AGP Executive Report

Qatar–Guyana Partnership: President Irfaan Ali says ties with Qatar are deepening into a strategic partnership covering energy, investment, food security, climate and human capital, with talks aimed at expanding technical support and business opportunities. Agriculture & Water: With El Niño expected to linger into 2027, MP Hussain urges Region Six farmers to conserve water using shade houses and drip irrigation, while the CDC boosts Region Three preparedness through risk and gap consultations. Electricity Pressure: GPL will add 5MW to the national grid, but questions remain on whether it can ease ongoing blackouts amid delays to the Wales gas-to-energy project. Mining Investment: Government signs mineral agreements for Mako Mining’s Eagle Mountain gold project, with construction targeted for 2027 and production expected by end-2028; enforcement also continues with arrests of foreign illegal miners in Potaro. Finance for Local Industry: UK Export Finance is pushing a £3B credit facility for non-oil sector imports, and Guyanese businesses are being urged to tap it. Housing Delivery: Govt invites contractors to build 400 sq ft one-bedroom units under the Social Housing Programme. Legal/Justice: Prosecutor says the US extradition case involving Nazar Mohamed and his son is backed by “compelling evidence,” as the hearing faces delay concerns. Regional Trade Talks: WTO fish-subsidy negotiations face renewed hurdles as the US, India and Indonesia oppose the draft text, with Guyana’s WTO ambassador Leslie Ramsanny leading the talks.

WTO Fish Subsidies: WTO negotiators are set to recommence talks on ending harmful fish subsidies, but the draft faces a “triple challenge” as the U.S., India and Indonesia oppose key text—raising doubts over the Fish 2 timeline and preferential treatment for developing countries. Oil Shock Watch: Brent pushed back above US$100 a barrel as U.S.-Iran tensions and Houthi attacks stoke fears of supply disruptions, with knock-on risks for transport and manufacturing costs that matter to Guyana’s import bill. UKEF Support for Non-Oil Trade: UK Export Finance says it will back Guyanese private-sector imports outside the oil and gas equipment space, with a minimum 20% UK content requirement—aimed at boosting sectors like agriculture, mining, manufacturing and services. Education & Skills: Guyana broke ground for the Caribbean’s fourth Council of Legal Education law school at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen campus, positioning the country as a regional training hub. Local Business Growth: Indigenous craft makers say access to Guyana Development Bank financing could help them scale production and reach new markets. Power Sector Pressure: Opposition figures renewed criticism of GPL’s blackout explanations, while the government continues work on the Wales gas-to-energy project and grid upgrades. Infrastructure Delivery: Region One received $230M in agri and waterway equipment, and the government also moved to upgrade transmission mains in multiple regions using a CDB loan. Trade & Diplomacy: Guyana and Qatar signed an MoU on agriculture and technology, while Guyana-UK trade hit a record level as UKEF looks to expand financing. Maritime Salvage: Three companies bid to salvage the MV Barima, with bids now moving to evaluation ahead of contract talks.

Oil & Energy Markets: Brent crude surged back above US$100/bbl for the first time since July 24, driven by intensifying US-Iran conflict and Houthi attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure, raising fresh fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea route. Guyana–Qatar Cooperation: President Irfaan Ali and Qatar’s Amir held talks in Doha, with a “partnership of purpose” focus spanning investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture and technology; a MoU was signed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and modern tech. Agriculture & Hinterland Works: Public Works Minister Juan Edghill met toshaos in Regions 8 and 9 to plan bridges and roads, while Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha commissioned $230M in equipment for Region One’s agri and waterway needs. Power Sector Pressure: Opposition figures renewed criticism of GPL amid ongoing blackouts, while PM Phillips inspected the Wales gas-to-energy project, targeting first gas turbine output by end-2026. Digital Trade Warning: A World Bank/IDB/WTO report says Guyana risks falling behind in digital trade due to gaps in trade commitments, infrastructure and logistics. Maritime Salvage: Three firms bid to salvage the MV Barima after its July sinking, with bids now moving to evaluation. Migration Deal Under Fire: Calls are growing for the full US agreement to be published after Guyana began accepting limited, vetted third-country deportees.

