AGP Executive Report

Electricity & Grid Stress: Guyana is facing an El Niño-driven surge in power demand, with GPL reporting a record 242.64MW peak and officials rolling out conservation steps while working to add generation capacity. Local Outages in Linden: Linden Electricity Company says prolonged blackouts are due to a critical generation shortfall as peak demand climbs past 15MW, and it is in talks with its supplier for extra immediate capacity. Power Supply Upgrades: Government says the Wales Gas-to-Energy project will deliver 57MW by year-end (with more coming in 2027), while GPL’s 2026-2030 plan points to major demand growth and tracked projects that could add hundreds of MW by 2030. Water for New School: Phillipai Secondary School in Region Seven is set to get a $37.017M potable water well after tender bids were received. Agriculture & Storage: The Regional Food Hub at Yarrowkabra is on schedule and expected to be completed soon, with cold storage aimed at boosting handling and exports of fresh produce. Safety Standards: GNBS is pushing a compulsory LPG regulator standard (GYS 523) to improve safety and reduce leaks/explosion risks. Entrepreneurship Support: The Small Business Bureau is urging young Guyanese to turn skills into businesses, backed by training and new financing pathways. Drug Trafficking Watch: CANU warns of heightened efforts to use Guyana as a transshipment route as more drugs are intercepted.

Power Demand & Grid Planning: GPL says rapid growth could add up to 307MW daily by 2030, driven by data centres (200MW by 2028), a gas-based fertiliser plant (10MW by 2028), tracked major infrastructure, and new EV charging loads. Electricity Reliability Under El Niño: Government and GPL rolled out conservation steps after demand hit a record 242.64MW, with projections of ~266MW in the hottest months, while GtE’s Wales Gas-to-Energy project is now expected to deliver 57MW by year-end (full benefits later). Water & School Infrastructure: GWI will drill a potable well for the new Phillipai Secondary School in Region Seven at about $37.0M. Agri-Storage & Exports: The Regional Food Hub at Yarrowkabra is on schedule for completion in weeks, with cold storage to help farmers supply CARICOM markets. Road Works Accountability: Public Works Minister Ramraj ordered a review of the stalled Hague Back Road project after complaints; it’s only 52% complete despite deadlines. Safety & Standards: GNBS makes revised LPG regulator standard GYS 523 compulsory to improve cylinder safety. Energy & Industry Finance: Exxon says over US$3.6B has been spent locally since 2019, with 2,000+ suppliers—pushing for deeper local value-chain participation. Security Watch: CANU warns traffickers are increasingly trying to use Guyana as a transshipment gateway. Local Business & Community: Umami’s G$1M One Million Dollar Challenge is set for Westside Golf Course, while TVET showcases practical agro-processing and skills outcomes.

Power Supply & El Niño: Guyana is rolling out electricity conservation and grid support after El Niño-driven heat pushed demand to a record 242.64MW, with forecasts of ~266MW by Aug–Oct; government says a circular will require switching off lights and ACs in public buildings and asking major users to cut load during peaks. Gas-to-Energy Update: The Wales Gas-to-Energy project is expected to deliver 57MW by end-2026, with larger bill relief only after more capacity comes online in 2027. Agriculture & Exports: A Regional Food Hub at Yarrowkabra is on schedule for completion within weeks, with cold storage to help farmers store and export fresh produce to CARICOM. Road Works Accountability: The Hague Back Road Project is under immediate review after major delays left it only about 52% complete, despite an extended deadline. Oil & Local Industry: ExxonMobil says the sector has spent over US$3.6B with local companies and highlights continued push to move Guyanese firms higher up the supply chain. Mobile Money Fees: Consumers complain about new, unsanctioned agent charges on Mobile Money Guyana transactions, with MMG insisting its fee structure hasn’t changed. Mining & Investment: Liberty Metals secured about US$3.5M to fund exploration at its Oko gold projects in Guyana. Health & Skills: TVET practical outcomes were showcased at COHSOD, while a regional push for malaria elimination targets mining and Indigenous communities.

