Dear Editor,
As an economics student, I see the decision of the World Trade Center Association to establish a presence in Guyana as more than a business milestone; it is a clear signal of how far our country has come because of the oil and gas sector. This level of global confidence simply did not exist before petroleum production transformed our economic outlook.
International institutions do not choose markets by chance. They go where there is stability, credibility and sustained growth. Guyana’s rapid economic rise, fuelled by responsible oil development, has positioned us exactly that way. The World Trade Centre’s arrival is proof that the world sees Guyana not as a temporary oil boom but as a long-term investment destination.
For young Guyanese like me, this feels historic. A World Trade Center means better access to global networks, new opportunities for business collaboration and a flow of expertise, technology and capital that previously bypassed our economy. These are the kinds of linkages that strengthen diversification, the very shift economists argue is necessary to ensure long-term resilience beyond oil.
To be honest, without the revenues, stability and international visibility created by the oil and gas sector, Guyana would not be attracting this level of attention. The sector has given us leverage, credibility and the ability to plan for a future that includes manufacturing, services, logistics, agriculture and the digital economy. The World Trade Center reinforces that trajectory.
People will continue to debate oil, but moments like this show how the sector is already expanding opportunities for the next generation. It is creating an environment where young professionals can build careers at home, contribute meaningfully and participate in a more globally connected Guyana.
This is progress we should recognise and build on.
Sincerely,
Jessica Campbell
