Dear Editor,
In light of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s recent welcome more Chinese companies to invest in Guyana, it is tempting for some to sound the alarm that Guyana risks becoming “an arm of China.” But such a claim is not only exaggerated—it fails to appreciate the balance and maturity needed in managing international partnerships in a globalised economy.
Guyana’s invitation to Chinese investment must be seen through the lens of opportunity, not surrender. As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, Guyana stands at a pivotal moment in its development. Strategic partnerships with global powers—including China, the United States, India, and the European Union—are essential if the nation is to modernize its infrastructure, diversify its economy, and improve the standard of living for its people.
China’s presence in Guyana is not new. From the construction of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre to road networks and hospital infrastructure, Chinese involvement has often filled critical gaps in development funding and technical expertise. What matters is not the nationality of the investor, but the strength of Guyana’s institutions and the fairness of the agreements made in its name.
To claim that welcoming Chinese businesses will “cause harm to local Guyanese businesses” ignores the agency of the Guyanese government and the potential benefits of joint ventures, technology transfer, and skills development. The challenge is not foreign investment itself—it is the lack of robust economic nationalism policies that ensure such investments build Guyanese capacity.
Rather than retreating from foreign engagement out of fear, Guyana must lead with confidence and strategy. The government must insist that every major foreign contract includes clear provisions for Guyanese participation, fair competition, and environmental responsibility. Policies that strengthen local content, support small and medium enterprises, and protect national assets should form the backbone of Guyana’s economic diplomacy.
Guyana can and must remain open to the world while standing firmly on its own feet. Rejecting Chinese investment wholesale would be shortsighted and economically self-defeating. What is needed instead is vigilance, transparency, and a national framework that ensures foreign capital serves Guyanese interests—not the other way around like what is currently happening.
In the end, Guyana’s future will not be written in Beijing or any other parts of the world—it will be written in Georgetown, by the wisdom, will, and pride of the Guyanese people.
Yours truly,
Pt.Ubraj Narine, JP, COA
Former Staff Sgt.(GDF), Mayor
City of Georgetown
