AGP Executive Report

UN Secretary-General Race: Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett moved into the lead in the UN Security Council’s second closed-door straw poll, winning eight “encourage” votes; rivals Rebeca Grynspan and Rafael Grossi trailed with seven each, while Rafael Grossi’s support also faced more “discourage” votes. MV Canawaima Ferry Disruption: The Canawaima ferry service was suspended due to technical issues aboard the MV Canawaima, leaving passengers in long lines with no clear restart date. MV Barima Relief Push: The Guyana Lottery Company’s parent, Canadian Bank Note, pledged GY$5 million to support MV Barima survivors and bereaved families, while WIN called for an interim GY$5 million payout to each survivor and relative. Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said 300 acres of onions are now planted to cut import bills, and 5,000 citrus plants were delivered to East Bank Berbice farmers; CARICOM also announced a climate-resilient agriculture webinar. Local Development: Sophia is seeing major road upgrades, and GPL’s plan targets full grid integration for Linden by 2029. Public Safety: Police are investigating a gunshot near the Office of the President after a suspected 9mm warhead was found and CCTV footage reviewed. Sports: Guyana’s U14s reached the CFU Tier II final after a penalty win over St Maarten, and Barbados beat Guyana 2-0 in Pan-Am women’s squash quarter-final action.

Housing & Community Support: Ten vulnerable Berbice families received newly built homes under the Men on Mission initiative, including an elderly couple displaced by fire and a stroke survivor in a home designed for safer living. Agriculture Boost: East Bank Berbice farmers got 5,000 citrus plants after calls for better planting material access, as the Agriculture Ministry pushes to expand production in the area. Police Probe: Police are investigating an alleged discharge of a loaded firearm near the Office of the President after a gunshot report led to a damaged bus windscreen and a suspected 9mm warhead found on the ground. UN Secretary-General Race: Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett moved further ahead in the UN Security Council’s second straw poll, leading with eight “encourage” votes, while Rafael Grossi and Rebeca Grynspan followed on seven. Defamation Lawsuit: GuySuCo CEO Dr Paul Cheong filed a High Court defamation suit against US-sanctioned Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed over Facebook claims about the Versailles-to-Parika highway. Energy & Infrastructure: GPL says Linden is expected to be fully integrated into the national grid by 2029, with rapid demand growth projected in the coming years. Sports: Guyana’s U14s reached the CFU Tier II final after a penalty shootout win over St Maarten, and Berbice U13 squads were named for the GCB inter-county tournament.

UN Secretary-General Race: Guyana’s UN Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett moved into the lead in the Security Council’s second secret straw poll, winning eight “encourage” votes—narrowly ahead of Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi on seven each. Local Politics & Elections: WIN Region 10 councillors have filed court action to force the REO and Clerk to reconvene the Regional Democratic Council meeting to elect a chairman and vice-chairman. Defamation in the Sugar Sector: GuySuCo boss Paul Cheong has sued Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed for defamation over Facebook allegations, seeking damages and removal of the posts. Food Cost Measures: President Irfaan Ali says Government is considering permanent farmers’ markets to cut the gap between farm prices and what consumers pay. Security & Crime: Police are investigating a robbery under arms at a Springlands financial institution where a woman was relieved of over GY$9M, and a separate cash theft from an unnamed religious organisation on Woolford Avenue. Youth & Skills: 25 young men graduated from an electrical installation and life skills programme supported by ExxonMobil Guyana. Power Theft Crackdown: GPL intensified efforts to remove illegal electricity connections in Coverden, warning theft is dangerous and criminal.