Road Works Accountability: Public Works Minister Madanlall Ramraj orders an immediate review of the stalled Hague Back Road Project after residents complained of contractor delays, with the job still only 52% complete months past the extended deadline. Power Supply & Conservation: With El Niño driving demand, GPL and the Public Utilities Ministry report a record 242.64MW peak and warn blackouts may persist unless measures hold; government rolls out a conservation push, including switching off unused lights/AC in public buildings and asking major users to disconnect during peak periods. Gas-to-Energy Update: PM Mark Phillips says the Wales Gas-to-Energy project will deliver 57MW by end-2026, but the promised 50% light-bill reduction will only come after higher output is reached—at least 228MW in early 2027. Mobile Money Fees: Consumers complain that agents are charging extra, unauthorised fees on Mobile Money Guyana deposits; MMG says its fee structure hasn’t changed and the added charges are not sanctioned. Agriculture Support: Nabacalis farmers are promised up to five acres of cleared farmland each, with machinery expected to return within two weeks, alongside drainage and canal clearing plans. Oil & Regional Industry: Exxon says it has spent US$3.6B with local companies since 2019, while Petrobras reports signs of oil off Brazil’s Amazon coast—another reminder of the region’s energy race. Maritime Tragedy Pressure: As salvage proposals near deadlines after the MV Barima sinking, families and opposition voices renew calls for faster recovery and broader accountability.

Power & Grid Management: Guyana is rolling out electricity conservation steps as El Niño drives demand to a record 242.64MW, with a circular urging state agencies to switch off AC units and lights when not in use and asking major users to cut load during peak periods. Oil & Local Content: ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge says the industry has spent over US$3.6B with local companies since oil began, involving 2,000+ vendors, and is pushing for more opportunities higher up the value chain. Mobile Money Fees: Consumers complain about new, inconsistent charges by some Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) agents for deposits, while MMG insists the company did not authorise the extra fees. Regional Media Spotlight: Guyana will host the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s 57th General Assembly and Media Awards (Aug 17–19), bringing regional and international broadcasters to Georgetown. TVET & Skills: A TVET showcase at COHSOD highlighted practical, marketable training outputs tied to agro-processing and other hands-on careers. Aviation Disruption: A technical issue forced cancellation of a CAL flight from CJIA, with passengers to be rebooked. Maritime Accountability: APNU says accountability for the MV Barima tragedy must extend beyond charged workers to ministers and regulators. Healthcare Contracts: Guyana’s High Court refused VAMED’s interim bid to stop two major hospital projects, citing lack of urgency. Fire Service Facility Defects: The Fire Service says structural and plumbing defects at its headquarters contributed to firefighters using buckets, with remedial works underway. Gold Exploration: Liberty Metals secured about US$3.5M to fund exploration at its newly acquired Oko North and Oko South gold projects in Guyana. Agriculture Innovation: A dragon fruit pilot on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway is producing first fruits after nine months, with growers expanding under an FAO-supported programme.

Regional Media Spotlight: Guyana is set to host the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s 57th General Assembly and Media Awards (Aug 17–19), with delegates arriving from Aug 16 for talks, networking and industry recognition—an important moment for the local media sector. TVET to Jobs: A TVET mini exhibition at COHSOD showcased practical, marketable student outputs in areas like agro-processing and crafts, as CARICOM education leaders push skills that translate into work. Oil & Local Industry Spend: ExxonMobil says it and partners have spent US$3.6B in Guyana so far, while EMGL also marked major production milestones ahead of the 2027 Guyana Energy Conference. Maritime Accountability: APNU says accountability for the MV Barima tragedy must go beyond charged workers to ministers and regulators, as families still await salvage progress nearly a month after the sinking. Aviation Disruption: A technical issue forced cancellation of a Caribbean Airlines flight from CJIA, with passengers to be rebooked and aircraft inspections underway. Fire Service Facility Defects: The Fire Service says structural and plumbing defects at headquarters led to firefighters using buckets, with repairs now in progress. Mining Investment: Liberty Metals secured about US$3.5M to advance its Greater Oko gold projects in Guyana. Bottled Water Cost Fight: The PSC and bottled water industry agreed on a public-private approach to cut costs and strengthen local manufacturing, after concerns about government entry into the sector.

