Expat Postcards: A Message from Guyana!

What was the best thing about your assignment? 

Guyana was a wonderful experience for me and my family (Jase, Ronan and Zara) – we loved living there. We made great friends and enjoyed experiencing a new culture and the strong sense of community. 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 was also 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 missed 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 surprised you about your assignment 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 picked up along the way. 

What did you learn about the local culture?

It was 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!