THE Ministry of Natural Resources has issued a response to members of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)+Alliance for Change (AFC), including Khemraj Ramjattan, David Patterson, and Dr. Vincent Adams, in relation to the approval of a one-year force majeure (FM) extension for exploration operations under the Petroleum Prospecting Licence for the Stabroek Block, within the Stabroek Co-Ventures (Co-Vs).

In addressing the statements put forth, the Ministry clarifies that no extensions have been granted for production operations under any pre-existing Petroleum Production Licence.
The Ministry points out that during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Co-Vs engaged in ongoing discussions with the APNU+AFC government concerning the pandemic’s impact on petroleum operations. These dialogues led to the establishment of a Public Health Order, categorising petroleum operations as essential services.
Furthermore, the Ministry highlights that, in July 2020, in response to a request from ExxonMobil, the then APNU+AFC government approved a one-year extension for the Petroleum Prospecting Licence pertaining to the Stabroek Block. This extension also encompassed the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks. The letters of approval were signed by former President, David Granger.

It is important to note that the 2020 Annual Work Programme and Budget (AWPB), which had received approval in 2019 during the APNU+AFC Government’s term, was extended during the initial stages of the pandemic, a time of uncertainty regarding its ultimate impact.

In contrast, the Ministry underlines that the PPP/C government opted not to endorse FM extensions for both the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks, differing from the APNU+AFC’s decision.
Consequently, the Ministry asserts that the statements made by the APNU+AFC leadership not only reveal a contradictory stance but also expose their willingness to disseminate misleading information to the public. These statements demonstrate a lack of commitment to the advancement of the oil and gas sector, as well as a disregard for its development.

“Therefore, when the APNU+AFC leadership issued such statements, they not only highlighted their duplicitous nature but also exposed the depth to which they would go to misinform the public while at the same [time] displaying their contempt for the development of the oil and gas sector,” the Natural Resource ministry stated.