AGP Executive Report

Oil Market Jitters: Crude is back above US$100 a barrel as the U.S.-Iran conflict and wider Middle East fighting keep supply routes under pressure, while the IEA warns 2026 demand growth is slipping. Energy & Power Upgrades: GPL says it’s moving toward commissioning its US$20M National Control Centre and the Goedverwagting substation, part of a wider grid upgrade meant to cut disruptions. Electricity Politics: APNU is blasting the Government over recurring power outages, arguing GPL’s call for conservation is unfair amid rising demand. Extradition Court Row: The Police Force says it’s “clarifying” testimony in the Mohameds extradition case after Special Branch Head Prem Narine’s account of burning notes near a furnace appeared to differ from the Force’s claim that notes were disposed of via the official incinerator. Education & Water: The Education Ministry rolls out a digital reporting platform for faster school issue handling, while Region Six schools get water purification systems for safer drinking water. Sports: Imran Tahir, 47, made CPL history with a five-wicket haul as Guyana Amazon Warriors beat St Lucia Kings; meanwhile, One Communications warns 2G users to upgrade before October 31 or risk losing service.

Minerals & Investment: Government signed a ten-year Mineral Agreement with Canadian-headquartered Mako Mining for the Eagle Mountain Gold Project near Mahdia, setting the legal and fiscal framework for large-scale open-pit extraction. Mining Enforcement: Five non-nationals were detained in Potaro after illegal mining was uncovered; equipment and gold were seized as GGMC and the Police continue surveillance. Uranium Regulation: EPA exempted U92 Energy’s Kurupung uranium exploration from an EIA, while stressing that mining would still need separate approvals. Business Financing: Finance Minister Ashni Singh urged Guyanese firms to tap a UK Export Finance facility expanded to £3B, saying most of it remains unused. Justice System: PACE Justice EU-CARICOM launched training to modernize criminal practice and procedure, while Human Services Minister Vindhya Persaud called for stronger accountability and faster forensic timelines in child sexual abuse and rape cases. Public Safety & Health: Psychologists marked World Suicide Prevention Day by urging communities to build supportive spaces and reduce stigma. Sports: Imran Tahir, 47, became the oldest T20 player to take a five-wicket haul as Guyana Amazon Warriors beat St Lucia Kings by four wickets; CARIFESTA XVI was also confirmed for Oct 8–17, 2027 in Guyana.

CPL Playoff Push: Imran Tahir rewrote T20 history at 47 with a five-wicket haul (5/17) as Guyana Amazon Warriors beat St Lucia Kings by four wickets, keeping their top seed position and moving Falcons within sight of the playoffs. Extradition Court Drama: In the Mohameds’ US extradition case, Special Branch head Prem Narine testified he shredded and burned a notebook tied to a US Marshal meeting after the Oct. 31, 2025 arrests, while the Chief Magistrate warned the matter won’t be rushed despite prosecution concerns. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Natural Resources says five non-nationals, including Venezuelans, were detained in Potaro after illegal mining was uncovered; equipment and gold were seized and enforcement will continue. El Niño Pressure on Food & Trade: Region 3 held El Niño preparedness talks as farmers were urged to conserve water; CARICOM’s private sector group also warned higher landed costs as Panama Canal transits tighten. Energy & Investment: Mako Mining signed a mineral agreement for the Eagle Mountain gold project, while Vallourec broke ground in Brazil for subsea insulation line-pipe tech selected for ExxonMobil’s Longtail project in Guyana. Regional Diplomacy: President Ali said Guyana-Qatar ties are deepening into a strategic partnership, including energy, investment and food security.

President’s Qatar Trip: President Mohamed Irfaan Ali left Doha after official talks, with Qatar reiterating a shared push for peace, dialogue, and expanded cooperation in energy, transport, investment, food security and climate security. Mining Deal: The Government signed a Mineral Agreement with Mako Mining for the Eagle Mountain Gold Project, with construction expected to start in 2027 and gold production targeted for end-2028, creating jobs and training opportunities. Crime Watch: Police recovered 78lbs of suspected cannabis and $455,180 cash after a chase at Ituni; a 46-year-old miner was also reported killed at Toroparo Backdam with a suspect arrested, while a businesswoman was held over suspected smuggled goods at Port Kaituma. Public Services at Home: Minister Zulfikar Ally says Government Service Centres are expanding so citizens can access documents and e-ID services from home as digitisation ramps up. Electricity Pressure: GPL says it will add 5MW to the grid, but questions linger over whether it can ease ongoing blackouts and peak strain. Sports: Imran Tahir made T20 history at 47 with a 5-17 haul as Guyana Amazon Warriors beat St. Lucia Kings by 4 wickets, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz also starring on debut.

