— Chevron Chairman commends President Ali on prudent leadership
–says U.S. company committed to working with Guyana

GUYANA’S meteoric rise as an oil powerhouse was freshly endorsed on Tuesday by Chairman of Chevron, Mike Wirth, who pledged the company’s long-term partnership with the Government of Guyana, emphasising that President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s leadership will “help turn resource potential into tangible results for all the Guyanese people.”
He made these remarks at the opening of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2026, which is being held until Friday at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown.
Wirth’s appearance marked the company’s first appearance after the U.S. oil corporation acquired a 30 per cent stake in the Stabroek Block following the lengthy legal battle against Exxon.
Addressing officials, diplomats, industry stakeholders and other dignitaries, Chevron’s Chairman stated that oil and gas are “essential to every pathway” in achieving economic prosperity and energy security.
Wirth stated that energy unlocks numerous doors of new opportunities and allows for the expansion of key sectors such as healthcare and education, along with growth in emerging areas such as the orange economy.
“Guyana will play a major role in delivering the energy that drives this progress for decades to come,” Chevron’s Chairman said, noting that within a few years, Guyana has become “one of the world’s leading sources of new oil discoveries and one of its fastest-growing economies.”
Declaring that the South American nation’s rise is “extraordinary,” Wirth made it clear that Chevron is proud to be a part of Guyana’s success story, bringing “long-term” commitment while building on the great contributions of Hess Corporation.
He further pointed to last December’s address by President Ali, during which he had outlined his government’s five-year development agenda.
Wirth said that President Ali laid down a marker of achievement, stating the measure of progress is found in the prosperity and the dignity and the well-being of every Guyanese.
“We’re aligned with President Ali on this ambition for Guyana, because we know that a thriving energy sector can lift a nation, open new doors of opportunity for its people, and secure its role as a regional and global leader.”
Wirth stated that a successful energy partnership can further empower Guyanese and become the foundation of broader prosperity, emphasising that Guyana’s arrival as a major energy power comes at a crucial moment.
“Guyana finds itself at the new dawn of an era of energy abundance, where rising prosperity will allow more people to thrive and achieve their dreams,” he told the audience.
Chevron’s Chairman noted that President Ali is clear and serious on Guyana’s development trajectory.
He said that all global eyes are on Guyana, and this is not because of the resources, but because of the leadership and vision, noting that “Guyana is demonstrating how a nation can become a global powerhouse through purpose, optimism, and ambition.”
Underscoring how crucial commitment is, he said it is now more important given the global geopolitical rivalry and complex energy-supply chains, noting “partnership is essential to every consequential energy development.”
Wirth stated: “On behalf of everyone at Chevron, we’re excited to be part of the future. We’re honoured to partner with you, and we’re committed to working together to deliver the energy that drives human progress for Guyana, the region and the world.”
The 2026 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo opened at the Marriott Hotel on Tuesday, February 17, and runs until February 20, bringing together regional and international industry leaders for the premier energy forum centred on innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development.
Under the theme “Building Tomorrow’s Future Today,” the conference has already attracted participation from companies representing 32 countries, reaffirming Guyana’s expanding role in the global energy landscape.