The Ministry of Natural Resources confirmed today that Gopnauth Bobby Gossai, Senior Petroleum Coordinator, has faced disciplinary action, including a pay cut and a warning, for his unauthorized involvement in the ExxonMobil US$1.7 billion audit.
Previously reported by Guyana Standard, the audit of Stabroek Block expenses for the period 1999-2017 was conducted by UK Consultancy Group IHS Markit, which identified US$214 million in questionable spending in its 2021 report.
Despite the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), serving as the government’s advisor on these matters, expressing no objection to IHS’s findings and recommending the closure of the audit with the indicated sum, Gossai deviated from this advice. The ministry revealed that he engaged with Exxon to unauthorizedly reduce the sum to US$3 million.
Following a probe initiated by President Dr. Irfaan Ali to identify responsibility for the discrepancy, the ministry concluded that Gossai was in violation and would face disciplinary measures.
In an official statement, the ministry declared, “Mr. Gossai has been disciplined in accordance with Public Service Rules for the offense of negligence.”
“Consequently, and in compliance with the Public Service Rules, it was approved to impose the maximum fine equivalent to 15 days’ pay against Mr. Gossai for the mentioned offense.”
Furthermore, Gossai received a formal warning in accordance with Public Service Rules. Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo recently reiterated the government’s support for the auditor’s report, which identified US$214 million in questionable sums. He emphasized that there is currently no room for discussions regarding a settlement.
Guyana and Exxon are anticipated to enter arbitration to resolve the financial dispute.
