Review of Bayphase work by experts timely and welcome

Dear Editor,
I wish to publicly endorse the decision of the Government of Guyana/Ministry of Natural Resources to undertake a review of the work already undertaken by Bayphase Oil and Gas Consultants, to be carried out by a team of international experts in the field of oil and gas development.
It is commendable of the Natural Resources Ministry to consider this review of the Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited’s Payara contract in keeping with transparency and accountability norms, as there was a recent change of government. As such, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Government securing its rights and interests, and, by extension, those of all Guyanese.
It must also be noted that the current review is basically a review of the work undertaken by the previous administration for more than seven months, which will reassure the current Government, in making informed decisions, in moving the approval exercise of the Payara lease permit. It must be pointed out that the previous government never did any review of the work already undertaken by Bayphase Oil and Gas Consultants over the past seven months. This review is timely and appropriate.
While there are some criticisms of this review of the work already undertaken, I would state that this is not an unreasonable review which is being conducted by a team of highly qualified international experts who are experienced in similar activities. But it must be mentioned that those like Jan Mangal, who objects to everything in Guyana’s oil and gas sector to get some relevance and attention, should not, and must not, be allowed to derail a process which aims to secure the rights and interests of all Guyanese.
This impressive high-level team is headed by Ms. Alison Redford QC, and comprises the former Deputy Minister of Energy in Newfoundland, Canada; senior international reservoir engineers; and Mr. Jay Park, QC, Managing Partner of Park Energy Law based in Canada and the United Kingdom. Most importantly, there is a legal framework review component in addition to the technical aspect, which is a two-pronged approach for compliance and transparency.
Editor, while I note that we, as Guyanese, and the new Government need to go through everything that the APNU/AFC left behind with a fine-tooth comb, there must be constructive criticism, and not just criticism for criticism’s sake; as in the case of Jan Mangal, who wants to create a niche for himself in Guyana’s oil and gas sector.
Meanwhile, what we as citizens can and should do is to be objective and support the current Government to bring Guyana back on track towards success and prosperity for all Guyanese, I repeat: all Guyanese.

Sincerely,
Vivian Li