Guyana: Jamaica and Guyana to Form Energy Working Group

Jamaica and Guyana have announced plans to establish a working group dedicated to energy collaboration. This initiative was confirmed during a signing ceremony at State House, where Foreign Minister Hugh Todd of Guyana and Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith of Jamaica signed several memoranda of understanding. The event was attended by President Irfaan Ali of Guyana and Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica.

President Ali emphasized the commitment to closely examine energy collaboration, stating, “We are committed to having a working group examine this closely to come up with recommendations and options as to how we can collaborate in the energy sector. There are some exciting ideas that we are already talking about.” Prime Minister Holness also acknowledged that energy was a significant topic of discussion during his meetings with President Ali.

Prior to his visit to Guyana, Prime Minister Holness spoke at a news conference in Suriname, highlighting the potential for energy security in the Caribbean through the development of the hydrocarbon sector. He noted that cooperation among regional governments could enhance energy security for countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname.

Jamaica operates a state-owned oil refinery, PetroJam, and is actively exploring offshore oil resources. Holness mentioned that preliminary results indicate the presence of an active petroleum system in Jamaican waters.

In addition to energy, discussions between the leaders covered various sectors, including security, tourism, financial services, agriculture, and housing. Holness remarked on the alignment between Jamaica and Guyana in their perspectives on global dynamics and politics.

Details regarding the signed memoranda were limited, but President Ali indicated that one of them pertains to security and defense cooperation between the Guyana Defence Force and the Jamaican Defence Force. He mentioned opportunities for Jamaican Defence Force officers to pursue studies in Guyana, including a Master’s Degree in Strategic Development at the GDF’s National Defence Institute.

Source: demerarawaves.com