AGP Executive Report

SME Finance Boost: The Guyana Development Bank has officially begun operations, offering up to G$3 million in zero-interest, zero-collateral financing plus support services, with an initial G$20B capital injection and a seven-member board led by Abu Zaman and Kathy Smith as deputy. Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha handed NAREI a G$60M vehicle fleet (pickups, ATVs and motorcycles) to strengthen Carambola Fruit Fly surveillance and extension services. Regional Tourism Leadership: Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez was unanimously elected chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Council of Ministers, with priorities including women and youth leadership and better connectivity. Workforce for Oil & Gas: 30 young Guyanese started Advanced Diploma oil and gas training at GTTCI in Port Mourant, as the sector scales toward one million barrels per day capacity. Caribbean Food Production: Guyana tabled a mid-year regional food security progress update at COTED, reporting major production gains and strong intra-regional trade momentum. Consumer Alert: GraceKennedy Foods issued a voluntary recall of specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L in multiple markets including Guyana. Oil Output Watch: August oil production fell to the year’s lowest level after incidents including a fire on the Liza Unity FPSO and production drops at Payara. Sports & Community: National cricketer Kemol Savory urged Essequibians to pack Anna Regina for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball finals on Oct 11.

Guyana Development Bank Launch: The Guyana Development Bank is now operational with a seven-member board led by Abu Zaman, offering zero-interest, zero-collateral loans up to G$3 million plus business support, with President Ali calling it a new pathway for young entrepreneurs, women, farmers and skilled tradespeople. Local Housing & Construction: Palmyra in Region Six is about 60% complete, with 110 three-bedroom young professional homes (over $2.1B investment) expected to finish by year-end. Tourism & Regional Industry: At SOTIC 2026, Guyana’s tourism authority director urged Caribbean destinations to diversify offerings without diluting authenticity, while THAG welcomed the Development Bank as key financing for small tourism operators. Electric Mobility at Berbice Expo: Electric and hybrid vehicles took centre stage, with local dealers highlighting fuel-saving options and local servicing for after-sales support. Oil-to-Power Pressure: A growing electricity crisis is raising questions about whether oil wealth is translating into reliable power for households and businesses. Agriculture Push: Government is advancing coconut production through technical collaboration to boost yields and access to planting materials. Sports & Business Link: Linden’s Kashif and Shanghai launch framed football as a driver for local commerce, while SVC/AJM booked the National T10 Tapeball Finals after an 87-run zonal win. Public Finance Debate: Former finance minister Winston Jordan renewed calls to exit sugar, warning billions are being poured into an uncompetitive industry.

Guyana Development Bank Launch: The Guyana Development Bank is now operational, with a seven-member board taking charge and the bank set to offer zero-interest, zero-collateral loans up to G$3 million, plus business support for entrepreneurs and SMEs—an especially big deal for tourism operators, small lodges, tour businesses and other value-chain players. Tourism & Industry Linkages: At SOTIC 2026, Guyana’s tourism authority chief Kamrul Baksh urged Caribbean destinations to diversify tourism without diluting authenticity, while tourism minister Edmund Bartlett pushed for stronger farmer-to-tourism logistics to stop agro-producers losing out on earnings. Electric Mobility at Berbice Expo: Berbice Expo 2026 put electric and hybrid vehicles in the spotlight, with local dealers highlighting pricing, servicing support and fuel-saving options. Oil-to-Power Pressure: A new push is growing to ensure oil wealth translates into reliable electricity as GPL faces tight generation reserves and frequent outages. Gold & Mining Updates: G Mining Ventures says 10 drill rigs are active at Oko West with first gold targeted in about 12 months, while Liberty Metals reports encouraging gold mineralisation from its Oko North maiden exploration. Manufacturing to Qatar: UMAMI shipped its first commercial container of Guyanese-made products to Qatar, marking a step from launch to sustained export trade. Sports & Business: Linden’s Kashif and Shanghai tournament launch came with a “Football Means Business” message aimed at turning the event into local economic opportunity.

