The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) have officially entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone in the deepening of bilateral private-sector relations between the two nations. The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 2026 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Priya Marajh, Interim Executive of the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago, and Kathy Smith, President of the GCCI. The MOU formalizes a commitment established during the Energy Chamber’s Annual General Meeting last year, where both organizations pledged to create a structured framework for the mutual development of their respective energy sectors and private enterprises.

 
 

Under the terms of the MOU, the Energy Chamber and GCCI will collaborate on several key strategic pillars, including:

  • Advocating for the removal of trade barriers between both countries

  • Promoting services in the energy industry and local content policy development and supply chain integration

  • Energy transition, decarbonization, and diversification strategies

  • Technical exchanges on gas monetization and downstream development

In addition to the core objectives of the MOU, the Chambers have committed to joint advocacy through their respective national governments and regional bodies. This effort will focus specifically on the removal of non-tariff barriers that currently hinder the free movement of goods, services, and skilled labor between Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago.

To support this mission, both organizations will collaborate to document and report specific instances where these barriers impede the commercial activities of their member companies. This evidence will be used to develop data-driven advocacy positions at both the national and CARICOM levels. Furthermore, the Chambers will work to promote greater awareness among their membership regarding CSME rights and obligations, ensuring that businesses in both nations are fully equipped to navigate cross-border trade and investment opportunities.

Dr. Priya Marajh, Interim Executive of the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago, commented on the significance of the partnership:

"This MOU represents a pivotal step toward a more integrated and resilient Caribbean energy services sector. By aligning the expertise of Trinidad and Tobago’s established energy industry with the dynamic growth of the Guyanese private sector, we are creating a platform for sustainable economic development. Our collaboration will ensure that both nations are better positioned to capitalize on regional opportunities while maintaining the highest international standards of safety and efficiency."

The signing was witnessed by high-level representatives from the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, including Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Investment Officer, and G. Bobby Gossai, Jr., Senior Petroleum Coordinator for the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The partnership underscores a shared vision for regional energy security and emphasizes the importance of South-South cooperation in driving the next phase of the Caribbean’s industrial evolution.