I write to extol the management of Exxon Mobil Guyana for holding public forums in the diaspora on the energy giant operations in Guyana – no holds barred discussions on all aspects of its operations, the contract, etc., with members of the diaspora including one on one conversations between its representatives and the public. This was great public relations; the oil and gas company thru its representative (CEO in the case of New York City forum) availed itself (himself) to questions from a moderator and from the public.
These Exxon forums took place in various locations where the bulk of Guyanese are settled in USA, namely New York City, Washington, Florida, among others. These kinds of forums are important for education of the diverse work as well as social corporate responsibility and hiring practices of the oil company, the amount and nature of its investment, etc. They provide an opportunity for civil society public discussion on the company’s operations in Guyana.
Guyana is a democracy and the diaspora should have an opportunity to voice its opinions on investment and development in Guyana as well be given opportunities to invest. Public input is a key part of a democracy as in government acceptance of a company’s operations and its general approval for business. So it is important that citizens, including the diaspora, participate in a conversation in a huge business venture like oil exploration and development in Guyana and the proceeds that obtain from such a venture. And companies should make themselves available for questioning by the media and by citizens at a forum.
Guyana ExxonM making its representative available for public engagement and interaction about its operations is most welcomed. Guyana ExxonM CEO, Alistair Routledge, as well as representative of the Guyana government and individuals doing business with Exxon spoke at the forum in Queens, New York in November that I attended and availed himself before and after the meeting for one-on-one discussions. Exxon reps, members of the private sector, and government rep also spoke at forums elsewhere. The organizers stated similar forums are planned for the diaspora in UK and Canada and more in USA. The New York meeting was highly anticipated with a packed room in attendance.
The public welcomed these forums that allowed for frank, honest exchanges. What stood out in the Queens was the absence of any rancor or hostility towards Exxon and its representative Mr. Routledge and the respect accorded to the latter. There was a total silence at the forum where everyone listened in rapt attention to the various speakers including during the ‘question and answer period’. There were no public distraction or detractors.
Mr. Routledge was eloquent, articulate, insightful, polished in his presentations. He masterfully, clearly, confidently, decisively, crisply, and poignantly answered questions. He knows his subject better than anyone I ever heard on oil and gas. He was astute, shrewd, and adroit to avoid anything that came close to ‘politics’; he left that for the political representative of the government. I commend the CEO on his knowledge of the subject matter. There was no doubt he has a command of the oil business and its operations and Exxon’s business.
Speakers at the forums overwhelmingly support the projects of Exxon. There was no public opposition to Exxon, no dissenting, critical voice. It is not known how the exchanges went one-on-one in ‘semi-private conversations’ with the CEO. There was a long line of individuals who discussed various issues with and others wanting to engage the CEO. This writer was told the forum at Florida International University was also well attended and there was the absence of animosity.
These public forums and one-on-one conversations or exchanges are very effective to express one’s views on a subject matter or an issue. Nothing beats meeting people face to face and putting forth one’s views. And since we live in a democracy, it is only important that people have an opportunity to voice their opinions on major projects in Guyana as well as be told of opportunities available to them for investment.
Exxon and the Guyana government should continue them. Exxon should have more of these meetings or discussions.
(Mr Routledge, 2nd from left in group photo).
