An energy expert is warning that a possible oil spill in the Caribbean Sea due to mining off shore Guyana, could affect Jamaica’s marine life and tourism industry negatively.

Former Senior Manager at the United States Department of Energy, Dr. Vincent Adams is urging the authorities to take the necessary preventative measures.

In 2015 US company, Exxon discovered nearly 11 billion barrels of oil in the deep water off Guyana’s coast.

According to CNN, Exxon and its partners started production in 2019.

They pump around 600,000 barrels of oil a day with plans to increase this to 1.3 million barrels by 2027.

However, there is concern that the extraction of oil could have negative impacts on other Caribbean countries like Jamaica.

Speaking on Irie Fm’s Africa Forum with host Kabu M’aat Kheru on Sunday Dr. Adams said extraction as well as an oil spill would threaten both tourism and marine life.

He explained that ships travelling to Guyana for oil are loaded with possible contaminated water for added weight.

Dr. Adams said this water is then emptied into the ocean to make way for the oil.

Dr. Adams said the extraction process also threatens the fish population.

Noting that there are mitigative actions, that can be taken, Dr. Adams said caricom countries must engage Guyana to remedy the issues.

The energy expert said he is willing to advise the Jamaican government on the matter.