Al’ from Exxon – Gaskin

people that I speak to would like to see Guyana producing oil. And they would like that to happen because they feel that somehow Guyanese people will benefit if Guyana becomes an oil producing country. And they are right. It is our oil. Why shouldn’t we benefit?” he questioned.

“We don’t have the ability to extract this oil. So we need someone else to do this for us. And there are not too many companies in the world that can do deep water oil exploration and production. It also involves a long-term relationship or partnership that is guided by an agreed upon contract, proper legislation and regulations and a fair amount of goodwill,” he said.

The Minister of Business believes that the country is in a much stronger position now to negotiate on the remaining blocks based on Guyana’s national priorities and that his government will ensure that it maximizes on that opportunity.

“The interest is there and many of the world’s leading international petroleum exploration companies want a piece of the action. And when it comes to allocating the remaining areas government will be hiring a firm with international expertise to guide that process. Because we now have options. There is a demand for our petroleum blocks,” he said.

“The paradigm has changed. We have proven resources. And, contrary to what is being suggested in the media, government Ministers do not negotiate oil production agreements or licences. And I have no problem with persons criticizing our government. Politicians are fair game. You throw your hat in the ring and you take whatever criticisms come your way,” Gaskin added.