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Gas to shore project and Mr Patterson

Friday’s budget presentation by APNU+AFC MP David Patterson was noteworthy for several reasons. First, he offered on behalf of the opposition full cooperation to the government in holding a common line in relation to ExxonMobil and its partners. Critics will of course say that it is easy for APNU+AFC to take this stance now having allowed ExxonMobil to coerce it into signing the scandalously unbalanced 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which will cost this country billions of dollars and has left gaping vulnerabilities on the environmental and accountability fronts.

Furthermore, critics will say that despite the outpouring of opprobrium over the 2016 PSA and the secrecy that attended it and the signing bonus, APNU+AFC disgracefully made no attempt to renegotiate it and appeared to have been locked into an iron-clad deal with Exxon.

Be that as it may, it is still early days in Guyana’s oil and gas existence and ExxonMobil’s present conduct on gas flaring and other matters such as insurance coverage underline why it is important that the country unites to ensure that the 2016 PSA is renegotiated and that all the laws governing its offshore operations are complied with. Can this be achieved? It appears that the PPP/C government has eased comfortably into APNU+AFC’s role while it held the reins of government and that there is little immediate hope for a revamping of this horrid 2016 deal.

Mr Patterson’s claim that the government is not consulting or sharing information with it is exceedingly troubling and this must be reversed immediately. While in government, he said that the then Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, made it mandatory that Exxon briefed the then opposition PPP on every new oil discovery and development but that the  current opposition is yet to enjoy any such briefing by any of the operators here. “The government has requested that no information be shared with us – this is in stark contrast to our handling of this sector and does not reflect the claims of inclusiveness that the government has been making speeches about,” Mr Patterson alleged in Parliament.

One hopes that the bipartisan Natural Resources Committee of Parliament will be regularly provided with information by the government and that the Committee  will summon oil companies and convene hearings when necessary. ExxonMobil’s current gas flaring offshore is ripe for such examination.

However, it was what Mr Patterson had to say about the PPP/C’s inchoate plan for the gas to shore project that was particularly numbing and concerning. The public must bear in mind that just months into its tenure, the PPP/C government has declared its intent to terminate its gas to shore project at Wales, West Bank Demerara. To date,  President Ali’s government has not presented to the public a single document that would confirm reasoned justification for siting the project at Wales. As it is, it would appear the decision to locate the project at Wales is a political one considering that the area is a traditional PPP stronghold which had fallen on hard times as a result of the closure of the sugar estate there under the former APNU+AFC administration.

Given the enormous investment that would have to be made in piping gas from the Liza-1 offshore platform to the West Demerara coast and then to Wales and the construction of the plant to transform the gas into power for feeding into the national grid, the PPP/C government has to commission robust studies to determine whether the project is financially feasible and if so, and taking account of the likely tapping of other associated gas deposits, the optimal location for such an enterprise.  Having declared the site, the government has since said that studies will be done which presumably are intended to provide confirmation of the choice. That is not the way things are done in the real world and given the gigantic investment that will be required of taxpayers’ monies and the modest oil revenues – unless some investor is mobilised – the PPP/C government cannot be cavalier in this matter

If feasibility was to be established and a site chosen, a full-fledged Environmental Impact Assessment will still have to be done which itself could raise serious doubts about the project given safety risks and the prospects of pollution. The question of whether Exxon should have to pay Guyana to be relieved of the gas when account is taken of the requirement for it to reinject it into its well should also be considered.

According to Mr Patterson, a September 2016 study `Screening Evaluation of sites for proposed onshore base to support fledgling offshore oil and gas industry’ by the then government had recommended Berbice as the most suitable location for future onshore bases.

He further said that the supply of gas to shore will be interrupted for at least 2 – 3 days per year for routine maintenance of the equipment and to keep the plants working there will be need for a steady fuel supply.

“The location (Wales) makes it very difficult to supply with Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) – the recommended storage capacity is 7 days’ worth of HFO. Compare this to GPL’s 26MW at Vreed-en-Hoop which requires a tanker every 10 days, using the largest tanker which is 25,000 barrels – Wales at 250MW will need 10 times this amount,” Patterson cautioned.

