IN THE MIDST OF GLOBAL TURBULENCE—FUELED BY THE CRISES IN UKRAINE and the Middle East, as well as the imposition of tariffs, other trading restrictions, and retaliatory measures by major global trading partners—an economic outlook has emerged that is cautiously optimistic at best but clearly demonstrates great unease with what is deemed a chaotic situation. Adding to this chaos is the unwillingness of major trading nations to utilize multinational institutions to resolve differences and ensure market stability and lasting economic growth.
Despite ongoing economic uncertainties, Guyana’s economy has emerged as a shining star. Spurred by rapid growth in the oil and gas sector, the country appears to be on a path towards prosperity and some believe that it can become the “Dubai of the Caribbean.” Yet others argue that Guyana’s economic fundamentals are unstable, and that future expenditures should be approached with caution. They often cite the high rate of central government borrowing, extensive spending on infrastructure development, and the continued absence of a human capital development strategy. These inconsistencies are considered threats to sustaining the country’s rapid economic expansion and ongoing transformation.
In this special issue of the Transformation Journal, the authors employ economic, organizational, legal, and spatial development theories to examine the potential consequences of the presence and expansion of the oil and gas sector on Guyana’s development. While the popular literature is replete with discussions of economic growth, comparatively less emphasis is placed on societal development, particularly through the application of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The University of Guyana in Brief / vi
Introduction: Oil Production and Structural
Change in Guyana: An Overview / vii
DR. LEYLAND M. LUCAS
FEATURED ARTICLES
Is Oil and Gas Induced Economic Growth Impacting Export
Diversification?: A look at Guyana’s Exports to CARICOM / 1
D. DASILVA-GLASGOW AND ELTON BOLLERS
Legitimacy and Trust: Essential Aspects in New Venture Creation / 25
LEYLAND M. LUCAS
Mediation and Conflicts in Guyana’s Oil and Gas Sector / 50
EVELINA SINGH
The Potential of the Oil and Gas Sector to Transform
Guyana’s Spatial Development / 68
PATRICK WILLIAMS
Notes on Contributors / 111
Transformation Journal Submission Guidelines / 113
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