Oil & Energy Markets: Brent crude surged back above $100 a barrel for the first time since late July, driven by renewed Middle East attacks that raise fears for Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea shipping—an immediate cost pressure for energy users and a reminder that Guyana’s oil outlook is still tied to global supply risks. Power Reliability & Grid Strain: GPL says rising peak demand is overloading feeders and transformers, with outages linked to limited spinning reserve; it plans a 5MW capacity boost by Wednesday while also warning the public about dangerous work near power lines. Gas-to-Energy Progress: Wales gas-to-energy works are pushing toward first-fire testing around December 4, as officials try to add power to meet spiking demand during El Niño heat. Electricity Theft: GPL reports losing over GY$3B annually to electricity theft and asks police to pursue offenders. Local Industry Skills: GOGEC will expand its energy education programme to 60+ secondary schools, targeting 1,500+ students with petroleum value-chain and clean energy training. Guyana–Qatar Partnership: President Ali’s Doha engagements framed ties as a “partnership of purpose,” with talks on investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, and carbon credits, plus a Guyana Independence event launching a Guyanese sauce brand in Qatar. Governance & Industry Oversight: Opposition figures and municipal leaders trade legal blows over electricity and local tolls, while GGMC steps back from a mining land mediation.

Electricity Strain: GPL says rising peak demand (about 221MW last year to ~257MW) and overloaded feeders/transformers are driving recent outages, with the worst stress between 7pm and 9pm. Grid Fixes: GPL also plans to add 5MW by Wednesday and urges customers to avoid overloading breakers and to set AC around 25°C to cut load. Gas-to-Energy Progress: PM visits the Wales Gas-to-Energy site; GPL says phase two should add 300MW and lift NGL output to about 9,800 barrels/day, targeting ~600MW total when both phases run. Business Support in Communities: Tourism, Industry and Commerce wraps its 2026 Community Business Clinic series with the final clinic in Pakuri, offering one-on-one help on registration, taxes, standards, financing and tourism opportunities. Energy Skills Pipeline: GOGEC says over 1,500 secondary students across 60+ schools will get petroleum and clean-energy training. Local Governance Clash: Linden Town tolls and container fees face a legal fight after a minister’s cease-and-desist order is challenged as unlawful. Housing Enforcement: CH&PA orders removal of 45+ unauthorised shipping containers stored at Herstelling, citing safety and land-use violations. International Links: President Ali meets Qatar’s commerce and energy officials in Doha to deepen trade, investment and industrial cooperation. Migration Cooperation: Guyana begins receiving the first six vetted, skilled US-linked deportees under a temporary, non-resettlement framework. Mining Land Mediation Ends: GGMC withdraws from mediating the Chinese Landing Village/Wayne Vieira land dispute.

Power Grid Strain: Guyana Power and Light says recent outages are driven by rising peak demand (7pm–9pm) and a stressed distribution network, urging customers to avoid overloading fuses and to set AC higher to cut load. Grid Pressure Confirmed: GPL also admits parts of the distribution system are struggling under pressure, with voltage fluctuations and blackouts linked to feeder and transformer limits. Housing Push: The Ministry of Housing invites expressions of interest for 400 sq ft one-bedroom homes under the Social Housing Programme, with EOIs due Sept 21. Townhouse Development: CH&PA says townhouses for young professionals are planned for Ogle and Silica City, starting with about 200 units. Tourism Uptick: Guyana welcomed 48,582 visitors in August 2026, up 5.6% year-on-year, led by leisure travel. US Migration Cooperation: Guyana begins temporarily accepting a limited number of vetted, skilled, non-criminal third-country nationals from the US, with full discretion to reject individuals. Energy Diplomacy: President Ali’s Qatar state visit highlights investment and energy cooperation, including talks with Qatar Investment Authority and energy officials. Oil Market Watch: Global oil prices stay below $100 as Middle East disruptions are offset by alternative routes and other supply, with Guyana expected to increase output. Oil Profit Protection Debate: Local calls grow to ring-fence new Stabroek Block developments so future Exxon spending doesn’t erode Guyana’s profit share. Construction/Engineering: Tenders move ahead for Lands & Survey sub-offices in Mahdia and Springlands, supporting wider service delivery.

