Guyana is a country rich in ecology and natural resources. In spite of this, the country remains poor and 35% of the population live in poverty. From the 1970s international bodies including the IMF and World Bank offered loans to Guyana and the debt stock rose significantly. By 1999, the debt was equivalent to 189% of the countries GDP, proving to be an unsustainable burden. Seeking relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC), Guyana had some debts cancelled in 1999 and 2003, in addition to further relief of approximately US$65 million under the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative in 2005.

Colombia has a debt burden equivalent to over 40% of its GDP, and US$1700 per person. At nearly US$78 billion, this debt is considered sustainable because of the country’s growing economy, despite the uneven distribution of wealth. Colombia is one of the most unequal countries in the world and over one third of the population live below the poverty line. The country’s economy has been praised by international institutions and the IMF Chief stated that “The global economy is not as healthy as the Colombian economy”.