How Payara license is handled will determine if we can expect better

Dear Editor,

From the report in yesterday’s Stabroek News, we learn from Minister Vickram Bharrat that the “review report” of the field development plans review by Bayphase is completed and has been submitted. We are further advised that a draft license for the Payara has been prepared and under discussion; also there are a few environment issues under discussion together with inclusion of the natural gas project in the Payara license.

In the interest of Transparency, National Cohesion, Patriotism and Good Governance, Minister Bharrat (Government of Guyana), after concluding the discussions should declare that the final approval/signing will occur after the nation gets a chance to see the “review report” by the Canadian team and the final draft of the Payara License Agreement. These should be immediately made available.

I don’t think this is too much to ask. It is not the personal interests of the President, Vice President and Minister that are at risk here. It is the nation’s interest that is at risk. In all fairness, the people need to know before and not after the signing.
How the Payara license is handled will be the test that informs whether we are going to continue on the path established by the previous administration on whether we can expect better.
Yours truly,

Sase Shewnarain