Bottled Water Cost Push: The Private Sector Commission and bottled water manufacturers agreed on a public-private approach to cut bottled water prices, focusing on standardising PET preforms and tackling production costs and distribution margins, after concerns that the state’s bottled water move could raise costs. Healthcare Modernisation: Guyana is shifting to neurological prevention, with an Acute Stroke Unit at Georgetown Public Hospital supported by McMaster University, plus a new neuro-rehabilitation centre planned. US-Guyana Infrastructure Talks: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau says American firms will compete for Guyana infrastructure work—ports, roads and housing—while leveraging energy resources for broader development. Gold Land Deals: Liberty Metals secured a major foothold in Guyana’s Oko gold district via a binding option covering 44,288 acres across Oko North and Oko South. Market Sanitation: Bourda Market cleanup led to a temporary halt of street vending on Robb Street as crews tackle drainage and sewage hazards. Energy Grid Reality Check: GPL says its smart grid rollout won’t immediately cut power losses, with benefits building as systems and controls come online. Education for Skills: CARICOM education ministers met in Georgetown on micro-credentials, assessments, maths and teacher development, with a strong push for TVET and future-ready skills. Water Treatment Plant Tender: GWI received bids for design review and supervision of a new water treatment plant at Great Diamond, financed via IDB and JICA support. Agriculture Opportunity: FAO-backed dragon fruit pilot farmers along the Linden–Soesdyke Highway are seeing early production after training and support.

CARICOM Education: CARICOM education ministers, chaired by Guyana’s Sonia Parag, opened a two-day meeting in Georgetown on “Educating for life, purpose and Caribbean progress,” focusing on micro-credentials, regional assessments, maths upgrades and teacher development. Bottled Water Cost Push: The Private Sector Commission and bottled water manufacturers agreed on a public-private approach to cut bottled water prices, with production costs and distribution margins flagged as the main drivers. City Sanitation & Markets: Georgetown’s Mayor and City Council launched a major Bourda Market clean-up, temporarily halting vending on Robb Street while crews tackle blocked drains and sewage hazards with GWI support. Energy & Grid Planning: GPL says its smart grid rollout won’t immediately cut power losses, explaining the benefits build as monitoring and control systems come online. Oil Sector Tech: ExxonMobil says AI has identified four new exploration opportunities in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, as the country targets higher production by 2027 and 2030. Investment Snapshot: GO-Invest reports $1.06 trillion in private investment facilitated over six years, with mining, energy, ICT, agriculture and tourism among the expanding sectors. US-Guyana Infrastructure Talks: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau signalled American firms will pursue opportunities in ports, roads and housing as Washington deepens its partnership with Guyana. Mining Land Deal: Liberty Metals secured an option to acquire 90% of Oko North and Oko South gold projects in Region 7, covering about 44,288 acres. Public Health & Water Works: GWI received bids for design review and supervision of a new Great Diamond water treatment plant, while a Schoonord koker repair is set for permanent replacement after emergency drainage fixes. Tourism & Hospitality: Hyatt added Atlantic Suites Hotel as its first affiliated hotel in Guyana, with plans to integrate it into a new Hyatt Regency Georgetown Guyana development.

Oil & Gas Tech: ExxonMobil says AI has flagged four new exploration opportunities in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, as it ramps drilling and targets higher output by 2030. Local Content & Revenue Watch: After ExxonMobil confirmed it recovered its US$55B investment, Guyana’s Local Content Secretariat says the country is still receiving its 50% profit share under the 2016 PSA—while opposition MPs warn Guyana’s take could fall if more projects are approved. Energy Partnerships: The Guyana Energy Conference 2027 is set to push partnerships across gas, tech and emerging frontiers, with a Guyana in-country launch tied to CEW 2027. Security Upgrade: The US will provide US$2M for air domain awareness and unmanned aerial system capabilities, expanding the Guyana–US security MoU. CARICOM Education: CARICOM education ministers meet in Georgetown to focus on skills, micro-credentials, assessments and strengthening teachers, with Guyana’s Sonia Parag chairing. Healthcare Referral System: Enmore Regional Hospital responds to claims about a newborn transfer, saying ventilators were available and the referral process worked as intended. Transport & Safety: Georgetown Hospital reports rising ICU strain from more serious road and construction-site injuries. Business & Procurement: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed alleges procurement irregularities in G$121B Versailles-to-Parika highway bids, comparing costs with the Heroes Highway. Industry & Agriculture: Government is consulting stakeholders on a state-owned bottled water initiative, with private sector groups raising concerns about competition. Gold Deal: Liberty Metals secures an option to acquire 90% of two Oko gold projects, backed by a $5M placement for exploration.

