Jun 19, 2026 Editorial, News

(Kaieteur News) – ExxonMobil and the Guyana Government are pleased to tell to the world how they are in a mutually rewarding partnership. If this is a partnership, why is it so one-sided? Why is one partner, ExxonMobil, always in the driver’s seat, the controller of the relationship, with the PPPC Government playing along? We look at this partnership, and interpret it in one of two ways. It is the slavish cooperation of one group before a vastly more powerful partner (hand in tiger’s mouth scenario), or willing collusion that helps selfish interests to prosper. Clean-up millions for years in the hands of Guyana’s oil partner, ExxonMobil, stand as a blatant outrage. Why is that money with ExxonMobil alone, and not held by this country?

After six years, US$965M has been deducted from Guyana’s oil revenues, and under the company’s sole control. Guyana has to have a say in that US$965M, either jointly or exclusively. We at this paper are concerned that the PPPC Government is happy to say almost nothing, nibble around the edges, of close to US$1B that has been deducted by ExxonMobil for decommissioning costs. Sealing wells so that they are safe. Removing production vessels (rigs) and all their attachments and supporting lines and linkages. All of these are components of oil production occurring in Guyana’s offshore environment. Accordingly, it is compulsory that the Guyana Government has a say and stake in those hundreds of US millions held exclusively by ExxonMobil. Considering new production platforms are in operational assembly line, cleanup costs will soon surpass US$1B. Why is Guyana on the sidelines, and sitting on its hands? We share what the oil companies are doing, and where the government once stood.