AGP Executive Report

Power & Energy Negotiations: Karpowership says it could suspend operations unless Guyana finalizes a new commercial agreement; government says talks are ongoing and outages are not linked to power generation, but public anxiety grows as the extension deadline passed. Oil Sector Oversight: Government is reviewing ExxonMobil’s request to ramp up production on the One Guyana FPSO, with offshore checks planned to ensure safety and equipment integrity. Mining Safety & Enforcement: Opposition MP Sharma Solomon calls out weak safety enforcement in mining camps after 13 workplace fatalities and 64 non-fatal incidents were recorded Jan–Apr 2026, urging stronger oversight by Labour and GGMC. Illegal Mining Crackdown: GGMC shuts down six illegal mining operations in Region 7’s Mazaruni Mining District and arrests 38, seizing equipment and setting up continued monitoring. Local Industry & Jobs: Guyana Port Inc. begins building a US$5M tug and barge for G Mining’s Oko West gold project, boosting shipbuilding and logistics capacity. Business & Services: Qualfon meets GO-Invest to discuss growth and diversification in Guyana’s BPO sector. Policy & Regulation: Government launches consultations on social media’s effects on children ahead of a child-safety regulatory framework. Public Services: Passport offices will open Saturdays in June to clear backlog of overdue collections. International Trade Pressure: U.S. proposes Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labor findings, including Guyana among affected economies.

Powership Contract Scrutiny: Guyana is reportedly following Ghana’s path on the Turkish powership Karpowership deal, with concerns raised about limited parliamentary oversight and “take-or-pay” style costs. Healthcare & Land Use: Govt agrees to build Kamarang Hospital on 10 acres after the village council objected to using additional farm-occupied land, raising questions on contracts and costs. Gold Logistics Buildout: Construction has started on a US$5M tug and barge at Guyana Port Inc for Canadian gold firm G Mining’s Oko West project, a boost for local shipbuilding. Oil Sector Oversight: ExxonMobil seeks permission to ramp up production on the One Guyana FPSO; GGMC’s Petroleum Unit will assess safety and equipment strain before any approval. Local Content Push: Finance and Labour ministers say local content must be measured by lives transformed, with more services and a Junior Stock Exchange planned to widen investment access. Illegal Mining Crackdown: GGMC shut down six illegal mining operations in Region 7, arresting 38 and seizing equipment. Trade Shock Watch: The U.S. proposed Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labour findings, with Guyana listed among affected economies. Industry & Community: Banks DIH won international gold medals at Monde Selection for premium rum and vodka brands.

Oil & Local Content: Guyana is expected to push past one million barrels of oil per day by year-end, with Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh urging local suppliers to gear up for the next wave of oil and gas opportunities, while the Local Content Secretariat reviews in-country capacity ahead of planned amendments to the Local Content Act and President Irfaan Ali says local participation must expand beyond contract values into services, training and wider economic growth. Mining & Environment: A study warns that small-scale gold mining in Guyana is harming dung beetle communities and slowing forest recovery for decades, adding to concerns about deforestation across the Guiana Shield. Trade & Costs: The U.S. proposes forced-labour-related tariffs on 60 economies, including Guyana, with duties of 10%–12.5% that could raise prices for everyday imports. Business & Investment: French firms are signaling fresh interest in Guyana’s oil, logistics and infrastructure, and a Local Content Summit push highlights more room for local businesses to plug into major projects. Security & Governance: CARICOM’s Guyana-led push at the UN focuses on combating illicit small arms and light weapons, while an AFC call renews pressure for campaign finance rules and transparency. Tech & Health: SS Innovations says it completed the world’s longest-distance robotic telesurgery, linking Georgetown and India for a cardiac procedure. Public Safety: Investigators say the Water Street fire was deliberately set, and a separate tragedy at Unity Beach left a couple and unborn child dead after flooding forced a route change.

