Six years ago this month, when Guyana began producing oil, the nation looked to the future with hope and anticipation. From a small country almost unknown to the world, Guyana suddenly became famous for the crude oil rising from the depths of our oceans. The country was thrust into the international spotlight.
Businesses and opportunists, both scrupulous and unscrupulous, began hatching plans to harvest our resources. They came from all quarters, some breaking down or jumping over our gates, while the Government of Guyana appeared unconcerned, seemingly focused only on how a few ruthless men and women in office could profit for themselves.
Meanwhile, the people of Guyana—those born here or descended from those born here—are fast being reduced to second-class citizens in their own land. They strive to survive and face an uncertain future. This pessimism is not born of weakness but of repeated failures by elected officials to provide leadership and a clear commitment to protect citizens’ interests.
Guyana is now the world’s richest economy and among the fastest growing, yet ordinary men, women, and children do not feel this wealth. Government statistics mean little to the majority who cannot afford a decent standard of living. This disconnect is painfully clear this year.
Prices for eggs, flour, sugar, rice, meat, greens, and other essentials have skyrocketed, far outpacing wages. Citizens are forced to choose between a meal and life-sustaining treatment. Where the regime refuses to review the retirement age, people 55 and older—many of whom could still work—are at home, struggling on limited pensions.
Even during this Yuletide season, promises meant to ease hardship remain unfulfilled. President Irfaan Ali pledged a $200,000 cash grant for every adult 18 years and older, alongside wage and salary adjustments to support workers before Christmas. None of these promises were delivered.
Public sector unions were not engaged in collective bargaining to secure a living wage. No nation can thrive when its workers and citizens are left on their knees, as the Inter-American Development Bank has noted in validating many of these concerns.
Despite these failures, Guyanese demonstrate resilience and generosity. Many are cutting back or making sacrifices to celebrate Christmas. Some find solace in the story of Christ sharing two loaves and five fishes, and are determined, in spite of hardship, to share the little they have with loved ones and friends.
We are a nation whose constitution guarantees rights to work, pension, property ownership, freedom of speech, protection from discrimination, and free association, all underpinned by international conventions. Yet we are more divided and less hopeful about our future than we were six years ago. These fractures are driven by an avaricious, selfish, uncaring, and discriminatory government, compounded by an society yet to show mass resistance to the sufferings.
In the face of Guyana’s extraordinary wealth, the ordinary citizen continues to bear the brunt of neglect. Six years into oil production, many see little improvement in their quality of life. Businesses prosper while ordinary workers struggle. The government talks of growth and prosperity, yet fails to ensure that its citizens share in the nation’s bounty.
Guyana’s people deserve better leadership, true economic inclusion, and the fulfillment of promises meant to uplift workers. Until that happens, wealth will remain concentrated in the hands of a few, while the majority continue to navigate scarcity and uncertainty in a country that should be thriving for all.
