President meets with top oil exploration stakeholders

President David Granger on wednesday met with John Hess, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HESS Corporation, the exploration company that holds a 30 percent interest in Exxon Mobil’s offshore drilling operations in the Stabroek Block.

The CEO was accompanied by the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Greg Hill; Executive Vice President at Exxon Mobil Exploration Corporation, Mike Cousins; Country Manager, Rod Henson; outgoing Country Manager at Esso Exploration and Production Guyana, Jeff Simons; and Exxon’s Public and Government Affairs Manager, Kimberly Brasington. Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Raphael Trotman was also present at the meeting, which was held at State House. According to the Ministry of the Presidency, during their discussions, President Granger told the visiting delegation that while the country is eager to have oil production come on stream, this must be done in the context on Guyana’s ‘green’ development trajectory and as such protection of the environment is critical. “We are very concerned about the preservation of the environment. We want the extractive industries to be developed in a sustainable way,” he said. Hess said that the corporation is investing billions of dollars in Guyana and is committed to ensuring that this is done in a transparent manner. “We are committed to your country. HESS is a long-term investor and we are very proud of the partnership with Exxon Mobil and Nexen as well. We hope this development of Liza first and hopefully other prospects will transform your country and we will try to help you the best way we can to ensure that oil wealth is spent in the best way possible,” he said.

He also spoke of importance which his company attaches to social responsibility and assured the Head of State that they stand ready to work with the Government to address priority areas. “We are ready to work together to help you with your vision for the country to ensure that the oil treasure really becomes the people’s treasure,” he said. Founded in 1933, the Hess Corporation is a leading global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. In May 2015, Guyana learnt that the exploration partners had struck a major find in its offshore concessions. (Kaieteurnews.com)