President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has called for Guyana to monetise its gas resources by 2030, urging that the Stabroek Block—estimated at 17 trillion cubic feet (tcf)—be central to a series of mega projects aimed at transforming the Berbice region into an innovation and industrial hub.
The head of state made the declaration while addressing a packed room of local and international investors, technical experts, and global industrial leaders at the inaugural Berbice Development Summit 2025, held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.
The historic two-day summit seeks to examine transformative projects that could position Berbice as the logistical backbone for future industrialisation and energy distribution in Guyana and the wider region.
Speaking directly to coventurers of the Stabroek Block, President Ali said, “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.”
The president emphasised the need to create a platform for momentum and unity by partnering with government and private sector investors, as well as communities, to expand networks and establish the Berbice ecosystem.
He also highlighted Berbice’s role in Guyana’s wider integration with Brazil and South America, particularly through major projects such as a deep-water port, which will facilitate faster trade and transportation. “While Guyana is focused on developing its own gas potential, its infrastructure will also help neighbouring countries like Suriname shorten their time to monetisation and benefit from shared opportunities,” he said.
“This, for us, is a low-hanging fruit and any development in Berbice must open up the opportunities,” President Ali added.
To complement the region’s development, the government has committed to a new Berbice River Bridge, the Moleson Creek–New Amsterdam four-lane highway, 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,” he affirmed.
Ideas from the Berbice Development Summit are expected to feed directly into the Guyana Energy Conference in February, where final investment decisions will be made.
President Ali thanked investors and partners for their confidence in Guyana’s growth trajectory, reiterating that the government’s focus is to ensure gas development creates tangible opportunities, jobs, and strengthens Guyana’s position as a key regional player.
Attending the summit 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, among other officials.
