In a landmark move to foster regional energy collaboration, Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal has formally proposed establishing a dedicated forum for CARICOM natural resources and energy ministers. The initiative, unveiled during the ‘Regional Energy Security’ panel at the 2026 Guyana Energy Conference, aims to synchronize policies among the Caribbean’s major hydrocarbon producers.
Dr. Moonilal expressed astonishment that such a collaborative mechanism didn’t previously exist, emphasizing that regular ministerial engagement would prevent duplicated efforts and enhance investment coordination. ‘We need to work together on investment policies and strategies to ensure we’re aware of each other’s activities across the Caribbean,’ he stated during the conference opening.
The proposal comes amid significant shifts in the region’s energy landscape. Trinidad, historically the Caribbean’s sole major oil producer for nearly a century, now shares the stage with Guyana—currently producing approximately one million barrels of crude daily—and emerging producer Suriname, which anticipates output of 220,000 barrels from its offshore Gran Morgu project by 2028.
Critical developments are accelerating regional cooperation: Trinidad is advancing toward large-scale gas production following OFAC licensing approvals, while Guyana and Suriname are finalizing a memorandum of understanding for joint gas production within the coming month. Notably, substantial gas reserves have been identified in maritime territory spanning both nations.
Suriname’s Minister of Oil, Gas and Environment Patrick Loys Brunings endorsed the forum concept, highlighting its potential to support the region’s transition from fossil fuels to renewables. ‘Gas will play a crucial role in powering electricity and transportation during this transition,’ Brunings told Demerara Waves Online News, suggesting Trinidad and Suriname could lead regional sustainability efforts.
Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat immediately backed the initiative, characterizing regular energy ministerial meetings as ‘critical and important’ for achieving scaled collaborative projects. He advocated expanding participation beyond the three primary producers to include wider CARICOM representation, signaling broad regional commitment to energy integration.