Dear Editor,
“The promise of a new, prosperous Guyana—fueled by oil wealth and framed by an official vision of “world-class” transformation—has taken a jarring hit on the global stage”.
Two recent viral travel vlogs, one by British travel vlogger Ellis Riding and another by French content creator Antony D’Oliveira, have thrust into the international spotlight a less flattering portrait of the country’s hospitality, environment, and governance reality.
Riding, who runs the popular YouTube channel Skint Northerners and has traveled to more than sixty countries, posted a nearly 30-minute vlog titled “Nobody Visits This Country… And Now We Know Why.”
His footage, largely shot around downtown Georgetown, chronicles what he called a “pattern of bad experiences” during his visit—encounters that stood out for their hostility, indifference, and lack of service-mindedness.
In the video, Riding recounts discouraging episodes: curt exchanges in restaurants and shops, dismissive service, and at times overt rudeness. At one point, he remarks that “nobody seems to care about anything,” expressing bewilderment at what he perceived as a pervasive atmosphere of disinterest. Even as he pondered whether colonial history or social frustration might explain the attitudes, his conclusion was blunt—Guyana, in his eyes, was among the least welcoming places he had visited.
Other scenes highlight deeper social and civic concerns. An overflowing garbage container beneath a sign reading “PLEASE KEEP GUYANA CLEAN” became symbolic of what Riding framed as the country’s neglect of basic upkeep. His observation that the government’s visible oil wealth has not translated into benefits for ordinary people was pointed: “It’s clear the government is pocketing the money while people see none of it,” he said, later noting, “We won’t be coming back.”
Contradictions Between Image and Reality
French vlogger Antony D’Oliveira echoed similar sentiments in his coverage. His stay in Georgetown featured an altercation at Bourda Market, where a man shoved him while he was filming—an incident now reportedly under police investigation. D’Oliveira also claimed local barbershops refused him service, prompting him to visit a Cuban-owned establishment instead. In another confrontation, he was told to delete footage allegedly capturing one of Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha’s residences.
The incidents have ignited debate on social media about how tourists—particularly content creators—are being received in Guyana. For many, these viral moments puncture the polished façade presented by government-driven campaigns and tourism boards that tout Guyana as an emerging “destination of choice.” Critics argue the disconnect reveals not only a hospitality crisis but also the failure of developmental spending to produce visible or cultural transformation.
The Question of Developmental Visibility
With billions funneled into infrastructure, beautification projects, and tourism promotion, citizens are increasingly asking what the country truly has to show for it. Government surrogates speak in superlatives about progress—promising to make Guyana a “world-class” nation. Yet, scenes of uncollected garbage, worn infrastructure, and dissatisfied visitors seem to tell a different story.
One commentator on social media noted that the Guyanese public attitude may have shifted—buoyed by the illusion of national wealth but burdened by grinding daily realities. Another suggested that fatigue and frustration are simply surfacing as indifference and incivility.
Whatever the cause, the image now circulating internationally is of a country struggling to align its rapid economic narrative with its social and civic reality. Riding even compared Guyana unfavorably to Nepal, calling it one of the only countries where he had a worse experience—a harsh but telling indictment.
As international visitors share unfiltered experiences online, the Guyanese government may find that no amount of promotional spending can offset the reputational damage of neglecting visible, everyday improvements. A nation’s “world-class” future will be measured not by press releases or budgeted billions, but by how it feels to those who live in and visit it.
Because in the end, a “world-class” country does not need defending. Its truth speaks for itself. Right now, Guyana’s truthful reality is painfully clear—and it stands in stark contrast to the flattery that is constantly peddled .
Yours truly,
Hemdutt Kumar
