The government of Guyana was pleased late last month to announce the welcome news from ExxonMobil regarding the discovery of another oil find offshore in the Stabroek Block. As Guyanese abroad, we share the sentiment expressed by the government over the steady and safe progress being made in the ongoing exploratory work. As GINA stated, the news of another find offshore Guyana is a source of great pride and pleasure for all Guyanese, and this includes the diaspora in the GTA and elsewhere.
The announcement of the latest find was made by the Exxon Mobil Corporation, following the success of its latest drilling that targeted similar aged reservoirs encountered in previous discoveries at Liza and Payara.
“The latest discovery at Snoek demonstrates the continued success we have achieved in this technically complex play, which is just part of the significant exploration province offshore Guyana,” said Steve Greenlee, president of ExxonMobil Exploration Company.
The Snoek well is located in the southern portion of the Stabroek Block. ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd, began drilling in March. The effort encountered 25 metres of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. The well was drilled to 16,978 feet in 5,128 feet of water.
“As we continue to evaluate the full potential of the broader Stabroek Block, we are also taking the necessary steps to ensure the safe, cost-efficient and responsible development of this world-class resource, which can provide long-term, sustainable benefits to the people of Guyana,” Greenlee said.
The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres, of which Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited operate and hold 45 percent interest. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 percent interest, and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent.
The ongoing exploration successes in Guyana are understandably creating excitement and interest in Trinidad and Tobago. Last month, this nation’s Prime Minister, Keith Rowley, met with senior executives from Exxon Mobil during a visit to the US. Rowley used the opportunity to point out how ideally positioned Trinidad and Tobago is to play a key role in assisting with Guyana's hydrocarbon future. He extended an invitation to the executives to visit in order to assess Trinidad and Tobago’s readiness to partner with Guyana.
Said Rowley: “Our location, refinery, deep water harbours, access to markets and expertise in the energy sector all make us the best candidate for partnership with our neighbour.”
The excitement for Guyana’s hydrocarbon future is being similarly felt by the diaspora. As Guyanese abroad, we will continue giving our support and expertise, as we have been doing all along, in helping to chart this promising future for our homeland.

Trinidad and Tobago seems unable to pull out of the downward spiral being caused by its horrific murder rate. Less than 100 days into 2017 and already the murder rate was 130 persons killed by last weekend. As the murders rise, more and more it appears the government is incapable of taking control.
To add more woe to Trinidad and Tobago’s criminal landscape, last month the US State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security assessed Port-of-Spain “as being a critical-threat location for crime directed at or affecting US government interests”.
The report identified crime as the principal threat to visitors to Trinidad and Tobago. Citing police statistics, the report noted 2016 crime statistics showed a 1.4 percent increase in overall serious criminal activity when compared to 2015, adding “violent crime remains a major concern for local security services and the general population”. It also noted the 462 murders in 2016, 420 murders in 2015, and 403 murders in 2014.
As we continue to point out in this space, it is imperative to note crime remains a principal threat, and visitors to Trinidad and Tobago, along with the rest of the Caribbean, should always remain vigilant.