Lewis Tells Ali: Guyanese Must Not Become Spectators to Their Own Oil Wealth

In a commentary published by Village Voice News on October 4, Lewis said Guyana’s growing prosperity must be matched by social inclusion, equitable access to opportunities and stronger democratic participation to prevent inequality and division from undermining the nation’s future.

Lewis challenged the implications of Ali’s projection that approximately three million people could be passing through Guyana by 2030, arguing that such a prospect demands urgent scrutiny of migration, national identity and whether Guyanese risk being sidelined economically and politically in their own country as the population expands.

He said migration was not inherently problematic, but questioned the consequences of increased inward migration occurring alongside the departure of Guyanese seeking better wages, healthcare, education and professional prospects overseas.