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Transforming Guyana Season III Episode X: Bridging Guyana’s Skills Gap

by guyanabusinessjournal
written by guyanabusinessjournal
Bridging Guyana’s Skills Gap
A Recap of the Webinar with Moriah Hamilton

In a recent webinar featuring Moriah Hamilton, see the full program below, a distinguished Guyanese scholar and Schwarzman Scholar, the discussion centered on Guyana’s pressing skills shortage and the transformative potential of targeted support for international students. The conversation underscored the critical need for strategic investments in education and mentorship to harness the nation’s economic growth, particularly in the context of its unprecedented oil-driven economic expansion.

Guyana has experienced remarkable economic growth in recent years, becoming the world’s fastest-growing economy. The country achieved its fifth consecutive year of double-digit growth in 2024, with the economy expanding by 43.6% as oil output and exports showed solid increases. This follows an even more impressive 63% growth in 2022, establishing Guyana as a significant player in the global oil market. The economic transformation began in 2015 when ExxonMobil discovered the massive Liza-1 oil field off Guyana’s coast. Since then, oil production has catapulted the country’s growth to an average of more than 40% annually since 2020. Current production from existing floating production platforms is around 600,000 barrels per day, with projections to reach over 1 million barrels per day by 2026 as additional platforms come online.

However, this extraordinary growth presents significant challenges. Recent estimates by public officials suggest a significant shortage of the required labor skills, with the deficit at approximately 100,000 persons. The Migration Policy Institute places this number even higher at around 160,000 additional workers needed to sustain growth. This skills shortage has multiple dimensions that threaten to undermine Guyana’s economic potential. Even if all unemployed, underemployed, and discouraged workers were mobilized, the domestic labor supply would only reach about 63,500 individuals—far short of the estimated 160,000 workers needed. Only about 3% of Guyanese possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree, yet 81% of in-demand jobs necessitate higher technical or university education. Skilled labor shortages have been identified in technical areas crucial to the oil industry, including welders, machinists, heavy equipment operators, and a range of specialized technical roles. Additionally, as Guyana’s economy grows increasingly digital, the country faces the additional challenge of increasing the supply of skilled workers with digital competencies essential for economic diversification beyond the oil sector.

The webinar highlighted a comprehensive scholarship and mentorship program for Guyanese international students as a strategic solution to the skills gap. The proposed initiative draws inspiration from successful models elsewhere, particularly Jamaica’s approach to diaspora engagement and educational support. Key components of the proposed solution include addressing the estimated $20,000 annual unmet financial need per student; creating sustainable funding mechanisms through partnerships between government, private sector, and diaspora communities; establishing need-based and merit-based scholarship categories; providing guidance to navigate academic, professional, and cultural landscapes; creating networks of support among Guyanese students abroad; facilitating internships and professional development opportunities; identifying priority fields based on current and projected skills gaps; creating pathways for knowledge transfer; and establishing systems to track outcomes and adjust program elements as needed.

The initiative aims to support approximately 350 Guyanese students in the U.S., creating a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to contribute to national development. By combining financial assistance with structured mentorship and community support, the program addresses not only the immediate barriers to education but also the long-term challenges of retention and meaningful employment upon graduation.

Moriah Hamilton’s journey exemplifies the challenges talented Guyanese students face and the transformative impact of comprehensive support. Having faced significant personal challenges, including periods of homelessness, Hamilton’s path to higher education initially seemed “virtually impossible”. Despite these obstacles, she excelled academically at Queen’s College and achieved first place on the Caribbean merit list for Green Engineering at CAPE examinations. Her hopes for tertiary education were renewed when she received a partial scholarship to attend Howard University in the United States. When her family could not cover the remaining costs, a community fundraising effort raised approximately US$45,000 from businesses, organizations, and individuals.

At Howard University, Hamilton pursued civil and environmental engineering, focusing on sustainable infrastructure. As president of Howard University’s Engineering Without Borders chapter and a UNICEF Climate Change youth ambassador, she led projects expanding equitable access to energy and infrastructure in underserved communities across the Global South. Recently, Hamilton was selected as a 2025-2026 Schwarzman Scholar, one of only 150 chosen from a record 5,000 candidates worldwide. This prestigious program will enable her to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. This accomplishment further positions her to contribute to Guyana’s development through expertise in engineering, sustainable infrastructure, and international cooperation. Hamilton’s statement on receiving the Schwarzman scholarship reflects her commitment to apply global knowledge to local challenges: “The knowledge and experience I will gain at Tsinghua University will better position me to implement and innovate infrastructure and systems for development in the Global South, particularly relating to renewable energy systems and sustainable infrastructure.”

The proposed program draws inspiration from Jamaica’s successful approach to diaspora engagement and scholarship initiatives, which integrate diaspora, private sector, and government efforts. Jamaica’s model offers valuable lessons for Guyana in several key areas. Jamaica has built its partnership with its diaspora into its foreign policy framework and development plan, creating a systematic approach that has become “a model for other developing countries.” The Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model (JAM-DEM) platform supports Jamaicans overseas who are interested in investing in the country. Multiple Jamaican scholarship programs demonstrate the power of combined resources from the government, the private sector, diaspora organizations, and international partners. Organizations like the Jamaican Canadian Association have recently offered over CAD$500,000 in scholarships, supporting dozens of students annually. Jamaica has developed efficient systems for scholarship administration, application processes, and selection criteria that could be adapted to Guyana’s context. Beyond financial assistance, Jamaican programs often incorporate mentorship, professional networking, and cultural connections that strengthen students’ ties to their home country.

By adapting elements of the Jamaican model to Guyana’s specific circumstances, the proposed program can build on proven approaches while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of Guyana’s rapidly evolving economy. As IMF projections indicate continued strong growth of approximately 20% per year during 2024-28, addressing the skills gap through comprehensive support for international students represents a high-return investment in Guyana’s future. By cultivating a workforce equipped with advanced technical skills, digital competencies, and global perspectives, Guyana can maximize the benefits of its resource wealth while building a more diverse, resilient economy.

The proposed scholarship and mentorship program, inspired by successful models like Jamaica’s and illustrated by Moriah Hamilton’s journey, offers a practical pathway to transform Guyana’s economic potential into inclusive prosperity. Through collaborative efforts between the government, the private sector, educational institutions, and the diaspora, Guyana can create a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals ready to contribute to national development and ensure that the nation’s prosperity benefits all its citizens.