CPL Playoffs Race: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons stunned Guyana Amazon Warriors with a 65-run win at Providence, ending the Warriors’ unbeaten run and tightening the race for the top two spots. Cricket Development: Cricket West Indies appointed former New Zealand women’s head coach Bob Carter as batting consultant for one year, with a regional tour starting later this month that includes Guyana. Education Expansion: Guyana broke ground for the Caribbean’s fourth Council of Legal Education law school at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, to serve students across the region. Local Business & Safety: Regent Household Electronics on Regent Street was completely destroyed by fire, with firefighters containing the blaze and preventing spread to nearby buildings. Hinterland Infrastructure: Public Works Minister Juan Edghill met toshaos in South Rupununi to map bridge and road works linking Regions 8 and 9, with heavy machinery handed over to local clusters. International Ties: Guyana and Qatar signed an MoU to boost cooperation in agriculture and technology, as President Ali described the relationship as shifting from friendship to partnership. Oil Prices: Brent crude crossed $100 a barrel again amid Middle East supply fears, a move that could raise costs for consumers and businesses.

Guyana-Qatar Diplomacy: President Mohamed Irfaan Ali met Qatar’s Amir and Prime Minister in Doha, discussing expanded cooperation on investment, energy and broader bilateral ties, as Qatar and Guyana also signed an MoU to boost agriculture and technology, including crops, livestock, fisheries, and modern farming know-how. Accountability Over MV Barima: Civil society activist Charlene Wilkinson says transparency must be strengthened around the MV Barima sinking COI, warning that premature criminal charges against transport officials could limit testimony and public access. Electricity Crisis Fallout: Opposition figures renewed attacks on GPL and the government over persistent blackouts and alleged mismanagement, while PM Mark Phillips visited the troubled Wales gas-to-energy project site, saying key components are installed with a first gas turbine targeted for end-2026. Migration Deal Under Fire: Political and human rights voices are demanding the full U.S.-Guyana deportee agreement be published after the first third-country deportees arrived, including reports of Venezuelans being rounded up and deported. Energy Prices: Brent crude surged above $100 a barrel again as Middle East fighting raised fresh supply disruption fears. CPL Sports: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons ended the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ unbeaten run with a 65-run win at Providence, while West Indies appointed Bob Carter as batting consultant.

CPL Spotlight: Guyana Amazon Warriors kept their CPL momentum rolling, beating Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets at Providence, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s half-century and a strong bowling effort setting up the chase. Power Worries: GPL says rising electricity demand and an overloaded distribution network are driving recent outages, while it also reports losing over GY$3 billion yearly to electricity theft and warns contractors and drivers to stay clear of power lines. Energy Push: Work continues at the Wales gas-to-energy project, with first-fire testing targeted for early December as the grid needs more power; GPL also plans to add 5MW by Wednesday. Regional Diplomacy: President Ali met Qatar’s Amir in Doha to expand investment and energy cooperation. MV Barima Update: Bids have opened to salvage the sunken MV Barima, but families still await a clear public timeline, as the captain and crew remain jailed. Human Rights: GHRA urges Government to publish the US agreement on third-country deportees, raising constitutional and rights concerns.

CPL Updates: Guyana Amazon Warriors have booked their CPL playoffs spot, but will miss Afghanistan duo Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz as both head to India for T20Is starting Sept 13; they’re set to be replaced by Bangladesh allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris. Diplomacy: President Mohamed Irfaan Ali met Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim in Doha for talks aimed at boosting trade and investment ties, while Ali also held official talks with Qatar’s commerce and industry minister. Energy & Power: GPL says soaring electricity demand and an overloaded grid are behind recent outages, pointing to peak-hour strain and ongoing investment in generation, network expansion and smart-grid upgrades. Court & Drones: A video editor linked to the opposition was granted $600,000 bail on drone-related charges after appearing in court. Local Governance: Linden Town Council’s by-law fight with the Local Government Minister continues, with legal arguments over who can approve or reject municipal rules. Education & Community: GGDMA launched a $6M back-to-school push with 1,000 school packages, while GOGEC plans to train 1,500+ secondary students in oil and gas energy skills. Infrastructure Watch: A major East Coast Demerara corridor expansion drew safety concerns after a contractor built the road around utility poles, raising questions about planning and oversight. Health: EU-funded HealthNext brought French biomedical experts to Guyana to train staff on maintaining medical equipment. Public Safety: Fire at Ogle left three homeless, and police are investigating the cause.

