Dear Editor,
The recent Rockhead-1 discovery is another example of the Government’s failure to keep Guyanese informed about their own resources. ExxonMobil’s Vice President of Global Exploration, John Ardill, disclosed the discovery in London during the Energy Intelligence Forum on October 5-6, 2026. Only afterwards did the Minister of Natural Resources confirm it publicly.
This is not the first time. In June 2026, ExxonMobil announced to investors that its estimated resource base in Guyana was just under 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels. The company’s public statements on cost recovery and the progress of its operations have also preceded the Government’s explanations to Guyanese.
The same pattern was evident with the oil audits. ExxonMobil’s disclosures to its shareholders and investors provided information about the recovery of costs and the financial arrangements governing its operations, while Guyanese were left waiting for the Government to explain what was being recovered, what was disputed and what the country stood to receive.
The Government must explain why Guyanese are repeatedly learning about their own resources from ExxonMobil. Guyanese must not have to depend on a foreign company to tell them what is happening with their inheritance.
The reserve base has not moved from 11 billion barrels since 2022, despite several announcements of new wells. ExxonMobil is now telling us that its estimate is just under 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels. The Government must explain how these resources are assessed, why the figures have not grown as expected, and what the latest discoveries mean for Guyana’s future.
This is also why I continue to advocate for a Verified Natural Resources Revenue and Evidence Bank, bringing together reliable information on discoveries, production, cost recovery, audits, contracts and revenues. Guyanese must be able to understand how their resources are managed and how the wealth is being used for national development.
The late release of information is not merely disrespectful. It prevents proper national planning. Guyana cannot determine the investments needed in education, healthcare, infrastructure and public services if the people are kept in the dark about the resources available to finance them.
The Government must stop treating Guyanese as spectators in the management of their own wealth. The people of Guyana are the owners of these resources. They have a right to know, and they have a right to know first.
Yours faithfully,
Hon. K. Sharma Solomon
Member of Parliament
Discussion