The Ministry of Natural Resources in Guyana responded to criticisms from newspaper publisher Glenn Lall, refuting claims of an oil industry disaster affecting the fishing and agricultural sectors. The Ministry reported growth in fishing, agriculture, and livestock, asserting that oil revenues are facilitating critical infrastructure development. Furthermore, it emphasized the transparency of budgetary expenditures related to oil. Overall, the Ministry aimed to dispel fears regarding the health and environmental impacts linked to oil operations.
In response to a local newspaper’s commentary on the dire state of the oil industry in Guyana, the Ministry of Natural Resources issued a detailed rebuttal. The newspaper’s publisher, Glenn Lall, alleged that the fishing sector had collapsed due to oil production, leading to increased fish imports. However, the Ministry reported a 1% growth in the fishing sector for 2024, stating that while fish production experienced slight contractions, marine shrimp and aquaculture production showed significant increases.
Furthermore, the Ministry provided information suggesting that the agricultural sub-sector also thrived, recording a 10.9% growth in 2024 and an anticipated 11.7% increase for 2025, despite claims of failure linked to oil operations. Lall also mentioned destruction in the cattle industry, yet the Ministry countered with evidence of a 24.6% expansion in this sector for 2024, and projected growth in various livestock categories. Improvements in poultry health were attributed to vaccinations and reduced mortality rates.
The Ministry asserted that oil revenues are being utilized to enhance infrastructure, countering Lall’s claims of excessive burden and subpar construction. While acknowledging some issues with contractor performance, it emphasized that there is no direct link to oil revenues. The government is committed to developing infrastructure that meets the demands of economic growth, including those arising from the oil and gas sector.
Addressing concerns about transparency, the Ministry clarified that all oil revenues are accounted for within the National Budget, disputing Lall’s assertion that the government has failed to disclose their usage. The Ministry stated, “Every dollar of oil revenue is accounted for within the National Budget,” and highlighted that budgetary details are publicly accessible and debated in Parliament.
Moreover, the Ministry disputed Lall’s claim regarding the Gas-to-Energy project being a “debt trap,” affirming that financing conditions are publicly available and accusations of secrecy are unfounded. With regards to health concerns related to gas flares and educational conditions, the Ministry indicated that these assertions lack scientific validation and reflect general environmental changes.
The Ministry also clarified that ExxonMobil’s Environmental Impact Assessments include disaster assessments and reiterated that the risk of a tsunami impacting Guyana remains extremely low. Lastly, the Ministry characterized Lall’s claims of Guyana losing US$20 billion due to non-ring-fencing of oil projects as unfounded and emphasized that such accounting practices do not eliminate future revenue.
Overall, the Ministry aimed to dispel various claims made by Lall about the oil industry’s negative impact in Guyana, presenting statistics and clarifications to defend the current state and future outlook of Guyana’s economy linked to the oil sector.
In summary, the Ministry of Natural Resources in Guyana has addressed and refuted numerous claims made by Glenn Lall regarding the adverse effects of the oil industry on fishing, agriculture, and infrastructure. By citing statistics and clarifying the transparency of oil revenue management, the Ministry sought to demonstrate that the oil sector is contributing positively to the country’s economic growth, despite concerns raised by critics. Comprehensive rebuttals to claims of environmental and economic disaster illustrate the government’s commitment to maintaining accountability and promoting the benefits of its burgeoning oil industry.
Original Source: nycaribnews.com