Support Independent Analysis

The Guyana Business Journal is committed to delivering thoughtful, data-driven insights on the most critical issues shaping Guyana’s future—from oil and gas to climate change, governance, and development. We invite you to support us if you value and believe in the importance of independent Guyanese-led analysis. Your contributions help us sustain rigorous research, expand access, and amplify the voices of informed individuals across the Caribbean and the diaspora.

📢 Please support the Guyana Business Journal & Magazine today

Thank you for standing with us.

Dr. Terrence Richard Blackman

Guyana Business Journal

 

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Free Speech and Market Confidence: Guyana’s Misinformation Dilemma

by guyanabusinessjournal
written by guyanabusinessjournal
Free Speech and Market Confidence: Guyana’s Misinformation Dilemma

President Irfaan Ali’s recent warnings about misinformation threatening national security deserve serious consideration—particularly as Guyana navigates its critical transformation into an energy powerhouse. However, the business community must recognize that how a government addresses information challenges directly impacts investment climate and market stability.

While valid, the administration’s concerns are not based on clear parameters defining what constitutes actionable “misinformation.” This regulatory ambiguity creates an unpredictable environment for businesses, media organizations, and civil society actors alike. International investors—especially those committing billions to long-term energy projects—require resource security and governance predictability.

Our energy sector’s continued development depends heavily on transparent regulatory frameworks and institutional accountability. When government messaging conflates legitimate criticism with security threats, it sends troubling signals to markets that rely on free information flows for risk assessment and decision-making. Major investment houses have already incorporated press freedom metrics into their country risk analyses for emerging markets.

Rather than broad warnings, Guyana would benefit from targeted, collaborative approaches to information integrity. Public-private partnerships supporting independent fact-checking initiatives, media literacy programs, and journalism capacity-building would strengthen our information ecosystem without compromising democratic principles. Countries like Ghana and Trinidad have successfully implemented such models while maintaining robust investment environments.

As a nation positioning itself as the Caribbean’s next economic leader, Guyana must demonstrate sophisticated governance that balances legitimate security concerns with the marketplace of ideas that drives innovation and accountability. Our competitive advantage lies not just in what flows from our wells, but in how skillfully we manage the delicate balance between security and openness that sophisticated capital markets require.

The path forward requires careful calibration: addressing genuine security threats while ensuring the free exchange of information that markets depend upon. This isn’t merely a political consideration—it’s an economic imperative for Guyana’s sustainable development in the petroleum era.

Guyana Business Journal Editorial Board
May 12, 2025

Support Independent Analysis

The Guyana Business Journal is committed to delivering thoughtful, data-driven insights on the most critical issues shaping Guyana’s future—from oil and gas to climate change, governance, and development. We invite you to support us if you value and believe in the importance of independent Guyanese-led analysis. Your contributions help us sustain rigorous research, expand access, and amplify the voices of informed individuals across the Caribbean and the diaspora.

📢 Please support the Guyana Business Journal & Magazine today

Thank you for standing with us.

Dr. Terrence Richard Blackman

Guyana Business Journal

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ADRIANNA YOUNGE AND THE FIRE THIS TIME: GRIEF, RAGE, AND THE RECKONING OF A NATION

by guyanabusinessjournal
written by guyanabusinessjournal
ADRIANNA YOUNGE AND THE FIRE THIS TIME: GRIEF, RAGE, AND THE RECKONING OF A NATION

Saturday Deep Dive | Guyana Business Journal Editorial

On April 28, 2025, when international pathologists announced that 11-year-old Adrianna Younge had drowned with no signs of foul play[1], the reaction was swift and furious. Outside Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), grief transformed into rage as relatives and supporters pounded on hospital gates and climbed fences, demanding answers beyond the clinical verdict of drowning. Tactical Services Unit officers in riot gear formed a perimeter, but the thin line between order and chaos had already dissolved. By nightfall, the flames of burning tires illuminated roads from Belladrum to Buxton, buses lay overturned in Georgetown streets, and the nation found itself, once again, at a precipice.

Two men—described by authorities as suspected looters—lay dead, shot during the chaos[2]. Over 100 people would be arrested in the days that followed[3]. The government, invoking the Public Order Act, imposed an overnight curfew[4]. What began as mourning had erupted into a full-scale national reckoning.

But what is this moment really about?

To view this unrest solely as a reaction to one girl’s tragic death is to miss the deeper architecture of Guyanese anguish. Adrianna’s death—and the official response to it—became a lightning rod for simmering fears about state legitimacy, institutional justice, and ethnic marginalization. The crowds that gathered at GPHC were not merely protesting an autopsy finding; they were challenging a perceived pattern of institutional indifference.

Adrianna’s father publicly rejected the drowning verdict, accusing authorities of covering up foul play and demanding deeper DNA and toxicology tests[5]. His distrust resonated widely, not because of evidence, but because it articulated a visceral skepticism of official narratives that has deep historical roots in Guyana’s fractured society. The government’s response—tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the initial hospital protesters[6]—only confirmed for many the state’s readiness to meet grief with force. By April 29, the crackdown had intensified: security forces patrolled streets under curfew, raids swept through neighborhoods, and by April 30, dozens faced terrorism-related charges[7].

At the heart of the unrest lies a politically explosive metaphor: that of occupation. Some have compared the PPP-led state to colonial rule, drawing analogies to the Mau Mau uprising and framing Afro-Guyanese communities as a people dispossessed in their own homeland. This rhetoric taps into a deeper sense of disenfranchisement, where democratic elections do not feel like deliverance, and where economic and cultural marginalization is read through the lens of historical grievance.

The comparison is potent but fraught. The PPP is not a settler regime—it is an elected government in a multiethnic republic. Yet critics point to its dominance over public institutions, the selective distribution of economic opportunity, and the rhetorical sidelining of Afro-Guyanese voices as evidence of a creeping ethnocracy. These claims, while controversial, evoke an enduring feeling among many that the ideals of republicanism—once championed by Black leadership at independence—have been replaced by a fragile pluralism prone to majoritarian excess.

