PARAMARIBO, SURINAME – Caribbean Energy Week opened on Tuesday in Paramaribo, Suriname, drawing regional leaders, investors and industry executives to discuss oil, gas and the energy transition.
The event, held at the Royal Torarica ballroom, brings together stakeholders to examine offshore development, renewables, critical minerals, carbon markets and energy security across the Caribbean.
Attendees include Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General Dr. Carla Bennett, Suriname Foreign Affairs Minister Melvin Bouva, Oil, Gas and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings, Natural Resources Minister David Abiamofo, and Trinidad and Tobago Energy Minister Ernesto Kaser. Proceedings began with a minute of silence for former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, who died on Monday.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, talked about the importance of ties between Caribbean and African countries.
All-female team led the inaugural Suriname Awareness Symposium︱OilNOW
Bouva said Suriname aims to use oil and gas as a driver of broader economic activity rather than focusing only on output volumes.
“The oil and gas sector is seen as an important catalyst… What we are seeking is to build partnerships,” he said, adding that the country is open to investment.
Bennett said energy is increasingly viewed as central to economic resilience and long-term development in the region.
“It is increasingly recognized as a strategic driver of resilience, competitiveness and long-term development. The Caribbean Energy Week reflects this broader perspective,” she said.
Suriname positions oil and gas as catalyst for ‘Suriname 3.0’︱OilNOW
She added that the Caribbean’s mix of hydrocarbons, natural gas and renewable resources creates opportunities for investment and cooperation, with recent offshore discoveries in Guyana and Suriname drawing global attention. “In recent years, the global energy community has increasingly [paid] attention [to] the Caribbean mainly because of the offshore discoveries of Guyana and Suriname. That reshapes energy conversations,” Bennett added.
Caribbean Energy Week, formerly known as the Suriname Awareness Symposium, concludes on Wednesday with workshops and panel discussions.