Forced-Labour Tariff Shock: The US Trade Representative has flagged 60 economies over forced-labour import enforcement, including Guyana, and proposed Section 301 tariffs of 10% to 12.5% (with a July 7 hearing). Local Content Push: At Guyana’s Local Content Summit, Finance Minister Ashni Singh urged local suppliers to position for expanding gold and oil opportunities, while Labour Minister Keoma Griffith said success must be measured by lives transformed, not just contract values. Oil Output Target: Guyana is expected to top one million barrels of oil per day by end-2026, with the Uaru project seen as a key driver. Energy Sector Pressure: Reports say Karpowership is demanding an extra US$3.4M daily to keep power flowing, as officials face scrutiny amid blackouts. Mining Crackdown & Impacts: GGMC shut down six illegal mining operations in Region 7, arresting 38; meanwhile, a study links small-scale gold mining in the Guiana Shield to long-lasting damage to dung beetle communities. Infrastructure & Jobs: Grove Police Station rebuild is set for about $215M; Region 7 also gets a planned US$6M Puruni River bridge. Education & Aviation: Bids are in for a CPCE Centre in Region 2, and a new CJIA air traffic control tower has three bids. Tragedy: A Unity Beach drowning killed a couple and their unborn son after flooding forced a last-minute route change.

Water Street Fire: Guyana Fire Service and police say the Water Street blaze was deliberately set after investigators used CCTV to identify an arson attack inside the Demerara Shipping compound, triggering a fast collapse. Energy Pressure: Reports say Karpowership is demanding an extra US$3.4M daily to keep supplying power, as government officials face questions amid rising blackouts. Illegal Mining Crackdown: GGMC shut down six illegal mining operations in Region 7, arresting 38 people and seizing equipment, with surveillance steps to stop a comeback. Oil Sector Moves: ExxonMobil has applied for environmental approvals for the Haimara offshore gas project—its ninth FPSO in the Stabroek Block—while Sispro says it’s ready to sign a PSA soon after partnering with Nigeria’s Bono Energy. Local Infrastructure: President Ali announced a US$6M Puruni River bridge for Region 7, plus more water and school upgrades. Aviation/Construction: Three firms bid for a new CJIA air traffic control tower at Timehri, with the project aimed at easing apron parking limits.

Power & Negotiations: Government officials went silent on Karpowership’s demand for an extra US$3.4M per day to keep supplying electricity, with the company now asking US$0.095/KW versus the original US$0.076/KW. Mining & Investment: Canadian G Mining Ventures’ Oko West Gold project in Region Seven was highlighted as a “next big thing,” citing progress on processing foundations, tailings, power and river logistics, with first gold targeted for late 2027. Oil & Local Content: Sispro’s women-led consortium says it has partnered with Nigeria’s Bono Energy and is ready to sign a PSA with Guyana within days. Energy Security & Compliance: Ghana-based Cybele Energy risks losing its S7 shallow-water block after failing to pay a US$17M signing bonus, with interest now accrued. Aviation Infrastructure: Three firms bid to build CJIA’s air traffic control tower at Timehri, including two Chinese joint ventures and a Guyanese-led JV. Enforcement: GGMC shut down six illegal mining operations in the Mazaruni Mining District, arresting 38 people and seizing equipment. Education & Construction: 13 contractors bid to build a CPCE Centre in Region Two, with bids ranging from $87M to $113M. Region 7 Development: President Ali announced bridge and water-system projects for Region Seven, alongside continued push for Oko West. Local Content Impact: Minister Bharrat says the Local Content law is driving growth beyond oil—boosting opportunities in farming, housing and other services. Offshore Oil Expansion: ExxonMobil applied for environmental authorizations for the Haimara gas project, set to use a new FPSO in the Stabroek Block.