The idea of an “imaginary black majority” fighting to reclaim sovereignty is demographically misleading—Afro-Guyanese do not constitute a demographic majority, and Guyana has no legally defined “racial rulers.” Yet the legacy of Black political leadership during independence, coupled with a deep sense of cultural dispossession, fuels a counter-memory in which Black Guyanese see themselves not simply as another ethnic group, but as original stewards of the republican ideal—now estranged from the power they helped birth.

That feeling—of interrupted self-determination—matters. It fuels a narrative in which Afro-Guyanese are not just another constituency, but the betrayed stewards of Guyana’s democratic project. It explains the visceral intensity of the protests: the chants, the barricades, the refusal to accept an autopsy report as conclusive truth. For many, Adrianna’s death was not an isolated tragedy; it was a symbol of state indifference to Black life.

The political response to the unrest has followed familiar partisan lines, even as leaders on both sides condemn the violence. Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton (PNCR) addressed supporters on April 30, restating his party’s backing for a “multi-ethnic” national outcry over Adrianna’s death. Norton explicitly called for peaceful demonstrations, stating “we are all for peaceful protest. We will condone no criminal activities,”[8] and urging the police to pursue looters and arsonists. In a May 2 letter to President Ali, he requested an international Commission of Inquiry, citing the girl’s death under “suspicious circumstances” and the police’s “deplorable actions” as having seriously undermined public trust[9].

Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall (PPP) accused the opposition of cynically trying to politicize the case. He rejected claims that the ruling party had instigated any unrest, calling such allegations “twisted logic.”[10] Government ministers maintain that the autopsy and ongoing forensic tests are transparent, emphasizing that three foreign pathologists (from the U.S. and Caribbean) performed thorough examinations and have invited the Younge family’s chosen pathologist to review the findings.

President Irfaan Ali, in a televised statement late Monday, appealed for calm, warning that “the destruction of public infrastructure and private property, [and] burning of people’s vehicles… is not what we want to demonstrate as a people and as a nation.”[11] He promised “a review of all the events from the time the report was made to the time the body was found,” attempting to balance restoration of order with accountability.

Historically, Guyana has been here before. From the racial violence of the 1960s to the contested elections of 2020, similar incidents have sparked widespread agitation. In 1964, a sugar-workers’ strike led by the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union turned into violent ethnic clashes—over 170 people were killed and hundreds wounded as largely Indo-Guyanese laborers and Afro-Guyanese groups fought each other and the police[12]. More recently, the 2020 presidential election incited major protests, with allegations of fraud leading PPP supporters to block roads and burn tires nationwide. Police fired on crowds, killing an 18-year-old protestor in a West Coast Berbice village[13]. Just weeks before Adrianna’s case, in April 2025, police in Linden shot and killed two local men in custody, triggering riots until President Ali pledged independent probes[14]. Each crisis follows a similar pattern: a contested incident, institutional opacity, conspiracy theories, and then violence—both real and rhetorical.

These flashpoints share themes with the Younge case. In each, rumors and conspiracy theories quickly circulate (for Adrianna, theories of ritual sacrifice; in 2020, foreign interference; in the 1960s, Cold War meddling). Mobilization often crosses ethnic lines: while Guyanese society is frequently polarized along Indo/Afro divisions, the Adrianna protests have drawn participants from both communities, as noted by opposition leaders and observers[15]. Young people, organized via social media and diaspora networks, frequently lead these outpourings, using tactics like drumming, chanting, and road blockades that echo older generations’ “rowdyism” and sit-ins.

The authorities likewise follow precedent: curfews, heavy police deployments, and tough charges have been used repeatedly to restore order. By May 1, about 24 men had been formally charged with serious offenses (some under anti-terror laws) for their alleged roles in looting or incitement[16]. The burned vehicles and barricades at Belladrum and other crossings were cleared by municipal crews with police standing by.

Beyond the political arena, the Adrianna Younge case has ignited grassroots activism across Guyana and its diaspora. Villagers have built shrines and sponsored online vigils, while Guyanese communities abroad in the U.S., UK, and elsewhere have held candlelight marches chanting “Justice for Adrianna!”[17] This networked response speaks to both the emotional resonance of the case and the increasingly global nature of Guyanese civil society.

The government has taken some remedial steps. On May 2, the police announced that two officers (a corporal and a constable) had been fired for neglect in handling Adrianna’s disappearance[18]. The owner of the Double Day Hotel (where Adrianna’s body was found and whose premises were later torched by mobs) was arrested on suspicion of involvement, then released after the legal detention period—though police say he has been “blacklisted” from leaving the country during the investigation[19]. Still, for many Guyanese, these measures feel insufficient—patches on a deeper wound of mistrust. The unrest highlights deep skepticism toward institutions—the police, the judiciary, even science—among ordinary citizens. If left unaddressed, such events can aggravate longstanding grievances between ethnic groups or regions. Historically, each major disturbance has left scars on Guyana’s collective psyche.

As we navigate this moment, we must resist easy binaries. The language of occupation and resistance, however cathartic, risks legitimizing political violence and alienating the younger, more multiracial generation struggling to move beyond ethno-political grievance. It obscures the poverty and exclusion faced by many Indo-Guyanese and perpetuates the narrative of zero-sum victimhood. A more constructive framing would assert the need for genuine power-sharing and institutional reform, the importance of economic justice across racial lines, and a commitment to truth-telling about historical wounds without weaponizing them. As one editorial urged, honoring Adrianna’s memory will require “uniting” rather than dividing the country[20].

Yet this cycle is not inevitable. This time, there are glimmers of another path. The widespread demand for transparency—including an independent inquiry backed by both parties—shows a rare consensus: everyone ostensibly wants the truth, even if they disagree on how to achieve it.

What we are witnessing, then, is not just a crisis—it is a test. A test of whether we can honor grief without weaponizing it. A test of whether we can demand accountability without burning the bridges of democratic discourse. A test of whether the Republic, so bruised by its own history, can still find within itself the maturity to heal.

In this task, the truth must come first. Not the expedient truth of press releases or political spin, but the difficult truth that sees both the mother’s loss and the nation’s fault lines. The truth about Adrianna’s death, but also about the deep currents of distrust, dispossession, and division that turned a child’s funeral into a national conflagration.

Only then can Adrianna’s name become not a spark for division, but a beacon for reform—a call to build institutions that earn trust across Guyana’s ethnic mosaic, a reminder that beneath political rhetoric lie real families, real pain, and a real hunger for justice that transcends party and race.