Power Grid Strain: GPL admits parts of Guyana’s distribution network are struggling under rising demand, with the crunch hitting hardest between 7pm and 9pm and the Kingston Substation linked to major disruptions, as households and businesses continue to endure repeated blackouts. Housing Push: CH&PA has invited expressions of interest to build 400sqft, one-bedroom units under the Social Housing Programme, with eligible contractors required to show financing, drawings, and qualified personnel (EOIs due Sept 21). Tourism Uptick: Guyana recorded 48,582 visitors in August 2026, up 5.6% year-on-year, led by leisure travel (62%), with the USA the largest source market (39%). Young Professionals Townhouses: Government plans townhouses at Ogle and Silica City (Region Four), starting with about 200 units, driven by land constraints and demand in Demerara-Mahaica. Energy in the Hinterland: President Ali says Indigenous and hinterland generation has risen from 1.62MW to nearly 17.5MW through hydropower, solar farms, and household solar systems. Union Pressure: CUT launches a regional and international campaign backing the Guyana Teachers’ Union after the government halted union dues deductions despite court orders. Oil Profit Safeguards: Chartered accountant Christopher Ram urges ring-fencing of new Stabroek Block oil developments to stop future spending from being recovered through Guyana’s cost-recovery mechanism. Scrap-Metal Crackdown: Tourism, Industry and Commerce warns it will shut down illegal copper scrap operations, threatening licence cancellations and prosecutions for dealers handling stolen copper.

Energy Security & Trade Routes: Oil importers are shifting from concentrated Middle East corridors to longer, more dispersed supply lines as Iran-linked disruptions reshape tanker traffic and raise costs. Oil Refining Debate: Energy expert Marta Jara warns Guyana against a 30,000 bpd refinery plan, urging larger 300,000–500,000 bpd options to better meet fuel needs and reduce reliance on imports. Gas-to-Energy Risk: Lindsayca Guyana Inc. is reportedly running out of funds for the Wales Gas-to-Energy project and has requested an additional US$170M, raising doubts about delivery timelines. Local Power Reliability: Linden residents report 10 outages in two days despite added generation capacity, highlighting ongoing grid instability. Infrastructure for Mining & Forestry: Work advances on the Puruni River Bridge and access roads, replacing a pontoon with a permanent modular steel bridge to support heavy industrial traffic and community services. Migration Cooperation: Guyana and the US finalized a temporary IOM-assisted framework to receive a limited, vetted group of skilled, non-criminal third-country deportees; six Cubans and Afghans reportedly arrived, with Guyana able to reject cases. Anti-Illegal Copper Crackdown: The Ministry warns scrap-metal dealers that illegal copper handling could trigger licence cancellations and prosecutions, with enforcement aimed at shutting down unlawful trade. Youth & Business Growth: GCCI launched an inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17, training young people for modern sectors like agro-processing, tourism, AI and the orange economy. Legal Education Milestone: Government and the Council of Legal Education broke ground for Guyana’s first law school at Turkeyen, aiming to ease long-standing regional placement caps. Gold Standards: GNBS offers non-destructive XRF gold testing to boost consumer confidence and transparency in jewellery quality.

Tourism & Trade Policy: President Irfaan Ali told Lake Mainstay racers the government will explore duty-free concessions for imported competitive racing motorboats, with a special import category and strict eligibility to prevent recreational abuse. Amerindian Youth Finance: Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek urged Amerindian youths to prepare for Guyana Development Bank financing, including loans up to $3M for business and development projects. Energy & Infrastructure Risk: Reports say Houston firm Lindsayca is running out of funds for the Wales Gas-to-Energy project and has requested about US$170M more from government, raising delivery concerns. Oil Refining Debate: An energy expert cautioned against a 30,000 bpd refinery, arguing Guyana should consider larger 300,000–500,000 bpd options to better meet fuel needs. Power Reliability in Linden: Linden saw 10 outages in two days despite added generation capacity, with residents still facing load-shedding. Land Administration Expansion: GLSC plans new Lands & Survey sub-offices in Mahdia and Springlands. Gold & Standards: GNBS launched/continues gold testing via X-ray fluorescence to verify purity and boost confidence in jewellery sales. Dairy Production Push: DDL received 473 pregnant heifers for its US$30M Moblissa dairy farm, scaling toward commercial milk production. Mining/Forestry Access: Puruni River Bridge and access roads progress under Aris Mining to support safer movement of workers and heavy traffic. Scrap-Metal Crackdown: Tourism, Industry and Commerce warns it will shut down illegal copper trade, threatening licence cancellations and prosecutions for dealers. Migration Framework: Guyana and the US finalized a temporary IOM-assisted programme to receive a limited, vetted group of skilled, non-criminal third-country deportees; six (Cuba and Afghanistan) arrived, with Guyana retaining case-by-case veto power. Legal Education: Government broke ground for Guyana’s first law school at Turkeyen, aiming to ease regional placement caps. Youth Entrepreneurship: GCCI launched a Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17 on Sept 12, focused on modern business, tech and agro-processing. Sports Tourism: Guyana will be represented at the Tobago Open World Cup 2026 draughts championships by Jiaram, with the event also promoting tourism.

