admin Emerging Caribbean gas producers are increasingly positioning natural gas as a driver of domestic industry and economic growth, not just export revenue, officials and advisors said at Caribbean Energy Week on Wednesday.
Governments were urged to pair export planning with policies that develop downstream industries, workforce capacity and legal frameworks that protect national interests – a combination investors say is essential to attracting long-term capital.
“Local content is not about jobs – it’s about utilizing natural resources and industrial activities to develop your nation,” said Eric Williams, former Minister of Energy and Energy Industries of Trinidad and Tobago. He added that integrating gas into services and industry is critical for sustainable economic development across the region.
Learning from Trinidad’s Gas Economy
Trinidad and Tobago’s extensive gas-based industry, developed over more than a century, provides a reference point for emerging producers in the region.
“In the case of Suriname and Guyana, we need to look at what Trinidad did and how we can improve,” said Anthony Paul, Policy and Strategy Advisor at Future Energy Partners. He emphasized that downstream development creates more jobs as more complex products are produced.
“With smaller plants, locals can buy in, and governments can build equity, like Staatsolie has done with exploration and production,” Paul said. He added that expanding gas economies requires more than infrastructure: “It’s not just about plants and facilities – it’s about building distributed hubs, education and capacity building, and reservoir engineering expertise across multiple locations.”
Investors Focus on Stability
“Oil is good, but gas is better,” said Joseph Khan, Executive Chairman of Cenergy Co., summing up why Caribbean producers are emphasizing gas as a long-term economic driver. Predictable cash flows and stable commercial terms, he said, are critical for attracting investment.
“You would only invest if the risk is predictable and the cash flows are robust. Any gas-based economy must ensure mechanisms are in place to protect against price fluctuations,” Khan said. He also highlighted the need for integrated planning linking upstream production with midstream and downstream industrial activity, including a comprehensive gas master plan and industrial development strategy.
Domestic Supply as a Strategic Priority
Panelists stressed that policies must prioritize domestic markets to build political support and foster industrial demand.
“You must meet your local market obligation before exporting,” Paul said. “No contract in the world supersedes national law. Both sector instruments – laws and contracts – must have strong clauses of equity and balanced institutions.”
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