Former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud on Thursday, February 8, 2018, urged that politicians be given “space” to make decisions.
“We need to also give decision-makers, policymakers, politicians some space in terms of crafting, developing and implementing the decisions. Don’t crowd them; don’t fill their ears up constantly and sometimes we need to extend some level of confidence,” Persaud said during his presentation at the country’s petroleum summit at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston.
The former minister was at the time reminiscing when he was in charge of the natural resources sector, noting he was swamped with advice and recommendations from people from all sectors.
“People were overwhelming you with advice (and) suggestions about what the roadmap should be and what the landscape would be. At times I could understand the current minister and current government being overwhelmed with advice and everyone has an opinion,” Persaud stated.
According to Persaud, everyone seems to be an expert now in the field of oil and gas.
“We’ve seen a proliferation of experts now in Guyana with the advent of oil and gas. Yes, we must question, yes we must demand explanations, and yes we must know what is taking place but at the same time it is important that we get that level of confidence in that regard,” Persaud expressed.
In this regard, Persaud urged that global experts be aware that while their advice would be welcomed, decision-makers will ultimately act in the best interest of the country.
