Belize Eyes New Opportunities with Oil-Rich Guyana

Guyana’s rapid rise as an oil-powered economic force is bringing its president to Belize this weekend. President Irfaan Ali arrives on Sunday for an official visit aimed at strengthening ties between the two CARICOM partners, at a time when Guyana’s transformation is drawing regional attention. Prime Minister John Briceño says the focus will be on practical cooperation, from agriculture and tourism to education, as Belize looks to benefit from Guyana’s growth and explore new opportunities for regional collaboration.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“It is kind of ironic because at one time nobody wanted to go to Guyana and now everybody wants to go to Guyana. Guyana is a beautiful country. I managed to go into the interior. I remember going to George Town the first time in the mid 2000’s and it reminds me so much of Belize City. Now because of the tremendous wealth they have discovered with oil the country is being transformed. What we are hoping to work with Guayana is to be able to have some agreements in agriculture, tourism and education and other areas we will be able to cooperate. Oil that is something we will have to discuss regionally to see what can be done. I wish we could have another Petro Caribe agreement, but that is highly unlikely.”

 

The Prime Minister says Guyana’s oil-driven growth presents real opportunities for Belize, especially in areas like agriculture, tourism, and education. President Irfaan Ali’s visit on Sunday is expected to explore those partnerships, as regional leaders look for ways to share the benefits of Guyana’s transformation.