Guyana stands now at a familiar crossroads, but with an opportunity to choose a different path—one where grief becomes not a weapon but a window into our common humanity. For in the end, the fires that burn today illuminate not just our divisions, but our desperate shared need to move beyond them.

Guyana Business Journal Editorial Board
Saturday Deep Dive Series
May 10, 2025

Support Independent Analysis

The Guyana Business Journal is committed to delivering thoughtful, data-driven insights on the most critical issues shaping Guyana’s future—from oil and gas to climate change, governance, and development. We invite you to support us if you value and believe in the importance of independent Guyanese-led analysis. Your contributions help us sustain rigorous research, expand access, and amplify the voices of informed individuals across the Caribbean and the diaspora.

📢 Please support the Guyana Business Journal & Magazine today

Thank you for standing with us.

Dr. Terrence Richard Blackman

Guyana Business Journal

References

[1] Stabroek News, “Autopsy Concludes Adrianna Younge Died from Drowning,” April 28, 2025.

[2] AP News, “Two Dead as Protests Erupt Following Autopsy of Guyanese Girl,” April 29, 2025.

[3] Guyana Chronicle, “Over 100 Arrested in Wake of Georgetown Riots,” April 30, 2025.

[4] Official Gazette of Guyana, “Order Under the Public Order Act,” April 29, 2025.

[5] Guyana Times, “Younge Family Rejects Autopsy Findings, Demands Further Tests,” April 29, 2025.

[6] Reuters, “Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets Used to Disperse Protestors at Georgetown Hospital,” April 28, 2025.

[7] Stabroek News, “Two Dozen Charged with Terrorism Offenses Following Unrest,” May 1, 2025.

[8] PNCR Official Statement, “Address by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton,” April 30, 2025.

[9] Letter from PNCR to Office of the President, “Request for International Commission of Inquiry,” May 2, 2025.

[10] Ministry of Legal Affairs, “Statement by Attorney General Anil Nandlall,” April 30, 2025.

[11] Office of the President, “National Address by President Irfaan Ali,” April 28, 2025.

[12] Caribbean Historical Review, “The 1964 Sugar Workers’ Strike and Ethnic Violence in British Guiana,” Vol. 38, 2019.

[13] Human Rights Watch, “Guyana: Post-Election Violence Report,” September 2020.

[14] Demerara Waves, “President Pledges Independent Investigation into Linden Deaths,” April 10, 2025.

[15] Stabroek News, “Multi-ethnic Character of Adrianna Protests Noted by Observers,” May 1, 2025.

[16] Guyana Judicial Information System, “Case Listings: Georgetown Magistrate’s Court,” May 1, 2025.

[17] Kaieteur News, “Diaspora Communities Hold Vigils for Adrianna Younge,” May 2, 2025.

[18] Guyana Police Force, “Official Statement on Personnel Actions,” May 2, 2025.

[19] Guyana Times, “Double Day Hotel Owner Released but Blacklisted from Travel,” May 3, 2025.

[20] Guyana Chronicle Editorial, “Uniting in Adrianna’s Memory,” May 1, 2025.

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Civics Education: A Necessary Step Forward, Politics Aside

by guyanabusinessjournal
written by guyanabusinessjournal
Guyana Business Journal
Editorial | May 8, 2025
Civics Education: A Necessary Step Forward, Politics Aside

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s announcement at this week’s press conference that Civics will be made compulsory in Guyanese schools is, in principle, a welcome development. A well-designed civics curriculum can play a vital role in cultivating responsible citizenship, strengthening democratic norms, and equipping the next generation with the tools to think critically about the institutions that govern their lives.

Yet, the rationale offered for this policy shift—notably Vice President Jagdeo’s sweeping indictment of the opposition—undermines the very civic virtues the curriculum purports to instill.

Speaking about youth opportunities during the announcement, Jagdeo claimed: “They can find work, they can get a government opportunity to pay for training,” Jagdeo said of Guyanese youth, “but it’s APNU (A Partnership for National Unity) that doesn’t want them to be trained because this is an army of people that they can mobilize and do their bidding and then dissociate themselves again.”

At this point, thoughtful readers stop short—and rightly so. To accuse a major political party of deliberately obstructing youth development to preserve a malleable political base is an extraordinary charge made without the courtesy of evidence or the humility of nuance.

At best, the comment appears politically expedient. At worst, it risks becoming corrosive to the country’s democratic fabric. In any healthy democracy, there must be space for principled opposition. Insinuating that APNU—or any opposition party—acts in bad faith against the interests of the nation’s youth not only poisons political discourse but also deepens a corrosive zero-sum mindset in public life.

Education policy should never be weaponized to score partisan points. If Civics is to serve its intended purpose, it must rise above the fray of tribal politics. It must teach the mechanics of government and the values of reasoned debate, mutual respect, and the importance of evidence in public argument.

Guyana needs a civics curriculum that empowers students to ask hard questions of the government and the opposition. However, this cannot happen if civics is introduced through a lens of vilification and political recrimination.

Vice President Jagdeo’s broader concern—that all Guyanese youth deserve access to training and opportunity—is unassailable. But if that concern is sincere, it must be matched by a political culture that elevates engagement over accusation, and inclusivity over division.

Civics begins with an example. As this curriculum moves from announcement to implementation, all stakeholders—government, opposition, educators, and parents—must ensure it reflects the democratic maturity it hopes to cultivate.

-Editorial Board

Support Independent Analysis

The Guyana Business Journal is committed to delivering thoughtful, data-driven insights on the most critical issues shaping Guyana’s future—from oil and gas to climate change, governance, and development. We invite you to support us if you value and believe in the importance of independent Guyanese-led analysis. Your contributions help us sustain rigorous research, expand access, and amplify the voices of informed individuals across the Caribbean and the diaspora.

📢 Please support the Guyana Business Journal & Magazine today

Thank you for standing with us.

