Energy Dept. taking incorrect stance on important issues- Should be focused on renegotiation of oil contracts, etc – Dr. Mangal

The Department of Energy (DoE) has made it pellucid on several occasions that it will not be pursuing the renegotiation of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil’s partners, Hess and CNOOC, as well as its subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).It has also expressed that it is unconcerned with the fact that…

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GRA cannot accept any Exxon claim for recovery of pre-contract costs without solid legal authority

The Guyana Revenue Authority says it is examining the audit report for US$460M of ‘pre-contract costs.’ Irrespective of any audit by IHS Markit, or anybody else, the Guyanese people are not liable for any ‘pre-contract costs’ unless three conditions are met. One: Clear legal authority. Where was Raphael Trotman’s legal authority to agree to ‘pre-contract…

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Oil, Government Take & Spending: Navigating Guyana’s Development Challenges – 22

Introduction Last week’s column dealt with a few of the more theoretical aspects of the role that “public expectations” play in general economic growth theory and the modelling of natural resources policy management. Today’s column focuses on the specifics of managing these expectations as a development challenge facing Guyana, as it seeks to spend its…

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Oil above politics

…Petroleum adviser says oil-and-gas policies must transcend election cycles THERE is need for Guyana to enforce legislation, policies and regulations in the emerging oil-and-gas sector that cannot be easily influenced by politicians, presidential adviser on Petroleum Dr Jan Mangal told reporters on Wednesday. Dr Mangal, who has a Doctorate in Offshore Geotechnical Engineering from the…

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Journalists need to become more adept at investigating conflicts of interest in the oil sector

My term as Petroleum Adviser to President Granger began in March 2017, whereas the re-negotiation of the contract for the Stabroek Block was performed about a year earlier (early part of 2016).  I have not negotiated contracts between any oil company and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. President Granger has been clear that his priority…

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