Flood Control Value for Money: Opposition and civil engineers are pushing for an audit of NDIA after heavy rain left Region 4 repeatedly flooded despite huge past spending, with President Ali shifting blame away from municipal management. Power Reliability & Costs: GPL says it will pursue legal action after an excavator damaged its East Bank transmission line, and it’s also recovering costs after earlier distribution damage. Oil & Gas Expansion: ExxonMobil has filed for environmental approval for a new Haimara gas development offshore Guyana, using a super-sized FPSO and linking it to other discoveries. Caribbean Connectivity: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to sell one ticket and check luggage through across the region, including Guyana. Fire Safety Procurement: Lakeland Fire + Safety secured new Latin America orders for fire protection gear, including Guyana, via competitive tenders. Education & Skills: Stakeholders welcomed proposed consultations to modernise Guyana’s copyright and IP framework, aimed at boosting the Orange Economy. Business & Trade Links: GO-Invest and BritCham held a London investment roundtable to connect UK firms with Guyana’s opportunities in energy, logistics, manufacturing and more.

Gold & Mining Markets: Gold stayed near US$4,500/oz in May, holding above US$4,400 as traders weighed Iran-U.S. tensions and global risk sentiment, with Guyana’s gold output expected to expand later this decade. Power & Utilities: GPL says it’s pursuing cost recovery after an excavator damaged key transmission lines on the East Bank Demerara corridor, and it also faces a looming powership contract extension fight amid warnings of possible outages. Energy & Oil Industry: ExxonMobil shareholders approved moving the company’s legal home to Texas, while Exxon also pushed ahead with offshore work tied to its gas-to-energy plans. Creative Economy: Stakeholders welcomed government consultations to strengthen Guyana’s copyright and intellectual property framework, seen as vital for the Orange Economy. Investment & Trade: GO-Invest and BritCham held a strategic investment roundtable in London to connect UK firms with Guyana’s opportunities in infrastructure, energy, logistics, manufacturing and more. Regional Development: President Ali announced a second boat for the Parika–Bartica route and new government service centres for Region Seven, aiming to cut travel time for key services. Safety & Business Disruption: A fire gutted the Demerara Shipping workshop on Water Street and spread to nearby businesses on Lombard Street, causing major losses. Education & Credentials: GTEC warned the public about 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, urging due diligence on certificates. Sports Tourism: Tourism Guyana Titans set for a Tobago tour (June 3–8) to play three matches and market Guyana through cricket.

Power & Infrastructure: Guyana Power and Light (GPL) says it will pursue legal action to recover repair costs after two separate incidents damaged key electricity infrastructure—an excavator hit the L4 transmission line on the East Bank Demerara corridor, and a truck earlier damaged distribution lines and a utility pole in Diamond. Education Integrity: Ghana’s tertiary regulator, GTEC, has warned the public about 70 unrecognised institutions, urging due diligence before enrolling or accepting certificates—an alert that includes several Ghana-based schools. Energy Security: With talks over powership supply still unclear, Guyana faces renewed blackout risk as Karpowership has signalled operations could be affected if no new agreement is reached. Oil & Gas Operations: ExxonMobil Guyana has begun a three-month offshore inspection of the Gas-to-Energy subsea pipeline, with vessels working along the route. Mining & Environment: EPA is reviewing the EIA for Mako Mining’s Eagle Mountain Gold Project in Region Eight. Business Disruption: A fire gutted the Demerara Shipping Company workshop on Water Street and damaged businesses on Lombard Street. Regional Trade: Guyana-Brazil trade has hit US$1B, up from about US$58M in 2020, driven by energy, mining, infrastructure and construction. Public Services: President Ali announced new government service centres for Bartica and Kamarang within four weeks, aiming to bring GRA, NIS, immigration and e-ID services closer to residents.

