Guyana - a curiosity
 

Perhaps a long shot as this forum seems a little bereft of activity..but here we go.

Long story short, I'd like to move closer to my ageing father but also have reliable work. He lives in the Carribbean, but having explored work opportunities there I decided it wasn't worth it. Currently in the oil rich middle east working in the built environment. I've been eyeing up Guyana as a potential candidate, but know nothing of the jobs market there. But with the growing oil wealth, I'm thinking they may wish to build lots of things. As the only English speaking country in South America, I'd avoid problems with my pigeon Spanish and few words of Portuguese.

Anyone have any insight into expat hires in Guyana? In particular within the architectural/urban planning sector.

Many thanks,

Re: Guyana - a curiosity
 

Google "Cayman resident", for an online guide. I'm surprised Cayman isn't on your list of places - although perhaps it's too far from where your Dad is. (You didn't say, but my guess is Trinidad.) Guyana seems to be de-populating, which wouldn't be very encouraging! In your profession, you surely need a place whose population is increasing. Also, just FYI - Guyana is in the Caribbean for all intents and purposes, rather than South America.

Re: Guyana - a curiosity
 

Thank you for your response. Interesting the country is depopulating, as I get the impression the economy is booming due to the O&G expansion and income. It was my main reason for considering this location as perhaps there would be a sudden need for foreign expertise. I also cover areas of regeneration, so this would negate a depopulating state to some extent.


​​​​ I worked for a UK architect back in the day who did a number of huge houses in the Caymans and Bahamas over the years, but I work on an urban scale which is why I have not given these alot of thought for now.

I find the issue with DR geographic proximity within the Carribbean isn't much of an issue as there aren't many direct flights to the surrounding islands, so a detour via Panama or Miami is required in almost all instances.

It's all purely research at this stage with no immediate plan to relocate, so any on the ground info is very useful.

Many thanks.

Re: Guyana - a curiosity
 

Sorry if I misled you about the depopulation of Guyana. I did a very quick Google search and obviously got the wrong message! Sorry, too, to come across as patronising. I thought you were a newbie to the region! All the best to you.

Re: Guyana - a curiosity
 

Guyana is definitely the new eldorado in that region, GDP growth since 2020 is about 80%, there are massive resources, some of which are still very much in their infancy. Oil is this years or decades thing, but dont rule out even huger scale sugar and rice farming than at present , or major discoveries in the vast jungle, which also contains large hardwood reserves. Gold mining is only going to grow, and there appears to be a mountain [that someone failed to buy] with tanzanite deposits. In a decade or 3 i suspect it'll be like brazil today. Interestingly, while Guyana is a member of caricom, it appears that several other south american countries are looking to join.

Re: Guyana - a curiosity
 

The route to guyana is either via panama or trinidad from the caribbean, but i believe there are also a few direct transatlantic services to the region?

Re: Guyana - a curiosity
 

Much work there for a native English speaker?

Re: Guyana - a curiosity
 

Lots if you are a citizen of guyana, or a certified oil or gold mining engineer via one of the exploration companies otherwise none.

Re: Guyana - a curiosity
 

How surprising. One would think English language was essential for them.

Re: Guyana - a curiosity
 

It iw their primary language but what has that got to do with anything?