AGP Executive Report

CPL 2026: Shimron Hetmyer struck an unbeaten 111 off 43 balls as Guyana Amazon Warriors stayed undefeated, beating Trinbago Knight Riders by nine runs (DLS) in a rain-hit match. Amerindian Heritage Month: The month-long observance kicked off with an interfaith prayer service, while White Water Village toned down celebrations in respect of families affected by the MV Barima tragedy. Weather Watch: Hydromet warns El Niño conditions will keep rainfall below normal through late 2026 into 2027, urging water and land preparation. Energy & Safety: GPL reported a fatal Houston accident after scaffolding rolled into power lines, killing one Cuban worker and injuring two others. Law & Order: The CCJ refused a bid by Azruddin Mohamed and his father to halt U.S.-sanctioned extradition proceedings, clearing the way for the case to continue. Local Governance: Government ordered Linden Town Council to stop collecting tolls from commercial vehicles, saying no authorization or by-law exists. Business & Finance: Pas Cargo secured its first IDB-Lab financing deal, while Citizens Connect says 75% of reported issues have been resolved.

CPL Spotlight: Shimron Hetmyer smashed a record-equalling fastest CPL century (111* off 43) as Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Trinbago Knight Riders by nine runs via DLS in a rain-hit match at Queen’s Park Oval, keeping the Warriors unbeaten and moving them to second on the table. Road Safety: Guyana recorded 74 road deaths from 68 fatal crashes so far this year, with police saying speeding and dangerous driving remain key drivers; 601 speeding cases were logged between Aug 23–29. Kuru Kuru Development: President Irfaan Ali met residents on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, promising quick upgrades including a fenced youth play field turned into a cricket pitch, plus reviews on irrigation wells, farm access roads, and housing land use. Oil Politics: ExxonMobil told investors Guyana’s oil profits will be “shortened again” to finance further projects, while the Chinese Embassy hit back at a US official’s criticism of Chinese projects in Guyana. Governance Debate: Aubrey Norton says APNU will table amendments to the Development Bank Act, warning it could become a “PPP slush fund.” Legal/State Liability: The State, through the Attorney General, denied liability in the Mahdia School dorm fire lawsuit, saying safety procedures were in place and the deaths followed a deliberate act by a student.

CPL Cricket: Guyana Amazon Warriors kept the pressure on at the top after a rain-hit weekend in the Caribbean Premier League, with the Falcons-Patriots clash abandoned at Warner Park and Guyana continuing to press near the top. CPL Player News: Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has joined Guyana Amazon Warriors for the CPL. Education & School Readiness: Northwest Secondary says accommodation for some Grade 7 students will be resolved by tomorrow, with the TVET facility set to host classes due to limited space. University Update: The University of Guyana begins blended orientation for about 5,000 new students, with the ceremonial opening set for September 4. Agriculture & Climate: Farmers are being urged to prepare for El Niño as reduced rainfall and higher temperatures are expected to persist into early 2027. Oil & Governance: APNU’s Aubrey Norton calls for stronger capacity to audit offshore oil activities in the Stabroek Block as Guyana’s share rises. Crime & Courts: Three men accused of attempting to rob a CH&PA official were refused bail and remanded; separately, an appeals court ruled extradition proceedings against WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed must continue, with the magistrate told to hold final ruling. Local Safety: Police report a gun-and-ammo arrest in Linden and a fatal St Cuthbert’s Mission Trail crash that killed a 4-year-old.

Mining & Gold Declarations: GGMC is moving gold declaration services closer to miners by expanding offices in key mining districts and sending officials to communities on set days, while licensed gold dealers and traders (30+ nationwide) provide authorised channels for miners to declare and sell gold. Oil & Fiscal Talks: Opposition leader Aubrey Norton is urging Guyana to negotiate new fiscal arrangements for future oil developments, warning that without ring-fencing, revenues from existing projects could be used to fund new ones and reduce Guyana’s share. Energy for Mining: Omai Gold Mines says it will rely on heavy fuel oil generators for its Region Seven project because timelines for government energy projects like Amaila Falls and the Wales GTE may not match its schedule. Model Villages Financing: Government says the Guyana Development Bank will return to 23 model villages after consultations to outline financing opportunities so residents can grow businesses and jobs. Local Governance & Revenue: Georgetown City Council says a shift from compound to simple interest on unpaid rates and taxes has boosted collections and helped ease staff payment pressures. Security Cooperation: WCO’s Project BOLT has wrapped up, strengthening Caribbean customs enforcement against weapons and narcotics through training and coordinated operations. Sports: CPL Independence Day clash headlines as Trinbago Knight Riders host Guyana Amazon Warriors at Queen’s Park Oval.