Caribbean Week in New York: Tourism ministers and commissioners from across the region, including Guyana, are set to meet in Manhattan for Caribbean Week in New York 2026, aimed at strengthening economic resilience and market share under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Aviation Safety Scrutiny: Concerns are growing over Domestic Airways’ regulatory status and safety record, with calls for urgent clarity from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority after repeated incidents. Major Fire Hits Shipping and Businesses: An early-morning blaze gutted the Demerara Shipping Company workshop on Water Street and damaged nearby businesses on Lombard Street, with investigators reportedly looking at a possible equipment-related cause. Mining and Environment Watch: The EPA is reviewing the Environmental Impact Assessment for Mako Mining’s Eagle Mountain Gold Project, while the Alphonso family’s JV arrangements are said to have enabled foreign firms to control over 600 sq km of gold lands. Flood Response Under Fire: Opposition parties blame government neglect for flooding in Regions 4, 5 and 6, as officials mobilise nationwide relief. Regional Services Boost: President Ali announced new government service centres for Bartica and Kamarang, plus a second ferry for the Parika-Bartica route. Energy and Industry Moves: ExxonMobil has started a three-month inspection of the Gas-to-Energy subsea pipeline, and Turkish powership Karpowership is reported to be demanding higher rates amid contract renewal pressure. Trade Growth: Guyana-Brazil trade has hit US$1B, driven by energy, mining, infrastructure and construction links. Security and Crime: Police are investigating a Parika shooting that injured a Venezuelan national, and a taxi driver was remanded after an AK-47 weapons haul was found.

Energy & Industry: ExxonMobil Guyana has started a three-month inspection of the Gas-to-Energy subsea pipeline, with multiple vessels working along the offshore corridor from May 27 to Aug. 15—mariners are being told to keep clear. Power Supply Pressure: A report says Turkish powership Karpowership is demanding higher rates after its charter expired, leaving officials scrambling over a short renewal window as Guyana’s electricity supply remains under strain. Oil Economy Outlook: Commentary and analysis continue to frame Guyana’s oil boom as set to benefit further from the Iran-driven jump in crude prices, while urging the government to avoid “ghost town” outcomes and diversify growth. Trade & Construction Demand: Guyana-Brazil trade has hit US$1B in 2026 (up from about US$58M in 2020), driven by energy, mining, infrastructure and construction links. Petroleum Sector Standards: GNBS says it is strengthening accuracy in fuel measurement through verification services for pumps, meters and storage tanks. Public Works & Waste: Govt seeks design/supervision for a new Law School and plans upgrades to the Kara Kara Landfill plus road rehabilitation at Mahdia landfill. Security & Logistics: Police remanded a taxi driver after AK-47 rifles were found in a transshipment bust, while INTERPOL-backed operations across the region seized thousands of illegal firearms and tonnes of drugs.

Regional Security: INTERPOL-backed “Orca XI” operation across 20 countries seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs, with 8,701 arrests and major ammunition, cash and vehicle seizures. Oil & Growth: Reuters reports Guyana is set to gain from higher global oil prices tied to the Iran conflict, as ExxonMobil-led output tops 900,000 bpd and GDP surged after oil began flowing. Customer Service Push: Finance Minister Ashni Singh and PSC chair Gerry Gouveia Jr urged businesses to meet international service standards, warning that consumer experience must be “world-class.” Tourism & Hospitality: Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues backed the opening of Georgetown’s Spice Route Restaurant and Bar, while Fort Island is set for upgrades to become a major tourism destination. Aviation & Jubilee Travel: CJIA processed about 48,500 arrivals and Guyana welcomed over 56,000 passengers for the Diamond Jubilee “Homecoming.” Energy/Industry: ExxonMobil started a new Stabroek exploration well (Goby-1), while UAL delivered generators to Oko West via its Caribbean shuttle logistics service. Youth Sports: ExxonMobil launched the 4th Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament, subsidising kits, transport and meals for 48 primary teams.

Oil & Gas Operations: ExxonMobil Guyana has started drilling a new exploration well, Goby-1, in the Stabroek block using the Stena Carron drillship, with completion expected in late July—another step in expanding the prolific offshore play. Energy Risk & Insurance: Guyana’s oil-spill insurance situation remains tight: despite court battles, reporting says the US$600M coverage is still in place, with a separate US$2B affiliate guarantee also noted. Local Industry & Logistics: UAL delivered generators to Oko West via a ramp-discharge landing craft operation under its Caribbean Shuttle service, targeting remote mining sites where standard port calls don’t work. Transport & Cost of Living: Opposition MPs say the government is failing to engage transport operators on fare hikes, arguing enforcement is replacing dialogue as fuel costs bite. Power Project Oversight: MP Sharma Solomon renewed criticism of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, linking delays and oversight gaps to higher household costs and ongoing electricity strain. Agriculture & Skills: FAO and NAREI trained over 90 farmers and extension officers in climate-smart crop management and protected cultivation, including digital sensor-based monitoring. Tourism Development: Fort Island is set for upgrades to boost visitor access and experience, with eco-lodge interest flagged as a driver for private investment. Sports & Youth Pipeline: ExxonMobil and FL Sport launched the 4th Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament, subsidising equipment, meals and transport for 48 primary school teams across Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo.

