UN Secretary-General race: Guyana has officially thrown its weight behind Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as a candidate to succeed António Guterres, positioning her as “fit and proper” and highlighting Guyana’s growing global role. Essequibo diplomacy: Venezuela’s President in charge says Caracas will not recognize any ICJ ruling on the Essequibo dispute, citing the Geneva Agreement and the 2023 consultative referendum. Cash grants rollout: Finance Minister Ashni Singh reports smooth progress on the National $100,000 Cash Grant, with 279,546 people paid via self-registration and 328,404 citizens receiving direct transfers in total. Immigration modernisation: Guyana launches an online passport application and appointment system on June 15, aiming to cut waiting times and improve access nationwide. CARICOM agriculture: Nominations are open for the CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer awards, with submissions due by end of June. Security & crime: A Berbice AK-47 suspect, Stephen Rajah, has been granted $1M bail amid claims police are “fishing” and allegations of a smuggling scheme. Regional economy: The CDB says Guyana led Caribbean growth in 2025 but warns of fiscal pressures and structural risks as spending outpaces revenues. Venezuela crackdown near border: Reuters reports Venezuela deployed troops in a gold-mining area near the Guyana border targeting armed groups and illegal miners. Public works & diaspora: Public Works Minister Juan Edghill urged Guyanese in the Virgin Islands to return and contribute to Guyana’s development.