Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, has responded to the recent criticisms from foreign content creators, focusing on their portrayal of safety, infrastructure, and cleanliness in the country. Speaking on the Starting Point podcast, Rodrigues challenged the narratives presented by a British and a French vlogger, whom she accused of exploiting local contexts for digital engagement.
Rodrigues described the vloggers’ content as representative of a broader pattern of provocative behavior aimed at generating views rather than providing an unbiased evaluation of Guyana’s progress. “We have seen a heavy presence of police officers at events such as the Christmas Village at GuyExpo because we want people to feel safe,” Rodrigues stated. She emphasized that even in the absence of threats, visible law enforcement assures public comfort.
The Minister highlighted a particular incident involving the French vlogger, who filmed in front of a private residence in Sophia, where local families were gathered. “If you go in front of somebody’s home and you’re live with your camera, you will offend people,” she asserted, suggesting that the residents’ reactions were justified given the circumstances.
Rodrigues was especially critical of the British vlogger’s tone, describing it as “imperialistic” and “condescending.” She contrasted their portrayals with Guyana’s tangible achievements in recent years. “Without any appreciation of how far Guyana has come as a country—from periods of economic hardship to building viability—it misses the mark,” she said.
Responding to one of the vloggers’ claims that Guyana receives few visitors, Rodrigues announced that the country recorded 453,489 visitor arrivals in 2025, marking a 22 percent increase from 2024. This figure significantly surpassed the anticipated 400,000 arrivals, indicating growing interest in Guyana as a travel destination. “So much for nobody visiting,” she remarked.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges such as solid waste management and urban cleanliness identified in the videos, Rodrigues stressed that these issues are societal and national, not solely tourism-related. “Solid waste management is not a tourism issue; it’s a national issue,” she explained, citing the government’s cleanup initiatives, including support from the President.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing both visitor experiences and local civic behavior, Rodrigues pushed back against what she characterized as misrepresentations by foreign influencers. “Guyana has much to offer, and our record visitor numbers show the world is noticing,” she concluded.