He went on to state that while the Liza-1 and Liza-2 wells will produce 30 million cubic feet of gas per day, enough for power generation, additional money will be required to be spent on infrastructure to tap into the gas reservoirs of the Longtail and Turbot wells, since they are located closer to Berbice. These wells are expected to be commissioned by 2030.

The minister also said that the likely use of the Demerara River for such a project is also unwise, as it is one of Guyana’s busiest rivers for commercial activities and fastest flowing.

“A British expert indicated that it would be an act of lunacy to place a gas pipeline across the mouth of our busiest river. Like most South American rivers – the Demerara River is fast flowing, US Army don’t even allow their divers to do salvage work in rivers of this speed”, Mr Patterson added.

He also took exception to the timeline proposed by the government for the completion of the project – sometime in 2023.

“Hogwash, if it is done within acceptable standards – the FEED (Front End Engineering Design) which is done after the completion of the feasibility takes nine months, the fabrication of the pipeline alone takes two years, laying of the pipeline is another nine months – not to mention the civil works for the power plants as well as the sub-stations for GPL… another pipe dream”, Mr Patterson declared.

These are serious points raised by Mr Patterson and President Ali and his government must take full cognisance of them. The gas to shore project should not proceed unless a good case is made for it in a properly conducted feasibility study. Too much is at stake here and the country cannot risk a badly conceived project of this magnitude. We urge that the Natural Resources Committee of Parliament immediately take this matter up with the objective of gathering as much information as possible and seeking testimony from experts here and further afield.

Replies sorted oldest to newest

@Ramakant-P posted:

KN should focus on what the government is doing and not what they didn't do. All their plans are going well and will be fulfilled before the next election.

It's Stabroek News Editorial !!! read and learn .

Django
Last edited by Django
@Ramakant-P posted:

Thanks for the correction. But You didn't deny what I posted.

Then you have Totaram grinning like an ape.

Ah tell you , why should one accept your flawed statement. Hopefully when Totaram respond  ,there will be complaints.

Django
@Django posted:

Ah tell you , why should one accept your flawed statement. Hopefully when Totaram respond  ,there will be complaints.

Complaints that you will do nothing about.  You are becoming exactly what Totaram has become.

R
@cain posted:

I once told you what you need is a box up side ah da head.

You have threatened me several times on this GNI.  I doubt a half_breed jackass like you can last 2 minutes with me in the square circle. It's bad manners for you to jump into a conversation when it's none of your business.

R
@Ramakant-P posted:

Thanks for the correction. But You didn't deny what I posted.

Then you have Totaram grinning like an ape.

Do apes grin or grimace, hyena's refuse? Your father probably winced when he saw you, but it was too late for an abortion!

FM
Last edited by Former Member
@Ramakant-P posted:

You want to be like Shally. A halfbreed jackass.

Do you think that's why.your mother rejected.me? She was accustomed.to the real deal, huh? How come you are a full breed? You ought to be a half jackass! At least!

See? Mits agrees with me!

FM
Last edited by Former Member
@Ramakant-P posted:

You have threatened me several times on this GNI.  I doubt a half_breed jackass like you can last 2 minutes with me in the square circle. It's bad manners for you to jump into a conversation when it's none of your business.

Sure! It wouldn't take long to count you out! A box up side ah da head would do you immense good! I would prefer to kick you in your nuts and confuse your brain! Some more!

FM
Last edited by Former Member
@Former Member posted:

Sure! It wouldn't take long to count you out! A box up side ah da head would do you immense good! I would prefer to kick you in your nuts and confuse your brain! Some more!

As I said before a 'langra' like you cannot even get off your wheelchair much less kick someone. I pity you now that you have one foot in the grave.  Your talk is cheap.  look how far you have gone.  That Django boy called me out when I mentioned anything about someone's family., but wouldn't say anything against those whom he sleeps with.

R
@Former Member posted:

Do apes grin or grimace, hyena's refuse? Your father probably winced when he saw you, but it was too late for an abortion!

You are very shallow.  You are post just indicate that.

