Despite Guyana earning more than US$8 billion in oil revenues since first oil production in December 2019 and recording some of the highest economic growth rates in the world, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) says many young Guyanese remain unconvinced that the country’s unprecedented prosperity is improving their lives.

In a statement issued last Friday, the opposition coalition argued that a widening gap exists between Guyana’s booming oil economy and the realities confronting young people, who continue to grapple with rising living costs, housing unaffordability, stagnant earning power, and limited access to economic opportunities.

The concerns emerge against the backdrop of extraordinary national wealth. Since oil production began, government revenues have surged, public spending has reached historic levels, and major infrastructure projects have transformed parts of the country. Yet, according to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), approximately 58% of Guyana’s population lives in poverty, with 32% living in abject poverty. Local analysts believe the numbers to be much higher.