AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Trade Talks: CARICOM’s COTED opened in Georgetown as ministers warned that energy-market shocks and higher fuel, food and fertiliser costs are squeezing growth and food security across the bloc. Housing & Law Enforcement: The Housing Ministry says it has enlisted INTERPOL and the FBI to track Omar Malik of DreamVu Homes after he allegedly vanished with millions in advance payments, leaving Young Professional Homes incomplete. Mining Safety: Two pork-knockers were trapped after a Region 8 mining pit caved in, with police and GGMC working to recover the men. Water Infrastructure: Guyana Water Inc. will spend about $251M to drill new wells at Garden of Eden and Houston, part of a wider 2026 push for potable supply. Agribusiness Build-Out: The Regional Food Hub at Yarrowkabra is about 50% complete and is still on track for year-end completion, with cold storage and systems to cut post-harvest losses. Local Industry in Oil & Gas: Friedlander Guyana completed a major WIRD fabrication scope for the Liza Unity FPSO, marking a first high-pressure offshore process-pipe fabrication effort executed by Guyanese workers. Budget Equity Debate: A feminist budget analysis says the 2026 national budget’s rapid expansion isn’t translating into targeted action on structural inequality. Court Ruling: The High Court ordered VP Bharrat Jagdeo to pay about $17M in damages and costs in the Charles Ceres defamation case. Tourism Numbers: Guyana recorded 40,149 visitor arrivals in May, up 20.6%, driven by Diamond Jubilee events.

Oil & Tax Accountability: Stabroek Block partners ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC reportedly left Guyana owing about US$2.4B in 2025 taxes, with the dispute framed as a major revenue loss for the country. Defamation Ruling: The High Court ordered VP Bharrat Jagdeo to pay about $17M total in damages and costs in the Charles Ceres libel case, while dismissing claims against Kaieteur News and Guyana Times. Water Infrastructure: GWI will spend about $251M to drill new wells at Garden of Eden and Houston. Agribusiness & Trade: Brazil is showing interest in Guyana’s fertiliser plant plans, pointing to deeper regional market links. Local Industry Push: Friedlander Guyana completed a major local-content offshore fabrication scope for ExxonMobil’s Liza Unity FPSO, with claims of zero weld defects. Housing Enforcement: Housing authorities say they’ve engaged INTERPOL, the FBI and CARICOM IMPACS to pursue contractor Omar Malik/DreamVu Homes over unfinished homes. Budget Equity Debate: A feminist analysis says the 2026 national budget is not translating oil-fuelled spending into fair outcomes for women and vulnerable communities. Public Safety Procurement: 41 contractors bid to build Region Three’s new Police Divisional HQ at Leonora. Regional Food Hub: The Yarrowkabra Regional Food Hub is about 50% complete, with cold storage and systems expected to follow. UN Diplomacy: President Ali announced Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as Guyana’s candidate for UN Secretary-General, backed by the AFC.

Ponzi Verdict: SOCU secured convictions of Yuri Garcia Dominguez and Ateeka Ishmael over a multi-million-dollar ACFI fraud that lured 17,000+ investors with fake FX returns; both were sentenced to one year and fined G$1M each, with Garcia also getting 18 months for operating without proper registration. Justice System Upgrade: A PACE-funded workshop brought police investigators and prosecutors together to speed up case handling and cut backlogs, with a focus on linking early investigations to successful prosecutions. Housing Enforcement: Guyana’s Housing Ministry says it has engaged INTERPOL, the FBI and CARICOM IMPACS to pursue contractor Omar Malik and DreamVu Homes over unfinished Young Professional Homes, after domestic notices and police reports. UN Diplomacy Bid: President Ali announced Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as Guyana’s nominee for UN Secretary-General, citing the country’s growing global role. Oil & Energy Watch: Oil prices slid as Goldman cut its 2027 Brent forecast to $80/bbl, while Exxon admitted it used Guyana’s oil to repay the dormant gas pipeline cost. Tourism Boost: Guyana logged 40,149 visitor arrivals in May, up 20.6%, driven by Diamond Jubilee events. Youth Cricket Funding: GBTI injected G$3.5M into the Beharry Group U-19 Schools Cricket Tournament starting this weekend. Regional Security: US and Venezuela reported the killing of Tren de Aragua leader “Niño Guerrero” in a joint operation.

