Guyana’s forests – spanning an area the size of England and Scotland combined and covering 85% of our landmass – are among our greatest national treasures. They serve as a critical carbon sink and are essential for the planet’s climate balance. We are – quite literally – part of the lungs of the world, and we are committed to keeping it that way. The LCDS 2030 is not just a climate policy but a development blueprint. It is rooted in the principle that environmental stewardship and economic prosperity can go hand in hand. While earning from our forests through carbon markets is one benefit, our motivation goes deeper. We are protecting these forests not just for ourselves but for future generations and the world. While we could extract resources from these forests and earn more in the short term, that would betray our vision. We have chosen a different path, one of sustainability, equity and global responsibility.

Most importantly, the LCDS is about empowering people. A core pillar of the strategy is supporting our indigenous communities. Initially, 15% of revenues earned through forest-based carbon markets went to our indigenous peoples. However, we increased this percentage to 26.5% in 2024 to guarantee these communities did not collect less than the 2023 amount. This bold move ensures these communities have direct access to development funding and the autonomy to determine how these funds are spent. We are not controlling growth but enabling it.

Guyana is showing the world what is possible. We are proving that green growth is real, that climate action can generate revenue and that development does not have to come at the expense of nature. We are living proof that with vision and commitment, one can build a low-carbon economy that leaves no one behind. Our recent landmark agreement with Hess Corporation stands as a model of how responsible partnerships can advance global climate goals. It is a pioneering example of how forest-rich countries like Guyana can monetize climate services without logging and instead reward conservation.

The relationship between Guyana and the United States is both enduring and evolving. It is grounded on shared democratic values, the rule of law and respect for human rights. These principles are not abstract ideals but guide our policy choices and shape how we engage with each other as development partners. Today, our bilateral relationship with the United States is stronger than ever, defined by expanding trade flows, increased investment and a deepening cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas. Economically, US companies have made significant investments in Guyana, particularly in oil and gas, infrastructure, services and technology. ExxonMobil is perhaps the most prominent, but it is by no means alone. While we value capital investment, what we value most is the professionalism, new technologies and standards brought to our economy by these companies.

At the same time, we are working closely at the government-to-government level to improve trade. Naturally, we are concerned about the recent imposition of tariffs on our exports. However, let me be clear, our discussions with the US remain constructive, respectful, and forward-looking. Many of our key exports, including crude petroleum, bauxite and gold remain exempted, underscoring the strategic nature of our economic ties.

Beyond commerce lies an equally critical area, security cooperation. Guyana recognizes that the threats facing our hemisphere are no longer only traditional but include transnational crime, narcotics trafficking, cyber threats, terrorism and the destabilizing effects of climate change. The United States remains a key partner in helping us build our national and regional resilience against these challenges. The recent visit of the US secretary of state was more than symbolic; it affirmed a mutual commitment to intensify our work together on matters of regional stability, maritime security, border protection and defense cooperation. Security is the bedrock of prosperity. Without it, no amount of economic progress can be sustained. As we pursue our development agenda, we view the United States as not only an economic partner but a strategic partner in safeguarding democracy, upholding peace and addressing the shared threats of the 21st century. Our partnership is rooted in a vision for a more secure, stable, and prosperous hemisphere.

Infrastructure development is at the heart of our transformation agenda. It is the foundation upon which we are building new economic opportunities and unlocking the full potential of our people and resources. We are creating a more connected Guyana, not only physically but through roads, bridges, ports and airstrips. We are building not only the country’s physical infrastructure but also its digital foundation, paving the way for a modern, tech-enabled society. From the hinterland to the coast, we are opening up new economic corridors and germinating new growth poles in agriculture, tourism, agro-processing, logistics, environmental and ecosystem services and digital services. With greater connectivity comes improved access to markets, education, healthcare, investment and opportunities.

