Dear Editor,
A number of recent concerns raised in the media does give the impression that the Government is losing control of some key strategic initiatives underway.
1. Labour negotiations
Banks DIH was able to successfully negotiate with their Union on pay increases for their workers. Our Government should take note of the approach taken, and the outcome achieved, so as to follow suit and avoid the take it or leave it nonstarter approach of the past. We must as a country value those who help us attain success, and meet with them annually in a collegial and non-combative atmosphere, to discuss their needs and how best to work together to be mutually successful in the coming years.
2. Oil production rates
The recent news of production being allowed to go beyond design specifications for the extraction of oil does raise concerns that control over the sector is no longer in place. It is best to be conservative in what is allowed to take place on our sea bed offshore. We have all recently witnessed how Exxon struggled for months to repair equipment that failed, resulting in environmental damage and excess flaring. Although there is a factor of safety built into each design, we must safeguard the environment and heed the concerns being raised. The rush to extract and sell oil and gas must not be at the expense of the environment. Fishers are already seeing the negative impact the sector is having on our seafood industry. As a rule we should target 80% of the designed maximum load and ensure that there is a predictive & preventative maintenance program in place that is effectively implemented; and key elements of extraction operations should be reviewed on a daily basis during the life cycle of the project. The inspection program will generate a schedule of the daily activities required by the onsite inspectors. This requires that the EPA budget includes the hiring of inspectors, their training and the cost of having them on site at the extraction operation.
3. Audit of the Oil & Gas Sector
Much has already been said and the nation’s disappointment is increasing. The Government needs to clearly articulate what they will do; how they will accomplish it; with whose support and involvement; and most importantly, when it will be done. The time for action is now and the posturing and long discussion over what didn’t occur and why, will occur in due time in Parliament. There must be no further delay in correcting course in this matter.
Sincerely,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
