… From the gifts of oil
Global Witness withdrew their February 2020 explosive report – “Signed Away” – on the contract Raphael Trotman signed to Exxon back in June 2016. The report simply had to confirm what everyone was in Guyana (and u uncle) – even hardened PNCites – was long overdue: Trotman had given away the storage (of oil) and then some. Unsurprisingly, Trotman immediately broke a letter to the press, insisting that it was now justified !!
What a joke! As far back as September, Global Witness had written that they had received communications from local environmental activists complaining that the “Signed Away” report had effectively encouraged increased oil production. Activists argued that since the takeaway for most people, Guyana was to lose US $ 55 billion over the field’s production cycle, Global Witness had thrown away its mandate to protect the environment – the production and use of fossil fuels damage it. The reason for withdrawing the report from their web page and not using it in their program was because they received the criticism.
At no time did they say that they withdrew the report because of its substantial content – which was deceptive towards Trotman’s handling of the contract as a whole. After all, who in their right mind nowadays would receive a piddling 2% Royalty when the ongoing rate – even in besieged Africa – was 12%? Their detailed description of Trotman’s treacherous behavior – from being given accommodation and meals at a 5 Star hotel and restaurant and being imprisoned around in limos to his unexplained signing of the contract – was very damning.
On June 23, 2016, he had emailed a consultant hired to advise the Government on oil and gas issues, saying Exxon had requested an extension of some drilling leases that were due to expire. Trotman wrote that he saw it as an opportunity to revise some of the terms of the 1999 border agreement – which split 50-50 profit oil with an additional 1% royalty for the country. The consultant suggested allowing the contract to end, then threatened to hold a bidding process and a 10% royalty.
Another adviser suggested a 15% royalty and that he hired 10 or 20 experts on the renegotiation, not just the 1 he had. But unbeknownst to either adviser, Trotman signed the new deal with Exxon four days later on June 27, 2016. He retained a 50-50 “marginal” 1999 profit share – after Exxon took 75% of its expenses. There was the piddling signing bonus of US $ 18 million – which was hidden away!
But your Eyewitness thinks Trotman is crushed in his own BS. He reminded us that Global Witness had recommended an investigation into its role in the signing.
Govt should call his bluff!

… From a nationalist response
Yesterday, your Eyewitness was waiting for Opposition Leader Harmon’s response to Venezuelan threat to our sovereignty. Harmon wasn’t very dangerous, so your Eyewitness wasn’t surprised at what was eventually announced. He had specifically pointed out that the refusal of Harmon and the PNC to recognize the legitimacy of the PPP Government was one of the reasons why Maduro was incorporated to issue his decree alleging Essequibo and our oil. This is even as Maduro refuses to accept the legitimacy of the World Court, which considers the Arbitration Award that set our boundary back in 1899.
In rejecting the Maduro Decree, Harmon carefully apportioned his context: “The APNU + AFC Coalition stands firmly and in solidarity with any reasonable steps that the people of Guyana are likely to embark on to protect Guyana sovereignty.” Notice that? Harmon and his PNC say they stand by the “people” of Guyana – and NOT the Government, chosen by the people to run the state.
The PNC can’t run with the hare and hunt with the hounds! Shared house…

… From a local uprising
While some delight in schadenfreude in the democratic challenge of the United States, at least we must give them credit for prosecuting the invaders and Trump’s impeachment.
What to do with the Granger and W Berbice terrorists?

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