UN Secretary-General race: The UN Security Council is holding a second informal straw poll to test support for eight contenders to replace António Guterres, with Guyana’s own Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett among the names. Local politics and elections: Opposition parties are again clashing over GECOM and the Local Government Commission, with WIN inviting APNU to talks over representation issues and Region 10 leadership deadlock. Oil and gas: Guyana’s fifth FPSO, Errea Wittu, has arrived and is set to push production past one million barrels per day, while the government says it will seek expert advice on financing future Exxon projects. Energy and public safety: GPL says it dismantled more than 220 illegal electrical connections in days, warning of fire and blackout risks. Agriculture: Farmers are being urged to conserve water as El Niño-linked dry conditions could stretch into 2027. Sports: Guyana Amazon Warriors beat St Lucia Kings by seven wickets in CPL action, and the Guyana Cup returns with the GHRA facing its first big test.

Sugar Sector: GAWU President Seepaul Narine says GuySuCo’s revised 2026 sugar target of 51,400+ tonnes is still achievable, though a prolonged dry season could threaten cane growth and water levels. Health & Climate: The Ministry of Health warns Guyanese to beat the heat as El Niño could bring up to 80 hot spell days, urging hydration, light clothing, and watchfulness for heat-stress symptoms. Aviation Milestone: The GCAA has granted Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc. its rotorcraft Air Operator’s Certificate, paving the way for local helicopter services including search-and-rescue and medical evacuation. UN Secretary-General Race: The UN Security Council is set for a second straw poll as contenders—including Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Ecuador’s Ivonne A-Baki—seek momentum in the race to replace António Guterres. Oil & Offshore Build-Out: Exxon’s fifth FPSO has arrived in Guyana waters, while Everllence has signed for 175D engines to power new offshore terminal tugs for Guyana’s FPSO fleet. Local Governance & Politics: WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed invites APNU to talks on GECOM issues and Region 10 local government leadership, after renewed disputes over Local Government Commission nominees. Water & Housing: President Ali says a new potable water well will be drilled for Circuitville, and CH&PA is advancing groundwork after residents raised urgent supply concerns.

Constitutional Appointments & GECOM Tensions: President Irfaan Ali says he is fulfilling constitutional duties by consulting the Leader of the Opposition on key judicial appointments, while Azruddin Mohamed renews calls for his GECOM nominees as the commission impasse continues. Healthcare Access: Ali says six new regional hospitals are delivering, with emergency cases seeing an average 10-minute wait and major outpatient, inpatient, surgery and lab volumes recorded. Power Crunch & Grid Response: With El Niño driving demand, GPL projects peak demand rising sharply and the government announces emergency generation and transmission upgrades; meanwhile, three people land on $100,000 station bail after damaging GPL network equipment at La Penitence. CCJ Panel Overhaul: The CCJ moves to require judges to sit on all panels unless formally excused, amid ongoing controversy over alleged “panel fixing.” Sports—CPL Momentum: Guyana Amazon Warriors beat St Lucia Kings by 7 wickets, with Dwaine Pretorius starring as the chase sets up top-table momentum. Indigenous Environment Warning: APA’s Jean La Rose warns uranium and other extractive mining risks could bring radioactive and long-term health harm to hinterland communities. Community & Youth: Cricket and boxing action continues, including Annandale’s U19 qualifier win and St Lucia’s boxing team arriving for regional schoolboys and juniors.

Public Procurement Overhaul: Government says it will fully digitise Guyana’s public procurement system by end-2026, replacing paper processes with an e-tender portal, digital bidders’ register and e-marketplace to boost efficiency and transparency. Cost-of-Living Focus: President Ali admits food prices are still rising despite removing VAT and taxes and cutting tolls, saying the solution must be multi-dimensional, including margins between farmers and retailers. Health Infrastructure Dispute: Attorney General Nandlall says arbitration has begun after VAMED contract terminations for the Ogle and New Amsterdam hospital projects, with performance bonds targeted for recovery. Education Gains: Guyana reports improved CSEC and CAPE results, including a higher CSEC pass rate and strong CAPE performance, plus vocational CVQ expansion. Local Governance Tension: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed faces pressure over Local Government Commission representation as APNU demands a seat. Media Freedom Push: At the CBU AGM in Georgetown, journalists were urged to be allowed to ask difficult questions. Energy & Services: GPL’s acquisition of Skeldon Energy is underway with assurances no jobs will be lost, while Starlink devices are set for schools along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway. Sports: CPL action continues with Guyana Amazon Warriors and Saint Lucia Kings, plus youth basketball results from the Loloy Daniel tournament.

