Dear Editor,
I AM writing in response to Mr. Simmons’s letter which was published in the Kaieteur News on June 11, 2021.
Mr. Simmons again failed once more to offer any credible counter arguments to the issues on which I challenged Dr. Ramdas and/or point out any weakness in my argument and continued to spew his personal vendetta, a behaviour which I established is typical by a certain political grouping.
However, I will say that the concerns he sought to raise about my credentials revealed that he is highly misinformed. I should point out as well that in my letter responding to Dr. Ramdas, I never attacked the person, neither did I veer into his credentials: What I did was to critique his work – and I was careful to use language that is well in order in academia. It is normal for academics to critique the works of other academics in the academia sphere and point out whether their analyses are weak, or omit any important variable and/or context for example.

The caveat of my argument was that Dr. Ramdas’s analysis did not take into consideration certain contexts and rather focused on a singular element. For example, the basis of his argument was that ExxonMobil is using Guyana’s public infrastructure for free. This is a completely flawed interpretation because Guyana is benefiting economically from ExxonMobil’s operation and through the fiscal terms of the PSA. Further, there are many other considerations when in negotiation of any deal or any contract. Up to this point, Dr. Ramdas has not responded to my challenge or counter argument on his views. Yet, Mr. Simmons chooses to attack personalities rather than be objective.
Having said that, I do not intend to engage in a personal battle with Mr. Simmons, because I think my previous response to him was pellucid. I will, however, address Mr. Simmons and the media house that allowed him space to publish his personal vendetta which is misplaced within the appropriate forum.
To this end, I am currently seeking legal advice and at this point in time, I will urge the media house, Kaieteur News, to offer a public apology to the undersigned. Failure to so do, I will strongly consider legal action.

Yours faithfully,

J.C Bhagwandin