More than 100 persons recently participated in an oil spill demonstration exercise facilitated by ExxonMobil Guyana at Waini Point, Shell Beach Protected Area in Region One (Barima-Waini).
These representatives were from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), coastal village councils and other key agencies.
“Because we want to ensure that yours and other communities remain beautiful and untouched, ExxonMobil Guyana is committed to safe and environmentally responsible operations. This commitment is highlighted in our Corporate Environment Policy; Protect Tomorrow, Today,” Country Manager Rod Henson indicated in his address to those gathered on the Beach last Friday.
President Granger said that the government is resolved to accelerate its efforts to ensure a clean, healthy and hygienic environment for everyone by protecting the integrity of our rivers, proscribing single-use plastics and by strengthening the capacity of municipal, neighbourhood and regional administrations to improve their solid waste management.
In photo: President Granger receives a framed copy of a poem written by students of the Marian Academy at the observance of World Environment Day 2019. The poem was presented to the Head of State after it was performed by students of the school’s environmental club.
According to him, it is the company’s fundamental goal everywhere it operates to ensure that there are no environmental incidents.
“Not only do we comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, but we seek to go beyond these where practical and apply international standards where laws and regulations do not exist. Already, we have partnered with key agencies over the years and even here in Region One to ensure that the natural beauty of coastal communities and life beyond the shores remain intact.”
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley has said that the Administration is pleased that coastal communities are now better able to protect themselves from an oil spill, should one occur.
“This exercise while it may seem very simple, it is very important and significant to the development of this newfound wealth in our country in which, as a people at the local level, [we] will be empowered to know what needs to be done if there should be an oil spill,” he explained.
Similarly, Captain Salim October of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) stated that while existing concerns of citizens cannot be ignored, this is an important part of the country’s overall preparedness to respond to a potential oil spill.
“Engaging in this exercise no doubt is considered proactive and to some extent, it is considered preventative,” he expressed.
The demonstration exercise was done with support from the Civil Defence Commission, the Regional Democratic Council, Protected Areas Commission (PAC), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).
Friday’s event is one in a series of drills and workshops planned by ExxonMobil Guyana in coastal communities across the country.