Tourism Research Push: The Caribbean Tourism Organization will launch a Caribbean Tourism Research Forum on Oct. 6 during SOTIC 2026 in Guyana, aiming to link researchers, policymakers and industry on “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive.” Oil Revenue Accountability: After Exxon said it recovered its full US$55B investment, Government confirmed Guyana is receiving its 50% profit share; Opposition MPs are now pressing for clarity on what cost recovery means for future earnings and whether any new projects could reduce Guyana’s take. U.S.-Guyana Security Upgrade: The U.S. will provide US$2M to boost Guyana’s air domain awareness and unmanned aerial system capabilities, alongside renewed focus on counternarcotics and border security. Local Aviation Cost Debate: Domestic airlines and the Aviation Operators’ Association say hinterland fares reflect high operating costs and insurance, pushing back on claims of profiteering. Roads & Governance Tension: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed alleges procurement irregularities in G$121b Versailles-to-Parika highway bids, while New Amsterdam’s mayor says the Model Village plans left the town council sidelined. Public Safety & Crime: Police report 9.2kg of suspected cannabis seized in Georgetown and a businessman found shot in a car at Ogle. Port Kaituma Legal Review: Attorney General Nandlall says contracts tied to the MV Barima-linked wharf project are under review, with possible legal action if negligence is found.

Oil & Gas: Guyana crossed the one-billion-barrel oil production milestone, with output now near 900,000 bpd and expected to top 1 million later in 2026 as a new FPSO comes online. Local Content & Operations: NOV Technology says it has commissioned the iNOVaTHERM portable drilling-waste treatment unit in Guyana, aiming to cut the need to ship waste to Trinidad and improve local handling. Power & Infrastructure: GPL plans a US$4.8B five-year grid expansion and upgrade to modernise transmission and distribution, reduce system losses, and strengthen reliability. Energy Security & Diplomacy: Guyana and the United States signed a MoU to deepen security cooperation, with US support for air-domain awareness and unmanned aerial system capabilities. Community Development: President Ali launched consultations for the Model Village initiative in Suddie, focusing on safer, greener, mentally well communities. Aviation Costs: The Aviation Operators’ Association pushed back on calls to lower hinterland airfares, saying costs are driven by aircraft capital repayment and high insurance in Guyana. Food Supply: Government will temporarily import about 330,000 lbs of chicken weekly to stabilise supply as local production falls short.

Air Transport Costs: The Aviation Operators’ Association of Guyana says domestic fares reflect real operating costs—expensive suitable aircraft, high local insurance premiums, and maintenance on laterite/gravel strips—while it remains open to an independent review and proposes targeted support for schoolchildren and medical travel. Poultry Supply & Prices: Government will temporarily import about 330,000 pounds of chicken weekly as local production falls short, while also expanding cold-storage to smooth supply swings. Oil Revenue Transparency: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and former Finance Minister Winston Jordan are pressing for full disclosure on how ExxonMobil’s reported recovery of over US$55B in Stabroek Block costs will change Guyana’s profit share and remaining cost recovery. Power Grid Upgrade: GPL plans a US$4.8B five-year transmission and distribution expansion and smart-grid upgrades to cut losses and meet rising demand. Bauxite for Defense Supply Chain: The US Department of Defense says it will invest US$85.5M (plus US$64.5M private co-investment) to acquire and expand a refractory-grade bauxite mine in Guyana. Model Villages & Community Works: Consultations under the Model Village initiative are underway for safer, greener upgrades on the Essequibo Coast and in Region Two, with drainage, roads, lighting, and public-space improvements. Tourism Growth: Guyana welcomed 226,463 visitors in the first half of 2026, up 12%, with GTA projecting 500,000+ by year-end. Uranium Development: Canada-based U92 Energy filed its final prospectus for a public offering tied to the Kurupung Uranium Project, expecting EPA approval for its drill programme this month.

Oil & Offshore Services: Tidewater reported Q2 revenue of US$342.3M and higher day rates, while Westwood forecasts offshore field development capex to jump to about US$137B in 2026 as operators push long-cycle projects. Shipping Security: A report flags “false flags” and fraudulent registries as a growing systemic risk in global tanker trade, with Guyana among frequently used registries. Food Prices & Logistics: President Ali says a subsidised Charity-to-Moruca cargo service could cut freight costs and ease food prices in Moruca, backed via the Guyana Development Bank and youth-led ownership. Water Bottling Fight: Ali defends GWI’s US$496.3M state bottling plant as non-competition, while opposition and manufacturers argue it should be redirected to failing municipal water systems. Regional Development: Region Two’s Model Village plans include road, drainage, utilities, walkways and greener public spaces; Region Ten will upgrade 14 sports grounds. Tourism Push: Guyana welcomed 226,463 visitors in Jan–Jun 2026, and CTO opened registration for SOTIC 2026 (Oct 5–9) with interCaribbean as official airline partner. Mining & Industry: Amaya Milk Company plans to start mozzarella production in Region Five; Lexston Mining moves to acquire 64.75 km² of mineral claims in Region One. Energy Security & Defence Supply Chain: The US Department of Defense signed deals to secure critical minerals, including an US$85.5M equity investment tied to refractory-grade bauxite supply from Guyana.

