–President Ali says investors awaiting key decisions, as Guyana eyes second gas plant, deep-water port
Guyana has signalled its position to collaborate with neighbouring Suriname to jointly develop natural gas resources, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.
Addressing this year’s Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo on Tuesday morning, the Head of State disclosed that Guyana is keen on investing in a second gas plant in its Berbice County, which neighbours Suriname.
“We have to make the investments for tomorrow today. That is why, in all of this development, security and investment in security are critical,” the President told stakeholders.
In addition to the gas plant, the country intends to build a deep-water port that will support regional transshipments and greater industrial growth for the region.
“If you look at what we are doing, you would see that we are on that path of integration, and on the path of integration for [the]Berbice gas project,” he said adding: “We want to do this with our friends in Suriname, and we are hoping that our friends in Suriname can make a decision to join us by bringing their gas with our gas, so we can move from a medium sized project to a larger scale project for the for both of our countries and for the region.”
Dr. Ali noted that investors have signalled their readiness to support this massive project.
“Our investors are waiting for those decisions, and those decisions are critical for your future and our future. We want this partnership,” he asserted.
He reiterated that while building the relevant infrastructure is important, building human capital, strengthening technology and integrating intelligence services with like-minded partners will achieve regional and global energy targets.
President Ali had last year met with Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings- Simons.
The two Heads of State had then reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between Suriname and Guyana, rooted in their shared values and aspirations, cultural ties, and geographic proximity. They expressed their mutual commitment to further deepen the bilateral partnership to promote peace, security, and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.
BERBICE DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Ali had previously outlined an extensive development agenda to position Guyana’s Berbice County as a major economic and industrial hub.
Among the flagship projects driving this transformation are the establishment of a deep-water port, the new high-span Berbice River Bridge, and the Corentyne River Bridge, which will link Guyana and Suriname. Currently, the two countries are connected by a ferry service, but the President said the new bridge will drastically enhance cross-border movement and commerce.
This year’s energy conference is being held under the theme: ‘Building tomorrow’s future, today’. In the coming days, Suriname’s Minister of Oil, Gas and Environment, Patrick Brunings, is expected to join several key discussions.
