Dr Vincent Adams, former head of Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has launched a scathing critique of the recently concluded “One Guyana” Energy Conference, accusing organisers of sidelining critical voices and failing to address pressing environmental and governance issues in the nation’s energy sector. His remarks have added fuel to a growing debate over how Guyana’s vast offshore oil and gas resources should be developed, regulated and shared for public benefit.

A Conference Marked by Praise and Controversy

Held in Georgetown in late February 2026, the “One Guyana” Energy Conference attracted a mix of government officials, foreign dignitaries, industry executives and international partners to discuss investment, workforce training and future opportunities in the energy sector. The event was billed as a platform to showcase Guyana’s potential as a global energy player and to foster dialogue on economic diversification and sector development.

However, amidst the enthusiastic participation of multinational firms and senior ministers, Dr Adams has sharply criticised the event as “exclusionary” and misaligned with the interests of ordinary Guyanese, especially those most directly impacted by the oil and gas boom.

Adams’ Core Criticisms

Dr Adams argues that the conference’s structure and agenda systematically excluded key stakeholders , notably the opposition in the National Assembly, the University of Guyana (UG) and ordinary members of the public  despite the government’s overarching “One Guyana” theme. He suggested that the absence of such voices undermined the legitimacy of discussions about the nation’s energy future.

In a letter published in national media, Dr Adams described the event as a stage-managed platform that prioritised elite and foreign interests over broad national inclusion. He said not a single member or associate of the opposition, which represents nearly half of the constitutional vote share, was invited to participate. Critics have also pointed out that high attendance fees priced out many local entrepreneurs and small businesses, further widening the gap between decision-makers and ordinary citizens.

According to Dr Adams and others who have voiced concern, the conference also failed to engage with some of the most urgent issues facing Guyana’s energy sector, including the need to renegotiate seemingly lopsided oil contracts, strengthen regulatory frameworks, reduce offshore gas flaring, ensure environmental protections, and develop meaningful local participation and job creation.

Broader Critique of Sector Governance

Dr Adams, a respected figure with extensive experience in petroleum engineering and environmental oversight, has long been a vocal advocate for stronger regulation and environmental safeguards in Guyana’s energy sector. During his tenure at the EPA, he pushed for prudent measures to ensure that oil development was both economically beneficial and environmentally responsible. This includes arguments for improved windfall taxation practices and concerns about environmental implications of oil operations.

His criticism of the conference fits into a wider narrative about governance and transparency in Guyana’s oil and gas boom. Observers have noted that while foreign investment and production are growing, with output averaging hundreds of thousands of barrels per day and export capacity expanding at the speed of this economic transformation has exposed gaps in institutional oversight and regulatory frameworks.

Political and Public Reaction

Reactions to Dr Adams’ comments have been mixed. Supporters of the government argue that the conference’s primary aim was to attract international interest and investment, and that such events inevitably emphasise global engagement. They also point to announcements made during the conference on workforce development, infrastructure projects and potential downstream opportunities as positive steps.

Critics, on the other hand, align with Dr Adams in contending that a truly inclusive national energy strategy cannot be crafted without meaningful engagement from opposition parties, academic institutions and civil society. They say the absence of these voices, combined with high participation costs and limited room for public input, reinforces perceptions that policy is being shaped in closed circles.

Why This Matters for Guyana

Guyana’s energy sector has become central to the country’s economic trajectory, with offshore discoveries drawing global attention and driving rapid GDP growth. But with this boom comes the challenge of balancing short-term gains with long-term sustainability, equitable economic participation and environmental stewardship. As production scales up and exploration expands, the governance frameworks put in place now will have enduring implications for prosperity, social cohesion and ecological integrity.

Dr Adams’ intervention, therefore, resonates not just as personal criticism of a single event, but as a broader call for greater accountability and inclusivity in the way Guyana’s energy future is charted. Whether his criticisms will prompt substantive changes in future energy summits or policy discussions remains to be seen.

Looking Ahead

With debates around oil contracts, environmental regulation and citizen participation continuing to evolve, the controversy sparked by the “One Guyana” Energy Conference highlights key fault lines in national discourse. As Guyana seeks to solidify its position as a leading energy producer, addressing concerns about transparency, inclusion and equitable development will be critical to maintaining public trust and ensuring that the benefits of natural resource wealth are broadly shared.

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