President David Granger and Trinidad’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley have shut down suspicions that there is something ominous about the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy and other areas.
Fielding questions from the press shortly after signing the document at State House Wednesday, President Granger assured of no “sellout” or “giveaway” while Dr Rowley contended that there will be no Trinidadian “takeover” of the petroleum sector.
In fact, Prime Minister Rowley said it is disappointing that the private sector in Guyana feels threatened by the MoU.
“We are working towards ensuring that we as a people … a people of CARICOM, do better for all ourselves and to come up against that is disappointing and to the extent that there is any takeover which I don’t think is happening or is going to happen,” Dr Rowley stated, in response to concerns raised by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).
Dr Rowley used the opportunity to remind that the twin island republic had written off billions of dollars in debt which Guyana had owed.
“That write-off was done against the background of Trinidad and Tobago being encouraged and, as a matter of fact, we did so against pressures, “ he stated.
But reports indicate that Dr Rowley, who served as Opposition Leader when the debt write-off was proposed, had staunchly objected to this move by the Basdeo Panday administration.
Nonetheless, the Trinidadian Prime Minister emphasized that his country has always been a good neighbour to Guyana and will continue to pursue policies that will result in the developments of both nations.
The MoU, according to the two leaders, identify areas of cooperation such as sport, agriculture, and energy.
