I was tremendously honored to be invited to be a candidate for the AAPG office of president-elect/president, as I have been a member for over 40 years enjoying friendships, education and mentorship. I have shared my ideas and been honored.

I believe one of my greatest attributes is my visionary approach to everything that I am involved in. That visionary mindset allowed me to transform the country of Belize by making the first discovery of oil there (when 50 of the best and brightest in our industry had tried and failed over 50 years), and also allowed me to set up the International Pavilion at the AAPG annual convention in Denver 25 years ago, which brought the energy world together. In 1994, the International Pavilion was way ahead of its time and I was motivated by my desire to bring the opportunities I saw all around the world to so many geoscientists and companies in the USA hit hard by the low oil prices. It was a win-win for all, as it gave exposure to the countries to exhibit their hydrocarbon potential and meet the explorers in person. It has been said that over a billion barrels of oil have been discovered globally thanks to the partnerships made at the AAPG International Pavilion.

As a passionate member of the AAPG, I would be delighted to lead our Association into the next decade and apply my visionary mindset to the AAPG direction moving forward. I am most definitely unique and an “outside the barrel” thinker and would be truly honored to represent the AAPG all over the world. My work has allowed me to meet with global leaders and fellow visionaries and I always speak with pride about the AAPG. On Oct 1, 2015, I led the signing of a bilateral trade agreement between the government of the UAE and Belize.

A team of people from our industry working together can literally change the world through the discovery of hydrocarbons – our industry is so much more than a barrel of oil! Considering some of the key tenets of the AAPG, I know that there are so many advancements in the science of geology to come, and there is a new generation of geologists eager to develop the technology, so we must support them to do so in the most environmental  and holistic fashion. This is something that sets us apart in BNE /Belize – we have won the Green Award, the Employer of the Year Award and the prestigious Global Getenergy Educational Award, competing against 50 countries in making the most sustainable and lasting difference in a country in both 2012 and 2017. I also presented the award to this year's Getenergy award winner. Our industry is facing new and emerging challenges, especially in the form of division between the differing energies (renewable verses non-renewable, etc.) and more … and I am the leader to inspire not only the AAPG membership but the energy profession and the public to see that we are all indeed in the Energy Business.

Onward and upward!