The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is prepared to seek greater benefits for Guyanese regarding the oil and gas sector. Presidential Candidate Aubrey Norton said during the announcement of the party’s 100-day plan that it will be approaching the ExxonMobil partnership to seek greater returns from the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).
He said that work will begin on the establishment of the overdue Petroleum Commission, while laws governing the Natural Resource Fund Act will be re-examined.
“In our first hundred days, the APNU coalition government will do the following; 1. Engage ExxonMobil on the Stabroek block PSA with the aim of increasing benefits for Guyana; 2. Amend that Natural Resource Fund Act to ensure that there are savings for future generations and for when oil prices are low; 3 Release all government contracts on the oil and gas industry and other major projects,” he said.
Norton said the party will also set up a professional and independent Petroleum Commission as it works toward better management of the industry.
Additionally, the task of investing in people by directly putting oil wealth into the hands of citizens will begin within the party’s first 100 days in office.
“We intend to implement initial measures to enhance social justice and good governance in our country. On assuming office, our first priority will be to pass a supplementary budget,” he said.
With that budget, Norton noted that the party intends to deliver on its first $100,000 cash transfer, the increase of up to 35 per cent on wages for public servants, a raised tax-free threshold of $400,000 per month, higher pensions to some $100,000 monthly, student stipends of $50,000 monthly, and immediate cost-of-living relief.
Among other things, the leader said the party will restart public consultation on the 2006 Amerindian Act, reform public procurement to ensure transparency and accountability, ensure more Guyanese benefit from government contracts, and set up multistakeholder meetings to address national and community concerns.