UN Diplomacy: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana will nominate Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for UN Secretary-General, citing the country’s growing global role. Housing & Compliance: The Housing Ministry says it has engaged INTERPOL, the FBI and CARICOM IMPACS in the Omar Malik/DreamVu Homes case over unfinished Young Professional Homes. Oil & Power: ExxonMobil admits Guyana’s oil is being used to repay the dormant Wales gas pipeline costs, while the Wales Gas-to-Energy project timeline again shifts on turbine completion. Local Governance: VP Bharrat Jagdeo’s Region Five blitz drew hundreds of complaints and quick ministerial responses in one day. Security & Crime: CANU arrested a Venezuelan with 23 AK-47 rifles and ammo; separate reports also note a major Venezuelan operation against illegal miners in the gold belt. Energy Markets: Goldman pushes Gulf oil export normalization to late August, with Brent outlook changes tied to Hormuz disruption. Business & Trade: Flow is named official partner of the Republic Bank CPL 2026, and a U.S. business delegation led by Sarah-Ann Lynch met Guyana on investment and logistics opportunities. Finance & Justice: SOCU secured convictions in a Ponzi scheme case, sentencing Yuri Garcia Dominguez and Ateeka Ishmael to jail and fines.

CARICOM Trade Talks: The 62nd Regular Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) opened in Georgetown, with CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett warning that energy-market shocks and supply-chain disruptions are pushing up fuel, food and fertiliser costs, threatening inflation and food security across the region. U.S. Business Push: Former U.S. Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch led a multi-sector American business delegation to Guyana, meeting senior officials on AI, infrastructure, supply chain logistics, aviation, energy and maritime opportunities. Fertiliser Partnership: Brazil is looking to Guyana as a fertiliser source, following talks with President Irfaan Ali on a planned Guyana ammonia and urea plant at Wales, targeting operations by 2028. Power Project Update: Government says one turbine for the Wales Gas-to-Energy project will be completed by end-2026, with full commissioning expected in 2027. Electricity Oversight: The Public Utilities Commission says GPL will not face penalties for missing 2024 targets, citing infrastructure damage, software updates and electricity theft, while pushing modernisation and reliability upgrades. Air Cargo Growth: Cargojet Airways will start weekly non-scheduled cargo flights for DHL Express, reflecting a sharp rise in Guyana’s air cargo volumes since 2020. SME Export Tool: TTMA launched a new export tool for SMEs, building on its Export Action Programme model to help firms break into foreign markets. Youth & Community: STRIDE592 launched “Girls on the Move” to empower girls aged 6–18 through running, mentorship and mental health support. Oil Price Watch: Goldman Sachs cut its 2027 Brent forecast to $80/bbl, citing supply growth and demand weakness, while flagging volatility tied to geopolitical scenarios. Governance & Integrity: Opposition alleges an EITI validation meeting invitation was withheld, while SOCU secured convictions in a Ponzi scheme case, fining and jailing Yuri Garcia Dominguez and Ateeka Ishmael.

CARICOM Trade Talks: CARICOM trade ministers opened the 62nd COTED meeting in Georgetown, with Secretary-General Carla Barnett warning that energy-market shocks, higher fuel/food/fertiliser costs, and supply-chain disruptions are set to squeeze growth and food security across the region. Shipping Costs & Food Logistics: A CARISTATS/ECLAC look at maritime trade shows Caribbean freight can be far pricier than routes to distant hubs, pushing up the cost of getting food to market and feeding calls for a Barbados–Guyana regional food distribution hub. Oil & Gas Oversight: ExxonMobil and partners have deducted close to US$1B for Stabroek Block decommissioning/clean-up, while a separate report says government still lacks a say in the US$1B oil clean-up fund’s control. Wales Gas-to-Energy Delays: The Wales gas project again missed its power timeline, with officials saying one turbine should be completed by end-2026, while bus drivers protested unpaid wages. Power Utility Targets: The PUC says GPL will face no penalties for missing 2024 targets, citing incidents, software updates, and electricity theft. Food Controls Debate: A “Food Passport” concept is being built as rationing and digital permission systems, raising concerns for access and eligibility. Agriculture & Imports: No poultry import exemptions or licences have been granted since the 2023 bird flu ban. Air Cargo Boost: Cargojet Airways will start weekly non-scheduled cargo flights for DHL Express, reflecting a surge in Guyana’s air cargo demand. Infrastructure & Jobs: Public Works Minister Juan Edghill met Chinese contractors on bridge and hospital delivery, while Carifesta Avenue Road rehabilitation is progressing in phases. Crime & Courts: Ponzi scheme operators Yuri Garcia Dominguez and Ateeka Ishmael were fined and jailed after SOCU convictions. Public Safety: Police arrested a Venezuelan national after a gun was found at Prospect Housing Scheme, and two suspects were arrested in an armed robbery of a Parika engineer.