However, our vision extends beyond our borders. We are integrating Guyana into the broader regional and continental fabric through infrastructure such as the Linden-Lethem highway, a bridge across the Corentyne River and energy corridors linking us with Brazil and Suriname. We are physically and economically connecting Guyana to South America and the Caribbean. This move will enhance trade, accelerate people-to-people exchanges and support regional food and energy security, areas where Guyana is already emerging as a leader.

Additionally, we are focused on digitization as a driver of economic equity and innovation. Investments in broadband expansion and e-government services are bringing the future closer to every village and township. Whether in education, finance, healthcare or entrepreneurship, technology is becoming a great equalizer, empowering even our most remote communities to be part of the development process. We are building not just a wealthier Guyana, but a fairer one – a Guyana that stands as a regional connector, a global leader in sustainability and a model for inclusive development in the 21st century.

Our housing program aims to empower people and uplift families. It is designed to ensure that every Guyanese, regardless of income or background, has the opportunity to own a home and live under their own roofs with dignity. Through this initiative, we are addressing shelter needs and giving citizens a head start in building personal wealth through property ownership. A home is more than just a structure; it is a foundation for stability, pride and generational progress. This marks the foundation of our continued heavy investments in making homeownership more accessible, affordable and inclusive for all.

Guyana has long recognized the potential of its manufacturing sector. However, high energy costs have posed a significant constraint to industrial development for decades. This is changing rapidly. Major investments are underway to expand our energy infrastructure, particularly through the Gas-to-Energy project. We are now poised to slash energy costs in half and unleash a new era of industrial growth centered around high-value added manufacturing. The availability of cheaper and more reliable energy will allow us to finally capitalize on our rich natural resources. We see clear opportunities in downstream processing, including value-added food processing built on our strong agricultural base. There is also tremendous potential in the bauxite sector with the establishment of a smelter. This will allow us to move up the value chain rather than solely exporting raw ore. In addition, we are exploring the development of a gold refinery to ensure we extract maximum value from this resource. We also plan to further develop our timber processing facilities to create finished and semi-finished wood products for regional and international markets.

The production of natural gas opens the door to a broader petrochemical industry. We foresee the development of sectors around fertilizers, plastics, paints, solvents and other chemical-based products. With lower energy costs, we can also support high-tech metal fabrication industries that are energy-intensive but essential for modern infrastructure, oil and gas servicing and even developing automotive components. Beyond these, there are other promising areas for industrial development. Guyana could position itself as a hub for pharmaceutical production using local botanicals by capitalizing on our rich biodiversity. The country also has potential and comparative advantages in prefabricated housing components, which are critical to support our construction boom and those of our regional neighbors. Moreover, we see opportunities in manufacturing consumer goods. With the right energy platform, strategic incentives and skilled human capital, Guyana is on the cusp of building a competitive and diversified manufacturing base that supports sustainable development and job creation.

Guyana has long recognized that people are our greatest asset. Human resource development is not an afterthought in our national development agenda; it is the very heart of our transformation. We are not just waiting for the future to arrive but are preparing our people to meet it head-on. To support the demands of our new economy and the overall modernization of our country, we have launched a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at boosting the quality and quantity of our skilled workforce.

We are scaling up technical training like never before. A state-of-the-art technical training college is being established in Berbice, specifically tailored to equip our people with the competencies needed for the oil and gas industry and its downstream sectors. This is not training for training’s sake; it is training for transformation. Tourism is another major growth pole that we have identified. To support it, we are building a modern tourism institute to prepare Guyanese for opportunities in hospitality, ecotourism, and sustainable travel services. A vibrant economy needs versatile skills, and we are building both. However, we are not stopping there. We are tapping into the immense power of our diaspora, Guyanese professionals across the globe who are highly skilled and passionate about contributing to their homeland. We are actively matching their established talents with new local opportunities. For those already in the local workforce, we are developing a national upskilling plan to ensure our trained and skilled Guyanese stay ahead of the curve. In a fast-evolving economy, yesterday’s skills will not solve tomorrow’s problems.