Oil Governance Debate: Economist Prof. Kenrick Hunte says Guyana needs real-time petroleum monitoring and tighter audits, not just ring-fencing, as production nears 1 million barrels per day. Opposition Push on Oil Profits: Glenn Lall and PNC leader Aubrey Norton renew calls for stronger safeguards, arguing current arrangements can cut Guyana’s profit share as Exxon recovers costs. Local Governance & Housing: President Ali met Kuru Kuru residents on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, promising a fenced cricket pitch with pavilion and washrooms, plus reviews on wells, road access for farmers, and use of unused land for housing. Mining Rules: GGMC urges miners to declare gold through authorised channels as services expand in mining districts. Crime & Safety: Police say they’ve built a timeline in the death of a 23-year-old Cuban worker found beneath a container at Houston Wharf; separately, police investigate a $23M cash robbery at La Grange hardware store. Politics & Cooperation: WIN and APNU discuss forming teams to draft terms for opposition cooperation, including GECOM-related issues. Sports: Independence Day brings a Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Trinbago Knight Riders CPL showdown, while Guyana’s esports team earns a historic third-place finish at the FIFAe Continental Championship.

Oil Politics: PNC/R leader Aubrey Norton says ExxonMobil’s approved projects have already boosted Guyana’s profit share, but warns future deals could cut that share again unless the Government tightens terms. Opposition Talks: WIN and APNU have agreed to keep political cooperation talks moving, including possible three-member teams to draft engagement guidelines on GECOM, Region 10, and local government bodies. Education Crisis: A new reflection on Guyana’s mathematics struggle highlights how low CSEC performance and weak numeracy can become an emotional burden for learners. Consumer Protection: GNBS is running a mobile stamping exercise to verify and stamp scales and measures used in trade, aiming to protect shoppers from inaccurate weights. Health & Safety: GPHC reports a quick response to a small fire in the maternity nurses’ rest room, with patients evacuated briefly and no injuries reported. Sports & Culture: Guyana celebrates a historic 3rd-place debut at the FIFAe Continental Championship, while cricket fans get set for CPL rivalry and a major UCCA T20 final today. Crime: Police investigate a robbery under arms at La Grange where a Chinese businessman reports $23M stolen.

Cricket & Sports: Cricket West Indies Masters Association chairman Raj Singh says preparations for the IMC Over-40s World Cup in Guyana (Oct 17–Nov 1) are going smoothly, with 16 teams split into Group A and B and matches across major venues including the National Stadium and Bourda. Health & Safety: Quick staff action helped extinguish a fire in the nurses’ rest room at the GPHC Maternity Unit around 18:50h; patients in the area were evacuated as a precaution and no injuries were reported. Healthcare Expansion: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says several new hospitals are expected by 2028, including a 120-bed West Demerara Hospital with modern imaging and a Cath Lab, plus new facilities in Kato and Moruca. Women & Entrepreneurship: The Roots and Flavours Hub at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute was opened to train women, support street-food and hospitality businesses, and boost tourism-linked opportunities. Politics: WIN and APNU finally issued a joint statement after earlier failed talks, while the AFC continues to condemn police actions it says targeted Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and MPs. Crime & Security: Police are investigating a robbery under arms at La Grange where a Chinese national reported $23M stolen, and also found a 9mm pistol and ammunition near the Sage Pond Police Outpost. Economy: An IDB report says Guyana remains a fast-growing economy with improved debt management and falling unemployment.

Economy & Debt Watch: The IDB says Guyana remains one of the fastest-growing economies, with debt servicing easing as government income devoted to repayments fell from about 7 cents to 5 cents per dollar, while unemployment dropped to 6.8% in 2024 and growth hit 19.3% in 2025. Oil Audit Row: APNU MP Sharma Solomon says “silence is not protection” over the disputed US$19.6B ExxonMobil audit costs, arguing Guyanese are kept in the dark while shareholders get updates. Indigenous Land Pressure: Opposition MP Sherod Duncan says the Minister of Natural Resources must answer over unfulfilled IACHR precautionary measures as Chinese Landing/Tassawini residents faced an eight-day mining equipment vigil that ended when a barge turned back. Local Government Funding: APNU demands emergency funding for Linden Mayor and Town Council after toll revenue was cut with the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge toll abolition, warning essential services will suffer. Courts & Extradition: The Court of Appeal allows extradition proceedings for Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed to continue, but bars the magistrate from a final decision until a constitutional appeal is resolved. Sports & Community: GFF opens public tender for Phase 1 of the Blue Water Shipping Stadium; and cricket preparations for the IMC Over-40s World Cup are said to be on track.

