Expat Postcards: A Message from Guyana!

What has been the best thing about your assignment so far?

Guyana has been a wonderful experience for me and my family (Jase, Ronan and Zara) – we have loved living here. We have made great friends and have enjoyed experiencing a new culture and the strong sense of community we feel here. There are lots of great things about Guyana – the incredible atmosphere whenever there is a cricket tournament in town, the food, and the people. A bonus for us has also been discovering a new favorite vacation spot with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world (Barbados, 2 hours from Guyana). From a work perspective being part of the Payara Prosperity start-up has been very special (Payara Prosperity started up in November 2023 and is the third offshore oil development in Guyana). It was a great team effort, and I am so proud of what our team accomplished together.

What is something you miss from home?

Home will always be New Zealand for us and while it is a long way from Guyana we enjoyed being back recently for Christmas. While we were there, I caught up on a few things I have been missing – New Zealand seafood, steak and cheese pies, and of course time with our extended family and friends.

Name one thing that has surprised you about your current location?

Not a surprise but it jumps out as something I will always remember about our time in Guyana is the warmth of the people. Plus, some new phrases I have picked up along the way.

What have you learned about the local culture?

It has been a privilege to learn about Guyanese culture. One of the things I have learned and love about Guyana is the diversity of ethnicities and how everyone celebrates everyone else’s’ holidays. It adds to the vibrancy here and feels very inclusive.  

Would you recommend this destination as a place to visit?

Guyana is an incredible destination for wildlife spotting, fishing and jungle adventures. My husband Jase has gone on a few overnight fishing trips in the Amazon, and I suspect he’ll be back to do it again after we leave Guyana!