Published: 9th of November, 2026 by Patrick Carpen
Last updated: November 10, 2026 at 4:12 am
Residents of the Rupununi have vehemently rejected a proposal by Cataleya to explore and extract oil in the Rupununi. The residents, including prominent figures and bodies such as the Visit Rupununi Tourism Center, contend that oil extraction will hurt the ecosystems, lifestyle, and pristine diversity of the Rupununi.
Of the 300 residents interviewed by the Guyana GY publication, over 95% strongly oppose oil drilling or exploration while the other 5% are either neutral, in favor, or open to negotiations. The residents have rejected the lure of financial gains contending that any monetary gains cannot compensate for potential environmental destruction.
Hiawa Village posted today that their villagers and leaders, along with two satellite villages: Nappi and Parishara, have rejected a proposal from Cateleya. Large oil reserves are believed to be trapped in various locations of the Rupununi Savannahs.
So, what do you think about oil exploration in the Rupununi? Tell us in the comments.
(Cover photo created with artificial intelligence for illustration purposes only).
