The Guyanese Ministry of Natural Resources has countered claims by publisher Glenn Lall that the oil industry is harming local sectors. They reported growth in the fishing and cattle industries, stressing the role of oil revenues in infrastructure development. The Ministry addressed Lall’s concerns about transparency and health impacts, emphasizing statistical support for their positions.
Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources has firmly rebutted assertions by publisher Glenn Lall regarding the oil industry’s adverse effects on the local economy. Lall claimed that the fishing sector is collapsing and that the country has become reliant on imported fish. However, the Ministry reported a 1% growth in the fishing sector for 2024, with predictions of an additional 5.8% growth in 2025, while shrimp and aquaculture production saw significant increases.
In response to Lall’s comments on the cattle sector’s decline, the Ministry emphasized a 24.6% growth in this industry for 2024. They also highlighted that livestock categories, including poultry and pork, have experienced remarkable growth due to improved health management practices. The Ministry pointed out that oil revenues are financing critical infrastructure developments rather than causing strain as suggested by Lall.
Despite some contractors allegedly performing subpar work, the government maintains that this is unrelated to the oil sector. The Ministry reassured that they are committed to enhancing Guyana’s infrastructure to support economic growth, including the oil and gas sector’s demand, contrary to Lall’s claims.
Lall accused the government of a lack of transparency in oil revenue usage. The Ministry clarified that all oil revenues are accounted for within the National Budget, which is publicly debated and approved in Parliament. Expenditures are documented transparently, although specific revenue sources may not be itemized.
The Ministry dismissed Lall’s concerns over a supposed “debt trap” regarding the Gas-to-Energy project, stating all financing terms are publicly accessible. The ongoing arbitration between the government and a contractor was described as standard procedure, reiterating commitments to project completion amid unfounded allegations of secrecy.
Lall also commented on adverse health impacts due to gas flares, including children fainting in classrooms, but the Ministry indicated these claims lack scientific backing. Seasonal temperature changes are attributed to global trends rather than oil activities, they explained.
Moreover, Lall’s assertion regarding tsunami risks to Guyana was also refuted. The Ministry noted that the likelihood of a tsunami affecting the nation is minimal due to its distance from major seismic zones. Finally, the Ministry addressed Lall’s claim of a $20 billion loss due to the lack of ring-fencing the Stabroek Block, clarifying that the accounting method simply defers revenue without eliminating it entirely.
Claims made by Lall stating derogatory remarks from Brazilian officials about Guyana’s oil agreements were also categorically denied by the Ministry.
In summary, the Guyanese government has strongly countered allegations regarding the oil industry’s detrimental impacts on local sectors such as fishing and cattle farming. They highlighted growth in these areas, alongside improvements related to oil revenues funding infrastructure development. The Ministry’s responses aim to clarify misconceptions and assert a commitment to transparent governance amidst ongoing debates on the future of oil operations in Guyana.
Original Source: nycaribnews.com