MV Barima Accountability: President Irfaan Ali says the Commission of Inquiry into the deadly MV Barima ferry disaster will be on the ground in early September, with commissioners already setting procedures and a work plan, while he rejects calls for ministerial removals ahead of findings. CCJ Recusal Row: Opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed’s lawyers are urging CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson to recuse himself, citing leaked internal court communications and alleged political maneuvering. Oil Revenue Update: Ali confirms Guyana’s profit share from Stabroek Block has risen from 12.5% to 39.8% after cost recovery was completed earlier than expected, shifting the cost-recovery portion from 75% to 20%. Electricity Strain: Public Utilities Minister Deodat Indar warns Demerara River transmission capacity is over-stressed and says a second cable is being installed to ease pressure as demand climbs. Education Gains: The CSEC mathematics pass rate rises to 34.5% (from 32% in 2025), with several schools reporting major jumps. Cost-of-Living Debate: Ali says cash grants alone won’t fix the crisis, pointing to supply-chain mark-ups and pushing for more farmers’ markets. Local Crime: Bandits zip-tie a security guard and rob the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) in a Woodford Avenue break-in. Sports: Guyana’s U13 playoffs see defensive goalless draws, while Mahdia beats Eccles to reach T10 Tapeball national finals; CPL action continues with Guyana Amazon Warriors set to face Saint Lucia Kings.

MV Barima Response: President Irfaan Ali says the government is working closely with families of the 73 victims and the at least 30 still missing, with long-term support coordinated through the HEART Initiative, including legal help, documentation, mental health, counselling and medical support. Stabroek Oil Update: Guyana’s entitlement to crude production rises to 39.8% after ExxonMobil and partners recouped about US$40B in costs, and a fifth FPSO is set to arrive this week to push output above 1 million bpd. Healthcare Boost: New regional hospitals have logged more than 145,000 outpatient visits, about 3,700 surgeries, over 1 million lab tests and hundreds of thousands of diagnostics and prescriptions. Education Results: Education Minister Sonia Parag highlights improved CSEC and CAPE pass rates, with top performer Nitya Narine planning to study law at UG. Constitutional Appointments: Consultations with Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed are underway for key commissions, including the Judicial Service Commission, Local Government Commission and Public Service Commission. CCJ Tension: Attorneys for the Mohameds demand CCJ President Winston Anderson step aside and call for full disclosure amid allegations of bias and leaked correspondence. Cost of Living Measures: Government is considering permanent farmers’ markets to cut out middlemen and reduce retail mark-ups. Mental Health Access: The “Embrace” online therapy platform expands confidential counselling support, complementing in-person services for MV Barima families. Oil Market Pressure: Reuters reports crude costs for Indian refiners are climbing as Gulf premiums rise and Russian discounts fade.

UN Leadership Race: Ecuadorean diplomat Ivonne Baki has officially joined the race to become the next UN secretary-general, nominated by Tonga as Denmark prepares another informal Security Council straw poll. CCJ Crisis in Focus: Attorneys for Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed are pushing for CCJ President Winston Anderson to recuse himself, citing alleged interference and leaked internal correspondence, while Anderson denies “panel fixing” and improper influence. Electricity Emergency in Linden: Linden’s power outages are blamed on poor planning and neglect, with demand now outstripping supply as the government rushes extra generation and asks sawmill operators to shift output. Legal Fight Over Contracts: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed faces a defamation push from Sigma Engineers, after he questioned over G$12B in contracts; Sigma says it will pursue legal action. Public Health Alarm: Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association reports one in four new HIV cases involves youth aged 15–24, calling for urgent testing and better sexual health education. MV Barima Support: Government says it is expanding psychosocial help for survivors and families, with an online counselling platform (EMBRACE) set to launch this week. Drug Trafficking Watch: CANU warns traffickers are trying to use Guyana as a transshipment gateway, after a major drugs destruction operation.