R
@Ramakant-P posted:

Thanks for the correction. But You didn't deny what I posted.

Then you have Totaram grinning like an ape.

@Former Member posted:

Do apes grin or grimace, hyena's refuse? Your father probably winced when he saw you, but it was too late for an abortion!

shallyv ,avoid referencing family members.

Django
@Ramakant-P posted:

You have threatened me several times on this GNI.  I doubt a half_breed jackass like you can last 2 minutes with me in the square circle. It's bad manners for you to jump into a conversation when it's none of your business.

For this you need three slaps added to the two. Look, if you wish to have a private conversation, send a friken letter if you don't know how to use email. This is a public board, so put a clamp on your butt and stop spewin crap.

cain
@cain posted:

For this you need three slaps added to the two. Look, if you wish to have a private conversation, send a friken letter if you don't know how to use email. This is a public board, so put a clamp on your butt and stop spewin crap.

You have a big mouth. 

R
@cain posted:

And if you play derass, I'll have one of Shally's green people with red eye,  push a stick through the spokes of your stationery bike...throw yo rant over the handlebars.

You should shut your damn mouth before I take that same stick and push it in your hole.   

R
@cain posted:

For this you need three slaps added to the two. Look, if you wish to have a private conversation, send a friken letter if you don't know how to use email. This is a public board, so put a clamp on your butt and stop spewin crap.

I am not interested in having a private conversation with you. Show me where I am spewing crap.  I write about the PPP which is no concern of yours but join with the other half_breed crabdaags and spew your shit everywhere.

R

Where did I say I wanted a private conversation, you ding a ling? You say people should not get into your conversation on a public board..Iman say, "HeH, tek dat" ,(middle finger cock up)

cain
@Django posted:

What's this about ?

Never.mind.the braying of jackasses, Djangles! If he was here in person, you would observe his.hitting his dong against his belly to gain attention! It's a jackass thing!

FM
@Ramakant-P posted:

I am not interested in having a private conversation with you. Show me where I am spewing crap.  I write about the PPP which is no concern of yours but join with the other half_breed crabdaags and spew your shit everywhere.

I'm still waiting for.someone to inform me on what is a crabdaag! I can't find it in a dictionary! Until someone does, I will have to conclude the person uttering this word is stupid, illiterate and a. contemptible PPP ill bred jackass!

FM
@Ramakant-P posted:

You are very shallow.  You are post just indicate that.

Whereas your post indicates you are uneducated on the use of English.grammar! What else have you missed in your PPP education?

FM
@Former Member posted:

Whereas your post indicates you are uneducated on the use of English.grammar! What else have you missed in your PPP education?

You really know how to SCREW up a Forum, why should people post when you cover everything, from insults, vulgarity and even anti man behaviour.

Good Going Admin.

K
@Ramakant-P posted:

As I said before a 'langra' like you cannot even get off your wheelchair much less kick someone. I pity you now that you have one foot in the grave.  Your talk is cheap.  look how far you have gone.  That Django boy called me out when I mentioned anything about someone's family., but wouldn't say anything against those whom he sleeps with.

Someone please help! What is 'langra'? Help me demolish this daag! Family? Only humans have family! Daags have broods! You have no idea of classification! Your being a daag, of.course!

FM
@kp posted:

You really know how to SCREW up a Forum, why should people post when you cover everything, from insults, vulgarity and even anti man behaviour.

Good Going Admin.

Kwame Protege, you hold the title for posting "anti man behavior" hay. Most of your posts contain vivid descriptions of buggery and invites to some man here to join you in debauchery.

YOU lowered the level of discussions to anti man shit. Sally as a newcomer followed the level of discussion he found. On reflection I think Django, er Jangles, is right. You are doing this deliberately for whatever reason. You cannot be so compulsive about gay sex talk. Unless you swing that way. Suh keep it clean. Arite Kwame Protege?

FM
Last edited by Former Member
@kp posted:

You really know how to SCREW up a Forum, why should people post when you cover everything, from insults, vulgarity and even anti man behaviour.

Good Going Admin.

Just look at who is braying now! Kaka Poo, the Queen of gay Hearts!

