By Keystone Consulting Group
As Guyana approaches its crucial 2025 General and Regional Elections, the natural and critical question of ‘who will govern next’ rises to the forefront of our thoughts. It is the subject of much analysis and debate, woven into almost every consideration of our nation’s journey from Liza 1.
There is another question just as consuming – can a post-elections Guyana maintain the level of national stability and economic viability required to sustain the momentum of our remarkable growth and continue building our blueprint as a modern, responsible oil producer? Well, why not?
With 2025’s oil production already soaring towards 900,000 barrels per day (b/d) and projected to exceed 1.3 million b/d by 2027, Guyana stands at a crossroads, ready to claim a bigger place amongst the world’s elite oil producers.
Guyana’s oil stands out for reasons beyond volume, in an increasingly energy-conscious world. Rystad Energy has reported that our barrels boast an emissions intensity lower than 75% of global oil production assets. Paired with robust regulatory commitments, such as strict controls on flaring and emissions, Guyana’s methods appeal to international markets and support its standing as a climate champion.
On the sidelines of the Global Biodiversity Alliance summit held in Georgetown in July, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, speaking on the United for Biodiversity Alliance podcast, said, “Guyana is seen now more as a model country… not only because we have safeguarded 98% of our forests… not only because we have the lowest deforestation rate in the world… but because we have managed to strike that perfect balance of economic development and environmental sustainability.”
This is the balanced model, which positions Guyana as a blueprint for other emerging oil producers navigating the complex intersection of growth and sustainability, and which requires continued national stability and economic viability for ultimate success.
In this electoral season, adherence to democratic principles rings first and loudest on the list of ‘dos and musts’. At the heart of sustained progress must lie a thriving democratic system.
Memories of Guyana’s turbulent 2020 elections remain fresh, showing that public trust can have a fragile nature when electoral processes are threatened. Public trust is not easily won and requires intentional acts of integrity, transparency and accountability.
This makes the 2025 General and Regional Elections critical, a key stone for maintaining and building our nation. Swift, transparent, and lawful reporting of results will reinforce the foundations of Guyana’s democracy. Ensuring such transparency is vital, not only for domestic political legitimacy but also to sustain investor confidence internationally.
Democracy also extends beyond the ballot box, feeding into sound policies, dynamic strategies and the active involvement of Guyanese stakeholders, which altogether enable national stability and economic viability. These have been key pillars in the formulation of Guyana’s rise.
The nation’s developmental trajectory cannot rest solely on oil-driven prosperity. Strong institutions are essential; however, business efficiency is also critical. We have seen the adoption of reforms such as the Single Window Act, designed to simplify the permitting process between businesses and state agencies, thereby reducing unnecessary red tape. Further, the Guyanese private sector has been patient as regulators work to streamline more efficient timelines for contractor payments beyond the current 45 day deadline.
These measured steps directly affect the viability of Guyana’s private sector. The Local Content Act has directed over US$1 billion into local businesses, facilitating a tangible transfer of wealth and opportunities into Guyanese hands over three years.
Additionally, nearly US$4 billion has been invested by the government in critical infrastructure, roads, hospitals, ports, schools, and other foundational assets that catalyze broader economic diversification.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali recently revealed that a comprehensive feasibility study for the Berbice Deepwater Port is currently underway. Led by global engineering giant Bechtel, the project has full support of the government and key energy stakeholders.
Ali said the study is jointly financed by the Guyana Government and Hess Corporation, which has been acquired by Chevron, one of the major players in the country’s offshore oil sector. The study is expected to set the blueprint for one of the country’s key infrastructural undertakings.
Guyana is also set to introduce a Modern Port Act aimed at transforming its maritime legal framework to meet international standards and support the country’s fast-expanding logistics and trade ecosystem, President Ali said. He outlined the government’s plan to legislate, regulate and modernize port operations as part of the wider strategy to position Guyana as a key regional logistics and energy hub.
Yet, delays in critical initiatives must be remedied to ensure further progress. Guyana’s first offshore licensing round, hailed as a milestone in diversifying upstream investment and exploration, needs to be concluded with final agreements.
Exploration by prospective operators has been stalled and accelerating this process immediately after the 2025 elections will be paramount in maintaining Guyana’s attractiveness as a competitive frontier for global investment, more so if the country moves to pursue a second auction next year.
The completion date for the Gas-to-Energy project, intended to drastically cut power costs and strengthen sectors like manufacturing, agro-processing, and logistics, now tentatively sits in 2026.
Given previous setbacks, the onus lies squarely on the next administration to ensure the project’s timely completion. Successfully finalizing the accompanying infrastructure, including the natural gas liquids plant and storage facilities at Wales, will be decisive in unlocking significant downstream economic opportunities.
The pending International Court of Justice’s ruling on the Venezuela border controversy is likely in 2026. Guyana’s careful diplomatic engagements, alongside its work at the World Court, continue to reinforce positive perceptions. The peaceful resolution of this long-standing controversy would remove lingering uncertainty and open more offshore areas for exploration.
Guyana’s position is strengthened by Chevron’s entry, another oil major, which further encourages the United States to protect its interests here. It also gives foreign companies confidence that their investment in Guyana is stable.
Guyana’s undeniable global relevance places even greater pressure on the country to further fortify its institutions, safeguard democracy, and ensure equitable distribution of its wealth.
Ultimately, Guyana’s future rests not merely on barrels produced, but on barrels responsibly managed. The blueprint for continued balanced growth demands that governance be disciplined, alongside inclusive democracy, efficient administration, and sustainable economic practices. (Keystone Consulting)
