RECENT remarks by United States Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot praising the government’s use of oil revenues have added an important international voice to the national conversation on development.

Her assessment, that the current administration is acting in the best interests of the Guyanese people, will undoubtedly resonate with supporters of the ongoing infrastructure drive.

Guyana stands at a defining moment in its history, and such endorsements are weighed alongside equity, sustainability and long-term national benefit.

There is little doubt that the scale of infrastructure development under the administration of President Dr. Irfaan Ali is unprecedented.

Roads, bridges, and public works projects are transforming not only Georgetown but hinterland and rural communities long neglected, and the argument advanced by Ambassador Theriot underscores the sound principle that these investments will improve mobility, reduce costs, and ultimately enhance livelihoods.

Infrastructure, after all, is the backbone of economic expansion.

But the oft-repeated criticism that “you can’t eat a road” persists for a reason. It reflects a deeper anxiety among citizens: That the tangible benefits of Guyana’s oil wealth are not always immediately felt at the household level, which is understandable, but, being an integral part of the job market and the much-needed workforce will have an impact on how this is felt and absorbed.

While better roads may enable farmers and businesses to move goods more efficiently, many Guyanese continue to grapple with rising living costs, uneven wage growth, and concerns about access to opportunities in a rapidly changing economy. But this is where the government has also absorbed all expenses with tertiary and industrial training institutions opening opportunities for all. We cannot just sit back and expect our lives to get better; we must put in the work needed for it to evolve.

The challenge, therefore, is not whether infrastructure development is necessary, it clearly is, but whether it is being pursued in balance.  

Further, Guyana’s social investments are largely focused on improving quality of life now while preparing the country for the future, using oil revenues as the main driver.

The goal is to ensure that oil wealth doesn’t just grow the economy on paper, but translates into real, everyday benefits for citizens, something which is being done in policy and practicality. 

Oil money, though considerable, isn’t everlasting, and can fluctuate wildly. How we spend it needs to be carefully managed, so that the growth we see now doesn’t jeopardise the future’s well-being.

Ambassador Theriot’s endorsement of partnerships with U.S. companies also presents significant factors to consider.

Her focus on quality, sustainability, and robust ethical practices highlights the benefits of these partnerships.

The expanding trade relationship, currently surpassing US$4.7 billion, demonstrates considerable faith in Guyana’s economic path.

The involvement of major companies, including ExxonMobil, has undeniably fueled growth, and established Guyana as a significant force in the global energy sector.

However, it’s important to manage foreign investment carefully. Real development isn’t just about attracting international companies; it also depends on how much local businesses grow, how local skills improve, and how much wealth stays within the country.

The Ambassador herself acknowledged the need for legislative and regulatory reforms, an implicit recognition that Guyana’s investment climate still requires refinement, something which the government is behind, full throttle.

Equally significant is the pace of oil production, now exceeding one million barrels per day in the Stabroek Block.

Such rapid expansion brings both opportunity and risk. Without robust governance, transparency, and environmental safeguards, the very resource driving Guyana’s transformation could also expose it to economic shocks and ecological vulnerability.

None of this is to dismiss the progress that has been made. Guyana is, by most measures, moving forward at an extraordinary rate. As such, the government is moving to towards inclusive, resilient, and sustainable investments that will benefit all Guyanese.

International praise, while welcome, should not substitute for domestic accountability since the true measure of success will not be found in kilometres of asphalt or barrels of oil produced, but in the lived reality of the Guyanese people.

As such, this can be seen with the administration’s investments and expansion to quality healthcare, education, employment, and a fair share of the nation’s wealth. As Guyana continues its rapid ascent, the path ahead must be guided not only by ambition, but by balance.

Development must be felt as well as seen. Only then can the promise of oil wealth be fully realised, not just for today, but for generations to come.