As concerns mount about a potential conflict of interest with newly-elected Alliance For Change (AFC) leader, Nigel Hughes, ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge emphasised that the company is in compliance with all laws and regulations.
“We comply with all laws and regulations here and internationally so we don’t believe we have any conflict of interest,” Routledge said at the sidelines of an event on Tuesday.
So what really are the concerns about?
Hughes, a prominent attorney, has once again secured a leadership role in the AFC, a third force that currently forms part of the parliamentary opposition. His law firm – Hughes, Fields and Stoby – however, represents ExxonMobil.
Mr. Hughes disagrees that a conflict of interest exists but has said that he will cut ties with his law firm if elected to serve in government. The lawyer also said he will not participate in any discussions or decisions on oil and gas in the AFC.
Guyana’s Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who is also the General Secretary of the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), is among those who flagged the potential conflict of interest.
Jagdeo is concerned about the lawyer using his position of influence to sway business transactions or policies. He pointed out that Mr. Hughes is now leader of a political party which has members in Parliament.
