Opinion Writers Challenge Guyana’s Oil Boom Over Poverty and High Living Costs

Political scientist Henry Jeffrey, in an opinion column, argues that Guyana’s oil boom has not yet delivered lasting gains for ordinary citizens and says the country should consider a universal basic income or similar permanent share of resource revenues. He contrasts Guyana’s approach with Suriname’s proposed cash-and-savings plan and notes that poverty and high food prices still weigh on many households despite rapid growth.

This opinion column argues that Guyana’s strong economic growth is not easing the burden of high food prices on ordinary households. It calls for an emergency cost-of-living summit to examine whether tax concessions and foreign-exchange issues are pushing up supermarket costs, and urges interim relief such as a tax-free allowance and more kitchen gardens.