The list of needs is long in a South American country of 791,000 people that is poised to become the world's fourth-largest offshore oil producer, placing it ahead of Qatar, the United States, Mexico and Norway.
A wooden home stands on stilts in Ann's Grove, one of Guyana’s poorest communities, Saturday, April 15, 2023. Villagers in this tiny coastal community lined up on the soggy grass, leaned into the microphone and shared their grievances as someone in the crowd yelled, "Speak the truth!"
Change is already visible in this country, which has a rich Caribbean culture and was once known as the "Venice of the West Indies." Guyana is crisscrossed by canals and dotted with villages called "Now or Never" and "Free and Easy" that now co-exist with gated communities with names like "Windsor Estates.
"Guyana's political instability raises concerns that the country is unprepared for its newfound wealth without a plan to manage the new revenue and equitably disburse the financial benefits," according to a USAID report that acknowledged the country's deep ethnic rivalries. The transformation has lured back Guyanese such as Andrew Rampersaud, a 50-year-old goldsmith who left Trinidad last July with his wife and four daughters, encouraged by changes he saw in his country.
"I expected a better life since the drilling began," said Felasha Duncan, a 36-year-old mother of three who spoke as she got bright pink extensions braided into her hair at an open-air salon. Greeting students was Sherry Thompson, 43, a former hospital switchboard operator and manager of a local inn who joined a company that provides services such as transportation for vice presidents of major oil companies.Jobs like hers have become plentiful, but it's rare to find Guyanese working directly in the oil industry.
Three years after the 2015 oil discovery, a political crisis erupted in Guyana, which is dominated by two main parties: the Indo-Guyanese People's Progressive Party and the Afro-Guyanese People's National Congress, which formed a coalition with other parties. The contract dictates that Guyana would receive 50% of the profits, compared with other deals in which Brazil obtained 61% and the U.S. 40%, according to Rystad Energy. But many have criticized that Guyana would only earn 2% royalties, something Jagdeo said the current government would seek to increase to 10% for future deals.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Toronto Blue Jays 3B Matt Chapman named American League Player of the Month | TSNMatt Chapman's strong May has been rewarded by Major League Baseball. The Toronto Blue Jays third baseman has been named the American League Player of the Month for April.
Read more »
American sprinter, Olympic medalist Tori Bowie dies at 32No signs of foul play as 32-year-old U.S. sprinter and three-time Olympic medalist Tori Bowie is found dead in her home
Read more »
Canada had 'hissy fit' over some 'Buy American' incentives but has nothing to fear: U.S. ambassador\u0027I want to take this opportunity to be clear, to be absolutely clear: America is not pursuing protectionist trade policies,\u0027 David Cohen said in a speech
Read more »
Today in Canada’s Political History: An unhinged John Diefenbaker berates the American Ambassador | National NewswatchToday in Canada’s Political History: An unhinged John Diefenbaker berates the American Ambassador | National Newswatch:
Read more »
American tourist reveals favourite things about Toronto and here's what made the cutIf you've lived in Toronto long enough, you might've slowly become desensitized to the city's appeal and charm. After all, Toronto's long list of d...
Read more »
Mining Weekly Daily News - North America and South America
Read more »