Exploring the perceived impact of immigrant groups in Guyana: An analysis of emerging issues in the socio-economic and political contexts

Recently, there has been a wave of migration across South America and into the Caribbean islands. The migration flows are noticeable in Guyana due to social and economic instability in the home countries of migrants, as well as the attraction of the evolving national oil and gas industries. This chapter employs secondary data, including books, journals, and active research published between 2010 and 2024, to delve into the impact of migration on the socio-economic status of the Guyanese population, including the response of marginalised communities to the pressure created by immigrating populations. Key issues usually associated with migration, among others, xenophobia, subtle racism, and discrimination, were examined to better understand the perceptions of Guyanese citizens on the integration and settlement of Venezuelan migrants into the local economy. The tensions created by the influx of migrants are often the result of strained social amenities and competition for employment opportunities and increased racial and ethnic disparities.. The chapter recommends sustainable, innovative policies and strategies to arrest the ever-growing shortage of employment and pressure on social amenities, which has resulted in rivalry between the host population and the migrants.