Despite impressive achievements since its return to democracy and a free market economy, Guyana is the third poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and its democratic institutions are weak. Assisting Guyana's economic and political transition promotes internal and regional stability. Guyana also cooperates in stemming the flow of narcotics and illegal immigrants to the United States. Although there has been significant progress, many obstacles remain.
Poverty is still manifest, structural distortions persist, and income distribution is highly skewed.
Indeed, some indicators are only now reaching the levels enjoyed in the 1970s and 1980s. However, ineffective institutions, a dearth of skilled human resources, low public confidence and strained ethnic relations continue to plague the democratic process. Guyana is not a candidate for graduation from U.S. development assistance in the near term. A Parliamentary library, for example, has been established, enabling lawmakers to enter the modern information age, engage in more informed debate, and prepare better legislation. Select committees on constitutional reform and the electoral process have also received technical guidance and reference materials.