US-Guyana Migration Pact: Guyana has begun temporarily accepting a limited number of vetted, skilled, non-criminal third-country nationals from the US under a 12-month “third country” arrangement, with about six already arrived and Guyana able to review and reject individuals while the US covers costs via IOM. Grid Strain & Blackouts: GPL says outages are driven by rising peak demand and a stressed distribution network, urging customers not to overload “failing” grid conditions by increasing fuse amperage or running AC too cold. Extradition Court Drama: Special Branch chief Prem Narine told court Azruddin Mohamed is a threat to national security, as the extradition case continues amid defence challenges and adjournments. MV Barima Case: The murder case against the captain and two others linked to the MV Barima tragedy was further adjourned, with paper committal set for November 16. Local Governance & Housing: Government invites expressions of interest to build 400 sq ft one-bedroom homes under the Social Housing Programme, and also plans townhouses at Ogle and Silica City for young professionals. Tourism & Sports: August visitor arrivals rose 5.6% to 48,582, while Guyana Amazon Warriors kept their CPL push with another win and a key night match at Providence.

Diplomacy & Investment: President Dr Irfaan Ali arrived in Doha for a three-day state visit to Qatar, meeting Qatar Investment Authority officials and energy leaders as Guyana pushes deeper economic ties. Public Service Reform: Minister Zulfikar Ally says customer service training will roll out for public servants nationwide, with the goal of improving how citizens are treated at offices. Healthcare Upgrade: Government commissioned a $218.6M Regional Medical Distribution Centre in Region 10 to strengthen storage and timely delivery of medicines and supplies. Opposition Leader Under Scrutiny: Azruddin Mohamed says police actions near President Ali’s Leonora home are being taken to intimidate him, and he has taken his concerns to international bodies. Crime & Safety: Police investigate the stabbing death of fisherman Franklyn Sauers at Albion Front; a separate fire destroyed a home at Ogle after an explosion. Migration Watch: The U.S. says it is grateful to Guyana for receiving a limited first group of vetted non-criminal deportees under a temporary third-country framework. Sports (CPL): Guyana Amazon Warriors crushed St Kitts & Nevis Patriots by seven wickets, extending their dominant run at Providence. Football Development: GFF and FIFA inspected the Haslington FIFA Arena Mini-Pitch as work continues on youth grassroots facilities.

CPL Cricket: Guyana Amazon Warriors stayed unbeaten and booked a play-off spot with a seven-wicket win over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Providence, powered by Mohammad Nabi’s 4/17 and a sharp chase from Rahmanullah Gurbaz (39 off 25). WCPL Cricket: Jamaica Empress edged Guyana Amazon Warriors by one wicket in a Limacol WCPL thriller, sealing the win with Chinelle Henry’s late hitting at Kensington Oval. Amerindian Youth & Finance: Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek urged Amerindian youths to prepare for Guyana Development Bank financing, including loans up to $3 million for business and development projects. Public Services: Government Service Centres have processed over 204,000 transactions since December, expanding one-stop access to services across six regions. Crime & Safety: Police are investigating the killing of miner Shawn Abrams at 14 Miles Backdam, Mazaruni River, after an alcohol-fuelled altercation. Immigration: Guyana received six deportees from the U.S.—four from Cuba and two from Afghanistan—under a temporary, one-year third-country arrangement managed by IOM. Energy & Industry: President Ali promised duty-free concessions for imported racing boats to boost sports tourism, while separate reporting flags financial strain on the Wales Gas-to-Energy project. Governance & Courts: A High Court judge refused the State’s bid to remove her from the Haresh Singh murder trial. International: President Ali arrived in Doha for an official visit to Qatar.

US Deportations Deal: Guyana says six Cuban and Afghan nationals deported from the United States have arrived under a one-year “third-country” cooperation framework, with officials saying they were vetted and found to have no criminal records; the arrangement is temporary, run through the IOM Assisted Voluntary Return Programme, and Guyana says it can review and reject cases while migrants await immigration status decisions. Migration Politics: APNU MP Ganesh Mahipaul warns the deal could leave Guyanese citizens “last” in their own country, questioning whether the state has the institutional capacity to monitor and manage the programme. Health Standards: Leonora Cottage Hospital’s laboratory in Region Three earns GNBS certification, covering biochemistry, serology, haematology and urology—pushing diagnostic quality higher in the public health system. Local Infrastructure: The Lands and Survey Commission plans new sub-offices in Mahdia and Springlands, while the Puruni River Bridge and access roads project advances to improve safer routes for mining and forestry communities. Energy & Power Reliability: Linden reports 10 outages in two days despite added generation capacity, highlighting ongoing instability. Sports (CPL): Guyana Amazon Warriors keep rolling in the CPL, extending their unbeaten run with wins over Jamaica Kingsmen, while local school and sports events continue to draw attention.

