Dear Editor,
As Stabroek News closes its doors today, we wish to express our deepest gratitude for the newspaper’s decades-long commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance in Guyana.[1] Throughout its history, Stabroek News has stood as one of the country’s most trusted guardians of independent journalism and the public interest.
The mission of the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) is to advocate for the rule of law, environmental protection, and sound fiscal governance in the oil and gas sector, ensuring that petroleum wealth does not become a curse for our nation. We are therefore particularly grateful for Stabroek News’ willingness over the years to publish our letters, from individuals and from OGGN as a group, because engaging the media is a vital part of informing the Guyanese public – both at home and in the diaspora – about critical issues such as the avoidance of taxes on profit oil and the urgent need for adequate liability coverage in the event of a catastrophic offshore oil spill.
By shedding light on the realities of the 2016 Stabroek Block Petroleum Agreement, fact-checking official claims regarding ExxonMobil, and drawing attention to environmental legislation and audit findings, Stabroek News has played an indispensable role in keeping the public informed and holding both the government and multinational oil companies to account.
Oil companies naturally seek to maximize profits for their shareholders. Too often this imperative leads them to disregard the broader interests of the countries in which they operate and deny citizens a fair share of their natural resources. OGGN’s goal is simple: that the entire Guyanese population – not a narrow circle of elites – should benefit from our country’s oil wealth. In this effort, your journalism has been an invaluable ally.
At the heart of Stabroek News’ enduring impact has been the exceptional leadership and editorial integrity of your Editor-in-Chief, Anand Persaud. Under his stewardship, the newspaper upheld the highest standards of journalism, fierce editorial independence, and rigorous scrutiny of those in power—setting the gold standard for responsible journalism in Guyana for decades. Mr. Persaud also contributed regularly to public discourse beyond the newspaper, including frequent appearances on “Oil Talk with OGGN” on Kaieteur Radio, where his deep insight into Guyanese and Caribbean affairs proved valuable to audiences both in Guyana and across the diaspora. It is therefore fitting that this work received international recognition when, in December 2022, Mr. Persaud was honoured with the European Union Delegation Human Rights Award in Guyana for his longstanding commitment to journalism, press freedom, and access to information.
Finally, we wish to acknowledge not only the leadership of the newspaper but the entire Stabroek News editorial and reporting team whose dedication, professionalism, and courage made the paper a trusted source of information for Guyanese people irrespective of class, political affiliation, race, or religion.
For that enduring contribution to Guyana’s democracy and public life, you have our sincere thanks.