Nov 11, 2025
3 min read
The government has signalled that the Stabroek Block, estimated at 17 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas, will be central to a series of mega projects designed to transform the Berbice region into an innovation and industrial hub.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said the country must monetise its gas resources by 2030, as he addressed local and international investors, technical experts and global industrial leaders at the inaugural Berbice Development Summit 2025.
The two-day event, held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, focuses on examining transformative projects that could unlock Berbice’s potential as the logistical backbone for future industrialisation and energy distribution in Guyana and the wider region.
Speaking directly to the coventurers of the Stabroek Block, the president declared, “I am not willing to push monetisation beyond 2030. Constitutionally, I have an election in 2031, and I can’t run again. I’m not leaving this decision for anyone after me. Any option that does not allow this country to monetise gas before 2030 will not have the type of support that I would like to give.”
Ali urged collaboration between the government, private sector and communities to expand networks and build what he described as the “Berbice ecosystem.” He said the region’s growth must be viewed as part of Guyana’s wider integration with Brazil and the rest of South America, highlighting major infrastructure projects such as the deep-water port, which will enable faster trade and transport.
He noted that while Guyana is focused on developing its own gas potential, the infrastructure being built will also help neighbouring countries like Suriname accelerate monetisation and share in regional benefits. “This, for us, is a low hanging fruit and any development in Berbice must open up the opportunities,” the president said.
To complement the plans, the government has pledged to invest in a new Berbice River Bridge, a four-lane highway from Moleson Creek to New Amsterdam, two Hope-like canals and a Corentyne River Bridge linking Guyana and Suriname.
“This infrastructure plan that I’ve outlined here, we are pursuing to have it all completed within five years. And it will get done. There is no choice,” the president affirmed.
According to Ali, ideas from the Berbice Development Summit will inform discussions at the Guyana Energy Conference in February, where final investment decisions are expected.
He thanked investors and partners for their confidence in Guyana’s growth trajectory, reiterating that gas development must create jobs, tangible opportunities and strengthen the country’s role as a key regional player.
Among those attending the ceremony were Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Zulfikar Ally, and ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge. (DPI)