Guyana’s stock exchange is poised for reform as the government seeks to make capital markets a central pillar of the country’s expanding economy.
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said the current system, which has existed for decades, remains underdeveloped due to the limited number of companies willing to list publicly. “Many private firms still prefer private financing rather than opening themselves to public ownership,” Jagdeo noted.
To jumpstart activity, the government is considering listing state-backed ventures, such as the planned fertiliser plant, directly on the exchange. This, Jagdeo argued, would not only increase trading volume but also give citizens a direct stake in the economy’s growth.
The Vice President proposed a measure that would cap individual shareholdings in such companies to ensure broad participation and protect against market dominance by a few investors. “The idea is to democratize ownership while providing guaranteed returns that attract first-time investors,” he explained.
If implemented, the reform could deepen the financial sector, create new avenues for capital mobilisation, and provide companies with alternatives to the traditional banking system. However, Jagdeo cautioned that success will depend heavily on the private sector’s willingness to embrace transparency and accountability.
