What People Think vs What Happens on the Ground
By Abbigale Loncke, CEO, MBW Inc., Global Mobility & Immigration Strategist, Co-Founder, Sispro Inc.
In fast-growing markets, myths travel faster than facts. Guyana’s rapid expansion particularly in energy, infrastructure, and foreign investment has put the country firmly on the global radar. Along with that visibility comes speculation, assumptions, and second-hand stories about what it’s like to relocate here.
Over the years, I’ve heard the same concerns repeated by expatriates, families, and HR teams often before they’ve even started the process.
This issue is about separating perception from reality, not to dismiss concerns, but to put them into context so people can relocate with clarity rather than anxiety.
Myth #1: “The Visa and Work Permit Process in Guyana Is Chaotic”
Reality: The immigration process in Guyana is structured and predictable when it is approached correctly.
Challenges usually arise when:
- steps are taken out of sequence
- timelines are misunderstood
- applications are started too late
- or expectations are based on how other countries operate
When landing permits, work permits, and entry timelines are aligned properly, the process moves forward in a clear and manageable way.
Uncertainty is often the result of misalignment, not disorder.
Myth #2: “You Have to Be in Guyana to Start the Immigration Process”
Reality: Much of the immigration process should be initiated before arrival.
In fact, preparing documentation, securing approvals, and understanding entry requirements in advance significantly reduces delays and stress once expatriates arrive.
The most successful relocations are those where arrival is the continuation of a process not the starting point.
Myth #3: “Relocating to Guyana Is Difficult for Families”
Reality: Families who are properly briefed and supported often settle well.
Guyana offers:
- reputable private and international schools
- private healthcare facilities used regularly by expat families
- established residential communities with strong expat presence
- a warm, community-oriented culture
What families struggle with is not Guyana itself, but arriving without enough information about schools, neighborhoods, healthcare access, or daily routines.
Preparation makes the difference.
Myth #4: “Housing in Guyana Is Unsafe or Impossible to Secure”
Reality: Housing in Guyana is available, but the real challenges are price point, suitability, and choice not access.
It is true that the housing market in Guyana has become more expensive over recent years. Demand has grown rapidly alongside foreign investment, and landlords continue to build and activate new gated communities and residential developments to meet that demand.
As a result, expatriate housing often sits at a higher price point than many people initially expect.
That said, Guyana has well-established expat neighborhoods and gated communities that offer:
- security
- modern amenities
- reliable utilities
- proximity to international schools, healthcare, and services
Challenges typically arise when:
- housing decisions are made too quickly
- commute patterns are not fully considered
- or expectations are based on other markets with different supply dynamics
With the right guidance and realistic budgeting, families and professionals are able to secure housing that fits both their lifestyle and their assignment needs.
The key is understanding the market not avoiding it.
Myth #5: “Transportation in Guyana Is Too Unpredictable to Manage Safely”
Reality: Transportation in Guyana can feel unpredictable at first, especially for new arrivals.
It’s true driving styles, road behavior, and traffic flow can be a culture shock when you first hit the roads. Some drivers are more aggressive than what expatriates may be used to, and road discipline can feel inconsistent in the early days.
That initial experience is often what shapes the perception.
However, transportation becomes a real risk only when it is informal or unstructured.
Companies and individuals who rely on:
- vetted, trained drivers
- consistent, well-maintained vehicles
- defined routes and travel routines
- clear safety expectations and standards
experience stable and reliable daily movement.
In practice, most expatriates quickly realize that transportation in Guyana works best when it is planned rather than improvised, particularly during the first months of an assignment.
Understanding the road culture and designing mobility around it makes all the difference.
Myth #6: “Everything Works the Same as Other Oil & Gas Markets”
Reality: Guyana is unique.
While global standards absolutely apply particularly around safety, compliance, and duty of care success here depends on adapting those standards to local context, not forcing direct comparisons.
The organizations and individuals who thrive are those who remain globally informed, but locally responsive.
Myth #7: “If Something Feels Difficult, It Means the Relocation Failed”
Reality: Adjustment is part of every international relocation especially in the first 90 days.
Moments of uncertainty, comparison, or frustration are normal. What matters is whether people have:
- context
- support
- realistic expectations
- and someone to call when questions arise
Relocation success is built over time, not judged in the first few weeks.
A Personal Observation
One of the most consistent patterns I see is how quickly perceptions shift once people are properly prepared.
Families who were initially hesitant often find their rhythm. Professionals who arrived cautious become confident. Assignments that could have struggled succeed because expectations were aligned early and support was intentional.
Guyana is not a market to fear it’s a market to understand.
Clarity Builds Confidence
Myths tend to fill the space where information is missing.
The goal of this report is not to minimize challenges, but to replace uncertainty with clarity. When people understand what relocation actually involves and what it doesn’t they arrive more confident, more flexible, and better positioned to succeed.
In the next issue, I’ll continue breaking down the realities of relocation to Guyana one conversation at a time.