Economy & Energy: The IDB says Guyana is set to grow 16.2% in 2026, giving the country more room to invest in infrastructure, health, education and housing, while warning the economy remains exposed to external oil shocks because 90% of energy demand is still met by imported oil. Oil Revenue Debate: Professor Kenrick Hunte and oil commentator Christopher Ram renew calls for Guyana to focus on total revenue and domestic retention, arguing “profit oil” figures can mislead and that fiscal terms remain inequitable even after ExxonMobil recovers investments. Power Boost: GPL will relocate and install six 1MW generator sets donated by Bosai to strengthen supply for Region 10 and the Soesdyke–Linden Highway corridor within four months. Crime & Justice: Police arrested three men after an attempted robbery at Tuschen, seizing two suspected firearms and ammo; and three men were charged in Barbados over 43.3kg of suspected cannabis. Road Tragedy: Two Indonesian nationals died and four others were injured in a Timehri Public Road crash involving a sand truck driven by an unlicensed Cuban. Social Support: Over 130 GBV survivors accessed the Hope and Justice Centre in Lusignan in the first half of 2026, and the Health Ministry continues extending psychological and psychiatric care for MV Barima families. Politics & Courts: The Court of Appeal ordered extradition proceedings for Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed to continue, with the final outcome stayed pending constitutional arguments. Sports: WCPL confirmed star overseas signings including Meg Lanning, Suzie Bates, Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp; Guyana also prepares for its first CARIFTA Championships in 2027.

High Court Ruling: Retired PSC chairman Paul Slowe was awarded G$1 million after the State admitted his 2021 arrest at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court was unlawful, with damages for assault, battery, false imprisonment and breach of personal liberty. Fugitive Offenders/Extradition: The Court of Appeal ordered Azruddin Mohamed’s extradition proceedings to continue, but held the final outcome until his constitutional challenge to the Fugitive Offenders Act is decided. Politics & Firearms Probe: Police say they’re seeking legal advice after Opposition MP Natasha Singh was investigated over a Glock 19 and ammunition found in a vehicle linked to another MP; her husband remains in custody. Ferry Update: The MV Canawaima ban has been lifted and the Guyana–Suriname ferry resumes today, with stranded passengers the top priority while drydocking and a replacement vessel are discussed. Mining & Indigenous Rights: Indigenous advocate Laura George slammed government inaction over the Chinese Landing/Tassawini standoff, while residents block heavy equipment over alleged incursions into titled village lands. Energy & Economy: The IDB warned Guyana’s economy is still vulnerable to external oil shocks because 90% of energy demand comes from imported oil, even as President Ali pushes for a national refinery to strengthen fuel security. Cost-of-Living Backlash: Citizens criticized President Ali as “tone deaf” after remarks blaming high living costs on changing eating and spending habits. G-MEX Launched: Government rolled out G-MEX, pitching it as a platform to connect mineral development with investors, technology and communities. Sports: Women’s WCPL overseas signings include Indian players Pooja Vastrakar, Kiran Navgire, Shikha Pandey and Yastika Bhatia.

Oil & Economy: Guyana’s projected 16.2% GDP growth in 2026 is being driven by a forecast 17.9% jump in oil production and about $2.79B in oil revenues, with output expected to average 840,000 bpd and more export cargoes than last year. Maritime & Politics: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed was released on $100,000 bail after a Demerara River standoff involving joint services and WIN MPs; MARAD says neither he nor the fast craft was licensed/authorised. Indigenous Land Rights: The Amerindian Peoples Association is urging government to halt a mining incursion at Chinese Landing, while Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat says the CCJ ruling leaves “no legal grounds” to stop operations. Immigration Services: From Oct 1, passport applications will move to a mandatory online-only system with appointments, with multiple service centres supporting the rollout. Public Safety & Health: A vaping survivor is warning of severe lung harm after years of use, as health officials stress risks tied to nicotine and toxic emissions. Aviation & Travel: Caribbean Airlines finalised a direct Toronto-to-Tobago flight, with further route changes including discontinuing Barbados–Tobago direct service from Sept 2. Energy Operations: ExxonMobil temporarily suspended Liza Unity FPSO operations after a small fire in the laundry room, with checks underway before resuming. Business & Development: Natural Resources launched G-MEX, an annual international mining investment platform aimed at attracting responsible investment and boosting local participation.

Maritime Documents Dispute: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed says he found a licence and inspection certificate for his boat, Prince AZ II, but admits they expired years ago—MARAD had said the documents were not effective, after his vessel was detained during a police-coast guard patrol. Cost of Living & Inflation: The IDB reports Guyana’s inflation is still being driven mainly by food prices, with food costs rising 5.9% year-on-year in February 2026. Mining Standoff in Chinese Landing/Tassawini: Local miner Wayne Vieira says residents blocked GGMC-registered equipment, while the Chinese Landing Village Council declined a mediation meeting, citing ongoing protest actions. Energy Security Push: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana needs a local refinery and more fuel storage to reduce exposure to global supply shocks. Electricity Demand Pressure: GPL says it’s reviewing project challenges with major contractors as electricity demand grows. CARIFTA Games Prep: Guyana has begun preparations to host the 2027 CARIFTA Games in Leonora, with NACAC officials inspecting the main venue. Royal Spotlight: Buckingham Palace confirms King Charles and Queen Camilla will tour the Bahamas, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda in late October/early November, ahead of CHOGM. International Crime Probe: RVIPF’s Financial Crime Unit received an ARIN-CARIB award for responsiveness in asset recovery and financial crime investigations.

