When we talk about nations that could lead energy security for the Caribbean, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago are a match made in heaven. With the world-class resources of Guyana and the massive infrastructure and experience of T&T, these two countries could deliver massive benefits at scale for the region’s people.
But anyone with experience in relationships knows it is dangerous to fall in love with “what could be.” It takes more than chemistry and cultural ties for two partners to work and build a life together. This perspective took on greater significance for me when I listened to the April 11 address by President Dr Irfaan Ali at the Business Meeting Outlook for the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
During his presentation in Port of Spain, President Ali raised some hard truths about Trinidad and Tobago’s business interests in Guyana. He pointed out that Guyana, with all its years of leading a thriving gold industry, never saw investments from T&T.
He asked, “Why? Why couldn’t you bring together 300 businesses in Trinidad with US$1 million each to invest in an opportunity like that?”
The President also raised another sobering point. Back in 2013, Guyana made 10,000 acres of land available to Trinidad and Tobago to grow more food for its people. Nothing came of it. It remains another reminder of “what could have been.”
But could you imagine where both nations would have been today if that were followed through?
Perhaps Guyana and T&T could have been leading the region in the production of honey or self-sufficient in the production of fruits, natural juices and vegetables. They could have been twinning their economies to become the agro-processing giants of the region, while offering a model to emulate.
Thirteen years since that missed opportunity, these two CARICOM giants are faced with the same question which President Ali posed at the business event: Are we better off fighting alone or fighting together?
The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as current global conflicts, have brought into sharp focus just how vulnerable we are. Oil or no oil, the lesson has always been the same: the “every man for himself” policy does not work for CARICOM member states. When, therefore, will the real work begin on true partnership?
Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership has always agreed, in principle, with the power of integration. Yet, this is not reflected in the removal of the red tape hindering Guyanese products from entering its markets.
In 2024, the Trinidad Express reported that Lesley Ramlall, the manufacturer behind the Only Coconuts brand, complained that his company was unable to export a single bottle of coconut oil to Trinidad and Tobago, even as his products were being accepted in other CARICOM countries and further afield.
Guyana’s Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also issued several statements over the years, lamenting Trinidad and Tobago’s obstructionist posture. The business advocacy body has said there were multiple instances of pineapple shipments being rejected because the crowns were not removed. Containers of peppers were refused due to the stems being intact. There is also a ban on poultry meat from Guyana despite no existing trade in this commodity.
Other issues include the mandatory fumigation of agricultural products with methyl bromide (a banned substance under the Montreal Protocol), the application of hypochlorous acid on eddoes, the rejection of honey for transhipment and the denial of importation of already approved items.
In contrast, Guyana has demonstrated that its diplomacy is not “an eye for an eye.” Guyana has been all but welcoming to everything under the sun from Trinidad and Tobago, including bottled water, plantain chips and juices. In the oil and gas sector, Trinidad and Tobago has operated without restrictions, even thriving in other industries, on equal footing with locals.
President Ali has outlined to his CARICOM counterparts that he is not interested in a relationship defined solely by the spoils of Guyana’s oil and gas sector. He truly believes in the potential of all that is possible. He sees the long game, that together is better not just for the people of today, but for future generations.
The Head of State was also clear about what is needed for a true partnership on development with the Twin Island Republic.
At the event, he said, “We must have the discipline, the commitment, the maturity and the will to make the changes that are necessary to advance this agenda.”
The proverbial ball is now in T&T’s court: accept Guyana’s invitation to be a true partner in development or stay content with leveraging oil and gas opportunities in Georgetown and now, Caracas.