Guyana Development Bank: Government has named the inaugural Board for the new Guyana Development Bank, with Abu Zaman as Chairman and Kathy Smith as Deputy Chair, plus James Bond, Sukrishnalall Pasha, Dion Inniss, Nalinie Singh and Praem Rambharak—aimed at expanding financing for micro, small and medium enterprises through zero-interest, zero-collateral loans up to $3M and business support, with Budget 2026 providing an initial $20B injection. Agriculture & Food Security: FAO is backing Guyana’s Agriculture Month push to modernise agrifood systems, strengthen food security and encourage youth to see farming as innovation and entrepreneurship. Roads to Industry: Truck parking and auto-zone facilities are being built at Golden Grove and Enmore to reduce heavy-vehicle disruption in residential areas. Workplace Rights: A legal explainer outlines how Guyana’s Prevention of Discrimination Act protects workers from sexual harassment and what avenues exist to complain. Oil & Governance Pressure: Commentaries and debate continue around Exxon’s US$55B cost-recovery claim and what it means for Guyana’s share, accountability and long-term benefits. Energy Projects Under Scrutiny: Government is still reviewing Exxon’s Longtail (Stabroek) development, while a controversial U.S.-linked consortium is among bidders for Amaila hydropower and Kurupung uranium opponents appeal EPA’s no-EIA decision. Regional Security: Guyana and Brazil reaffirm border cooperation to tackle illegal mining and trafficking through the latest military exchange. Connectivity & Business: EllaLink launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment, targeting service by end-2029. Recall Alert: GraceKennedy Foods is voluntarily recalling specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L across parts of the Caribbean due to a quality issue.

Oil & Gas Governance: Exxon says it has recovered US$55b in Stabroek Block costs, but critics say key details are missing—raising fresh questions about what comes next for Guyana’s oil wealth. Hydropower Procurement: A controversial U.S.-linked firm, OEC USA, is in the running for Amaila Falls, with scrutiny over bid evaluation and U.S. financing support. Uranium & Environment: 40 citizens and four organisations appeal EPA’s decision to exempt Kurupung uranium exploration from an EIA, citing risks to Indigenous communities and contamination concerns. Border Security: Guyana and Brazil are deepening defence ties to tackle illegal mining, trafficking and cross-border criminal networks. Agriculture & Standards: FAO urges support for local farmers and fishers as Agriculture Month pushes innovation; GNBS promotes grading standards to help produce meet market expectations. Food Industry Recall: GraceKennedy Foods recalls specific Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L batches across several Caribbean markets, saying it’s a quality issue, not a safety one. Local Industry & Trade: UMAMI ships its first commercial container to Qatar’s LuLu Hypermarket, signalling a push for sustained Gulf market access. Public Services & Work: Government expands truck parking/auto zones to reduce roadside congestion; legal guidance highlights workers’ protections against sexual harassment. Education: UG prepares for 3,700+ graduands at its 60th convocation.

Energy & Contracts: Arbitration specialists at Istanbul Arbitration Days warned that geopolitics, sanctions and volatile prices are putting long-term energy deals under strain, with contract wording and price-review clauses becoming flashpoints. Oil & Operations: ExxonMobil is set to continue exploration drilling at Liza Two, while parliament’s committee agenda includes ExxonMobil operations and miners’ welfare. Public Finance Oversight: Calls are growing for an independent Commissioner for Public Investment and Contract Accountability, as critics say key cost-recovery milestones lack clear details and accountability gaps persist. Agribusiness & Exports: UMAMI’s first commercial container to Qatar has sailed to LuLu Hypermarket, a major step for Guyana’s value-added food manufacturing. Local Industry & Trade: Berbice Expo and Trade Fair opened with 180 booths, spotlighting small producers and business growth opportunities. Infrastructure & Urban Life: President Ali inspected the Thomas Street “Healthy Streets” project, stressing coordination of roadworks and drainage for safer, greener public spaces. Regional Security: GDF and Brazil’s armed forces discussed tackling trafficking and illegal mining along the southern border. Travel Facilitation: Guyanese passport holders can now enter Saudi Arabia using an e-visa or visa on arrival without needing a US/UK/Schengen visa. Food Safety: GraceKennedy Foods recalled specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch in several Caribbean markets, citing a quality issue.

