Oil Wealth Fails the Poor as Leaders Live Large-Harris

Veteran journalist Adam Harris has delivered a stinging year-end assessment of Guyana’s social and political landscape, arguing that despite the country’s oil wealth, poverty, inequality and political dishonesty continue to define daily life for the majority of citizens. In his December 31, 2025 column, Adam’s Notebook, Harris contrasts the promise of national prosperity with the lived reality of widespread hardship, asserting that “in these days of plenty there are many who, in increasing numbers, are scrambling to make ends meet.”

Reflecting on the close of the year, Harris notes that traditional New Year’s scenes of bustling streets and celebratory spending have faded, replaced by quiet hardship. He points to communities such as South Sophia, where residents are forced to choose between food and phone credit, and to reports of people avoiding ATMs out of fear of robbery. “This should not have been happening,” Harris writes, adding that while citizens struggle, the country’s leadership engages in “lavish expenditures on the banquets hosted by the president and the Prime Minister while people are starving.”

Harris highlights what he describes as a widening social divide, observing the contrast between the “upper echelons of the society having a whale of a time in restaurants and night clubs” and the poor, including a vagrant he says was beaten by police on the streets of Georgetown. He cites international assessments indicating that 58 per cent of Guyana’s population lives in poverty, arguing that many cling to government promises out of desperation. “Sadly, more than half of the population, the international community says 58 percent, are so desperate that they hold on to these promises,” he writes.

As of the last quarter, Guyana’s oil and gas revenues since first oil in December 2019 have exceeded US$8 billion.

The columnist also levels sharp criticism at senior political figures, accusing them of dishonesty and unexplained wealth accumulation. Harris refers to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo being called “King Liar” in some circles and recounts controversies surrounding public statements and property ownership by several officials, including President Irfaan Ali, Minister Susan Rodrigues, Indranie Chanderpal and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha. He contrasts their circumstances with past leaders, noting that former presidents Forbes Burnham and Dr Cheddi Jagan lived in comparatively modest homes despite holding the highest offices in the land.

Harris argues that the discovery of oil has not translated into broad-based improvement in living standards, asserting that poverty declined briefly under the David Granger administration only to rise again after oil production began. He points to the absence of fireworks and celebrations at year-end as a symbol of declining disposable income. “That tells the story of the absence of disposable income,” he writes.

As Guyana enters the new year, Harris predicts that hardship will persist, contending that political leaders understand that “the best way to control people is to keep them poor.” He closes his commentary with a message to readers, urging self-reliance and vigilance in guiding the next generation. “From this side of the aisle I wish you better in the new year,” Harris writes, while warning that meaningful change will not come easily under current conditions