–U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright says ‘well-governed’ nation is key to boosting production across the Western Hemisphere

THE United States (U.S.) is looking to deepen its energy partnership with Guyana, as U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright identified the rapidly growing oil producer as a critical partner in the broader strategy for energy production across the Western Hemisphere.

In a video posted on the Guyanese Head of State Dr Irfaan Ali’s Facebook page, Wright signalled the U.S’ strong interest in expanding energy production.

This video was posted following a Friday evening meeting between Wright and President Ali in Miami.

“The Trump administration’s goal is to grow the production of energy and other natural resources right here in the Western Hemisphere. This is our backyard. We want strong partners, strong nations and strong energy production. Guyana is a huge part of this strategy, a very well-governed country with great energy resources that’s starting to produce them…That’s a win for Guyana. That’s a win for the United States. It’s a win for the Western Hemisphere,” he said.

Additionally, President Ali emphasised that regional energy security is important for Guyana, noting that part of his government’s objective is to expand the country’s energy footprint and build sustainability in the energy portfolio, not only petroleum, but also gas.

Speaking on the meeting with Wright, Dr Ali stated that they discussed how Guyana could be positioned to ensure regional energy security including for both countries, and to ensure that within this hemisphere itself, “we can fill out the infrastructure and the system through which we can be energy secure, and we can build out the opportunities that come with energy.”

President Ali went on to say: “Guyana has tremendous opportunities ahead of us in which we could utilise energy to add value in our natural resources, whether it’s bauxite; building out our capacity for fertiliser to support the rest of the region; data centres and other investments in manufacturing, industrial development, LNG plan and be that first mover in terms of the infrastructure that will be able to accommodate gas from other partners within the region. So, those were some of our discussions. “

He stated that the U.S. has a “strong interest” in building out the relationship and maximising U.S. investments and investors into this ecosystem.

“The Secretary is very keen on the development in Guyana and opportunities there. So, I think it was a great meeting,” he said, noting that they examined the future pillars of co-operation.

The U.S. and Guyana have enjoyed long-standing diplomatic ties, which have been strengthened further in recent years through security co-operation, investment initiatives, and shared interests in regional stability. Guyana gained independence from Britain on May 26, 1966.

The U.S. recognised Guyana’s independence and the American Embassy in Georgetown was subsequently established.