April 3, 2026 • 3 min readPatriots Portfolio
The Patriots Portfolio — for Guyanese who care where the money goes and where it comes from. Every Friday.
THE WEEK IN GUYANA’S ECONOMIC PICTURE
The 38% Tariff: What It Actually Means
Let’s be precise. The Trump administration’s “reciprocal” tariff imposes 38% on Guyanese exports to the United States. The baseline for most Caribbean nations is 10%. Guyana’s higher rate is almost certainly driven by the US trade deficit with Guyana — which exists because the US buys significant volumes of Guyanese oil.
Read More → April 3, 2026 • 2 min readUncle Ramesh
By Uncle Ramesh, steadfast PPP/C supporter, proud Guyanese, and man who is having a complicated Good Friday.
People, Uncle Ramesh going to be honest with you today. It is Good Friday. A day for reflection. And I have some reflecting to do.
First — the tariff. Thirty-eight percent. On Guyana. From the United States. That is a lot. Uncle Ramesh was not expecting that. The Ambassador was just here telling us the oil deal is fine and Exxon is great and everything is win-win. Now her boss put a 38% tariff on we exports. Uncle Ramesh notes the contradiction without further comment at this time.
Read More → April 3, 2026 • 5 min readDaily Brief
Friday, April 3, 2026 — Good Friday. Things are getting crucified out there.
TRUMP HITS GUYANA WITH 38% TARIFF — HIGHEST IN THE CARIBBEAN
In what is arguably the biggest economic news of the year so far, President Donald Trump announced sweeping global tariffs effective April 5, imposing a baseline 10% on most Caribbean nations — but a punishing 38% on Guyana. The tariff is framed as a “reciprocal” trade measure, though analysts note Guyana’s trade deficit with the US is driven almost entirely by oil imports, not an imbalance that typically invites retaliation. CARICOM’s private sector body CPSO says credible analysis is needed before a full response can be given. Guyana’s private sector is reportedly closely tracking developments. The US Ambassador spent last week telling Guyana not to renegotiate its Exxon contract. This week, her government slapped Guyana’s exports with a 38% tariff. You really cannot make this up.
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