ExxonMobil sees no conflict of interest in relations with Hughes, Fields and Stoby Law Firm; VP Jagdeo not surprised

Maintaining that ExxonMobil Guyana abides by the laws and regulations of the country, the President and CEO of the company, Alistair Routledge today ruled out any issue of there being a conflict of interest emerging from ExxonMobil’s relationship with the Hughes, Fields and Stoby Law Firm, now that one of the partners in that firm, has been elected leader of a political party.

The HFS Law Firm serves as one of the legal representatives in Guyana for ExxonMobil. Recently elected AFC Leader, Nigel Hughes is a Managing Partner of the firm.

Last week, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, hinted at a possible investigation into what he considers “a historical conflict of interest” in the relationship between Exxon and Hughes. But today, the ExxonMobil Guyana President said the company does not believe that there is an issue of conflict of interest.

“We comply with all laws and regulations here and internationally, so we don’t believe that we have any conflict of interest, any issues,” the ExxonMobil Guyana President told reporters on the sidelines of an event at GYSBI today.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was this afternoon quoted by Demerara Waves online news as stating that he was not surprised with the position of Exxon.

The Vice President has already indicated that the Government will closely monitor Exxon’s relations with the company.

“Let me make it clear, that Exxon has a lot to answer because Nigel Hughes, knowing him he will not want to resign, knowing him he would want to collect the money and still be leader of the AFC and conflict of interest would not bother him at all,” Mr. Jagdeo said.

The AFC Leader has welcomed any such probe.

Hughes has assured that should he be elected office; he will relinquish all ties with the Law Firm of Hughes Fields and Stoby.

He said the law firm has been in existence for 52 years and has been advising international oil clients since the 1970s. ExxonMobil, he said, is exclusively managed by Senior Counsel, Andrew Pollard.

“I have never advised, participated or assisted Exxon in any negotiations with the Government of Guyana at any stage. During the Coalition Government I did not act for or assist either the Government of Guyana or the Exxon. I have never held any government office or advised the Government of Guyana,” Hughes said.

At the party level, Hughes said the Chairman of AFC, David Patterson and Executive Member, Dr Vincent Adams will head the party’s oil and gas advisory committee. He has agreed to recuse himself from the committee.