—President Ali set to deliver feature address as country takes centre stage

GUYANA is set to command significant international attention at this year’s Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), with President, Dr Irfaan Ali leading a large national delegation and delivering the feature address at the event’s opening.
This was revealed by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, during a preview of the Starting Point podcast, where he underscored the importance of the moment for Guyana’s global standing.
“Not only will President Ali be leading a large delegation to OTC, but he will be delivering the feature address at the opening of OTC,” Singh stated.
According to the finance minister, this prominent role signals Guyana’s growing influence on the international stage, particularly in discussions surrounding energy and development.
“That itself tells you Guyana’s place, and of course President Ali’s place in the global arena and in the global conversations around subject matters that are relevant to us,” he said.
The Offshore Technology Conference, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading energy forums, brings together key players in the oil and gas sector, including governments, investors, and industry leaders. Singh noted that Guyana’s participation at this level reflects a major shift in how the country is perceived globally.
“Because Guyana will be taking centre stage at OTC this year under President Ali’s leadership,” he added.
Reflecting on previous engagements, Singh highlighted how far the country has come in a relatively short period. He explained that in earlier years, Guyana’s presence at the conference was far less prominent, making this year’s development particularly noteworthy.
“In the early years we attended, this year President Ali is listed as the feature speaker at the opening and that tells the journey,” he said.
The minister emphasised that this recognition is not accidental, but the result of consistent effort and credible engagement.
“And here again, that journey alone is not, these are not accidental occurrences. People listen to hear what you have to say. They examine whether they believe you have something to say of value and it is on that basis they engage with you,” Singh explained.

He added that Guyana’s elevation within the OTC framework reflects both its growing importance in the global oil and gas industry and the respect it commands among international stakeholders.
“And the fact that Guyana has been elevated to the prominence that we have in OTC 2026 speaks volumes about Guyana’s place in the oil and gas industry worldwide, in the offshore technology sub-sector which is what OTC focuses on, and the extremely high regard with which Guyana is held globally,” he said.
Singh also highlighted the recognition afforded to President Ali personally.
“And the extremely high regard with which President, Dr Irfan Ali is held globally, I think OTC provides an excellent example, illustration of that,” he added.
According to organisers, President Ali will officially declare the conference open on May 4, marking the start of one of the world’s largest gatherings focused on offshore energy technology. The event will be held at NRG Park in Houston, Texas, from May 4 to 7.
President Ali will be accompanied by a Guyanese delegation, including Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, as the country continues to strengthen its engagement with the international energy community.
Chairman of the OTC Board of Directors, Dan McConnell, described the President’s participation as a significant honour, noting that Guyana has rapidly established itself as a major offshore oil producer and an influential voice in the global-energy landscape.
Guyana’s emergence as a key player in offshore energy has attracted billions in investments, accelerated the development of critical infrastructure and deepened partnerships with international oil companies and technology providers. Participation at OTC 2026 is expected to further highlight these advancements and reinforce the country’s role in shaping the future of energy.
Executive Director of OTC, Amanda Rushing, said President Ali’s address is expected to set the tone for the four-day conference, which will feature technical sessions, exhibitions, and high-level discussions.
The conference is expected to attract tens of thousands of energy professionals from more than 100 countries, providing a global platform for governments, industry leaders, engineers, and innovators to exchange ideas and explore solutions for offshore-resource development.