Oil & Gas: ExxonMobil has started drilling the Goby-1 wildcat in the Stabroek block, correcting earlier location reports after MARAD updated well coordinates; the well is being run by the Stena Carron drillship and is due to finish in late July, about 217 km offshore. Energy Security & Risk: Guyana’s oil-spill protection remains stuck at a US$600M insurance cap despite a court fight, with an additional US$2B affiliate guarantee still in place—an issue that keeps resurfacing as FPSO capacity grows. Resource Governance: Guyana faces a possible temporary EITI suspension if it can’t show “substantial progress” on 21 corrective actions during an ongoing full validation review. Agriculture: Over 90 farmers and extension officers across Regions Two, Five and Six completed training in climate-smart crop management and protected cultivation, including digital sensor-based monitoring. Shipping & Mining Support: UAL’s Caribbean Shuttle delivered generators to the Oko West private dock for remote mining operations, using a ramp-discharge landing craft approach. Regional Policy: CARICOM’s public consultation on Bermuda’s move from associate to full membership closes May 31, with a White Paper expected after feedback review.

Oil & Gas Governance: Guyana is facing a possible EITI suspension after a full Validation review flagged weak outcomes, patchy public outreach, and poor follow-through on reforms, with the country’s last score sitting at 52/100. Exxon Insurance Dispute: As Guyana adds more FPSOs, Exxon-linked limited oil-spill insurance of US$600M remains in place after court reversals, keeping pressure on whether adequate protection exists in a major spill. Offshore Environment Controls: Exxon plans to limit oil in discharged produced water for the Haimara development, targeting strict daily and monthly oil-in-water limits to ease marine-life concerns. Power Costs & Project Delays: The Wales gas-to-energy project’s two-year delay is now projected to cost about US$884M more, while GPL continues relying heavily on expensive HFO. Regional Energy Politics: Guyana and T&T reserved positions on CARICOM’s Cuba sanctions statement, highlighting growing regional splits tied to U.S. policy and security alignments. Mining Safety: A Rupununi miner died after a pit collapse at Chi Chi Backdam, with an investigation launched amid ongoing workplace fatality concerns. Real Estate Investment: A Chinese-backed firm is seeking EPA approval for a luxury gated community at Providence, East Bank Demerara. Infrastructure & Industry: Guyana is also pushing carbon capture investment as oil producers are urged to cut emissions while maintaining output.

Oil & Gas Policy: President Irfaan Ali urged oil producers to invest more in carbon capture and low-carbon technologies, arguing Guyana can cut the environmental footprint of production while still growing. Regional Energy & Shipping: A U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve cargo headed to California for the first time, showing how the Iran war is reshaping crude routes; the report also notes Guyana’s Unity Gold crude was co-loaded on a Chevron-linked tanker. CARICOM Diplomacy: CARICOM foreign ministers condemned intensifying U.S. measures against Cuba, but Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago reserved their positions—highlighting a rare split inside the bloc tied to the U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas.” Local Industry/Manufacturing: IDB Invest finalised up to US$30M for Trinidad Tissues to expand manufacturing, logistics and working capital, with growth plans including Guyana. Sports & Tourism-Linked Hosting: Cricket West Indies confirmed the 2026 home season vs Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan; Guyana will host the first three NZ ODIs, with the final two in Barbados due to logistics. National Celebrations: Diamond Jubilee climax saw a mechanical failure delay as the Golden Arrowhead got stuck on the flagpole before a smaller flag was used to keep the ceremony moving.