Environmental economist “fit and proper” to head Energy Dept – President

…seems to be “technically sound” – Jagdeo
…raises concerns about structure of dept

President David Granger has confirmed that Environmental Economist Dr Mark Bynoe’s appointment to Head the Department of Energy came into effect from this month. On Thursday, the President said Dr Bynoe’s appointment was gazetted as of August 1, 2018.
He has defended making this appointment by saying that the new appointee’s intelligence and experience would be assets as Guyana gets ready to capitalise on the oil industry.
He made these comments on the sidelines of an event at State House on Thursday.
This follows the announcement this past January that the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) is taking over responsibility for the petroleum sector from the

Natural Resources Ministry, headed by subject minister Raphael Trotman.
However, Dr Bynoe’s nomination to the post did not come without criticisms, as concerns were raised that he was not experienced in the oil and gas sector, nor was the position advertised.
The Head of State was questioned on these matters, but he brushed aside such criticisms. “We decided on a person who is experienced, not necessarily in petroleum, but who has the intelligence and the experience to find people who are experienced and who can administer that important industry. We know he doesn’t know everything, but he know where to find people who know enough to make that sector function, and we believe he is the fit and proper person to do that,” the President outlined.
The President explained that under a 4-phase programme, Dr Bynoe will find and manage experts to oversee the sector, which includes granting oil concessions and licences.
Dr. Byone’s experience includes managing the Project Development and Management Unit of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre that was based in the Central American Caricom member State of Belize. His qualifications include a doctorate in Environmental Economics from England’s University of East Anglia, and a Master’s of Science Degree in Resource Management from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
President Granger noted that the department is currently under the first phase, which will deal with administration. He added that Government will now look at financing and legislation, as the department’s set up moves towards functionality and “rationalization,” as some Government departments will be transferred under the Energy Department.
The President has said he is working with a September timeframe to start implementation.
“We have to advertise for experts all over the world,” he noted.

Opposition position
Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday commented on the issue as well. Speaking to reporters from his Church Street, Georgetown office during his weekly press conference, Jagdeo said the Opposition has not been privy to Dr Bynoe’s curriculum vitae (CV). He, however, posited that from his brief interactions with the official, Dr Bynoe seems to be “technically sound”.
“I have not studied his CV; we’re not required to. They didn’t ask us about it, so I don’t know if he has the skill set to manage the department… If he does not have the skill set, then we will have a problem,” Jagdeo opined.
Jagdeo indicated that his present concern is that very little is known about the structure of the department, especially as it relates to the Petroleum Commission Bill, which is pending in Parliament.
“We know very little about the structure of the department…its mandate, and how it will conflict with, or compliment, the Petroleum Commission… What will be the responsibility of this department… What will be the responsibility of the Petroleum Commission, because that is supposed to be a part of the technical body…How much political involvement (will be involved)?” he questioned.
Earlier this year, when Minister Trotman handed over the oil-and-gas sector via Cabinet’s decision to establish the new department, Government was adamant that he was not stripped of his responsibilities in the oil and gas sector. Trotman at that time was appointed head of the task force which was responsible for submitting to Cabinet a proposal on how the Department of Energy would be structured and staffed.
However, the changes followed calls to have the subject minister removed from his post as minister after the discovery that Government initially deposited US$18 million in a private account in the Central Bank, which it received from ExxonMobil as a signing bonus. That money was later transferred overseas, which saw it accumulating interest. Trotman had also been criticised for his handling of the oil contract.