Healthy Streets Upgrade: President Irfaan Ali inspected the first Thomas Street project under the Healthy Streets Initiative, stressing proper coordination of roadway and drainage as Georgetown gets a greener, safer corridor. Regional Health Cooperation: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony chaired Amazon talks on malaria elimination, Indigenous health and disease surveillance, with Guyana, Bolivia, Suriname and Venezuela agreeing on measurable next steps. Food Security Push: President Ali used Agriculture Month 2026 to argue Guyana’s agri-food expansion is a regional duty to help cut Caribbean extra-regional food imports, linking production to inter-island trade routes. Aviation Safety Drive: Aviation operators and regional leaders backed stronger Caribbean aviation safety oversight, focusing on practical cooperation and the CASSOS roadmap to 2035. Export Spotlight: UMAMI Incorporated shipped its first commercial container to LuLu Hypermarket in Qatar, aiming to build regular Gulf exports for Guyanese-made sauces and condiments. Local Business Growth: Berbice Expo opened with 180 booths and 150 exhibitors, giving small producers a platform to sell and network. Housing Delivery: 100 low-income homes at La Reconnaissance are progressing toward completion by January 2027. Energy/Contracts Watch: Arbitration experts in Istanbul warned volatile markets and geopolitics are straining long-term energy contracts, raising the stakes for careful drafting. Sports & Community: Navin and Sons Construction sponsored the GT/ECD $500,000 prize in the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, while the Berbice Expo and softball sponsorships keep grassroots momentum going.

Aviation Safety & AI: President Irfaan Ali urged ICAO and regulators to build an international AI safety strategy that protects equity for developing states as Guyana hosts the RSOO/RAIO forum. Energy Contracts: Arbitration experts at Istanbul Arbitration Days warned that geopolitical shocks and contract drafting gaps are raising risks for long-term energy deals, including change-of-control and price-review clauses. Banking & Trade Services: GBTI added a new ATM at the AC Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, boosting cash access for residents and visitors. Health in the Amazon: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony chaired Amazon countries’ talks on malaria elimination, Indigenous health, and disease surveillance, with Suriname offering its malaria elimination approach. Food Security: Guyana reported leading CARICOM progress on agriculture output and trade at COTED, while the Ministry launched a weekly Sophia farmers’ market to cut grocery costs by removing middlemen. Maritime Accountability: APNU questioned the government’s urgency on MV Barima salvage, citing delays in naming a contractor and mobilisation timeline. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Barbados stepped up port checks after Suriname’s bird flu outbreak, saying poultry risk remains low under existing quarantine rules. Local Industry & Logistics: GNSCL relaunched its corporate website on a new .gy address to improve access to shipping and logistics services.

Banking & Trade: GBTI adds a new ATM at the AC Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, boosting cash access for Ogle-area residents, visitors and cardholders. Health Cooperation: Guyana leads Amazon health talks at PAHO, pushing regional action on malaria elimination, Indigenous health and disease surveillance. Energy & Investment: Barbados PM Mia Mottley confirmed for the 2027 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo (Feb 16–19), spotlighting regional energy security and financing. Aviation Safety: CARICOM and ICAO move to strengthen aviation safety oversight, with Guyana hosting a forum on resilient regional regulation and capacity. Agriculture Policy: The Ministry of Agriculture rejects APNU’s “agriculture collapse” claim, citing official data showing sugar, rice and fishing still growing in H1 2026. Food Prices: Sophia Farmers’ Market launches weekly Wednesday direct-from-farm produce to cut middlemen and lower grocery costs. STEM & Robotics: Team Guyana Robotics gets backing from ENet, IDB and MODEC for the FIRST Global Challenge 2026 in South Korea. Maritime & Public Works: Contractors are urged to complete Le Repentir Cemetery cleanup within set timelines and standards. Oil Watch: Exxon says Guyana’s oil reserves have fallen below 11B barrels, while production continues across four FPSOs. Labour & Safety: GuySuCo worker Latchman Raghoo dies after a forklift crush at Albion Estate, with calls for a full investigation.

