Guyana Opposition Figures Press Government for Relief as Living Costs Rise

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry says broad price controls on essential foods would likely distort Guyana’s market, disrupt supply chains and reduce availability, potentially raising costs for businesses and consumers. It argues affordability should be tackled by lowering supply costs through better access to foreign currency, lower import duties, reduced freight expenses and stronger local production.

WIN General Secretary and MP Odessa Primus said Guyana’s oil boom has brought more than US$8 billion in petroleum revenues, but many citizens still face poverty and high living costs. Citing an IDB-linked figure putting poverty at 58% and extreme poverty at 32%, she questioned whether government spending has improved everyday life.

In an opinion letter, APNU MP Terrence Campbell urged Guyana to invest Natural Resource Fund oil revenues more strategically instead of mostly using them for yearly spending and keeping the rest in low-yield bank deposits. He said the country should adopt a transparent, professionally managed sovereign wealth strategy, like Norway’s, to build lasting wealth for future generations.

Guyana’s opposition is demanding a 100% pay rise for the country’s 90,000 public sector workers, saying inflation, foreign exchange shortages and procurement corruption are worsening living costs and weakening services. It also called for relief over the MV Barima sinking, while criticizing government spending on roads, agriculture and health equipment as costly but poorly managed.

APNU parliamentarian Dr Terrence Campbell says Guyana risks wasting its oil windfall unless the government adopts a clear long-term strategy to save and invest Natural Resource Fund money for future generations. He criticized the administration for spending most petroleum earnings on current needs, while Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat said the government is still focused on infrastructure and social services before investing the fund.

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed is urging price controls on basic food items, saying Guyanese should not be facing high grocery bills while the country enjoys rapid economic growth and large oil earnings. He argued retailers like Massy should cut mark-ups, while government figures show food prices rose 6.7% in the first half of 2026.