Development Bank Prep for Small Firms: The Small Business Bureau says entrepreneurs must be “ready for the money” by improving financial literacy, record-keeping and business plans before the Guyana Development Bank opens another financing door. MV Barima Support Intensifies: Government says it has deployed about 75 social workers, counsellors and psychologists under the HEART initiative, and will launch an online Embrace counselling platform for survivors and families. Drug Transshipment Warnings: CANU says traffickers are increasingly trying to use Guyana as a gateway, after major drug destruction and operations targeting foreign networks. Road Safety Speed Limiter Training: Police Licensing and Certifying Officers are in the final training phase to install speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks, as the state moves to roll out 8,000 devices. Electricity Pressure from Heat: Peak demand hit 242.64MW amid hotter-than-normal conditions and El Niño, with officials warning blackouts may continue until grid repairs are completed. Corruption Probe at Licensing Office: A police sergeant is under close arrest over alleged driver’s licence fraud and weekly bribe payments. Politics and Relief Housing Claims: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves alleges Beryl relief houses imported for victims are being sold by government. Sports—CPL and Youth Football: Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Jamaica Kingsmen by six wickets; CWI named 22 Under-19 women for a High-Performance camp, and Guyana’s U14 team is set to face the Bahamas in the CFU Challenge Series.

Judicial Crisis: CCJ President Winston Anderson says he tried to broker an end to Guyana’s judicial deadlock in Oct 2025, admitting “another course would have been much better,” while lawyers and others push for deeper answers amid leaked email allegations. Electricity Pressure: Record demand hit 242.64MW as El Niño heat and rising housing/commercial activity strain the grid; government says the promised 50% power-bill cut won’t start until Gas-to-Energy Phase One reaches about 228MW in early 2027. Local Power Outages: Linden residents face rolling blackouts and the Linden Electricity Company blames a generation shortfall as peak demand tops 15MW, with talks underway to boost supply. Police Licensing Bribe Probe: A police sergeant is under close arrest over alleged driver’s licence fraud, including claims of weekly bribes totalling over G$1.5M and seized competency letters and cash. Maritime Safety & Community Calls: Region One leader Chris Debideen renews calls to replace ageing state ferries after MV Barima scrutiny, while MV Canawaima is cleared to sail after an Aug 13 reinspection. Health Access Gap: A Region One infant death while awaiting medevac spotlights concerns that Guyana lacks dedicated emergency air evacuation capacity. Water Update: GWI says water quality in Mackenzie returned to normal after sediment-related discoloration, with flushing and extra monitoring. Crime & Death: A 15-year-old is in custody after fisherman Asmat Mohamed Hussain died following a Corriverton altercation. Sports: Barbados Tridents stay unbeaten in CPL after beating Saint Lucia Kings; CFU U-14 Challenge Series continues today with Guyana facing Anguilla.

Electricity Crisis: APNU’s Sharma Solomon says the government’s “El Niño” excuse masks poor planning as Demerara-Berbice demand rose from 204,000 customers in 2020 to 250,000 by Aug. 13, with demand climbing from 221MW to 242.64MW; Local Power Response: Linden Electricity Company says outages in Region 10 stem from a critical generation shortfall (about 14.5MW available versus peak demand over 15MW) and says it’s in talks with a supplier for extra immediate capacity; National Grid Push: Government says El Niño is driving record demand and GPL is working to add generation and reserves, while a GPL plan projects up to 307MW could be added by 2030 from major infrastructure and new loads; Judiciary Watch: A top Guyanese lawyer says the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission has no power to “review” the CCJ President’s conduct amid leaked-email fallout, while Hamel-Smith backs a judicial enquiry to protect public confidence; Oil Outlook: Exxon CEO Darren Woods says four more Stabroek Block discoveries could exceed expectations; Public Services: A Government Service Centre was launched in Lethem to bring passports, certificates, e-ID and police clearances closer to Region Nine residents.