Aviation & Logistics: Canadian cargo airline Cargojet Airways will start weekly non-scheduled cargo flights to Guyana on June 12 for DHL Express USA, using the Miami–Caracas–Georgetown–Medellin route, as air cargo volumes nearly doubled from 2020 to 2025. Energy & Oil Sector: ExxonMobil Guyana says it recorded US$5.7B gross profit in 2025, driven by higher output from the One Guyana FPSO, and is seeking approval to lift production by 30,000 bpd. Public Health & Industry Support: Martinique says it can supply Guyana with radioactive drugs for certain cancers, supporting local oncology care. Local Infrastructure: Carifesta Avenue Road rehabilitation is progressing, with major drainage and lane-widening works in both phases. Housing & Social Services: Government is moving to build a daycare centre for prison officers’ children, with bids invited. Agribusiness: Guyana and the Dominican Republic plan to expand mango and avocado production with technical support. Finance & SME Debate: Former ambassador Dr. C. Kenrick Hunte warns the proposed Guyana Development Bank could become a welfare-style lender if loans are allowed without collateral or interest. Labour & Power Project Pressure: Wales Gas-to-Energy bus drivers protest unpaid salaries, alleging threats tied to speaking out. Safety & Fire Services: NPTAB awarded $329.5M for new fire stations in Regions 5 and 6. Global Macro Headline: The World Bank warns Middle East conflict could drag global growth to the slowest pace since COVID, with higher energy prices and borrowing costs.

Mining crackdown: Venezuela deployed troops near Las Claritas in Bolivar State to target illegal gold mining linked to armed groups, with residents reporting explosions and gunfire. Local jobs & labour: Wales Gas-to-Energy bus drivers protested “three months, no pay,” alleging poor conditions and threats of termination. Public safety infrastructure: NPTAB awarded $329.5M to build new fire stations in Rosignol (Region 5) and Cumberland (Region 6). Air cargo growth: Cargojet Airways will launch weekly non-scheduled DHL Express cargo flights to Guyana from June 12. Sugar economics: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said 2025 raw sugar production cost about US$1.09 per pound (inclusive of labour and maintenance). Oil & power systems: ExxonMobil defended its bid to raise Stabroek output; meanwhile GPL’s $9M Guyana National Control Centre for Wales Gas-to-Energy is set for August 2026 operations. Agriculture innovation: Guyana and Brazil/IICA launched a Caribbean agri-science STI hub, and Guyana-Dominican Republic talks aim to scale mango and avocado production. Health cooperation: Martinique says it can supply Guyana with radioactive drugs for cancer treatment. Governance spotlight: GYEITI validation begins amid transparency concerns, with civil society meeting international evaluators. Diplomacy & business: Former US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch leads a US industry delegation meeting Guyana officials on aviation, energy, water and maritime investment. Security incident: Police arrested two suspects after an engineer was robbed of $200,000 and a Samsung S22 at Parika.

Public Health Crackdown: President Ali tells regional health officers and hospital administrators that bypassing Guyana’s new centralized medical supply system will mean immediate termination, tightening procurement under a multi-tier approval chain. Sugar Industry Funding Clash: Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan blasts a fresh $3B GuySuCo bailout as “no realistic path to recovery,” arguing repeated state injections haven’t fixed structural problems. Oil Money vs. Oil Profits: New figures show ExxonMobil and partners earning far more than Guyana receives from Stabroek in 2025, reigniting debate over profit shares and returns. Power Grid Upgrade: A US$9M Guyana National Control Centre at Wales Gas-to-Energy is on track for August 2026 operations, with SCADA equipment to improve real-time electricity management. Agri-Tech Push: Guyana and Brazil sign on to launch a Caribbean Sustainable Agriculture STI hub in Guyana to speed tropical agri-technology, climate-smart farming, and regional food security. Mining Oversight Warning: GGMC says fluctuating gold prices keep some mines technically active indefinitely, slowing reclamation and restoration. Regional Trade Link: Trinidad and Tobago’s manufacturers launch a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname to find new customers and investment opportunities.