US Shipping Crackdown: A U.S. court sentenced the captain of the shadow-fleet tanker Marinera (Bella 1) to jail and deportation for fleeing U.S. Coast Guard orders after being told to “heave to,” underscoring tighter enforcement on sanctioned cargo routes. Water Bottling Fight: President Irfaan Ali defended Guyana Water Incorporated’s $496.3M state-run bottling facility, insisting GWI is “not in competition” with local firms while opposition and manufacturers warn it could crush private business. Food Prices & Logistics: Ali announced a proposed Charity-to-Moruca cargo service to cut freight costs and ease food price pressure in Moruca, with support via the Guyana Development Bank and youth-led operations. Bauxite for Defense Supply Chains: The U.S. Department of War signed an $85.5M equity deal (plus $64.5M private co-investment) to expand a Guyana bauxite mine for refractory-grade supply, part of a broader push for critical minerals. US Diplomatic Push: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is set to visit Guyana (Aug 9–12) to deepen energy and critical minerals cooperation and attract investment. Tourism Pipeline: Registration opened for CTO’s SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown (Oct 5–9), with interCaribbean Airways named official airline partner and offering a 25% flight discount for delegates. Region 5 Entrepreneurship: Ali said new financing and mentorship opportunities for Region Five entrepreneurs are expected within two weeks, with young people and women encouraged to form clusters for ventures like swine and hydroponics.

U.S.-Guyana Energy Push: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau heads to Georgetown Aug. 9–12 for talks with President Irfaan Ali and Cabinet on expanding economic cooperation, with a focus on energy resilience and critical minerals. Bauxite Supply Chain: Washington also announced a US$150M package (US$85.5M equity plus US$64.5M private co-investment) to acquire and expand Guyana’s First Bauxite mine, add calcination in Guyana, and support a brown-fused alumina project in the U.S. Oil Profit Share Pressure: Exxon says it has recovered its full US$55B investment, lifting Guyana’s expected profit share to 50%; opposition leaders are demanding the government explain what percent of oil revenue now flows into the Natural Resource Fund and why officials have stayed silent. Uranium Row: Region 7 Vice-Chair Alden Marslowe warns “Hands off the Kurupung” and urges the EPA to halt approvals for U92 Energy’s uranium drilling. Road Cost Fight: Opposition calls the US$161M Linden–Soesdyke Road rehabilitation “highway robbery,” alleging inflated markups and questionable contractor choices. Mining Deal: Lexston Mining moves toward acquiring 64.75km² of mineral claims in Region One in a US$1.1M structured cash deal. Local Industry Watch: Govt makes LPG cylinder and low-pressure regulator standards mandatory after explosion concerns, while the bottled-water debate heats up over a proposed state-owned plant and its impact on private bottlers.

US–Guyana diplomacy: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is set to visit Guyana Aug. 9–12, meeting President Irfaan Ali and Cabinet to deepen economic ties in energy and critical minerals, following recent US engagement on investment opportunities. Bauxite push: The US Department of War announced a US$150M package (US$85.5M equity plus US$64.5M private co-investment) to acquire and expand Guyana’s First Bauxite mine, add calcination in Guyana, and support a brown-fused alumina project in the US—aimed at reducing reliance on China-linked refractory bauxite. Model Village upgrades: New Amsterdam’s modern market and vendors’ hub, plus drains, hydrants and utility pole works, are planned under the Model Village Initiative; Skeldon Market in Berbice is also set for major upgrades. Safety regulation: Guyana approved compulsory national standards for LPG cylinders and low-pressure regulators after explosion and leak concerns. Local industry & logistics: Air Cargo Pack completed its first Bogotá–Georgetown cargo flight, boosting Latin America connectivity. Tourism growth: GTA reports 12% more visitors in Jan–Jun 2026, with June up 16.8%. Oil politics: Opposition renewed calls for clarity on what share of oil profits Guyana receives after ExxonMobil confirmed full investment recovery.