We understand that as the economy expands, bottlenecks in human capital development are inevitable. However, we are not waiting for them to become a crisis. We are anticipating, planning and acting. Our message to investors is clear: Guyana is not just building an economy, we are building a workforce to sustain it, grow it and lead it into the future.

Guyana’s tourism potential is not just world-class, it is a world-beater. Our country is blessed with some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on the planet, from the mighty Kaieteur Falls – more than four times taller than Niagara Falls – to vast untouched rainforests, winding rivers and sprawling savannahs. Our ecosystem is so rich and varied that it rivals the best in the world. Our biodiversity is not only unique but unmatched. We have been held back for a long time by the major hurdle of high marketing costs. However, this has rapidly changed. We are strategically overcoming building up global visibility for a tourism product that is as authentic as it is awe-inspiring. We are not just open for business; we are ready for takeoff.

To support this vision, we have developed one of the region’s most attractive incentive regimes for tourism investors. These include duty-free concessions, generous tax holidays and support for infrastructure development in key tourism zones. We believe that when you invest in Guyana’s tourism, you are investing in the future of sustainable travel. Tourism in Guyana is not a one-note story. Ecotourism may be our crown jewel, but it is only part of the treasure. We are positioning Guyana as a premier destination for adventure tourism, including jungle hikes and river expeditions; sport tourism, with major regional and international sporting events; heritage tourism that showcases our diverse cultural legacy; family-based tourism; festival tourism; and the future home of conference tourism, with related world-class facilities on the horizon.

This diversified approach is backed by action. Several international hotels – Marriott, Hilton and others – already have projects under construction. These will enable us to cater to the current influx of visitors and the surging numbers we expect in the near future. Our message is simple but strong: Guyana is not just another destination on the map but the new frontier of global tourism. It is untouched, unspoiled and unforgettable. For investors, it is time to come on board.

Guyana is fully conscious of the dangers of the resource curse, and this awareness has shaped a deliberate and disciplined approach to managing our oil wealth. The passage of the Natural Resource Fund Act, with its clear rules for withdrawals and oversight mechanisms, is part of a broader strategy to ensure that oil revenues are not squandered but stewarded wisely. The fund is focused not only on managing current spending but also saving for future generations and ensuring intergenerational equity. One of the most direct ways to beat the resource curse is not to spend everything right away. We aim to save for the future and invest wisely.

To ensure that the rapid growth of the oil industry does not kill other sectors, polices are being implemented to ensure that the inflow of oil revenues does not lead to an overvalued exchange rate or neglect of other key sectors. Investments are being targeted to support productive capacity across the economy, not just consumption. Oil must be a bridge to a green and resilient economy. Guyana is advancing its LCDS, which aligns resource use with environmental sustainability. Revenues from oil are being used in part to support climate adaptation, conservation and renewable energy expansion.

Oil is not the story; transformation is. Guyana is using its newfound resources to diversify its economy and invest in the future. Infrastructure is expanding. Agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and information and communication technology are being retooled for global competitiveness. A national upskilling plan is underway, complemented by major investments in technical and tertiary education, including establishing an oil and gas institute. The goal is clear; we want an economy that is broad-based, inclusive and resilient. This vision is powered by the belief that oil wealth must be a bridge to opportunity for every citizen.

At the heart of this strategy is the idea of One Guyana, which is not a slogan but a commitment to unity, shared prosperity and a peaceful society. The One Guyana vision compels us to manage our wealth in ways that benefit all Guyanese, across every region and every background. It reminds us that the ultimate test of our success will not be measured in barrels or dollars but in the quality of life we create, the institutions we strengthen and the future we secure. Guyana is not sleepwalking into its oil era. We are walking boldly with eyes wide open into a new chapter. The nation is determined to write a story of transformation, not tragedy.