ExxonMobil, in collaboration with oil spill management expert Thomas Tomblin, engaged regional officials along with residents and stakeholder organisations in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on how to deal with oil spills, as Guyana prepares for petroleum production in 2020.
The one-day seminar was held in the Regional Democratic Council’s Boardroom in Anna Regina on Monday.
At the seminar, the Essequibo Fishermen Association expressed concerns about the possible destruction of marine life should Guyana experience an oil spill. However, they were informed by Tomblin that officials were looking at the best location to house quick response equipment either in Guyana or neighbouring Trinidad. He also said that with the new technology in place, they were now in a better way to deal with oil spills.
Stakeholders during the seminar
Popular Essequibo businessman Mr Ramotar asked why a period of seven days’ notice must be given by Government officials for a visit to the oil rig and questioned whether there was something to hide.
In response to Ramotar’s question, ExxonMobil’s Manager explained that the notice was on account of safety precautions, adding that it would take some time to arrange the trip.
“ExxonMobil’s only means of getting to the rig is by helicopters so we have to put safety first,” he said.
The residents in the Region are also calling for more outreaches so that they can be kept abreast with the developments in the oil and gas sector and prepare for any eventualities.
