Guyana is the least developed country of South America, with the highest debt per inhabitant. Nevertheless, its soil is rich with gold and diamonds and rivers like the Essequibo have the richest assortment of fish species of all South America. The minerals are being extracted by large multinationals. Because of the mining the land is eroding and the rivers are becoming polluted. The fish stock is decreasing rapidly. For the indigenous people it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain drinking water and protein rich food. Randy Olson travelled along the Essequibo in search of the Indians who are being forced to withdraw deeper and deeper into the rain forest.

For ten years Olson has been connected to National Geographic.

More information: Olson Farlow