving institutional capacity and governance of the oil-and-gas sector, (2) investment in sustainable and cleaner energy matrix in three townships-Bartica, Mahdia and Lethem-through the installation of three solar farms plus battery storage and (3) investing in the reinforcement of transmission infrastructure to improve reliability and stability of the DBIS. The nexus of these programmes lies in the promulgation of government’s message emphasised through our Green State Development Strategy, which has been time and time again highlighted. There is no one without the other if we want to ensure a strengthened energy supply.

Therefore, claims by the author that my ministry has expended resources on natural gas -this budgetary allocation has nothing to do with natural gas.

ii) Government has not reneged on its commitment and ongoing advancements regarding natural gas development; rather, in fact, the position remains grounded in ensuring that all aspects of the project are technically sound and prepared for Guyanese to achieve the best output through multilateral support and instruments for technical studies, modelling and expert advice to achieve a beneficial holistic output. I also wish to note that government continues its dialogue with ExxonMobil, including Mr. Ron Henson (not Henderson), country representative. It is therefore in nobody’s interest to assume or peddle that this is not priority, nor has it been considered at all stages.

(iii) I wish to also clarify that I did not personally speak with this publication regarding statements on any ocean-floor mapping exercise; therefore, I caution the use and application of this ‘interpreted quote,’ as well as the use of information from sources that are apparently close to this ‘process.’

What this article has sought to achieve was the amalgamation of numerous headline issues into a singular fictitious chapter that attempts to paint the picture of gross misconduct, negligence and wastefulness by my ministry. Yet, what is pellucidly clear is that the statements contained within this column are purely based on assumptions and conjecture.

For this, I choose not to engage in a ‘war of the words’ with the author, but merely wish to reiterate my firm commitment through my ministry in developing options for achieving reliable, stable and lower-cost electricity to all in Guyana through clean and green energy supply, recognising that the opportunity that lies before us will not be carelessly or negligently squandered, but will be for the benefit of all Guyanese.

Regards
David Patterson
Minister of Public Infrastructure (MP)