Royal Diplomacy: King Charles and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4, visiting the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, and Guyana for a state visit marking 60 years of UK-Guyana ties, ahead of CHOGM in Antigua. Maritime Security & Politics: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed was released on GUY$100,000 bail after a Demerara River “go-fast” vessel standoff; MARAD says both the craft and Mohamed are unlicensed, while Joint Services and police reported a pursuit and alleged bag-throwing. Ferry Disruption: The suspension of the Guyana–Suriname ferry service continues to hit travellers and operators, with Guyana allowing back-track travel but Suriname reportedly stopping licensed boats from plying the route. Cost of Living Measures: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha approved weekly chicken imports of 330,000 pounds to stabilise prices as local supply struggles with rising demand. Education Connectivity: Region Four schools along the Linden–Soesdyke Highway are set to receive Starlink devices for the new term, backed by a roughly $3M investment. Sports (CPL): Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Antigua and Barbuda Falcons by seven wickets, with Moeen Ali and Joshua James also featuring in other CPL results.

Disaster Relief: The H.E.A.R.T. Secretariat says more than $75m has been disbursed to families and survivors affected by the M.V. Barima tragedy, with support covering funerals, memorials, back-to-school items, and housing/land for vulnerable households. Opposition vs Police: Police report a “go-fast” vessel linked to Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed was intercepted at Friendship after failing to stop, while the WIN side disputes the police account and claims harassment during the late-night operation. Ferry Fallout: The government says it remains in daily contact with Suriname as the Guyana–Suriname ferry suspension continues, with public concern growing over disruption and next steps. Oil & Energy: Modec’s Errea Wittu FPSO has arrived in Guyana as ExxonMobil’s Stabroek block expansion moves ahead, while Exxon also reported a “small fire” that temporarily suspended operations on Liza Unity. Regional Economy: ECLAC urges a productivity push as growth stays weak, noting the Caribbean outlook is being lifted by Guyana. Royal Diplomacy: Buckingham Palace confirms King Charles III and Queen Camilla will tour the Bahamas, Guyana, and Antigua & Barbuda ahead of CHOGM 2026.

Ferry Dispute: Guyana says Suriname rejected its offer of an alternative vessel, leaving the MV Canawaima suspended for mandatory drydock maintenance; officials say they’re still pushing for another option and have been in daily contact with Suriname as travellers are redirected via the back-track route. Maritime Update: Guyana formally reopened the Springlands-to-Nickerie back-track route after MAS insisted on drydocking, with immigration processing steps outlined for travellers. Oil & Money: The Natural Resources Ministry rejects claims Guyana’s profit-oil share is 39.8%, saying the split remains 50% and explaining how cost recovery affects the calculation. UN Spotlight: Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett remains narrowly ahead in a second UN Security Council straw poll for the next secretary-general, with multiple rounds expected. STEM Push: ExxonMobil launches STELLAR, training 60 pre-service secondary STEM teachers over two years through CPCE. Education & Youth: A $189M Juvenile Justice Processing Centre is on track for December completion, while 60 trainee teachers begin specialised STEM training. Crime: A man was remanded over a $3.8M armed robbery at the CIOG. Sports: Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in CPL action, with Sir Viv Richards praising the packed North Sound crowds.

UN Secretary-General race: Guyana’s UN Permanent Representative Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett leads the latest Security Council straw poll, winning eight “encourage” votes and boosting hopes for a historic first female UN chief. Caribbean economy: UN forecasts show uneven growth—Caribbean expansion at 5.6% in 2026, but just 1.1% without Guyana. MV Barima fallout: Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul says the government is still silent on when salvage will begin, demanding a public status report on bids and timelines; WIN meanwhile launched its HERO initiative offering interim payouts and support for victims’ families. Chinese Landing standoff: Indigenous Carib residents in Region One block heavy mining equipment, accusing miners of entering titled lands without proper approval. Energy offshore update: Heat detectors triggered a small fire aboard the Liza Unity FPSO; Exxon says operations were suspended while regulators investigate. CPL sport: Guyana Amazon Warriors crushed Antigua & Barbuda Falcons by seven wickets to stay unbeaten. Diplomatic arrivals: Eleven new envoys presented credentials to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Sri Lanka, including Guyana’s Dharamkumar Seeraj.