by Svetlana Marshall
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir today blocked an Opposition motion, which sought leave from the National Assembly to discuss the recent High Court ruling against the EPA and Exxon.
The motion was filed by Opposition Member Ganesh Mahipaul.
The Speaker said he could not allow the issue to be discussed in the Assembly since the matter is still before the Courts.
Last week, the High Court ruled that Environmental Protection Agency needed to enforce provisions in the petroleum permit to get the oil company to provide unlimited Parent Company Guarantee to protect the country and its people in the event of an oil spill.
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has since appealed the ruling.
In addressing the National Assembly on the matter, the Speaker explained that he received a correspondence from the Opposition Member of Parliament last evening, seeking leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the Assembly to allow for a debate on the ruling.
But the Speaker said, he had received a news alert that the EPA had filed an appeal in the matter and therefore it was still before the Courts.
“I subsequently received the filings this morning. The EPA moved to the Court on Monday, and so, this matter is in Court and we would not be able to deal with it,” the Speaker told the Assembly.
An attempt by MP Mahipaul to seek clarification on the ‘decision’ was ignored, with the Speaker, ordering the Clerk to proceed with the day’s agenda, even as the Opposition MP was attempting to seek clarification.
In the motion, MP Mahipaul highlighted that the High Court sought to enforce Clause 14 – Financial Assurance and Liability for Pollution Damages – in the Liza Production Project based on the Environmental Permit issued.
It was the intention of the MP to have the Assembly call on the Attorney General Anil Nandlall to act within the best interest of Guyanese by ensuring that Guyana and its people are protected from any potential oil spill disasters in accordance with the Constitution.
Mr. Mahipaul was also hoping to have the Assembly call on the Executive to honour the decision of Justice Sandil Kissoon.
MP Mahipaul told News Source that the position taken by the Speaker leaves much to be desired.”This ruling is indeed concerning. The role of the Speaker of the National Assembly is to be a neutral arbiter and ensure that all voices are heard in the democratic process. This Speaker is biased and unpatriotic. His actions continue to undermine the integrity of the democratic process. Further, his actions erode public trust and proved that he is a puppet of the executive arm of government,” the Opposition MP said.
Mr. Mahipaul said the ruling of the High Court seeks to safeguard Guyana in the event of an oil spill, and ought to have been accepted by the EPA, and by extension the Government.
“The issue of protecting the Guyanese people from the environmental and economic impacts of offshore oil production is of vital importance. The potential for an oil spill could have devastating consequences for the environment, fishing industry, and tourism sector, as well as the health and well-being of local communities,” he explained.
In its appeal, the EPA expressed concern about the impact the ruling could have on the country’s economy.
The EPA is arguing in its appeal that the orders could have severe consequences.
The EPA also submitted that Guyana’s unprecedented economic growth is in large part due to the exploitation of the petroleum reserve. The environmental body emphasized that any cancellation of the petroleum permit could negatively impact the nation’s economy.
The Opposition has lambasted the Government for appealing the ruling of the High Court.
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