Vaz dismisses fake news of oil discovery off Jamaica's shores

Energy Minister Daryl Vaz is dismissing as “fake news” claims circulating on social media that oil has been discovered in Jamaican territory.

Rumours of the alleged discovery of oil, which is said to be the equivalent of seven billion barrels, have been spreading on social media, with claims by some people that the Government is engaged in a “cover up”.

However, Vaz said in a statement released to the media on Sunday: "As minister, I can categorically state that there is no such thing. It is absolutely fake news."

"I as minister would be the first one to be excited to share any such good news if and when that happens. So, until such time as you hear from me while I am minister, disregard all information in relation to Jamaica's discovery of oil. It is just simply untrue," Vaz added. 

A British-based company, United Oil & Gas Plc, with the licence to explore for oil and gas off Jamaica's south coast has identified fields off the coast of St Elizabeth and Westmoreland as massive in potential.

The company has now put a US$70-billion estimate on the value of petroleum reserves likely lying under Jamaica's waters waiting to be tapped.

It still, however, needs to prove that substances that resemble oil are indeed oil, and will require investments to dig the ocean floor for core samples.

- Gareth Davis

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