Agriculture & Food Security: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana’s agri-growth is now a regional responsibility, pushing innovation, agro-processing hubs, and better farm-to-market logistics to cut Caribbean import dependence. Local Markets: The Sophia Farmers’ Market launches every Wednesday to sell cheaper produce directly from farmers. Urban Infrastructure: Priya Manickchand inspects Thomas Street Avenue works under the Healthy Streets Initiative, aiming for greener, safer public spaces. Power & Mining Costs: MP Sharma Solomon demands disclosure of Amaila Falls electricity tariff, financing and state guarantees before any commitment, citing rising demand from major gold miners. Oil & Gas Training: Guyana Technical Training College readies 30 more trainees for FPSO-related oil and gas skills entirely in Guyana. Aviation Safety & Capacity: CARICOM and ICAO open a regional aviation safety symposium in Georgetown, with calls for stronger oversight and technical capacity. Security & Crime Finance: Attorney General Anil Nandlall signals more court applications to freeze and forfeit criminal-linked assets. Transport & Logistics: Traffic Chief warns drivers of fallen container trailer trucks are being charged for faulty loading and unsecured containers. Health: GPHC reports 107 breast cancer diagnoses in the first eight months of 2026.

Oil & Local Content: ExxonMobil expects Guyana to push past the one-million-barrel-a-day mark by year-end, with local content earnings hitting US$3.6B as the sector keeps accelerating. Agriculture Month 2026: President Ali and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha launch the month-long push “Innovate, Nourish, Grow,” spotlighting tech-driven farming, farmers’ markets to cut food prices, and plans like 1,000 pregnant heifers to strengthen livestock. Aviation Safety & Training: President Ali warns aviation safety can’t slip as travel grows, while Guyana hosts major regional safety forums and signs new civil aviation cooperation deals (including with Greece and the Dominican Republic). Skills for Industry: Education officials commission AutoCAD/CAD labs for secondary schools and discuss curricula for a Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute at Port Mourant. Mining & Crime Links: MP Sharma Solomon calls for financial probes into illegal mining after an INTERPOL warning about cocaine profits being routed into gold. Housing & Construction: Two US firms backed by EXIM financing will build 10,000 affordable homes in Guyana. Business & Logistics: Massy confirms it sold its Caterpillar dealership to MACORP, a Guyanese-linked operator expanding regional reach. Food Security & Health: Guyana bans Suriname bananas and is on bird-flu alert after outbreaks in Suriname.

Oil & Local Content: ExxonMobil’s Alistair Routledge says Guyana could cross 1 million barrels per day by year-end and notes local spending of US$3.6B with 2,000+ vendors. Agriculture Month 2026: Zulfikar Mustapha launched “Innovate, Nourish, Grow,” pushing tech-led farming, women and youth leadership, and a weekly Sophia farmers’ market to cut middlemen markups. Food Prices Response: Farmers’ markets and direct-to-consumer sales are set to run weekly, alongside Honey Fest and World Food Day activities. Aviation Safety Push: President Ali warns that one lapse can undo safety gains as Guyana hosts the ICAO/EASA aviation safety forum; CARICOM and partners plan a Georgetown declaration on Oct 1. Aviation Connectivity: Guyana signs MoUs/agreements with the Dominican Republic and Greece to deepen civil aviation cooperation. Illegal Mining & Drug Links: MP Sharma Solomon calls for investigations into the financial networks behind illegal mining, echoing INTERPOL warnings about cocaine proceeds. Housing Boost: Two US firms will build 10,000 affordable homes with EXIM financing. UN Secretary-General Race: Rebeca Grynspan widens her lead in the Security Council’s fourth straw poll, with Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett next. Energy Infrastructure & Power: GPL again presses contractors on electricity project deadlines amid repeated outages. Gold Sector: Zijin’s AGM reports US$334M revenue from Guyana’s Aurora mine in H1 2026; authorities detain miners over alleged illegal Siparuni riverbank operations.

UN Diplomacy: The UN Security Council held its 4th straw poll to narrow the race for the next UN secretary-general, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan strengthening her lead and Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett again finishing second, though veto powers still loom over any outcome. Energy & Industry: ExxonMobil marked a major milestone—one billion barrels of oil produced from Guyana—while Zijin’s AGM reported US$334M in first-half 2026 revenue from the Aurora gold mine. Aviation & Skills: Guyana is hosting the Global Aviation Safety Forum with ICAO and EASA, and President Ali also sought an international partner to build a global aviation training hub and expand airport terminal use. Power & Delivery: GPL pressed contractors again on electricity project deadlines amid repeated outages. Mining Enforcement: GGMC detained three miners over illegal work along the Siparuni riverbank and shut an unlicensed gold shop at Tamakay Landing, seizing gold, equipment and cash. Transport Disaster Watch: The MV Barima Commission of Inquiry is set to begin public work in early October, with procedural rules published and defence seeking a stay in the murder case against crew. Education & Construction Tech: New AutoCAD labs were commissioned in New Amsterdam to expand technical training for engineering and construction-linked careers. Fuel Prices: GuyOil raised fuel prices again, with gasoline up to $258/litre and diesel to $318/litre.