Dr. Terrence Richard Blackman

Guyana Business Journal

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Justice and Stability

by guyanabusinessjournal
written by guyanabusinessjournal
Guyana Business Editorial
Justice and Stability

The tragic death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge has left an open wound in Guyana’s national conscience. Found floating in the Double Day Hotel’s swimming pool nearly 20 hours after being reported missing, her death has shaken the nation and exposed profound deficits of trust in Guyana’s institutions. This tragedy demands more than condolences—it requires urgent action, courage, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

While diplomatically appropriate, US Ambassador Nicole D. Theriot’s recent statement falls short of addressing the deeper issues. In her statement, the Ambassador expressed condolences and shared “deep concern and sorrow over the crisis and civil unrest” while encouraging “all Guyanese citizens to remain calm and voice their concerns through non-violent means and to adhere to the rule of law.” She further urged people to “commit to peace as the Government works to resolve the situation.”

Calls for nonviolence and adherence to the rule of law are necessary but insufficient in this context. When a child dies under suspicious circumstances, and when institutions charged with protecting the public appear compromised, particularly after police initially released false information about Adrianna entering a vehicle that was later disproven, appeals to peace must be paired with unwavering demands for transparency and accountability. Many have recognized this reality and rightly declared, “Justice for Adrianna is not negotiable—it is a moral imperative.”

What makes this case particularly troubling is the institutional context. The Double Day Hotel has a disturbing history—in 2012, a young mechanic was found dead in the same pool under suspicious circumstances. The hotel owner’s son and a staff member were charged but later freed, raising questions about whether powerful interests have been improperly protected. This history likely caused the family and the community to stand vigil on the evening of April 23rd. Additionally, the initial police response was deeply flawed, leading to the reassignment of Assistant Commissioner of Police Khalid Mandall from his post as Commander of Regional Police Division Three.

The United States has positioned itself as a partner in Guyana’s democratic development. That partnership must extend beyond calls for stability to a shared commitment to justice. When Ambassador Theriot presented her credentials to President Ali in 2023, she affirmed that she looked forward to “advancing the goal of a prosperous and safe Guyana.” Safety cannot exist without accountability, and prosperity means little without justice.

If the rule of law is to mean anything, it must apply to those with power and those without it. While the autopsy conducted by three international pathologists has determined drowning as the cause of death, many remain unconvinced. They are calling for an independent international investigation, hoping the FBI or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will conduct a full, impartial investigation.

Adrianna’s death cannot be reduced to a passing tragedy. It must be a reckoning—a moment that forces Guyana to confront deeper issues of institutional integrity, accountability, and justice. The people of Guyana are not simply crying out in grief—they are calling for systemic change. They deserve the dignity of a complete and fearless response that addresses not just the symptoms of unrest but its root causes, and ensures a thorough investigation and resolution.

Support Independent Analysis

The Guyana Business Journal is committed to delivering thoughtful, data-driven insights on the most critical issues shaping Guyana’s future—from oil and gas to climate change, governance, and development. We invite you to support us if you value and believe in the importance of independent Guyanese-led analysis. Your contributions help us sustain rigorous research, expand access, and amplify the voices of informed individuals across the Caribbean and the diaspora.

📢 Please support the Guyana Business Journal & Magazine today

Thank you for standing with us.

Dr. Terrence Richard Blackman

Guyana Business Journal

 

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NationBuilding, Guyana Beyond 2030: Science, Technology, and Development in Guyana

by guyanabusinessjournal
written by guyanabusinessjournal
Science, Technology, and Development in Guyana
Dr. Trotz’s Visionary Perspective

 

Dr. Neville Trotz’s extraordinary journey through the realms of science and technology in Guyana and the wider Caribbean stands as a masterclass in visionary leadership. His life’s work provides a compelling framework for national development grounded in strategic institutional design, the valorization of scientific knowledge, and a relentless commitment to evidence-based policymaking. From the earliest stages of his career, Dr. Trotz emerged as a scientist and nation-builder. He was instrumental in establishing the Chemistry Department at the University of Guyana, launching the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), and shaping the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC). These institutions were not accidental by-products of development but resulted from purposeful, strategic thinking about the relationship between science, governance, and the national interest.

At the core of Dr. Trotz’s perspective is his remarkable foresight in recognizing the crucial need to integrate scientific reasoning within government machinery. His narrative consistently circles back to a central issue: the gap between generating scientific knowledge and its application in policymaking. In his view, science should guide the decisions that shape public life, especially in countries like Guyana, where developmental choices have far-reaching implications for natural resources, ecological balance, and human well-being. Dr. Trotz’s recently published memoir, “A Ray of Hope: Reflections on the Development of Science and Technology in Guyana and the Caribbean” (University of Guyana Press, 2025), chronicles his six-decade journey and offers valuable insights into the evolution of scientific institutions in post-independence Guyana. As noted by Professor John Firth in his review, this memoir unveils “a story of resilience and an unwavering belief in the potential of the Caribbean and its people,” with Trotz consistently advocating for collaboration and resource-sharing across Caribbean nations.

The petroleum sector is one of the most pressing areas where this disconnect is evident. For Dr. Trotz, the extraction and management of oil and gas resources are not just economic policies but a litmus test of Guyana’s scientific and regulatory maturity. In his analysis of Guyana’s oil discoveries, Dr. Trotz acknowledges the complex reality that while the world needs to transition away from fossil fuels, developing countries like Guyana need resources to build climate resilience and transition to sustainable energy systems. Dr. Trotz articulates serious concerns about the lack of robust baseline environmental studies and the limited capacity for independent monitoring. He has stressed the importance of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) for significant projects like oil and gas waste management facilities. He emphasizes that these assessments are “an essential requirement” for ensuring environmental protection. In the absence of these mechanisms, Guyana risks undermining both its ecological integrity and its developmental future. For Trotz, the solution lies in building technical capacity, investing in homegrown scientific expertise, and establishing credible, transparent institutions capable of holding all actors accountable.

Climate change is a consistent thread in Dr. Trotz’s work. As a central figure in shaping the regional climate agenda through his leadership at the CCCCC, he has long warned that the Caribbean’s vulnerability demands proactive, integrated adaptation strategies. In this context, he underscores the need for mainstreaming climate risk management into national development plans—not as an add-on but as a foundational logic guiding decisions across every sector. Nowhere is this more urgent than along Guyana’s low-lying coastline, where the threat of rising sea levels is existential. Dr. Trotz advocates for comprehensive coastal zone management, leveraging tools such as LIDAR-based flood mapping and early warning systems. This advocacy is not technocratic idealism but a practical blueprint for protecting lives, livelihoods, and the country’s economic base. His vision aligns with Guyana’s current Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which includes a comprehensive adaptation strategy focused on enhancing resilience across agriculture, infrastructure, water resources, and public health. Notable projects include the Cunha Canal, which has alleviated flooding impacts and allowed previously flooded areas to return to agricultural use, benefiting approximately 118,000 people.

