ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge has called for more participation from Guyanese at scheduled public meetings, aimed at relaying key bits of information on offshore projects.
The meetings usually dive into the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), often required by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) for major projects.
At a recent press engagement, Routledge said that attendance is sometimes disappointing.
“We do our best to make sure that people have the opportunity to come and listen to the information about the project[s]. Of course, it is all published on the EPA website as well. There are other engagements through various studies and processes. So, we do try our best to make ourselves available to answer questions,” he explained.
And with a schedule of public meetings out for Exxon’s newest development – Uaru – Routledge has encouraged Guyanese to come out and participate.
“We would like to see more people but I understand people have jobs and other things to take care of. We would just encourage people, if you do not have the time to come to the sessions that are out, the information is on the EPA’s website. Or you can send in your concerns so we can address them,” he said.
There will be eight in-person meetings during the period February 20 – March 1, 2023. Representatives from the EPA will be in attendance.
The field development plan is also being reviewed by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Uaru is the fifth project being pursued by Exxon, with an estimated development cost of US$12.7 billion. ExxonMobil Guyana is hopeful for approval within the quarter.
