Guyana at a Crossroads: Diversity, Vulnerable Subgroups and the Promise of Development presents a multidisciplinary analysis of development and inequality in a rapidly changing society. This volume critically examines how Guyana’s recent oil-driven economic transformation intersects with longstanding structural vulnerabilities. Focusing on historically underserved groups such as persons living with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, women, youth, migrants, the elderly, and individuals facing mental health challenges, the chapters draw on qualitative research, policy analysis, and lived experiences. The book explores issues including limited access to quality services, gender-based violence, suicide, intergenerational caregiving, migration impacts, and the consequences of weak public sector accountability. The Mahdia dormitory fire, a national tragedy, is examined as a case study of institutional failure wrought by weak decentralized governance structures. The authors engage frameworks such as the Capability Approach, intersectionality, and critical disability theory to highlight how marginalization persists despite legislative gains and economic growth. While grounded in Guyana, the analysis contributes to broader Caribbean and global discussions on equity, rights-based development, and inclusive public policy. The volume addresses a key research gap and provides actionable insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to understand and transform the lived realities of vulnerable populations in postcolonial, resource-rich societies.