What Deal Is Briceño Eyeing Ahead of Guyana President’s Visit?

Prime Minister John Briceño says Belize is looking to deepen cooperation with Guyana in agriculture, tourism, and education as Guyanese President Dr Irfaan Ali prepares to arrive in Belize on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Briceño described Guyana as a rising regional partner within CARICOM, noting its growing influence fuelled by oil wealth. “You know, it’s kind of ironic because at one time nobody wanted to go to Guyana; now everybody wants to go to Guyana,” he said. “Guyana is a beautiful country… the country is being transformed.”

Asked whether Belize would lobby for cheaper oil from Guyana, Briceño said such discussions would likely need to take place at the regional level. “Oil, well, that’s something that we probably have to discuss regionally to see if there’s anything that can be done. I wish we could have another Petro‑Caribbean programme, but I think that’s highly unlikely,” he explained.

Instead, the Prime Minister said Belize’s interest is in agreements that support broader development. “What we are hoping to work with Guyana is to be able to have some agreements, obviously in agriculture, in tourism, in education, and other areas where we can be able to cooperate,” he said.