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Aside from power generation, other products such as cooking gas should be produced.

But that’s only a small part of Guyana’s natural gas development plants. President Ali described it as the “first phase” of natural gas development.

With heightened investment interest, stemming from the prospects of cheaper energy costs, the President said there is enough demand for a second pipeline to bring more gas onshore.

And what is possible?

Several new projects can be developed and some are already in the works, the President disclosed.

“The way we see this gas development unfolding is through which it will be highly-integrated into the investment and will be an important part of the deepwater port and the road to Brazil.

“It will open up opportunities for transport and logistics,” President Ali said.

He later revealed that the new deepwater port could be built at New Amsterdam, in Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne). Guyana’s oil refinery, should the government get a viable proposal, will also be built in this region.

President Ali said this region is crucial because it can be an easier road link to Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo) which itself is a gateway to northern Brazil.

In fact, he said a study done shows it takes only about five hours to get from New Amsterdam to Lethem. Current land travel routes from Georgetown to Lethem take over 12 hours.

That road link and the deepwater port, the President added, would be a game changer.

“You’re talking about a game changer for northern Brazil, a game changer for Guyana and a game changer for transport and logistics,” he said.

Still apparently seeking to entice investors, the President also said bauxite development is another part of the gas “master plan.”

With cheaper energy and a road connection (the Corentyne Bridge) to Suriname, Dr. Ali said Guyana can convert bauxite into aluminium through an aluminium plant.

“A gold refinery is now viable and we are already seeing great interest in the establishment of a gold refinery in Guyana,” he said too.

These newer ventures are only part of what is possible and what is unfolding, however. Guyana has the lead responsibility for food production within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and it has significantly expanded food production.

Cheaper energy through the gas-fired power plant, the deepwater ports and a beefed up road network can all push regional trade, according to the President.

As Guyana’s energy conference unfolds this year, it is expected that stakeholders will be discussing the energy sector in Guyana and opportunities for the region.

The President said he looks forward to the construction of the facility being done at a rapid pace at the highest standard and quality.

He thanked the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani for leading the expansion of the relationship between the two countries which led to this massive private investment.

The Head of State acknowledged that stakeholders require a certain level of quality and noted that the Government of Guyana was looking to ensure that is offered in its totality with new public infrastructure and improvements to drainage and sewage networks, all towards making Georgetown one of the most beautiful green cities in the world.

He said with a natural expansion to the borders of the city, efforts are underway for further development and beautification but outside the city, Dr. Ali talked up the development of luxury eco lodges to boost eco-tourism equally.

He said by the end of 2024, with at least five new hotels set for opening, a total of 1,300 world-class rooms will be added to the local industry.

And with proposals still being made, he teased that “new announcements being made before the end of the year.”