Dr. Trotz has pioneered the articulation of a vision for sustainable energy in Guyana. In his writings on energy transformation, he highlights the potential of “waste-to-energy” approaches that offer win-win scenarios, including technologies that utilize wood waste from sawmills and rice husks from the rice industry—technologies successfully implemented by the IAST as far back as the 1980s. More recently, in a 2022 webinar hosted by the Guyana Business Journal, Dr. Trotz advocated for regional energy independence, suggesting that “the internal resources between Trinidad, Guyana, and Suriname” could help internalize “the whole supply chain for the transition to zero carbon,” rather than Caribbean nations returning to Venezuelan oil imports. This energy independence and transition vision is increasingly central to Guyana’s development agenda. The LCDS 2030 framework now includes utility-scale solar projects. It aligns with global climate goals, including Guyana’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050, while leveraging that Guyana’s 18 million hectares of forest sequester 154 million tons of CO2 annually.

However, Dr. Trotz’s vision of institutional development extends far beyond physical infrastructure. For him, institutions must be animated by a culture of scientific thinking. That means cultivating local talent, investing in education, fostering international partnerships rooted in mutual respect, and democratizing access to scientific knowledge. In his view, science must not only serve the state—it must also empower the citizenry. The IAST, which Dr. Trotz directed from 1980 to 1991, exemplifies his approach to institutional development. Under subsequent leadership, the Institute has continued to develop innovative products, including technologies for improving gold mining efficiency without mercury, sustainable food products like Pakaraima Flavours Sundried Tomato products, and luxury cosmetics derived from indigenous knowledge, demonstrating that “Guyanese ideas are very relevant to the world of tomorrow.”

Looking toward 2030 and beyond, Dr. Trotz offers a blueprint for Guyana’s future, anchored in strategic science and technology investments. He calls for articulating a comprehensive national science policy that bridges education, research, and policy. Such a policy, he argues, would strengthen Guyana’s universities and research institutions and position the country to lead in emerging fields such as renewable energy, environmental modeling, and sustainable resource management. This vision has gained momentum through platforms like the Transforming Guyana webinar series. Dr. Trotz joined other leading figures to advocate for ‘a bold new vision of science-centered development in Guyana and the wider Caribbean.‘

Guyana’s future hinges on its ability to embed scientific thinking into its development paradigm, build resilient institutions, and cultivate a culture of innovation and accountability. Dr. Neville Trotz’s lifetime of work, now documented in his memoir “A Ray of Hope,” provides a robust roadmap—a model of leadership grounded in knowledge, vision, and unwavering commitment to the public good. His insights remain relevant today as Guyana navigates the opportunities and challenges of its oil and gas discoveries while simultaneously implementing its ambitious Low Carbon Development Strategy. This strategy, which has received US$187.5 million as of January 2024 from Guyana’s first commercial sale of carbon credits, represents the country’s framework for creating a new low-carbon economy while protecting against climate change and biodiversity loss. As Guyana develops, integrating scientific reasoning into governance—a principle championed by Dr. Trotz throughout his career—will ensure that development is sustainable, equitable, and resilient in the face of climate change and other global challenges.

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The Guyana Business Journal is committed to delivering thoughtful, data-driven insights on the most critical issues shaping Guyana’s future—from oil and gas to climate change, governance, and development. We invite you to support us if you value and believe in the importance of independent Guyanese-led analysis. Your contributions help us sustain rigorous research, expand access, and amplify the voices of informed individuals across the Caribbean and the diaspora.

📢 Please support the Guyana Business Journal & Magazine today

Thank you for standing with us.

Dr. Terrence Richard Blackman

Guyana Business Journal

 

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Justice, Stability, and Responsibility

by guyanabusinessjournal
written by guyanabusinessjournal

Editorial | Sunday Guyana Business Journal

Justice, Stability, and Responsibility

A Call to Action from the Business Community

The death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge is a tragedy that has shaken the conscience of the nation. It has pierced the hearts of citizens from every walk of life—not only because of the harrowing circumstances under which she died, but also because of the disturbing uncertainty that continues to cloud the official narrative. In moments like these, silence is not neutrality—it is abdication.

The Guyanese business community must not shrink from its role as a moral stakeholder in this society. While we recognize the legitimate need for peace and stability, we affirm that true peace is not the absence of protest, but the presence of justice. True stability is not maintained by force, but by the public’s trust in institutions that act with transparency, accountability, and integrity.

Now is the time for all chambers of commerce, industry associations, and private sector leaders to stand firmly for the principles that underpin a democratic and equitable society. We must collectively and unequivocally support a full, transparent, and independent investigation into Adrianna Younge’s death. The public deserves to see the facts, not filtered reports or carefully worded statements, but an unvarnished account of what occurred and who is responsible. Accountability must follow wherever the evidence leads, whether it implicates law enforcement, state agencies, individuals, or other institutions entrusted with protecting our children.

We must also urge the government to communicate openly and act decisively. The credibility of our institutions is not preserved through silence or delay, but through the courage to confront hard truths. Equally, the response to public protest must be measured and respectful of civil rights. Suppressing legitimate expressions of grief and outrage will not restore order but deepen distrust.

This tragedy compels us to reflect more broadly on the protection of children and the performance of our public systems. It is not enough to call for calm while the conditions that led to this moment remain unaddressed. As a business community, we must understand that justice is not an obstacle to development—it is the ground upon which all sustainable progress is built. There can be no meaningful prosperity if the most vulnerable among us are abandoned and those responsible for safeguarding them are not held accountable.

Adrianna Younge cannot be brought back, but her death must not be in vain. It must serve as a national reckoning and a moment of collective resolve to strengthen our institutions, protect our children, and reassert the values that define us as people. Let us not look away. Instead, let us speak clearly, act decisively, and demand more from our leaders, institutions, and ourselves.

Let this be a turning point—not just a tragic footnote.

