AGP Executive Report

Judiciary Strengthening: President Irfaan Ali swore in six new Puisne Judges, saying the move is meant to tackle court backlogs and boost the justice system’s capacity. Corentyne Bridge Row: Ali said Guyana has received no official word from Suriname about a unilateral, Suriname-financed Corentyne River Bridge, insisting the project remains a joint venture and warning he will respond “decisively” to any new request. Constitutional Reform Process: Government says public consultation will shape constitutional reform, while Ali also said there’s no need to consult the opposition leader on chief justice and chancellor appointments. Regional Humanitarian Aid: CARICOM states, including Guyana, are mobilising relief for earthquake-hit Venezuela, with containers and supplies being prepared for dispatch. CARICOM & Rastafarians: CARICOM plans a regional meeting to address discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, with a working committee set up across several member states. Energy & Aviation: Parliament ratified air services agreements with six countries; Guyana also secured a seat on the EITI international board. Local Governance & Social Issues: Police and educators in Region Six vow tougher enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act amid rising youth vaping. Sports & Culture: Lara and Chanderpaul headline the grand opening of the Anna Regina Stadium on July 3.

Judiciary & Rule of Law: Six new puisne judges were sworn in by President Irfaan Ali, with the President again stressing the need to clear court backlogs and strengthen capacity. Anti-Money Laundering: The High Court quashed a magistrate’s dismissal of SOCU money laundering charges, reviving the case after “want of prosecution” was struck down. Constitutional Reform: The Constitutional Reform Commission is set to invite written public submissions from this week, with the AG urging broad participation on rights, judiciary, local government, cultural rights and safeguarding public funds. Opposition & Governance: President Ali said there’s no need for constitutionally-required consultation with the new Opposition Leader over the Chief Justice and Chancellor appointments, drawing pushback from Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed. Energy & Contracts: Guyana and Karpowership agreed a two-year extension for the Berbice power ship at 9.5 US cents/kWh, while the Prime Minister received the Demand Side Management Action Plan aimed at cutting energy use. Regional Politics & Infrastructure: Ali said Guyana has received no official word from Suriname about a solo Corentyne River bridge plan, keeping the project framed as a joint initiative. Public Safety & Health: Region Six officials vowed tougher enforcement after a spike in student vaping, while separate reports highlight alarming youth substance use concerns. Education & Social Support: World Bank-backed work began on a $421.2M St Joseph’s High School block, and the “Because We Care” cash grant distribution continues with strict guidance on school-related spending.

Regional Rights Agenda: CARICOM will convene a meeting to tackle discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, setting up a committee of member states to push regional and international protections. Oil & Accountability: ExxonMobil Guyana says 2025 production costs hit about $82.2B, while the government set aside $60B for adult cash grants—fueling fresh debate over whether oil wealth is translating into fair outcomes. Cross-Border Infrastructure: Suriname has scrapped the joint Corentyne River bridge plan and says it will fund and manage the bridge alone, leaving Guyana’s leadership saying “that’s news to me.” Public Service Modernisation: President Ali says the Lands and Surveys Commission will be fully digitised over four years to speed up land administration and improve transparency. Unity, Elections & Online Hate: The Ethnic Relations Commission reports digital platforms now drive most ethnic-related complaints, with social media flagged as a major unity risk. Healthcare Upgrade: Guyana’s first public MRI machine is being installed at GPHC, aiming to cut diagnostic delays and costs. Cash Grants & Jobs: “Because We Care” school cash grants begin distribution, while part-time National Pathway Workers get a monthly stipend increase to $50,000. Local Governance & Sports: Plans continue for Stabroek Market revitalisation, and the government is pushing for dedicated tapeball grounds in every region.

UN Secretary-General Bid: Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett met EU heads of mission at the UN, laying out her plan for a more accountable, results-driven UN and arguing the real test is delivering on commitments. Police Accountability: OPR launched an inquiry after a murder suspect died by hanging in a Leonora police holding cell less than a day after confessing. Energy & Power Security: Government says it is 99% through finalising a new smaller powership/plant agreement for the Berbice corridor as Wales Gas-to-Energy delays push GPL to keep emergency generation running. Cost of Living Support: “Because We Care” school cash grants begin distribution nationwide, with the Education Ministry saying every registered child in public and private schools will benefit. Agriculture: Rice farmers are set to receive about $3B in direct cash subsidies next week, with rates of $15,000 per acre (50 acres or less) and $10,000 (over 50 acres). Rights & Unity: SASOD’s Joel Simpson says Pride remains a protest because LGBTQ Guyanese still lack legal protection; ERC chair warns social media can either build or burn national unity. Regional Disaster Response: Guyana says it has identified displaced families in Venezuela after the earthquakes and will assess damage and injuries. Local Governance: Local Government Ministry is drafting protocols to help NDCs resolve common resident complaints. Sports Infrastructure: Culture Minister Ramson Jr. wants dedicated tapeball grounds in every region.

