When American oil operator ExxonMobil was able to acquire 15 acres of land at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD) for its headquarters ahead of locals, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo had held his tongue. But at his press conference today, the PPP General Secretary finally broke his silence on the matter after learning via the media that the company is being leased 50 acres of land at the Wales Estate.
At his Church Street Office, Jagdeo said that he finds this giveaway of land to ExxonMobil “overbearing” while insisting that locals should be given first preference.
“Where are the opportunities for Guyanese,” questioned the concerned Opposition Leader.
Jagdeo said that the issue is of great import to him since it remains unclear whether Exxon would be funding its wharf and manufacturing plant projects at the Estate from cost oil or whether it would be a direct investment. In addition to this, Jagdeo called into question the fees Exxon would be paying for the lands and whether it is in keeping with the market rates.
