The territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana over the Essequibo region is a conflict that stretches back centuries, with its roots in the colonial era but with implications that extend to the present day.
The world should not dismiss aggression as impossible. Deterrence against a low-probability threat is cheaper than responding once aggression has begun.
Strengthening relations with the United States will be critical to Guyana’s development…One way to do so is by going local to deepen U.S.-Guyanese ties in areas of the economy, education, and politics.
Oil wealth must be used as an instrument to push equitable development. It is crucial that the offshore oil industry brings lasting benefits to the future generations of underserved communities.
Yes, the rising sea levels might only affect offshore drilling operations minimally. But the rising waters and other manifestations of climate change disrupt habitation and the normal conduct of political, economic, and social business within those societies, such that having the wealth could be of little consequence for the people there.
Looking ahead, more changes are coming [for the Southern Caribbean], both domestically in terms of dealing with a resource curse and externally in terms of navigating a shifting global order.
Guyana can be a prominent player in the Latin America and Caribbean region only if it relies on good governance, not just abundant cash and oil resources, to achieve progress.
It is important to ensure that oil funds create a diversified, free-market economy that is not dependent on oil and gas. Guyana should look no further than the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to learn how to do this.
Brazilians learned they have a gay governor; LGBTQ acceptance is expanding in some countries; and Chile adopted full marriage equality.
In Guyana, as in other parts of Latin America, the United States should not attempt to block the government or others from doing business with the PRC and its companies, but rather, to continue to insist on transparency, the rule of law, and competent government institutions.