Migration Cooperation: Guyana and the United States have finalised a temporary framework under the IOM Assisted Voluntary Return Programme, with Guyana set to receive a limited, vetted number of skilled, non-criminal third-country nationals; Guyana keeps full discretion to review and reject individuals, while the US covers relocation costs and IOM handles receiving, housing and support. Illegal Copper Crackdown: The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce warns it will shut down the scrap-metal trade if illegal copper activity continues, threatening licence cancellations and prosecution for dealers found handling stolen copper. Oil & Skills: ExxonMobil is seeking local suppliers and skilled Guyanese for training and facility management services for its Port Mourant oil and gas training facility. Legal Education Push: Guyana broke ground for its first law school at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen campus, aimed at easing regional legal education capacity limits. Youth Entrepreneurship: GCCI launched its inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17, set for Sept 12 at ACCC. Local Power Debate: APNU rejects GPL’s plan to integrate Linden fully into the national grid by 2029, citing cost and reliability concerns.

Migration & Labour Mobility: Guyana says it has received six deportees from the US—Cuban and Afghan nationals—under a new “third-country” migration cooperation framework. The deal is temporary, limited, and “vetted,” with Guyana able to reject individuals; IOM will handle receiving, housing and integration support while the US covers relocation costs. Energy & Local Capacity: ExxonMobil is seeking local suppliers for its Port Mourant oil and gas training facility, targeting technician training in electrical, mechanical, instrumentation and process operations. Legal & Human Capital: Guyana broke ground for its first law school at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen—ending the regional placement cap that forced many aspiring lawyers to study abroad. Governance & Infrastructure Oversight: Public Works says it has tightened engineering supervision, lab testing and technical audits as infrastructure delivery expands. Trade & Compliance: The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry warned scrap-metal dealers over illegal copper trade, threatening licence cancellations and prosecution. Business & Youth: GCCI launched its Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17, focused on entrepreneurship, tech and agro-processing. Sports: GMR&SC hosts Speedfest Superbike and Vitz Cup Track Day this weekend at South Dakota Circuit.

Law & Governance: Guyana turned the sod for its first Council of Legal Education law school at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus, a regional push meant to ease Caribbean demand for legal training. Infrastructure Oversight: Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill says the government has tightened engineering supervision, material testing, and technical audits as the infrastructure programme expands. Power & Industry in Linden: APNU MP Sharma Solomon rejected GPL’s plan to integrate Linden into the national grid by 2029, warning about costs and reliability. Housing & Construction Integrity: The Guyana Police Force launched a probe into allegations a British businessman defrauded citizens of about $145M linked to Modular Builds Guyana home projects; Modular Build denies the claims and says it is taking legal action. Mining & Exploration: Omai says its Omai Gold Project mineral resources rose 86% in 16 months, while Altair Minerals ramps up drilling at its Region 7 South Oko and North Peters targets with multiple rigs. Energy & Education: ExxonMobil launched a US$100M, 10-year STEM teacher-training programme (STELLAR) to strengthen science and math teaching nationwide. Food Security: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says Guyana is on track to help CARICOM cut the food import bill by 25% by 2030. Social Stability: The Ethnic Relations Commission reported a rise in online ethnic hate speech warnings, issuing 48 cautions in its latest monitoring period.

Education & Skills: Guyana turned the sod for its new Council of Legal Education law school at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen campus, with the National Assembly already approving $100M; Attorney General Anil Nandlall said it’s a regional institution meant to serve Caribbean students, not just Guyanese. Power & Industry: APNU rejected a plan to integrate Linden into the national electricity grid by 2029, warning it could raise costs and affect reliability, while President Ali said Linden will get two new business districts and that bauxite expansion is looming. Mining & Exploration: Omai reported an 86% jump in its Omai Gold Project resource estimate over 16 months, and Australian Altair Minerals ramped up drilling at its Region Seven gold project with three rigs operating. Community & Governance: President Ali outlined a new phase of investment for Linden and Region 10, including business districts, agro-processing support, and a major swine production push via the Guyana Development Bank. Social Stability: The Ethnic Relations Commission issued 48 warnings for ethnic hate speech online in its latest monitoring period, up from 37 previously. Corporate & Safety: ExxonMobil launched a US$100M, 10-year STEM teacher-training programme (STELLAR) starting with 60 educators.

