Ramnarine, the father of deepwater

Last week Ramnarine licensed three more blocks for land-based exploration on acreage that was left idle for too long. This must have been a huge task. I am certain that all three companies involved will find hydrocarbons. It is an investment of at least $US 55 million and at most $US 945 million. That is impressive.

The Minister proclaimed that the story of land-based oil production was “far from over”. Primera, Range Resources Limited and Lease Operators all signed licenses. What does this say about the constant bad news about investor confidence? This will create jobs in places like Rio Claro, Ecclesville, Mayaro and Biche. These are areas that are in need of economic activity. That is where the real economy is. It is not on some white board in UWI. It is not in the pontifications of our economist many of who never sold a roti.

It is questionable and debatable whether the Minister’s good works are understood by the public at large or appreciated. I seriously doubt it. Outside of the energy sector insiders few in the public understand the sector itself. It is for this reason I have taken to the medium of the letter to the editor to inform the country that the Energy Minister has laid a platform for our future. Should there be discoveries on land and in deepwater it will be to his credit. He may well be remembered as “the father of the deepwater”.

Bailey Johnson

Biche