Oil & Gas Finance: ExxonMobil and partners reported 2025 profits far outpacing Guyana’s take, with Exxon posting about US$6B pre-tax profit versus Guyana receiving US$2.5B in oil revenue—renewing scrutiny of the Stabroek Block profit-sharing formula. Power & Infrastructure: A US$9M Guyana National Control Centre for the Wales Gas-to-Energy project is progressing toward August 2026 operations, with SCADA testing underway to strengthen real-time electricity management. Agriculture Innovation: Guyana signed on to launch a Caribbean Sustainable Agriculture STI Hub with Brazil’s EMBRAPA and IICA, aiming to scale tropical, climate-smart agri-tech for regional food security. Transparency Watch: GYEITI validation begins today with a closed-door civil society meeting as international EITI evaluators review claims of transparency and civic space gaps in extractives. Mining & Environment: GGMC says fluctuating gold prices let operators keep sites “active” and delay reclamation, making restoration harder to enforce. Public Works: Government will add about $229M for an electrical control room at the Dora Police Academy. Health Systems: President Ali warned health officials not to bypass Guyana’s new centralised medical supply system from July 1, or face dismissal. Media & Democracy: Former Stabroek News editor Anand Persaud will lead “Kiskadee Watch,” a new free online daily launching June 14, with a weekly print edition planned before year-end. Regional Trade: TTMA launched a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname, seeking new customers and investment links.

Oil & Gas Oversight: Government is reviewing ExxonMobil Guyana’s request to ramp output at the One Guyana FPSO, seeking approval to add 30,000 bpd—potentially lifting Stabroek output to about 945,000 bpd, with safety checks and a physical visit planned. Public Finance Debate: Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan renewed criticism of the PPP/C’s $54.8B supplementary budget, calling it out of control and warning of weak planning and governance. State Enterprise Pressure: Jordan also blasted another $3B for GUYSUCO as “complete waste of money,” arguing the sugar industry can’t deliver results without deeper restructuring. Health Supply Reform: President Ali warned health officials they’ll be sent home if they bypass Guyana’s new centralised medical supply system from July 1, tightening emergency drug purchasing under strict sign-offs. Media & Democracy: Former Stabroek News EIC Anand Persaud will lead “Kiskadee Watch,” a free online daily launching June 14, with a weekly printed edition expected before year-end. Regional Trade: TTMA launched a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) with 38 companies and 58 participants chasing new export and investment opportunities. Mining Costs Scrutiny: Critics are questioning Guyana’s low annual land rental for foreign gold miners—reported as as low as US$5 per acre—while local operators pay US$3. Independence in the Diaspora: Over 10,000 Guyanese turned out in Brooklyn for the 60th Independence Diamond Jubilee parade and unity concert. Sports Business: WCPL fixtures are set for a re-engineered 2026 season in Barbados, with Jamaica Empress joining Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Tridents and Trinbago Knight Riders.

Oil & Gas Oversight: Government is reviewing ExxonMobil’s request to ramp Stabroek Block output by 30,000 bpd to about 945,000 bpd, with GGMC checks and a safety-focused officer visit planned for the One Guyana FPSO. Press Freedom & Media: Former Stabroek News Editor-in-Chief Anand Persaud will lead the launch of “Kiskadee Watch,” a free online daily set for June 14, with a weekly print edition expected before year-end. Trade & Business Links: World Trade Centre Georgetown will host a June 17 luncheon, “Growing Business with the United States,” featuring U.S. trade expert Arun Venkataraman to connect Guyanese firms to U.S. opportunities. Health Supply Reform: President Ali warned health officials who bypass Guyana’s new centralised medical supply system will be sent home; from July 1, emergency drug buys require sign-offs across the health chain. Regional Industry Watch: CARICOM trade ministers are urged to proceed carefully on a proposed 15% tariff on glass bottle imports, warning it could raise costs for manufacturers across the region.

EV & Skills Push: Guyana is set to expand its public EV charging network to 24 stations by year-end, adding 13 more sites (plus four from UNDP), while 22 people graduate from Electric Vehicle Systems and Solar PV Charging Infrastructure training. Road & Local Jobs: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works underway. Agro-Processing Boost: LCDS support is helping St Cuthbert’s Mission build a $10M cassava mill near completion, aimed at value-added products and new jobs. Mining & Infrastructure: Aris Mining has started Puruni Bridge works for its Toroparu Gold Project, as Xen Aviation expands domestic capacity with a new Britten-Norman Islander aircraft. Governance & Costs: A report says foreign gold miners pay as little as US$5 per acre annually for mining lands, drawing criticism. Regional Trade: TTMA launches a major trade mission to Guyana and Suriname to connect local manufacturers with new partners. Health Cooperation: Martinique says it’s ready to supply Guyana with radioactive drugs for certain cancers. Sports Venue: Anna Regina National Stadium is slated to open July 3.

