— highlights partnerships, workforce training, diversification beyond oil

UNITED States companies operating in Guyana are committed to long-term partnerships and local capacity building, rather than short-term gains, according to U.S. Ambassador Nicole Theriot.
Speaking recently on the Energy Perspectives podcast, Theriot said the U.S. business model in Guyana is centred on collaboration with local firms and developing the country’s workforce.
“We don’t come in, bring our own workers, finish the project, collect our money and leave. That’s just not how U.S. companies or the U.S. government operates,” she said.
Instead, she explained, American firms are focused on building sustainable partnerships.
“We are in this for the long term. We are here to be your partner moving forward. We don’t just come and then leave,” she added.
Theriot emphasised that success in Guyana requires strong local collaboration. “You have to work very closely, hand in hand, with Guyanese companies and also Guyanese employees,” she said.
She noted that while expatriate workers may be used initially, the long-term goal is to transfer skills to Guyanese.
“Our model is: in the short term, if it’s necessary, we’ll bring in expatriates to work. But simultaneously, we are training and building the capacity of Guyanese workers so that we can leave and they can take over. It’s a matter of upskilling,” she explained.
The Ambassador described this approach as essential for ensuring Guyana’s long-term independence and sustainability.
“It will make you, in the end, completely independent and self-sustainable,” she said.
Beyond oil and gas, Theriot highlighted growing U.S. interest in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and information technology.
“U.S. companies are absolutely interested in Guyana in a number of different sectors,” she said.
She pointed to major developments, including interest in a deepwater port, partnerships in agriculture, and investments in healthcare systems.
“There was a huge presence of U.S. health care here—Mount Sinai Health Systems and Northwell Health. And they’re also bringing in other U.S. companies to modernise and expand Guyana’s health network. So, there’s so much going on in different areas.”
Theriot also revealed that Guyana’s first data centre could be developed by a U.S. company. However, she urged improvements in procurement systems to further boost investor confidence.
“I think Guyana could do itself a huge favour, not just for U.S. companies but for all international companies, if they looked at modernising the tender process. I think that’s something that could really add a lot of value and be a win for all of us,” she said.
Theriot added: “Things like online submission of digital documents, or having oversight contracts for every single major public works contract—those things would give U.S. and international companies peace of mind. So, that when they’re dealing with Guyana, they know exactly what the requirements are, what they need to do, and how it’s going to work.”
The Ambassador encouraged potential investors to visit Guyana in person to fully appreciate the opportunities available.
“You have to come here. You can’t do a webinar or have a phone call. You have to see it for yourself,” she advised.
She also stressed the importance of patience and understanding the country’s stage of development. “Be open to connections with Guyanese partners and be patient,” she said.
Theriot expressed optimism about Guyana’s future, describing its rapid transformation as remarkable. “I have to say the transformation in this country is astounding… it’s almost unbelievable how quickly things are moving,” she said.
“And it’s just such a testament to the commitment of the private sector here, the government, and the Guyanese people wanting to make that transformation. So, it’s really beautiful. I’m really happy to see it.” She added that Guyana’s development trajectory is inclusive and forward-looking. “You’re seeing all of these benefits for all Guyanese… it can’t be just one segment of the population that benefits,” she said.