Your trouble is, you like to give but you can't take the same! A PPP lackey like the.kant!

FM
Last edited by Former Member

Write this down - this gas to shore will be a disaster for Guyana, worse than the white elephant skeldon factory.Why are they not seeking qualified consultants who do not have a dog in the fight to advise them? These folks are patently stupid.

Sadly, I'm of the opinion the result of this gas to shore will be more than just an empty building, it will be an environmental disaster. These people are not listening.

And after it happens they will leave Guyana for greener shores with millions of USD to set them up for life.

FM
@Former Member posted:

Write this down - this gas to shore will be a disaster for Guyana, worse than the white elephant skeldon factory.Why are they not seeking qualified consultants who do not have a dog in the fight to advise them? These folks are patently stupid.

Sadly, I'm of the opinion the result of this gas to shore will be more than just an empty building, it will be an environmental disaster. These people are not listening.

And after it happens they will leave Guyana for greener shores with millions of USD to set them up for life.

I've been.warning.but.PPP won't listen! They' e got the power and secret plans! For corruption! They are followers of Jesus! He said, 'the poor are always with us', so why bother about them?

FM
Last edited by Former Member
@Former Member posted:

Write this down - this gas to shore will be a disaster for Guyana, worse than the white elephant skeldon factory.Why are they not seeking qualified consultants who do not have a dog in the fight to advise them? These folks are patently stupid.

Sadly, I'm of the opinion the result of this gas to shore will be more than just an empty building, it will be an environmental disaster. These people are not listening.

And after it happens they will leave Guyana for greener shores with millions of USD to set them up for life.

Who the hell you are quarreling with.  The PPP does not care about what you morons post on this forum.  You had a chance to run the cake shop and failed. The PNC was a disaster when held the seat of Government. Take a look at their actions now. They tend to destroy everything in their path. One person stole government property and was caught. The response by the PNC. Rioting. Now they want to take over parliament.  Hooliganism allover the place.

How many sugar estates the PNC closed?  What kind of a deal the PNC sign with Exxon?  Yes! It was the PNC who signed the deal, not the PPP. So get off your high horse and do something about it.

R
Last edited by Ramakant-P
@Former Member posted:

Kwame Protege, you hold the title for posting "anti man behavior" hay. Most of your posts contain vivid descriptions of buggery and invites to some man here to join you in debauchery.

YOU lowered the level of discussions to anti man shit. Sally as a newcomer followed the level of discussion he found. On reflection I think Django, er Jangles, is right. You are doing this deliberately for whatever reason. You cannot be so compulsive about gay sex talk. Unless you swing that way. Suh keep it clean. Arite Kwame Protege?

You couldn't.be more right about.me, guana.man! I stated.my opinion of them herein, even posted that my own grandson informed me that 'nothing.you say could.make me change.my.mind' and even threatened to come to Canada to 'fk you up'! Idleness!

FM

@Ramakant-P, not that facts matter to you, but it was your blue eyed goddess, Janet Jagan that signed with Exxon and started the process of giving the farm away. It is your PPP that is negotiating the dangerous gas to shore operation.

https://newsroom.gy/2019/12/21...ship-of-janet-jagan/

FM
@Former Member posted:

You couldn't.be more right about.me, guana.man! I stated.my opinion of them herein, even posted that my own grandson informed me that 'nothing.you say could.make me change.my.mind' and even threatened to come to Canada to 'fk you up'! Idleness!

Hello! Mr. English grammar!

R

Iguana/Sallyv or whoever you choose to call your self, don't shed your gay shit on me. It is a known fact that you are known as GT gay boy. I never got suspended for anti man behavior or posts. You just can't help yourself to lure the conversation into your nasty lifestyle,  keep it to yourself.

K
@kp posted:

Iguana/Sallyv or whoever you choose to call your self, don't shed your gay shit on me. It is a known fact that you are known as GT gay boy. I never got suspended for anti man behavior or posts. You just can't help yourself to lure the conversation into your nasty lifestyle,  keep it to yourself.

...don't project yourself on me Kwame Protege. Freud would have a field day with you. You are what you are.

FM

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