‘Does it give you the right to lecture us’: Guyana President vs BBC journalist on country’s oil reserves

“Does it give you the right to lecture us on climate change?”

Guyanese President Irfaan Ali recently had a heated exchange with BBC reporter Stephen Shakur regarding the country’s plans for its newly discovered oil reserves and its commitment to climate change mitigation.

The conversation took a heated turn when the topic shifted to the estimated carbon emissions resulting from oil and gas extraction off Guyana’s coast.

The interview began with President Ali reflecting on Guyana’s progress from a troubled past to a period of remarkable transformation. He emphasized the importance of utilizing newfound wealth to enhance various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Ali also noted that the newfound wealth is allowing the government to create a country that is globally competitive in many sectors. “The buildout of the country from an infrastructural standpoint, a social standpoint, and importantly, building a healthcare and education system that is second to none is what is important to us,” Ali said.

A must watch!

This is my hero!

He is Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana. #Oil #Guyana pic.twitter.com/j0KAwRwWgr

— Anas Alhajji (@anasalhajji) March 29, 2024

However, things took a turn when the reporter raised concerns about the carbon emissions expected from future oil extraction. President Ali passionately defended his government’s management of the sector, highlighting Guyana’s vast forest reserves as a crucial factor in carbon storage.

When questioned about the right to release carbon emissions, Ali firmly asserted, “Does it give you the right to lecture us on climate change? I am going to lecture you on climate change because we have kept this forest alive that stores 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon.”

Sackur, however, went on to ask if it still gave Guyana the right to release the carbon.

The exchange got heated as Ali challenged the notion of the global North lecturing Guyana on climate change, citing hypocrisy in environmental practices. He questioned whether critics were influenced by interests aligned with environmental degradation.

“You just said that we are 6-feet below sea level. Who is going to pay for the infrastructure? Who is going to pay for the drainage and irrigation? Who is going to pay for the development and advancement of our country?” the President asked.

In conclusion, Ali emphasized Guyana’s determination to develop and create opportunities for its people, underlining the nation’s self-reliance in its pursuit of progress.

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