Tourism & Regional Development: President Irfaan Ali will keynote the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown (Oct. 5–9), focusing on smart, sustainable and inclusive tourism and how tech and resilience can turn visitor growth into real community gains. Education & Legal Services: Guyana broke ground for the Caribbean Council of Legal Education’s fourth regional law school at the University of Guyana, with Attorney General Anil Nandlall stressing it will serve the wider region, not just Guyanese students. Agriculture & Hinterland Jobs: Ali outlined major Region 10 expansion plans, including an agro-investment park in Linden and large-scale swine production, with financing support via the Guyana Development Bank and links to cold storage and services. Energy & Offshore Assets: Altera is exploring redeployment options for its Piranema Spirit cylindrical FPSO, eyeing smaller fields or early production systems in the southern Atlantic and West Africa. Mining Governance: GGMC warned against unauthorized sale or transfer of mining lands and cautioned against relying on irrevocable powers of attorney as proof of lawful tenure. Safety & Construction: Labour Ministry investigations continue after a fatal Houston construction-site incident involving a Cuban worker, while police also moved a Cuban driver case over a Timehri crash that killed two Indonesian oil-sector workers.

Food Security & Agriculture: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says Guyana is on track to help CARICOM cut the region’s food import bill by 25% by 2030, citing strong gains in agricultural production and a 77% success rate when the target was assessed in 2025. Regional Development: President Irfaan Ali’s Cabinet outreach for Region 10 points to more infrastructure and livelihood support for Linden and nearby communities, including an agro-investment park, business clustering, and continued road and water works. Energy & Trade Routes: With tensions around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz disrupting shipping, major oil importers are shifting to longer trade routes—raising costs and travel times but aiming to reduce geopolitical risk. Maritime Safety & Accountability: The Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima disaster has opened to the public and is moving toward later-month public hearings, while also noting no update yet on salvage plans. Construction Safety: Labour Ministry investigators are probing a fatal Houston construction site accident that killed a Cuban worker and injured two others. Infrastructure Theft: Police are investigating the theft of about 90 feet of copper cable from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, leaving LED lighting inoperable. Mining Regulation: GGMC warns against unauthorised sale or transfer of mining lands and cautions against using irrevocable powers of attorney to bypass rules. Tourism Leadership: The Caribbean Tourism Organization will launch a Future Leaders Forum in Guyana during the 2026 State of the Tourism Industry Conference.

Oil & Gas—Stabroek economics under pressure: ExxonMobil told investors Guyana’s profit share will fall again as new offshore projects restart cost recovery, after the company said it has fully recovered its US$55B investment and operating costs. Oil & Gas—1 million bpd milestone: Guyana is inching toward producing more than one million barrels per day as new fields come online, with major operators positioning for longer-term growth. Venezuela Energy—Chevron ramps up: Chevron says it will invest over US$7B to double Venezuelan output to about 600,000 bpd, keeping the region’s energy race front and centre. Mining—GGMC warns against mining-land sales: The GGMC cautioned tenure holders against selling or “purporting to sell” mining lands without authorization, including misuse of irrevocable powers of attorney. Infrastructure—Bridge power theft hits LED lighting: Police are probing the theft of about 90 feet of copper cable from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, valued at about GY$1.62M. Maritime Safety—MV Barima inquiry gears up: The Commission of Inquiry says it will begin public hearings later this month, invites submissions from the public, and has already secured the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Power & Safety—Fatal construction accident investigated: Labour officials launched an investigation after a scaffold accident at a Houston site involved live GPL lines, killing one Cuban worker and injuring two others. Power—Princes Street substation land deal: GPL and the Georgetown City Council signed an MoU to secure municipal land for a new 69kV/13.8kV GIS substation. Logistics—IDB Lab financing for Pas Cargo: Pas Cargo Guyana became the first private firm to secure IDB Lab financing, marking a push for more non-oil investment.