How about criminal charges for handlers of oil resources?

Dear Editor,

I support criminal charges against public officials who were/are negligent in the discharge of their duties relating to the country’s assets and resources. But we must not pick and choose – charge all especially those related to the oil scandal that is being exposed by KN. Signing away oil contracts for only 1 or 2 percent in royalty is criminal and treasonous, and all responsible government officials must be charged. Ashni Singh and Irfaan Ali were hauled before the court on land deals and other matters. Now Winston Jordan and Heath London are being threatened with criminal or civil charges. They ought to be roasted but so must those who recommended and or signed away the oil contracts between 2011 and now. Donald Ramotar, Robert Persaud, and Raphael Trotman must be held accountable for failing the nation in the oil contracts.

Both political sides blame each other for signing the disastrous contracts and giving away oil blocks from which over US $60 million changed hands; whose palms were greased? Both sides would protect each other! Both sides have individuals who were derelict in their fiduciary conduct. They must face criminal charges over disastrous vetting and due diligence of agreements signed with the exploiting oil companies and assigning oil blocks. The responsible officials must be charged. But would they be charged and would they be held accountable?

The record would show that the predecessor PNC led regime did not prosecute anyone for giving away the oil resources at 1%. And the PNC itself signed away the oil resources at 2% for Exxon and 1% for other companies when the international norm is between 12% and 16%. The PNC accepted US $18M signing bonus when the global norm would have been $200M.

This government has not condemned the dealings of PNC as regards the oil concessions and the PNC is not criticizing what this government is doing on the development of Payara. Both sides blocked accountability and are covering for each other. Both sides criticized the 1% and 2% in royalty when in opposition, but once in government they kept quiet. It would seem there is an alliance between both sides to deceive the nation on oil royalty.

The two sides are similar in behavior except for the racial base of support. Voters must begin to think of rejecting both sides come next election. It is high time Guyanese start finding alternatives to govern the country and stop supporting the two sets of crooks. Small parties must be given a chance in the interest of the people. The nation needs representatives with a level of courage the likes of a Charrandass Persaud to marshal this effort. I also applaud Chris Ram and Marcel Gaskin and others for speaking out against the injustice in the oil contracts.

Yours truly,
Shawn Simmons