Aviation & Safety: Guyana hosts nearly 60 countries for the ICAO/EASA RSOO and RAIO forum on aviation safety oversight, with President Ali set to open talks at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Mining Crackdown: GGMC enforcement shut down an unlicensed gold shop at Tamakay Landing, seizing gold, equipment and cash and detaining two people. Oil & Fuel Costs: GuyOil raised fuel prices again—gasoline up to $258/litre and diesel to $318/litre—citing global supply pressures. Education for Industry: New AutoCAD labs are being commissioned in New Amsterdam and Hope Secondary, expanding technical training for engineering, construction and manufacturing skills. Tourism Sustainability: Ten tourism businesses received Guyana’s “Good Travel Seal,” as the GTA expands sustainable tourism certification beyond lodges into more community-linked operators. Sugar Accountability: APNU MP Vinceroy Jordan demands an investigation into alleged GuySuCo leakage and wastage after factory failure concerns. UN Spotlight: The UN Security Council held its fourth straw poll on secretary-general candidates, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett still in the running. Housing Deal: US firms plan to build 10,000 affordable homes in Guyana with EXIM financing.

Mining Enforcement: GGMC shut down an unlicensed gold trading shop at Tamakay Landing (Region Seven), seizing about two ounces of gold and roughly GY$6 million, with equipment seized and two people arrested as investigations continue. Education & Skills: The Ministry of Education commissioned AutoCAD labs at Hope Secondary and North Ruimveldt Multilateral, part of an $85M push to expand TVET and build digital design skills for engineering, construction and manufacturing careers. Water Supply: GWI plans to drill 14 new wells for new housing communities along the East Coast corridor, aiming to ease growing demand as CH&PA developments expand. Aviation Safety & Growth: Regulators and accident investigators from nearly 60 countries will meet in Georgetown for an ICAO/EASA forum on aviation safety oversight and incident investigation. Transport & Infrastructure: Traffic restrictions are in effect at Thomas Street/New Market Street for pipeline and concrete drain works. Oil & Energy Policy: Government is reviewing proposals for a national fuel storage network to hold larger reserves and reduce exposure to rising imported fuel costs.

Education & Skills: The Ministry of Education commissioned two new AutoCAD labs at Hope Secondary and North Ruimveldt, part of an $85M push to expand TVET and build digital design skills for engineering, construction and manufacturing. Water & Housing: GWI says it will drill 14 new wells for CH&PA housing schemes (Meten-Meer-Zorg, De Kinderen, Leonora, Stewartville and more), with drilling expected from Oct/Nov as demand outpaces the current system. Aviation Safety & Training: Nearly 60 countries’ aviation regulators and investigators will meet in Georgetown for an ICAO/EASA forum on safety oversight and accident investigation, with President Ali set to keynote. Energy Security: Government is reviewing proposals for a national fuel storage network to hold larger reserves, using a hub-and-spoke model with a main fuel farm and smaller sites like Lethem. Oil & Jobs Tech: Ksolves India secured a ~$0.5M agentic AI IT services order from Demerara Bank for a 7-month rollout. Local Infrastructure: NDIA completed a $60M drainage sluice at Buses Lust to reduce flooding risk and protect farmland. Governance & Courts: A magistrate said extradition cross-examination questions won’t be suppressed even if they affect timelines, as the case involving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed continues. Maritime Safety: Two men charged over the MV Barima tragedy asked the court to halt proceedings, arguing mandatory marine-casualty steps were bypassed. Business & Industry: GRSE is expanding shipbuilding capacity to build 32 vessels concurrently and eye global markets. Sports & Community: Trident BMC-LLC won AmCham Guyana’s third annual Lusignan golf tournament.