Guyana gearing for oil spill readiness

Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman recently assured that the necessary preparations are taking place to ensure that Guyana would not be caught off guard should an oil spill occur. The Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC) told this newspaper that the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is the lead agency that is formulating the national response plan for Guyana. He said that support is also being provided by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD). The Natural Resources Minister asserted that Guyana is also part of the regional system known as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). He said that even though the likelihood of an oil spill is low, the Government is adamant that preparation is necessary and this is being done at a national and regional level. Additionally, the Minister said that the US Coast Guard have been providing continuous training since last year and is expected to visit again in December. Trotman said that this is part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Guyana has with the US State Department and the Energy Governance Capacity Initiative. “We are definitely getting ready. Guyana intends to be prepared. Though the operator is always the first responder we have a national duty and steps are actively being taken.” Additionally, Kaieteur News explained to the Minister that there were concerns that USA oil giant, ExxonMobil made no commitment in its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to cover the costs associated with an oil spill that it may be responsible for.

(Kaieteurnews.com)