The oil companies, Hess & Exxon, recently reported earnings in the 2Q2023 that were significantly below the profits they earned in 2Q last year. However, they were very optimistic about the future because of their big bet on Guyana. By 2027, they are projecting to be pumping 1.2 million barrels of oil per day. With…
Introduction Today’s column continues the effort to provide for readers’ guidance a response to the burning question: What are the lessons to be learned from oil and gas producing countries that have implemented policies/regimes for local content requirements (LCRs)? As previously indicated, such countries are many, and, unsurprisingly, their experiences are varied. Beyond question, LCRs…
I refer to Mr. Reggie Bhagwandin’s letter, “Oil deal was designed to cater for the nature of the industry” and wish to comment as follows: An argument for tax waivers for Foreign Companies – Profits are not guaranteed. Business is very competitive. Therefore, it makes good sense for host governments to grant tax waivers for…
If you owned one of the nicest houses in an exclusive neighbourhood, would you sell your house for a fraction of what other sellers are receiving? Guyana is receiving significantly less money from its oil production than other countries. But some Guyanese politicians hide behind the porous façade of the sanctity of contract while others…
It is my honest opinion that Kaieteur News should be awarded with the highest honour of the land for their continuous reporting on the massively flawed Petroleum Agreement between the Government and the contractors (Esso/Cnooc/Hess) and by extension Exxon. This petroleum contract, signed by Minister Trotman (his initial RT is on every page of the…
Every Man, Woman and Child in Guyana Must Become Oil-Minded – Part 106 – March 25, 2023 Introduction In Guyana’s fast changing news cycle, the issue of whether or not there is a shortage of foreign currency appears to have receded into the background. That of course does not mean that the temporary problem has…
Presentation deck can be found here: Political aspects of the resource curse
Melinda Janki, an international lawyer, recently criticised the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that governs the Stabroek Block. Stabroek PSA lets oil companies take an unquantified amount from Guyana’s revenue – Melinda Janki It is rife with controversy. It has been called illegal by some because of the circumstances under which the concession was granted, and…
Guyana now has an oil purse of US$436 million dollars in a foreign bank that mysteriously sits untapped in a period of our greatest need. We are in the midst of a deadly pandemic; one the world hasn’t experienced since the Spanish Flu of 1918 that took an estimated 20 to 50 million lives. We…
I would like to suggest that the first pot of NRF money be dedicated towards a massive infrastructure plan, similar to what President Biden did when he got in. Let’s fix all the roads and bridges! You can call it the “Highways to Happiness” Plan if you want. This can be the “tipping point” for…
