President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to maximising the benefits of its petroleum resources, expanding investment opportunities for citizens and safeguarding national sovereignty through strategic international partnerships.
The head of state addressed these priorities on Wednesday during an interview that also examined the border controversy with Venezuela, biodiversity conservation, and reparative justice ahead of His Majesty King Charles III’s anticipated visit.
On the petroleum sector, President Ali said the government is focused on securing greater value from the existing Production Sharing Agreement with ExxonMobil, while respecting contractual obligations.
“What we are doing now is maximising the benefit out of that contract,” the president stated, explaining that effective management of the agreement and the wider sector would allow more benefits to reach Guyanese businesses and citizens.
He disclosed that investment vehicles are being developed to enable ordinary families to invest in major energy projects, earn fair returns, and participate directly in the country’s economic development.
Addressing Guyana’s relationship with the United States, President Ali described the two countries as important partners in development and security, insisting that their cooperation must be grounded in mutual respect, shared priorities and reciprocal benefits.
“We are a sovereign state, and we are working with the U.S. as a partner,” he said, rejecting suggestions that Washington was seeking to dominate Guyana.
On the border controversy with Venezuela, the President reiterated Guyana’s commitment to a peaceful resolution through the International Court of Justice (ICJ), urging respect for international law and the court’s eventual ruling.
The discussion also turned to biodiversity, with head of state advocating economic models that reward countries for protecting their natural assets.
“In the interest of our planet we have to be optimistic,” he said, pointing to Guyana’s work through the Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) to develop market-based mechanisms that generate value from conservation while supporting the protection and regeneration of ecosystems.
On reparations for slavery, President Ali called for a mature and dignified discussion that addresses the enduring development gaps affecting Caribbean societies, particularly in healthcare, education, technology and human capacity.
He proposed development focused measures, including concessional financing and support for climate adaptation and mitigation, while emphasising that the discussion should centre on practical solutions to historical inequalities.
The interview underscored Guyana’s focus on translating its natural wealth into broader opportunities for citizens, advancing international cooperation and protecting its national interests while contributing to global environmental and development priorities. [DPI]
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