Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has strongly criticized Nigel Hughes, highlighting concerns over potential conflicts of interest stemming from Hughes’ dual roles in Guyana’s political and corporate sectors.
The Alliance for Change (AFC) recently appointed opposition MPs David Patterson and Dr. Vincent Adams to lead its new Oil and Gas Advisory Council.
During a press conference, Hughes asserted that he would not participate directly in the AFC’s oil and gas committee activities unless the party assumes governmental leadership.
However, Jagdeo has challenged Hughes’ attempt to redefine ‘conflict of interest’, particularly given Hughes’ current representation of US oil giant ExxonMobil in Guyana.
Dr. Jagdeo pointed out the inherent risks, suggesting that Hughes could potentially influence AFC members in the National Assembly to support legislation favorable to his client, ExxonMobil.
He criticized Hughes for what he described as a selective and self-serving interpretation of conflict of interest principles.
The Vice President emphasized that Hughes’ positions raise serious questions about ethical standards and transparency within the AFC leadership.
Jagdeo indicated that this issue is far from resolved and called for further scrutiny into Hughes’ roles and responsibilities, given the potential implications for governance and corporate influence in Guyana.
By Samuel Sukhnandan, NCN News