Guyana deserves more from its politicians

Political Scientist and Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds, has always acknowledged that Guyana needs ExxonMobil. However, Dr. Hinds is of the opinion that some politicians have failed to realize that ExxonMobil needs Guyana too; “otherwise, the company would not have been operating here.”

The basis upon which Dr. Hinds formed his opinion is directly linked to the manner in which Government has been going about negotiations with ExxonMobil. These negotiations include the fact that the production contract is still shrouded in secrecy. The other reason has to do with the fact that the political opposition is not being ‘adequately’ consulted. Also, Dr. Hinds thinks that if politicians understood the amount of wealth that is being taken out of Guyana, a more serious approach would have been taken. Dr. Hinds said that one of the many lessons that Guyana should learn from previous relations with foreign companies is that a national approach and strategy is always needed. He said that it would be good for Guyana if the government can lead the process towards the development of a national strategy but not overly monopolise it. Dr. Hinds said that the government must bring critical stakeholders into the process in a meaningful way. The political scientist said that a “united national political front in the face of the might of Exxon is a winner for us. In addition, it minimises the scope for ExxonMobil to play our two political titans against each other. And it ensures continuity in the event of a change of government.”

(Kaieteurnews.com)