Justice of Appeal Rishi Persaud has said that he does not have jurisdiction to order ExxonMobil to provide proof that it has indeed lodged a US$2 billion guarantee which is intended to indemnify Guyana against an oil spill and associated perils.
Stabroek News understands that in a brief ruling handed down yesterday morning, Justice Persaud dismissed the summons which sought proof that ExxonMobil had lodged the money as it claimed. Justice Persaud ruled that he has no jurisdiction to make the order sought.
According to a source, the Judge expressed concern that the Applicants had to move to the court to request proof that the sum has indeed been lodged, while adding that in the interest of transparency, it is hoped that the specific issue can be resolved.
