GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — President David Granger says his a dministration will be working with US-based oil giant, ExxonMobil, to develop a long-term relationship founded on transparency, accountability, openness and aligned interests for the good of Guyana.

During a meeting with a delegation of ExxonMobil executives on Wednesday, Granger said Guyanese must be able to view the development of a petroleum industry as one that is beneficial to the nation interest.

“We are at the start of an oil and gas industry and we want to ensure that our people are involved… We are happy with the way things are going so far and we want to assure you of the Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. We take decisions at the Cabinet level and then those decisions are taken to the National Assembly, and we do not see that process changing. All Guyanese must feel involved in the process,” the president said.

The meeting was held to discuss matters related to the status of exploratory and appraisal work in the Stabroek Block, as well as the relationship between the Government and the company.

Granger said it is important that there are regular and accurate announcements on matters pertaining to the development of the sector, adding that Guyanese must be involved, especially in the mainstream opportunities, which are available in the industry.

“We have got to keep the public informed to ensure that civil society does not feel that there is some underhand relationship, which is injurious to the country. We want to make the right steps and we are looking to see that the population gets the education they need to participate in this industry. We are looking to ensure that this industry generates employment for our people and, as part of our partnership, I hope that we can have a programme which can help to educate Guyanese on this industry,” he said.

To ensure a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship, the president said the Government is working to develop the requisite framework and strengthen capacity in areas which establishes and maintains good governance.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, who also attended the meeting, assured the executives of Government’s commitment to the process of building an open and transparent relationship with the corporation.

Meanwhile, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ExxonMobil Corporation, Darren Woods, in an invited comment, described the meeting as fruitful, noting that the Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability was discussed in detail.

He said that the administration’s commitment is welcomed since the company’s interests and aims are in alignment with this.

“I think it is a very productive conversation that we just had. The Government is looking to make sure that we develop the resources, and that we do it the right way that can benefit the community and the people of Guyana. We are very committed to that ourselves, and we had a lot of discussions and dialogue to see how best we can do that to benefit ExxonMobil, the Government and the people of Guyana,” he said.