Georgetown, Guyana – A 2021 survey conducted by the Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP) at Vanderbilt University has uncovered the primary concerns troubling the citizens of Guyana. The comprehensive study, which polled 3000 individuals across the nation, highlights the profound impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the population, with 30.5% of respondents citing it as their most pressing issue in 2021.
Amidst the global health crisis, the survey presented a snapshot of a nation grappling with not just a pandemic but a spectrum of socio-economic challenges. Employment, or the lack thereof, is the second-most cited concern, with 11.3% of Guyanese indicating it as their primary worry. This underscored the pandemic’s ripple effects, which exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in the job market.
Crime and delinquency followed as the third most significant problem, as 6.6% of those surveyed expressed anxiety over safety and law enforcement. This concern aligns with regional patterns that point to security as a perennial issue in Latin America and the Caribbean.
In a closely-knit race for precedence, economic strife, denoted as “Problems with the economy, crisis of,” is identified by 5.3% of the respondents. The nation’s politics also stir unease among the populace, with 2.8% deeming it the primary problem, potentially alluding to dissatisfaction with political processes or governance.
Inflation and high prices were the concerns of 2.7% of Guyanese in 2021, reflecting the local implications of fluctuating markets and trade dynamics. Environmental challenges are identified by 2.5% of respondents, signifying a growing awareness of ecological issues in a country rich in natural resources.
The survey further reveals that inequality and poverty were urgent concerns for 1.6% and 1.3% of the population, respectively. These findings highlight the persistent issues of social disparity and the need for policies that foster inclusive growth and development.
The remaining respondents (28.2%) indicated “Other” problems, which could encompass a broad range of individual and community-specific concerns not captured by the survey’s predefined categories.
The LAPOP survey provides critical insights for policymakers and civil society alike, laying bare the multi-faceted nature of the issues faced by Guyanese citizens. While immediate attention is required to combat the healthcare crisis, the underlying systemic issues — from economic stability to environmental sustainability — demand long-term, strategic planning and action.