ExxonMobil hosts another oil spill demonstration  

By Anara Khan

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, June 4, 2019

On Friday last, over 100 persons participated in an oil spill demonstration exercise at Waini Point, Shell Beach Protected Area in the Barima-Waini Region (Region 1).

The exercise was facilitated by US oil giant, ExxonMobil and saw representatives from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), coastal village councils and other vital agencies participating.

In a release from ExxonMobil, it was noted that the company is committed to safe and environmentally responsible operations. This commitment, Country Manager, Rod Henson, highlighted, is part of the company’s Corporate Environment Policy; ‘Protect Tomorrow, Today.’

Henson added that it is the company’s fundamental goal wherever 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,” he assured.

Regional Chairman of Region One, Brentnol Ashley expressed satisfaction that coastal communities are now better able to protect themselves from an oil spill. He explained that while the exercise may seem very simple, “it is very important and significant to the development of this new found wealth in our country in which as a people at the local level will be empowered to know what needs to be done if there should be an oil spill.”

The Civil Defence Commission’s (CDC) Senior Response Officer, Captain Salim October expressed similar sentiments. He 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.

The exercise was conducted with support from the CDC, the Regional Democratic Council, Protected Areas Commission, the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and Maritime Administration Department.

It is one in a series of drills and workshops planned by ExxonMobil in Coastal communities across the country.

Images: ExxonMobil

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