Questions for Mr Norton on ExxonMobil

Mr. Norton is the new Opposition Leader and we are grappling to figure out if he will do a good job. He was diligent to visit supporters in New York. I understand that Mr. Norton may have met with officials from ExxonMobil in a recent visit to the USA.

On behalf of the nation, I would like to ask Mr. Norton, the following questions:

1. Is it true Sir, that you met with Exxon officials when you visited the USA after you became the new Leader?

2. If so, what were the names and titles of the people you met?

3. Was that meeting in Washington, DC?

4. If yes, can you tell us what were some topics raised?

5. What were Exxon’s responses to the topics you raised?

6. If there was a meeting, did that meeting have anything to do with your denial that you ever used the word “renegotiation” as regards the oil contracts?

7. Which other PNC operative went with you to the meeting?

8. Did you raise the question of continued flaring by Exxon?

9. Did you raise the issue of the contract being unfair to Guyana?

10. Did you raise the question of an increased royalty to Guyana?

11. Did you raise the issue of an increased profit share for Guyana?

12. Did you raise the issue of Exxon’s duty-free concessions and not actually paying taxes on profits although they enjoy all kinds of tax waivers and exemptions?

13. Did you talk about Guyana’s proposed gas-to-shore project?

14. Did you restate the PNC’s pre-election promise that the PNC will not ask for renegotiation of the current contracts?

15. What will you do to atone for the current contracts being signed under a predominantly PNC Government that sold us out forever?

16. What will it take for the PNC to embrace “renegotiation” as a major plank of your party’s platform?

17. Do you see the need for “renegotiation” so that Guyana may get more money that can help take care of services and benefits to your constituencies?

Sir, thank you for any responses you can give to these questions and set the record straight. It would help the nation to understand your philosophies and leadership propensities. Thank you, Sir.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jerry Jailall