President David Granger on Wednesday met with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HESS Corporation, John Hess; the exploration company that holds a 30 per cent interest in ExxonMobil’s offshore drilling operations in the Stabroek Block. During their discussions, President Granger told the visiting delegation that while the country is eager to have oil production come on stream, this must be done in the context on Guyana’s ‘green’ development trajectory, and as such, protection of the environment is critical. “We are very concerned about the preservation of the environment… We want the extractive industries to be developed in a sustainable way,” he said.
President David Granger emphasised environmental protection during discussions with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HESS Corporation, John Hess at State House along with other executives during the meeting on Wednesday
Meanwhile, Hess said the Corporation is investing billions of dollars in Guyana and they are committed to ensuring that this is done in a transparent manner. “We are committed to your country. We are committed to being here… HESS is a long-term investor and we are very proud of the partnership with ExxonMobil and Nexen [Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited] as well… We hope this development of Liza first and hopefully other prospects will transform your country and we will try to help you the best way we can to ensure that oil wealth is spent in the best way possible,” he said.
He also spoke of the importance which his company attaches to social responsibility and assured the Head of State that they stand ready to work with the Government to address priority areas. “We are ready to work together to help you with your vision for the country to ensure that the oil treasure really becomes the people’s treasure,” he said. The CEO was accompanied by the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President at ExxonMobil Exploration Corporation, Greg Hill; Country Manager Mike Cousins and outgoing Country Manager at Esso Exploration and Production Guyana, Jeff Simons; and Exxon’s Public and Government Affairs Manager, Kimberly Brasington. Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman was also present at the meeting, which was held at State House.
