Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat has highlighted Guyana's approach to using oil revenues to transform the country while safeguarding its environmental assets during a high-level regional energy conference in Suriname on Monday.
Bharrat is leading a Guyanese delegation at the sixth edition of the Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (SEOGS) 2026 in Paramaribo, where regional leaders, policymakers and energy executives are meeting to discuss the future of the Caribbean and South America's rapidly expanding energy sector.
The Minister participated in a ministerial plenary alongside representatives from Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the Dominican Republic, Ghana and the United States Department of State.
The discussion focused on "Energy as a Driver of National Transformation," examining how hydrocarbon revenues can be leveraged to support economic development and long-term prosperity.
During the session, Bharrat outlined Guyana's strategy of channeling oil revenues into major infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges and other critical public works aimed at modernizing the country and improving connectivity.
He also emphasized that Guyana is investing a portion of its petroleum earnings into biodiversity conservation and initiatives that support a low-carbon future, positioning the country as an example of how emerging oil producers can pursue economic growth while maintaining environmental stewardship.
Guyana's participation in the summit come as both Guyana and Suriname continue to attract significant international attention due to major offshore oil discoveries that are reshaping the economic landscape of the Guiana Shield region.
The summit has drawn government officials, investors, energy companies and industry experts from across the region, creating a platform for discussions on investment opportunities, local content development, energy security and regional collaboration.
Accompanying Minister Bharrat at the conference are Senior Petroleum Coordinator Bobby Gossai and Director of the Local Content Secretariat Michael Munroe.
As Guyana's oil production continues to expand, government officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of ensuring that petroleum revenues contribute to sustainable development, economic diversification and improved living standards for citizens.
SEOGS 2026 is expected to feature several discussions on the future of offshore development, regional energy cooperation and strategies for maximizing the benefits of oil and gas resources while preparing for a changing global energy landscape.
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