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Guyana - bracing for the oil boom

South America鈥檚 second poorest nation is about to get very rich - but will the prosperity be shared?

South America鈥檚 second poorest nation is about to get very rich - but will the prosperity be shared?

A series of oil discoveries in Guyanese waters has revealed almost unimaginable riches beneath the seabed; enough oil to catapult Guyana to the top of the continent鈥檚 rich list. Next year, the oil - and cash - is due to start flowing. The major new industry could help solve two of Guyana鈥檚 big problems: high youth unemployment and the emigration of most of its graduates. But as young Guyanese prepare for a future in oil and dream of lives transformed, some fear the so-called oil curse will see a corrupt elite squander and steal the country鈥檚 newfound wealth.

Presenter/producer: Simon Maybin

(Photo: Kiwana Baker, right, hopes that a career in oil will give her opportunities that her mother, Marslyn Pollard, left, never had. Credit: 大象传媒)

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27 minutes

Last on

Sun 12 May 2019 04:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 9 May 2019 12:32GMT
  • Thu 9 May 2019 17:06GMT
  • Thu 9 May 2019 21:06GMT
  • Fri 10 May 2019 01:32GMT
  • Sat 11 May 2019 15:06GMT
  • Sun 12 May 2019 04:32GMT

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