— The Editorial Board

Guyana Business Journal

www.guyanabusinessjournal.com

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“We Have Not Solved Walter Rodney, Monica Reece… Why Is This Different?”

by guyanabusinessjournal
written by guyanabusinessjournal
Guyana Business Journal Editorial
“We Have Not Solved Walter Rodney, Monica Reece… Why Is This Different?”
May 1, 2025

The drowning of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge under suspicious circumstances has not just shaken our nation—it has exposed the rot of our unkept promises. As candlelight vigils multiply, schools empty in protest, and anger spills into the streets, one question burns through the collective conscience: Why does this feel different?

We have not solved Walter Rodney’s assassination. We have not delivered justice for Monica Reece. We have not explained Sheema Mangar’s. We buried Trevor Rose without answers. We still whisper about Lusignan  and Bartica .

Yet Adrianna’s death strikes deeper because she embodies the one thing we cannot afford to lose: our children, our future, the last shred of moral coherence in a society teetering on collapse. In her, we see not just another tragedy, but the collapse of our most sacred obligation—to protect the innocent.

Guyana’s history is littered with high-profile murders that remain open wounds. In 1980, Dr. Walter Rodney, the revolutionary scholar, was assassinated by a car bomb—allegedly with state complicity. A Commission of Inquiry confirmed this. Still, no justice. In 1993, Monica Reece was thrown from a moving vehicle. Her killer walks free. In 2010, Sheema Mangar was abducted and murdered. No one has been held accountable. In 2015, Courtney Crum-Ewing was executed in cold blood—shot multiple times while urging Diamond residents to vote. A trial was held. Justice remains elusive. In 2020, the mutilated bodies of Isaiah and Joel Henry were found in a West Coast Berbice cotton field. Days later, Haresh Singh was killed in retaliatory violence. Despite international aid, the truth remains buried beneath bureaucracy and distrust.

Each case followed the same arc: outrage, obfuscation, resignation, and finally—collective amnesia. But Adrianna’s death has shattered that arc. This time, the nation refuses to forget.

This is not simply about solving a crime. This is about safeguarding the pillars of a functioning society: the rule of law, public trust, and national identity. In any country—but especially in one as young, resource-rich, and institutionally vulnerable as Guyana—the failure to deliver justice is not a legal lapse; it is a structural crisis. A functioning democracy requires legitimacy. That legitimacy is earned, not inherited. It is built on the confidence that laws are applied equally, that institutions act without fear or favor, and that every citizen—rich or poor, powerful or powerless—can expect fairness before the law. When justice is delayed, denied, or distorted, the democratic fabric tears.

But the consequences extend beyond political theory. They reach into the heart of Guyana’s economic future. Guyana is in the midst of a resource-driven transformation. Billions are being invested in infrastructure, oil, gas, and agriculture. The eyes of the world are on us. But capital, like trust, is skittish. Investors—local and international—do not merely assess returns. They evaluate risk. And there is no greater long-term risk than an unstable, unjust society. When public outrage simmers without recourse, when violence against the vulnerable becomes routine, when institutions falter under pressure or influence, the result is not only social breakdown—it is economic stagnation. No amount of oil can lubricate a system that has lost its moral bearings.

Worse still, the true cost is measured not in barrels or GDP points, but in the damaged psyches of our children. When they see that power protects the guilty and abandons the innocent, they do not grow up inspired to lead or serve. They learn to survive—cynical, angry, and disengaged. This is how corruption becomes cultural. This is how violence becomes endemic. This is how nations lose their way. If Guyana’s development is to be real—if it is to touch more than the elite, if it is to endure beyond the boom—it must be built on a foundation of trust, justice, and human dignity. Adrianna’s case is not peripheral to national development. It is the crucible in which our future is being tested.

This moment calls for more than public statements and imported pathologists. It demands swift, transparent, and unequivocal justice—no delays, no distractions, no political interference. It demands a national reckoning with our culture of impunity, from Rodney to Reece to Crum-Ewing to the Henry boys. It demands systemic reform—a reinvention of our institutions to ensure that no more names join this grim, ever-growing roll call.

We owe this to Adrianna. We owe it to every child who saw her lifeless body pulled from that pool. We owe it to the Guyana we still claim to believe in. Because if we cannot secure justice for an 11-year-old girl in broad daylight, then we must confront a final, searing question: Do we even deserve to call ourselves a nation?

 

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The Guyana Business Journal is committed to delivering thoughtful, data-driven insights on the most critical issues shaping Guyana’s future—from oil and gas to climate change, governance, and development. If you value and believe in the importance of independent Guyanese-led analysis, we invite you to support us. Your contributions help us sustain rigorous research, expand access, and amplify the voices of informed individuals across the Caribbean and the diaspora.

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Thank you for standing with us.

Dr. Terrence Richard Blackman

Guyana Business Journal

 

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Guyana’s Energy Transition

by guyanabusinessjournal
written by guyanabusinessjournal

Guyana’s Energy Transition

Balancing Short-Term Stabilization and Long-Term Strategy

Guyana faces a critical inflection point in its energy journey. Despite abundant natural resources, the nation struggles with persistent electricity challenges that have prompted authorities to deploy powerships—floating power plants—as an immediate remedy for recurring blackouts and supply shortfalls.

Currently, Guyana’s powership arrangement involves two vessels—one generating 36 megawatts (MW), the other 75 MW—leased to supplement the country’s existing infrastructure. Delivered by UCC Holdings and operated by Karpowership, these floating power plants are designed to meet the country’s rising electricity demand while it awaits the completion of its landmark Gas-to-Energy (GTE) Program. The GTE project, one of the most ambitious infrastructure undertakings in Guyana’s history, aims to channel natural gas from ExxonMobil-operated offshore fields to an onshore processing facility at Wales, West Bank Demerara. There, the gas will fuel a new power plant capable of generating approximately 300 MW of electricity, more than doubling Guyana’s current generation capacity.

The convergence of these initiatives—powership deployment and GTE construction—reflects both the urgency and complexity of Guyana’s energy transition. It also underscores the tension between immediate stabilization needs and longer-term development goals. A financial analysis of the powership arrangement, based on publicly available data, reveals the magnitude of this temporary investment. The projected two-year cost exceeds US$631 million, covering fuel, leasing, transportation, administrative overhead, and transmission losses. Rental fees alone total approximately US$165.9 million, with daily payments around US$227,197. Fuel costs, benchmarked at US$2.40 per gallon in September 2024, are estimated at US$246.4 million, while administrative, transmission, and distribution inefficiencies—driven by a 30% line loss rate—add roughly US$205.4 million. Altogether, the delivered electricity cost approaches US$0.32 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), or G$68.51/kWh, well above regional averages and sustainable benchmarks.

