As a result, he told shareholders that the company’s earnings from the country will be reduced. If implemented, a ring-fencing provision would block ExxonMobil from using profits generated today to invest in upcoming projects. Due to the lack of this provision, the former minister explained, “The cost bank is never really repaid in full. After that, the remaining production is shared 50/50 between us and the government of Guyana.” Subsequent messages sent to the minister as recent as Monday, on the issue, were also unanswered.