Guyana eyes stronger ties in food, energy security with DR

…as embassy celebrates its 182nd Independence Anniversary in Georgetown

Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the Dominican Republic (DR), especially in the areas of food and energy security. He made these remarks on Friday evening at a reception hosted by the Dominican Embassy in Georgetown to commemorate the country’s 182nd independence anniversary. According to PM Phillips, deepening collaboration with DR in areas such as agriculture, energy, tourism, air services and oil and gas is critical to advancing Guyana’s national development agenda. In fact, he specifically highlighted Guyana’s interest in partnering with the DR to strengthen regional food resilience as well as the country’s evolving energy framework, which integrates hydropower, natural gas, solar and wind to meet future demand. This approach, the PM stated, demonstrates the Guyana Government’s drive to provide affordable, stable and reliable energy for households and businesses. They also align with Guyana’s national development priorities of economic diversification, social transformation, and broad-based growth. Phillips further outlined the growing opportunities in technical and vocational training, investment, and trade, especially through the Guyana-Dominican Republic Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As both countries work to build on 55 years of diplomatic relations, which were celebrated in October 2025, the PM emphasised that the relationship between Guyana and the DR is grounded in shared democratic values. “Through individual and collective efforts, our Governments have maintained common values, including democracy, the rule of law, adherence to the United Nations (UN) Charter and International Law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he stated.

Stability and sustained performance
PM Phillips went on to laud the Spanish-speaking nation’s emergence as a leading regional economy, commending the country’s institutional stability and sustained economic performance. Against the backdrop of global uncertainty, including climate change, food insecurity and energy challenges, the PM stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation among small developing states to build resilience and drive sustainable development. “As we look to the future, I am confident that through cooperation, innovation and shared resolve, our countries can successfully navigate today’s uncertainties to secure lasting prosperity for our citizens,” Phillips stated, welcoming the DR’s recent accession to Guyana’s Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA). The PM also expressed confidence in the next phase of relations between the two nations, which he said will be characterised by deeper economic cooperation, strategic collaboration and strengthened people-to-people ties.

Solid bilateral relationship
Similar sentiments were shared by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the DR, Ernesto Torres Pereyra, during Friday evening’s reception at the AC Marriott Hotel, Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The DR diplomat also emphasised his country’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Guyana through private sector investment and strategic partnerships, reaffirming a solid bilateral relationship between the two countries that is grounded in shared values and an ever-closer collaboration. “Our bond with Guyana is being built on consistent expressions of goodwill and solidarity, and we will continue to work tirelessly to keep expanding the scope of the cooperation,” he affirmed. Ambassador Pereyra also used the opportunity to reflect on the DR’s history of resilience, detailing its long and difficult path to independence, subsequent political instability and eventual transition to sustained economic growth and democratic governance. He noted that despite historical challenges, including wars, dictatorship and natural disasters, the DR has achieved consistent economic expansion, major infrastructure development, and strong tourism growth, now welcoming approximately 12 million visitors annually. Further, Ambassador Pereyra also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and the rule of law under President Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona. Friday’s reception was also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues, and Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, and members of the Diplomatic Corps, among other dignitaries. The evening included a folklore display that proudly celebrated the DR’s culture.