UK security expert says….Oil companies are like sexual predators
Jul 07, 2017 , http://www.kaieteurnewsonline....-uk-security-expert/
Guyana has no idea what it is up against
“They know everything: the good guys, the bad guys who is sleeping with whom, who is corrupt and who is potentially corrupt. So when ExxonMobil needs a friend who is favourable to its interest, they already know who that person is.”
Guyanese were enlightened yesterday about the different facets of an oil industry.
They also learnt about the spin-off effects that can seriously cripple a country that is not careful in the management of its oil and gas sector.
This was at a symposium that focused on the link between oil and corruption.
The forum was hosted by the Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA) in collaboration with the Caribbean Institute of Forensic Accounting (CIFA).
Those who attended the seminar were told that oil companies are not to be approached in a lax manner, as they look for any opportunity to rob nations of their resources by securing deals that suit only their interest.
An interesting topic was presented by UK Security Expert Dr. Perry Stanislas.
During a section of his presentation that focused on power, Dr. Stanislas’ realism sent shockwaves through the audience.
His subject point was, “Superior power/resources of global corporations versus weak government administrations; Concept of ‘state capture.”
Dr. Stanislas encouraged small nations like Guyana to invest in contracting experts that can be trusted. He said that this is important for the protection of the interests of the people.
He explained that one of the reasons why global oil companies are successful is that they generate revenue like no other, and can therefore “buy the best experts on the planet.”
He said that many former experts from entities like the MI6 usually join global oil companies after retirement.
The British Secret Intelligence Service is commonly known as MI6.
Dr. Stanislas said that experts such as those who work with the likes of MI6 “know everything: the good guys, the bad guys who is corrupt and who is potentially corrupt. So when Exxon needs a friend who is favourable to its interest, they already know who that person is.”
He continued, “They know who to invite for a drink and to whisper in their ear; these companies employ the best of the best.”
The expert pointed to the fact that ExxonMobil negotiates with big countries like Iraq which makes negotiation with the likes of Guyana an easy walk over if Guyana does not arm itself with the right people.
Dr. Stanislas said, “There is no dirty trick in the planet those guys do not know. Then they come to the Caribbean to deal with you; it is like men versus boys.”
The security expert said that Guyana will pay the price if it chooses not to invest in the right set of professionals.
STATE CAPTURE
State Capture! This is a term that many in Guyana are not aware of but the few who were in attendance at the conference got a real understanding.
The term basically speaks about a captured state.
According to Transparency International, state capture refers to a situation where powerful institutions, companies or oligarchs within or outside a country use corruption to shape a nation’s legal environment, policies and economy to benefit their own private interests.
Dr. Stanislas’ definition was a little simpler. He said that State Capture is when a corporation is so influential that it is basically running your country.
He added, “There is one (such corporation) in your country.
He pointed to a “wonderful example in Kenya”. There, the government is silent as citizens wail about state capture.”
LIFE IS CHEAP TO OIL COMPANIES
Dr. Stanislas said that human life is cheap to big oil companies that are often ruthless.
“French oil companies are some of the worst; they organize coups and assassinations.”
He brought the unnatural death of Thomas Sankara to the fore. Sankara “was killed because of French oil companies.”
Dr. Stanislas said that Sankara wanted to nationalize oil resources and this offended the companies. “How did they do it? They used his best friend. They grew up together in the same village, ate from same plate.
That’s what they did and washed their hands. But they knew who they approached to do their dirty work.”
Dr. Stanislas cautioned Guyanese, “Please be careful when dealing with oil companies.”
He said that those companies are run by hardcore people who operate heartlessly. “And you come with you Caribbean smile like a little child or girl around a sexual predator.”
GOVT’S NO SHOW
Dr. Stanislas, as well as other presenters made some salient points which Guyana stand to benefit tremendously from. However, the most important people to hear these messages were absent—the government ministers.
The fate of Guyana rests in the hands of politicians who have little knowledge about the task at hand. They have no experience in the oil and gas industry as this is all new to Guyana.
But none of them, not even the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, found it useful to attend yesterday’s symposium.
Organizers of the symposium said that the government was invited.
Government Ministers were even given the opportunity to sit through specific programmes.
One of the organizers said, “We understand that they are busy so we gave them the opportunity to listen to one or two sessions for their benefit then leave.”
But that proposition was not taken advantage of.
Working People’s Alliance, Executive Member Tacuma Ogunseye, who was in attendance, described this as “unfortunate”.
