Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has dismissed allegations that oil has been discovered in Jamaica or off the island’s shores.

Over the past few days, videos have been circulating on social media purporting the discovery of seven billion barrels of oil.

The so-called discovery spurred questions among several citizens about how the oil would benefit all Jamaicans, and if its extraction would affect the environment.

Commenting on the matter, Mr. Vaz described the circulation as fake news.