Mining Land Fees: Guyana’s gold sector is drawing fresh criticism after the GGMC said foreign large-scale mining licence holders pay just US$5 per acre annually (locals US$3), while prospecting and medium-scale rates vary—sparking questions over whether the returns match the value of the resources. Roads & Logistics: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is about 90% complete, with drainage around 70% done and electrical works underway, aiming to cut commute times for daily users. Clean Energy & Transport: Guyana is set to expand public EV charging to 24 stations by year-end (adding 13, plus four from UNDP), and 22 skilled technicians have graduated from EV systems and solar PV training to support the renewable transition. Aviation Growth: Local carrier Xen Aviation has added a Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander to boost domestic and regional connectivity. Power Supply Pressure: Government and Karpowership remain in negotiations over renewal terms, with public utilities officials saying they’re pushing for a lower rate as the grid relies on rented electricity. Health & Industry: Martinique says it can supply Guyana with radioactive drugs for cancer treatment via its radiopharmaceutical oncology centre.

ICJ Tension: Venezuela says it has “well-founded doubts” about the ICJ process over the Essequibo dispute after Guyana’s statements, reiterating it never consented and will not recognize any ruling. Energy & Power Security: Government says it has submitted a counteroffer in ongoing Karpowership contract renewal talks, with the operator previously warning of a June 1 deadline and possible blackouts. Grid Modernisation: InterEnergy outlines a GPL grid modernisation roadmap through 2030, aiming for a more reliable, resilient, digitally managed network. Public Utilities Relief: GPL will start a $30,000 monthly electricity subsidy for eligible pensioners from the June 2026 billing cycle. Roads & EVs: Soesdyke–Linden Highway works are ~90% complete on the US$161M project; Guyana targets 24 public EV charging stations by year-end. Skills for Renewables: 22 technicians graduate from EV systems and solar PV charging infrastructure training. Governance Debate: Minister Gail Teixeira pushes back on using Transparency International’s CPI to judge anti-corruption progress, calling it perception-based. Procurement Watch: Six bids received for the Berbice Sub-Registry Building. Housing Push: Region 5 begins clearing backlog with up to 1,000 new house lots under Dream Realised. Local Industry & Culture: KFC Guyana renews as official fast-food partner for the One Guyana T10 Blast; Guyana Fashion Festival “A Diamond Legacy” runs July 3–5 with designer grants.

Environment & Standards: World Environment Day (June 5) spotlighted climate action, with Guyana’s GNBS urging businesses to cut methane, manage waste properly, and adopt an Environmental Management System aligned to ISO 14001:2026. Power Sector Tension: After opposition pressure, Government finally confirmed talks are ongoing on the Karpowership power contract renewal, as the grid-stability deadline and public anxiety grow. Pensioners’ Relief: GPL will start the $30,000 monthly electricity subsidy for eligible pensioners in the June 2026 billing cycle, with credits handled for both post-paid and pre-paid customers. Governance Metrics Debate: Minister Gail Teixeira pushed back in Parliament on using Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, arguing it’s perception-based rather than proof of corruption. Energy Grid Modernisation: InterEnergy outlined a plan to modernise GPL’s grid through 2030, aiming for a more reliable, resilient, digitally managed network. Budget Push & Development Spending: Government tabled a $54.9B supplementary request, including major additions for the Gas-to-Energy project and other public works, housing, and agriculture priorities. Local Housing Backlog: Region Five will get up to 1,000 new house lots under the Dream Realised push to clear pending applications. Oil Revenue Update: Bank of Guyana figures show Guyana’s oil sector generated about US$577.6M in Q1 2026, with US$761M in receipts/royalties reported for the first three months. SME Financing: The Guyana Development Bank Bill 2026 was tabled to expand zero-interest micro-credit (up to $3M) for SMEs, paired with mentorship and training. Youth & STEM for Agriculture: Queen’s College students won and then took part in a robotics/coding STEM workshop tied to smarter, climate-aware farming. Sports & Community: KFC Guyana returns as official fast-food partner for the One Guyana T10 Blast, backing local community tapeball.