Green dispels speculation over new ministry’s role in oil exploration

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Mining and Geology Floyd Green has dismissed speculation that the newly established Ministry of Mining and Geology will take charge of Jamaica’s offshore oil exploration programme, confirming that the responsibility will remain with the Ministry of Energy.

Green made the clarification during Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, responding to questions about whether his new portfolio would spearhead efforts to determine whether commercially viable petroleum deposits exist in Jamaican waters.

His response makes clear that the creation of the new ministry will not result in a transfer of responsibility for the country’s search for oil, which remains under the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, headed by Minister Daryl Vaz.