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What You Need To Know: Dr. Vincent Adams, former head of Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has criticized the government’s handling of two recent environmental incidents—suspected oil seepage in Crane and toxic contamination in Noitgedacht, Linden—calling the response “incompetent” and lacking compassion. Speaking alongside Alliance for Change (AFC) executives, Adams questioned the EPA’s technical capacity and reliance on ExxonMobil for testing in Crane, where residents are suffering from fumes. He also called for independent investigations into high levels of toxic metals found in Linden’s road material, urging the government to relocate affected residents and release accurate test results. Despite government assurances of ongoing investigations, Adams remains firm in demanding urgent action and transparency.
The Long Read:
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Dr. Vincent Adams, Petroleum Expert and former head of Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has strongly criticized the government’s handling of two recent environmental incidents, including suspected oil seepage in Crane, West Coast Demerara, and toxic contamination at Noitgedacht, Linden. Speaking at a press conference on October 18, 2024, alongside fellow Alliance for Change (AFC) executives, Adams labeled the government’s response as “incompetent” and “compassionless,” calling for immediate independent investigations into both incidents.
Adams expressed concern over the situation in Crane, where residents have reported oil-like substances seeping from the floors of their homes. “These suffering people at Crane can’t even breathe in their own homes,” he stated, citing reports of residents being forced to cook outside and mop their homes several times a day due to the fumes. “The EPA shows up and tells the people that it was coming from cooking,” Adams said, calling the explanation “ludicrous” and accusing the government of “pussyfooting around.”
He also questioned the EPA’s technical capacity to handle such incidents, pointing out that during his tenure as head of the agency, he had implemented plans to equip the EPA with the necessary tools, which were later “abandoned” by the current government. “The EPA itself admits they didn’t have the equipment to test [the substance], which doesn’t surprise me,” Adams said, referring to the agency’s claim that ExxonMobil had been called in to assist with testing. “Is Exxon now doing the EPA’s job?” he asked, suggesting that the oil giant’s involvement signaled a deeper issue of government reliance on external parties for regulatory tasks.
The AFC executive also addressed the toxic road contamination in Linden, where local reports indicated high levels of toxic metals such as arsenic and zinc in the road material. “The Mayor and Town Council did their own sampling and analysis, and it shows very, very high concentrations of toxic metals,” Adams explained, calling on the government to immediately procure independent experts to conduct a thorough investigation. “We call upon Mr. [Juan] Edghill to publish the results and show us the evidence,” Adams demanded, in reference to the Minister of Public Works, who has maintained that government testing yielded different results from the Linden Mayor’s findings.
In response to criticisms, the EPA issued a statement on October 17, 2024, confirming that investigations into the Crane incident are ongoing. “Upon the receipt of these reports, the Agency immediately began sending investigative teams to the areas for inspection and collection of samples for testing,” the EPA stated, dismissing claims that it had downplayed residents’ concerns. The agency promised to “take any action necessary based on the findings” once investigations are complete.
The Ministry of Public Works also addressed concerns about the Noitgedacht road in Linden, with Minister Edghill disputing the claims made in an October 15, 2024, Stabroek News article. According to the ministry, the report highlighting unsafe levels of toxic metals was based on an “unsigned document” and did not reflect the actual samples collected from the road. The ministry has since collected new samples for further testing and implemented daily dust suppression measures to mitigate community concerns.
Despite these assurances, Adams remains firm in his call for urgent action. “We are asking them to relocate the folks at Crane to proper living quarters and to bring in independent technical teams to investigate both incidents,” he said, while accusing the government of showing “no compassion” for the affected residents. He also warned that such environmental issues are likely to become more frequent as Guyana’s development accelerates without proper planning and oversight.
As the investigations continue, both the EPA and the Ministry of Public Works have committed to transparency, promising to release the results of their testing once available. However, for Adams and the AFC, the government’s actions thus far leave much to be desired. “This is grossly inappropriate… the people of Guyana deserve better,” Adams concluded.
