President needs a reality check on Guyana — Jamil Changlee — Opinion

President needs a reality check on Guyana

September 15, 2026·2 min read

Published in

Kiskadee Watch ·Sep 15, 2026

Dear Editor,

In our President’s recent interview with Al Jazeera^[1], he stated that he wanted Guyana to be “the most powerful food producer in the world” in 10 to 20 years. He also stated that we “have to build a country that is globally competitive”. During the interview, the host referred to a World Bank report on Guyana that showed food prices escalating and an increasing level of inflation^[2]. The contrast between the President’s ambitions for the country and our country’s current reality could not be clearer. CRG is ok with what we in the consulting world refer to as BHAGs (big hairy audacious goals), but they cannot be ridiculous to the point where people no longer take you and those you represent seriously. They must also be viewed as achievable.

Irfaan must remember that he not only speaks for himself, but he also represents all Guyanese while in the office of the President. Statements such as the schoolboyish remark made by Irfaan that he wants Guyana to “be the most powerful food producer in the world” must be avoided. He must also keep in mind that the people of our nation are currently struggling with the cost of living. Food prices are skyrocketing and the region still pursues food independence. Our fearless leader must avoid being seen as wanting to take on the world without first addressing the most basic needs of our people and those in the region. Furthermore, becoming the “most powerful food producer in the world” is unrealistic and unattainable. Our country needs to focus our limited resources where we can gain a sustainable competitive advantage, and that advantage in the agriculture sector may be in the pursuit of tropical organics. We have virgin land, we have lots of water and we have a tropical climate. But is agriculture the best path for Guyana? This and other key questions should be raised when considering a long-term strategy.

It is clear from the interview that Irfaan needs to step back and spend time with qualified advisors to better understand our nation’s current situation, our current capabilities, and our potential capabilities. Developing a 10-year growth plan takes time, focus and a clear understanding of what is possible. CRG is willing to help the government with such an undertaking, but if undertaken it must be done with a heavy dose of realism and the humility needed to see the facts for what they are.

Best regards,
Mr. Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

References

Guyana’s oil boom and challenges | Oil and Gas | Al Jazeera — www.aljazeera.com ↩
IDB warns food import prices could intensify inflation in Guyana — www.stabroeknews.com ↩

Guyana’s oil boom and challenges | Oil and Gas | Al Jazeera

www.aljazeera.com · 2026-09-13

# Guyana’s oil boom and challenges | Oil and Gas | Al Jazeera Published: 2026-09-13T19:55:00+00:00 Source: Al Jazeera (aljazeera.com) Language: en ## Story Guyana’s oil boom and challenges | Oil and Gas | Al Jazeera Video Duration 28 minutes 00 seconds 28:00 # Guyana’s oil boom and challenges Guyana’s president says his country has seen an increase in oil revenue as the Iran conflict reshapes global markets. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali insists he does not want Guyana to depend solely on its oil wealth. In recent months, oil revenues in the South American country have increased sharply as the US-Israel war on Iran grinds on, disrupting global energy supplies and driving up the price of crude oil. In conversation with Talk to Al Jazeera, Ali says that major oil discoveries 11 years ago have transformed the country. Despite the oil boom, inflation and the cost of living remain high. The opposition says the government is mishandling the oil wealth, but the president rejects those accusations. Ali says that his government is striving to diversify other sectors of the economy to ensure long-term growth. In this discussion, Guyana’s president says he’s not worried about United States intervention in neighbouring Venezuela, noting that the administration of US President Donald Trump is helping coordinate security in the region. Published On 13 Sep 2026 13 Sep 2026

IDB warns food import prices could intensify inflation in Guyana

www.stabroeknews.com · 2026-02-15

IDB warns food import prices could intensify inflation in Guyana - Stabroek News ... # IDB warns food import prices could intensify inflation in Guyana By Stabroek News January 18, 2026 ... Rising food import prices are increasing inflationary pressures in Guyana, adding to cost-of-living concerns for households even as the country continues to record rapid economic growth, according to the latest Caribbean Economics Quarterly issued by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in December 2025. ... The report found that annual food prices in Guyana rose by 8.2 percent in August 2025 and are expected to push overall inflation to 3.6 percent, up from 2.9 percent a year earlier. The IDB warned that growing global policy uncertainty and ongoing tariff disputes could further increase import prices, particularly for food, worsening inflation and the country’s terms of trade. ... The IDB noted that Guyana’s terms of trade have already deteriorated, with the index falling by 32.4 percent in 2023 and a further 0.3 percent in 2024, reflecting higher import costs alongside declining oil prices. Although the index remained steady in September 2025, continued upward pressure on import prices could fuel inflation and increase demand for foreign currency, complicating efforts by the central bank to stabilise prices and manage exchange rate pressures. ... While U.S. tariffs on Guyana are unlikely to significantly affect overall trade, since oil and gold exports are exempt, the IDB cautioned that such measures could hinder efforts to diversify the economy, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing. At the same time, higher global food and import prices pose a direct risk to household purchasing power. ... Looking ahead, the IDB projects that Guyana’s economy will remain robust, with growth averaging about 14 percent between 2026 and 2030. However, it warned that rising inflation, increased government spending and the concentration of the oil sector are trends that will need close monitoring to avoid longer-term risks, including loss of competitiveness in non-oil sectors and pressures associated with Dutch Disease. ... Although recent U.S. tariff hikes have had a marginal direct effect on Caribbean trade, largely because the region exports mainly services and commodities that are exempt, the IDB warned of indirect risks. These include higher import prices, particularly for food and manufactured goods, which could raise inflation across the region through price pass-through effects.