Oil & Exploration: Exxon CEO Darren Woods says four more potential Stabroek Block discoveries could top expectations, citing AI-driven work and the chance to unlock acreage once the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute plays out at the ICJ. Power Demand & Grid Expansion: GPL’s 2026-2030 plan projects rapid growth could add up to 307MW daily by 2030, driven by data centres, major infrastructure, and a natural gas fertiliser plant, while El Niño-linked heat pushes demand to record levels. Education & Water Access: Phillipai Secondary School in Region Seven is set to get a $37M potable water well as construction continues on the new 240-student facility. Sports & Youth: Guyana’s U19 women finished fifth at the CWI Rising Stars tournament after a 64-run win over the Windward Islands, while regional cricket action continues across the CPL. Governance & Services: Government moves ahead with land regularisation coordination for title issuance across multiple communities, with investigations expected to wrap by end of August. Safety & Crime Watch: CANU warns traffickers are making a bigger push to use Guyana as a drug transshipment route as seizures rise. International Ties & Tourism: Hyatt expands in Guyana as Atlantic Suites becomes an affiliated Hyatt property, targeting a Hyatt Regency Georgetown launch in 2028.

CCJ Fallout: Caribbean Court of Justice President Winston Anderson has broken his silence, denying “panel fixing” and influence claims while condemning leaked internal emails as an attack on judicial independence and public trust. Judicial Appointments Row: Anderson also addressed criticism over his past engagement in top judicial posts, saying another course would have been better and pointing to the constitutional importance of substantive appointments. MV Barima Salvage: Government moves to the next stage of salvaging the MV Barima, with expressions of interest from marine salvage contractors set for evaluation before a contractor is selected. Road Delays: Public Works Minister Madanlall Ramraj orders an immediate review of the stalled Hague Back Road project after West Coast Demerara residents complained of long delays. Power Supply Pressure: With El Niño driving record demand and continued blackouts, officials say the Wales Gas-to-Energy project may deliver 57MW by year-end, but promised 50% bill relief depends on higher output. Health Access: Dialysis services begin at Lima Regional Hospital for Essequibo Coast patients, reducing the need to travel for treatment. Drug Bust: CANU destroyed over G$429M in narcotics, including cocaine and cannabis, after court processes. Land Regularisation: Government advances land regularisation in Regions 2, 4 and 5, with investigations expected to wrap by end of August. Sports: Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Jamaica Kingsmen in CPL action, while Guyana U19 Women secured fifth place in the Rising Stars tournament.

CPL Cricket: Guyana Amazon Warriors made an early splash in the Caribbean Premier League, beating Jamaica Kingsmen by six wickets at Sabina Park as Shai Hope and Mohammed Nabi starred in the chase, while Jamaica captain Rovman Powell admitted the Kingsmen need a 10–15% lift ahead of their next clash with Trinbago Knight Riders. CCJ Crisis: Caribbean Court of Justice President Justice Winston Anderson rejected claims of “panel fixing” and judicial interference, saying the allegations are “wholly untrue,” while also condemning the leak and publication of confidential CCJ emails as the most troubling part of the dispute. Crime and Security: CARICOM IMPACS, with regional and international partners, wrapped up Operation Eclipse, seizing an estimated US$54.5M in illicit assets and contraband across the Caribbean, including thousands of kilograms of cocaine and marijuana. Energy and Power: The Guyana government rolled out electricity conservation steps as El Niño drives higher demand, including switching off ACs and lights in public buildings when not in use and asking major users to disconnect during peak periods. Local Governance/Business: Hyatt and RJR Investments announced Atlantic Suites Hotel will convert to a Hyatt Regency by 2028, a roughly US$50M development. Agriculture: In Nabacalis, the Agriculture Ministry says it will clear up to five acres of farmland per farmer, with machinery expected to return within two weeks.