To cushion the financial impact, the 2025 national budget allocates a G$18 billion subsidy. Yet this provision appears insufficient, with Guyana Power and Light (GPL) reportedly responsible for up to 30% of monthly operational costs. This structure raises serious concerns about GPL’s financial health and its ability to invest in critical infrastructure upgrades. Even with significant public support, the current system remains under fiscal strain and risks operating at a sustained loss, conditions that are neither scalable nor sustainable.

The opacity surrounding the powership arrangement and limited public engagement have fueled growing disquiet. Observers question whether alternative solutions—such as accelerated investment in domestic renewables—were rigorously pursued. At the core of the debate lies a pivotal question: Are powerships a necessary bridge to a cleaner, more reliable future, or a costly detour from a sustainable trajectory? The opportunity costs are steep. Funds channeled toward powerships could have been deployed to fast-track solar, hydropower, battery storage, or grid modernization initiatives.

By contrast, the Gas-to-Energy Program is envisioned as a transformational catalyst for economic diversification and energy security. Projected to deliver electricity at a significantly lower cost—targeting US$0.08 to US$0.10 per kWh—the GTE project promises to reduce dependence on imported fuels, stabilize the national grid, and stimulate industrialization. Lower energy costs could expand household welfare, strengthen manufacturing, and attract foreign investment, while transitioning to natural gas offers an important, albeit interim, step toward reducing carbon emissions compared to heavy fuel oil. Crucially, GTE could establish a platform for the gradual integration of renewable energy into the national grid, supporting Guyana’s aspiration to build a green economy.

Still, the GTE project carries its risks. Concerns about cost overruns, transparency, environmental management, and the potential for “lock-in” to fossil fuels persist. Recent reports indicate that offshore pipeline construction is advancing, with ExxonMobil expected to complete its segment by mid-2025. Meanwhile, the government is finalizing financing and operational structures for the onshore facilities, aiming for commissioning by late 2025 or early 2026.

The critical challenge now is to ensure that short-term reliance on powerships does not undermine the strategic intent of the Gas-to-Energy initiative. Temporary fixes must remain precisely that—temporary—and must not shape Guyana’s long-term energy architecture. A comprehensive, independent review of the powership contracts and their impacts is essential. The GTE project, meanwhile, must be governed by the highest standards of transparency, environmental stewardship, and public accountability. An articulated transition plan—from powership dependency to grid modernization and GTE integration—is urgent. Energy planning must remain flexible enough to support an accelerated shift to renewables over the next two decades. Without these safeguards, Guyana risks entrenching high-cost, suboptimal energy infrastructure.

The power ships moored off Guyana’s coast symbolize more than temporary stabilization—they highlight deeper questions about governance, strategic vision, and national priorities. Likewise, the Gas-to-Energy Program is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a test of Guyana’s ability to leverage its newfound wealth to build a resilient and inclusive economy. Managed wisely, this transition can propel Guyana into an era of energy security, economic opportunity, and environmental responsibility. Mismanaged, it could entrench dependency, inefficiency, and inequity. Guyana now stands at a critical crossroads. The decisions made today—on power, policy, and public trust—will shape the country’s future for generations to come.

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Dr. Terrence Richard Blackman

Guyana Business Journal

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Another Milestone in Guyana’s Oil Story: ExxonMobil Awards MODEC a Second FPSO Contract

by guyanabusinessjournal
written by guyanabusinessjournal

Another Milestone in Guyana’s Oil Story: ExxonMobil Awards MODEC a Second FPSO Contract

ExxonMobil has awarded a contract to MODEC for the construction of a second floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel for the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, marking yet another significant milestone in the country’s rapidly evolving energy landscape.

The vessel, named Errea Wittu, will support the Uaru development on the prolific Stabroek Block and is expected to begin production in 2026.

This announcement follows closely on the heels of another significant milestone: ExxonMobil’s selection of MODEC for front-end engineering and design (FEED) work on a separate FPSO for the Hammerhead development, further signaling the company’s long-term strategic commitment to Guyana.

The Errea Wittu FPSO will be among the most technically advanced vessels in the region, capable of producing up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day, storing 2 million barrels, and compressing 540 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. It will be MODEC’s first FPSO in Guyana, joining SBM Offshore and TechnipFMC as major contractors in ExxonMobil’s multi-decade development plan.

In the Hammerhead FEED contract, MODEC is also exploring a novel marine and hull design, incorporating its next-generation M350 hull, which is optimized for ultra-deepwater and high-capacity projects. This could signal a shift in FPSO design strategy toward even more scalable, modular, and cost-efficient infrastructure—adaptable for multiple developments across the basin.

These twin announcements reflect a robust confidence in Guyana’s offshore reserves, which now exceed 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent and are expected to grow. ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess and CNOOC, are currently producing from the Liza and Payara fields, with additional projects—Yellowtail and Uaru—underway.

From an economic perspective, this sustained offshore expansion places increasing importance on transparent governance, prudent fiscal management, environmental oversight, and capacity building for local firms and professionals. The diversification of contractors—SBM Offshore, MODEC, and TechnipFMC—suggests not only competitive pressures but also an opportunity for Guyana to negotiate stronger local content outcomes.

The Guyana Business Journal will continue to monitor how these developments align with national aspirations for inclusive growth, sustainability, and industrial diversification. The arrival of Errea Wittu and the initiation of Hammerhead’s design phase mark both a technological and geopolitical inflection point in Guyana’s energy trajectory.

Support Independent Analysis

The Guyana Business Journal is committed to delivering thoughtful, data-driven insights on the most critical issues shaping Guyana’s future—from oil and gas to climate change, governance, and development. If you value and believe in the importance of independent Guyanese-led analysis, we invite you to support us. Your contributions help us sustain rigorous research, expand access, and amplify the voices of informed individuals across the Caribbean and the diaspora.

📢 Make a contribution today

Thank you for standing with us.

Dr. Terrence Blackman

Guyana Business Journal

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