Former Premier of Alberta, Canada, Alison Redford QC, has been engaged by authorities in Guyana to review the Payara development contract.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) said on Saturday, subject Minister, Vickram Bharrat met with Ms. Redford along with the heads of relevant agencies including Dr. Mark Bynoe – Department of Energy, Dr. Vincent Adams – Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Mr. Newell Dennison – Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
Mr. Bharrat said the new Government is conducting a holistic review of the Payara Development Project which will play a pivotal role in informing the decision making relating to the application for the permits by ExxonMobil, operator at the 6.6 million acres Stabroek Block .
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The review process will take on a multi-agency approach which includes the GGMC, EPA and other technical officers of the Petroleum Division to ensure maximum benefits are derived for all Guyanese, MNR said.
The Natural Resources Minister anticipates that the review will directly address concerns raised previously which will not only benefit the oil companies but ensure economic empowerment for all Guyanese. It is expected to conclude by August 24.
“Minister Bharrat expresses appreciation on behalf of the Government of Guyana to the Government of Canada who responded promptly to this collaborative effort,” MNR stated.
Ms. Redford has served as a World Bank Advisor on Gas Sector Reform in Pakistan and also as an advisor in other jurisdictions, as they develop new approaches to upstream regulation and community engagement. She has worked on several bilateral and multilateral projects particularly in energy sector regulation and has worked in multiple countries on behalf of the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the European Union.
The former Alberta Premier is no stranger to Guyana, having visited previously to participate in oil and gas conferences.
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The 220,000 bpd Payara Development is ExxonMobil’s third offshore project. It will utilize onshore infrastructure which includes shorebases, warehouses, storage and pipe yards, fabrication facilities, fuel supply facilities, and waste management facilities in Guyana.