Migration Update: Guyana has received the first group of six deportees from the United States—two Afghans and four Cubans—under a new “third-country” migration cooperation framework with the IOM Assisted Voluntary Return Programme; Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud says none have criminal backgrounds, the deal lasts one year, Guyana can review and reject individuals, and the US/IOM cover relocation costs while deportees await immigration outcomes. Copper Crackdown: The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce warns it will shut down the scrap-metal trade if illegal copper operations continue, threatening licence cancellations and prosecution for anyone dealing in stolen or unlawfully purchased copper. Law & Order/Extradition: Two key extradition documents in Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s case were tendered in court, as the extradition hearing continues. Road Safety: Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation reports 180–200 motor vehicle crash visits monthly and over 1,500 accident-related emergency visits up to end of August. Sports (CPL): Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets at Providence, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Maven­dral Dindyal steering the chase; Trinbago Knight Riders also opened the WCPL campaign with a win over Barbados Tridents. Youth & Business: GCCI launched its Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17, with workshops aimed at building early skills for Guyana’s growing economy.

CPL Cricket: Guyana Amazon Warriors kept their home run rolling, beating Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets at Providence as Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mavendra Dindyal powered the chase of 160 inside the PowerPlay. Royal Tours: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles and Queen Camilla’s autumn slate, including a state visit by the Sultan of Oman and a Caribbean trip that features Guyana. US Deportation Framework: Guyana says it has concluded a US cooperation deal to temporarily receive a limited, vetted number of skilled, non-criminal third-country deportees via IOM, with Guyana able to reject individuals and the US/IOM covering costs. Energy & Power Politics: APNU rejected government plans to integrate Linden into the national grid by 2029, warning of uncertainty over generation, distribution and electricity costs. Oil & Local Skills: ExxonMobil is seeking Guyanese suppliers for services tied to the new oil and gas training facility in Port Mourant, Berbice. Health Infrastructure: A $218.6M Regional Medical Distribution Centre was commissioned in Region Ten to strengthen storage and timely delivery of medicines and supplies. Public Safety & Crime: CANU warned partygoers about illicit drugs, drink spiking and excessive alcohol, while the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry vowed a crackdown on illegal copper and scrap-metal trade. Sports Development: The GOAL Sports Scholarships Programme was launched to help athletes pursue education alongside training and mentorship.

CPL Cricket: Guyana Amazon Warriors made it look easy at Providence, beating Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (54) and Mavendra Dindyal (33) steering the chase after Dwaine Pretorius and Khary Pierre kept the Kingsmen in check. Opposition Leader Under Scrutiny: Azruddin Mohamed was arrested a second time late Thursday over alleged drone-related security concerns near President Irfaan Ali’s Leonora home, but the Chief Magistrate refused to revoke his bail, saying the court can only act on what is proven. Courtroom Fight in Extradition Case: The extradition proceedings continue as prosecutors press for authenticity of US extradition documents and the defence challenges contradictions in police statements. Police Action—Copper Cable Theft: A man who stole 90 feet of copper cable from the Bharrat Jagdeo bridge was jailed for 12 months, while a scrap dealer accused of receiving stolen cable was granted bail. Local Development: Work has started on Guyana’s new Council of Legal Education law school at the University of Guyana, aiming to serve students across the Caribbean. Energy/Power Politics: APNU rejected plans to integrate Linden into the national electricity grid, warning of cost and reliability concerns.

CPL Showdown: Guyana Amazon Warriors host Jamaica Kingsmen tonight at Providence in a key playoff clash, with Warriors chasing an unbeaten run and Kingsmen aiming to bounce back after recent road wins. Opposition Drone Scare: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed was detained then released again after police intercepted vehicles near President Irfaan Ali’s Leonora home; the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority says unregistered drones were found, while Mohamed denies ownership and says the area is restricted. Extradition Court Fight: In the Mohamed extradition committal, police witness Prem Narine faced sharp cross-examination over alleged contradictions in his sworn statement, as key extradition documents were tendered. Law School Milestone: Guyana broke ground for a new Council of Legal Education law school at UG Turkeyen, positioning the country as a regional hub for professional training. Infrastructure Oversight: Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill says stronger technical supervision and quality testing are in place as the infrastructure programme expands. Education Deadline: Mackenzie High School remedial works in Linden must be completed within two weeks, including electrical and plumbing upgrades. Youth Entrepreneurship: GCCI launched its inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17, set for Sept 12 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Mining Update: Omai says its Omai Gold Project mineral resources rose 86% in 16 months, boosting its mine plan potential. Online Hate Speech: Ethnic Relations Commission reports 48 warnings for ethnic hate speech on social media in its latest monitoring period, up from 37 previously.