By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues has suggested that some foreign vloggers who recently visited Guyana and published critical content about the country are motivated by personal gain, rather than objective storytelling.
Speaking on the Starting Point podcast, Minister Rodrigues addressed public discussion surrounding videos produced by a British and a French vlogger who highlighted Guyana’s ongoing challenges with garbage disposal and urban sanitation. According to the minister, an examination of the vloggers’ online platforms revealed a pattern of content designed to provoke outrage.
Rodrigues argued that negativity is central to their brand identity, noting that such creators “sell rage” to drive engagement and generate financial benefit. She said Guyana was not uniquely targeted, but rather became part of a broader content strategy aimed at exploiting controversy for views and profit.
The minister acknowledged that challenges with waste management and environmental cleanliness persist, but stressed that significant work has already been undertaken by the government to address these issues. She added that further interventions are planned, including the recently announced Georgetown Beautification Project, which is expected to receive funding in the upcoming national budget.
Rodrigues also addressed a separate incident involving the French vlogger, whose visit attracted public attention after he was assaulted while filming in the Stabroek Market area. She confirmed that the incident negatively affected Guyana’s image internationally, but noted that authorities acted swiftly. An investigation was launched, and the individual captured on camera assaulting the tourist was arrested.
The minister maintained that while criticism should not be dismissed outright, it must be balanced and contextual, especially as Guyana continues efforts to improve infrastructure, sanitation, and its overall tourism product.