Road Safety & Justice: Two men died in a suspected hit-and-run at Clonbrook East Coast Demerara; relatives are now offering a reward as police have yet to release details. Youth & Health: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says screening of 6,039 secondary students found 43% consumed alcohol, 32% vape and 5% used cannabis, calling for stronger school-based prevention. Energy & Governance: Commentary and ministerial updates keep spotlighting the gap between big energy plans and everyday reliability, as GPL faces public frustration while Gas-to-Energy work targets December start-up. Agriculture: Rice farmers begin receiving cash subsidies next week after verification, with payments of $15,000 per acre for 50 acres or less and $10,000 for larger farms. Education Recovery: Government plans to use part of a US$90M IDB loan for design and supervision to rehabilitate primary schools in Region Nine with climate-resilient standards. Courts & Rights: IDPADA-G calls on Government to pay about $32M in outstanding 2022 subventions after a High Court ruling, framing it as a rule-of-law test. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM is preparing a relief shipment to earthquake-hit Venezuela, with Guyana coordinating supplies for onward delivery.

Regional Aviation Leadership: Guyana’s Dr. Saheed Sulaman, Deputy DG of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, has been elected Chairman of the ACS Special Committee on Transport for 2026–2027, boosting the country’s push to position itself as a regional aviation hub. Rice Support: The Ministry of Agriculture will start direct cash subsidies to rice farmers next week, with about G$3 billion allocated—G$15,000 per acre for 50 acres or less and G$10,000 per acre for larger holdings. Youth Substance Use: Health authorities screened over 6,000 secondary students, finding 43% reported alcohol use, 32% vaping, and 5% cannabis—prompting calls for stronger school-based prevention and addiction training. Gas-to-Energy Progress: Minister Deodat Indar says GPL is preparing for Gas-to-Energy off-take, with the first gas turbine expected to be commissioned in December and more units following to reach about 300MW. Housing Plan: President Ali announced a comprehensive social housing programme aimed at clearing the housing backlog within four years and targeting vulnerable and low-income groups. Public Safety & Police Scrutiny: A policeman has been remanded for the murder of a Cuban woman, while separate calls for forensic review continue after the death of 16-year-old Altaf King during a police pursuit. Education Cash Grants: “Because We Care” cash grants begin today—G$85,000 total per child, including increased education and a new transportation subsidy. Opposition GECOM Seats: Amanza Walton urged opposition parties to compromise on GECOM seats to avoid court battles, proposing a three-way split. Local Governance: New Amsterdam residents report garbage collection woes linked to landfill shortages after the closure of the Esplanade site.

GECOM & Opposition Politics: Forward Guyana Movement MP Amanza Walton floated a three-way split of opposition seats on GECOM to avoid a court fight, warning internal factionalism could demoralise supporters. Police Accountability: WIN MP Toshana Famey-Corlette renewed calls for urgent police reforms after Corentyne teen Altaf King died amid a pursuit, with eyewitnesses disputing the police account and an OPR probe underway. Power Supply Deal: Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar said the Government is 99% close to finalising a new 36MW powership agreement for Berbice, pushing back on claims of being “backed into a corner” and blaming leaked correspondence for the heat. Cost of Living & Education Support: “Because We Care” cash grants begin today for schoolchildren, with the total rising to GY$85,000 including a new transportation subsidy. Local Governance & Services: New Amsterdam faces landfill-driven garbage collection woes after the closure of the Esplanade site, forcing waste to go to Rose Hall. Health & Development: Government plans a GY$1.1B neurological centre in Region Four, while President Ali announced ISKCON will host primary healthcare screening and prevention awareness. International & Regional Ties: Guyana and Jamaica signed multiple MoUs covering agriculture, finance, security, housing, technology and climate resilience.

Humanitarian Response to Venezuela: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana will mobilise GDF soldiers to help recovery after Venezuela’s deadly earthquakes, while an 8,000-tonne relief vessel is set to depart next Friday with food, pharmaceuticals and other essentials coordinated with the Civil Defence Commission and CARICOM partners. Local Security & Accountability: Police say a man who confessed to killing his reputed wife at Uitvlugt was found hanging in lockups at Leonora Police Station, and the Office of Professional Responsibility has been called in to investigate. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM foreign ministers met in Panama to renew a results-focused action plan on security, climate resilience and economic growth. Caribbean Housing Link: Ali and Jamaica’s PM Andrew Holness announced Guyana will build 300-plus homes in Jamaica under Hurricane Melissa recovery, pointing to faster approvals and capacity as key bottlenecks. Education & Governance: Guyana’s NELA education leadership programme is expanding, with officials saying it’s becoming a central training mechanism for policy, governance and financing. Community Development: Skull City/Area L gets its first recreational park as government pushes local infrastructure and healthier public spaces. Mining Rights Clash: Government support for Chinese Landing mining tenures contradicts earlier assurances to villagers, deepening tensions over Indigenous land rights. Oil & Finance Commentary: A new column argues Guyana’s profit share under the 2016 oil agreement is far smaller than what operators report, reigniting debate on value for the state.

Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership at the OAS in Panama, with a new action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security. Bilateral Ties: Jamaica’s PM Andrew Holness visited Guyana, praising CARICOM and signing multiple MoUs with President Ali covering energy, finance, defence/security, and agriculture, while also pointing to Guyana’s faster approvals as a housing delivery lesson. Housing & Finance: Ali announced a major policy shift for first-time homeowners—100% mortgage interest tax deduction on loans up to $30M—alongside plans to build 300+ homes in Jamaica for Hurricane Melissa recovery. Local Government Pay: Stipends for NDC and RDC officials are set to rise within days after Finance cleared the new payment architecture. Humanitarian Response: Guyana is mobilising an 8,000-tonne vessel to ship earthquake relief to Venezuela, with CARICOM support and a June 27–July 1 donation drive. Energy & Power: Negotiations for continued Karpowership supply are in final stages, while the Wales Gas-to-Energy project targets electricity by December 2026. Public Order & Safety: A fracas between traffic police and firefighters at the National Stadium raised questions about joint services protocol. Business/Legal Watch: A three-part investigation alleges a legal “market control” paradox in Guyana’s explosives supply chain, as attorney Devindra Kissoon threatens “arrest and imprisonment” of competitors.

Police accountability and youth safety: OPR has launched an investigation after a 16-year-old, Aftaz King, died during a Corentyne police pursuit, with eyewitnesses disputing the police version and alleging the patrol vehicle struck the motorcycle. Traffic enforcement backlash: AG Mohabir Anil Nandlall warned traffic ranks they can’t detain motorists, seize vehicles, or confiscate licences for ticketable offences, saying officers could face personal civil lawsuits. Public sector payments: NIS rolled out expanded pension payment options, boosting payout access from 77 locations to 4,779 partner nodes via agents and cash-out services. Regional diplomacy and energy ties: Guyana and Jamaica signed multiple MOUs covering energy, defence/security, agriculture, tourism and finance, including a working group on energy. Electricity and energy projects: GPL says Karpowership negotiations are near completion for a new agreement, while the Gas-to-Energy project is pushing for grid power by December 2026. Housing push: President Ali opened the International Building Expo and announced doubled mortgage interest tax relief for first-time homeowners, with the ceiling now covering loans up to $30M. Humanitarian focus: President Ali led regional sympathy after deadly earthquakes hit Venezuela, with Guyana signalling readiness to assist. Court and civil society: High Court ordered government to pay IDPADA-G outstanding 2022 subventions, finding improper action in cutting funding. Crime and investigations: A police constable confessed to the murder of missing Cuban national Dailen Paneque Gómez, after her body was found in Enmore.

Gas-to-Energy Update: Lindsayca says the Wales project is now preparing to introduce natural gas and is working round-the-clock to deliver electricity to the grid by December 2026, after earlier soil-related delays. Caricom/Regional Diplomacy: President Ali and Jamaica PM Andrew Holness signed multiple MoUs, including a new energy working group, as both sides push deeper cooperation on housing, security, agriculture, tourism and financial services. Housing Push: Ali announced the government doubled mortgage interest tax relief for first-time homeowners, raising the ceiling to $30M so full interest can be deducted from taxable income, alongside faster land-title processing. Aviation Security: Three Brazilians were fined $150,000 each for trespassing on the restricted Lethem airstrip, spotlighting perimeter security at hinterland aerodromes. Public Safety & Justice: AG Nandlall warned traffic ranks they can be sued for detaining motorists or seizing vehicles over ticketable offences; meanwhile, OPR launched an investigation into a 16-year-old’s death during a police pursuit in Berbice. Health & Youth: Screenings found alarming juvenile substance use, with 43% reporting alcohol use and 32% vaping among nearly 6,039 secondary students tested. Energy in the Region: TotalEnergies says it expects to begin a new offshore Suriname drilling campaign in 2027, targeting four wells in Block 58.

Bilateral Diplomacy: President Irfaan Ali and Jamaica PM Andrew Holness witnessed the signing of several MOUs covering Agriculture, Financial Services, Energy and Security, with both leaders saying more technical-level cooperation is coming. Public Finance & Housing: Ali announced the government has doubled the ceiling for first-time mortgage interest tax relief, letting homeowners deduct full interest on loans up to $30M from taxable income. Police Accountability: AG Mohabir Nandlall warned traffic ranks they can face lawsuits for detaining drivers or seizing vehicles over ticketable offences. Crime & Probes: A missing Cuban woman’s case has turned into a murder probe after a police constable confessed; meanwhile, a 16-year-old died during a police pursuit in Corentyne, with residents and police offering sharply different versions and OPR investigating. Social Protection Upgrade: NIS rolled out expanded pension payment options, including MoneyGram, MMG, Bill Express and Massy Services, to cut long queues. Utilities & Safety: GWI added two sewer tanker trucks to improve response times, while the “Putting Safety First” campaign intensifies with construction-sector outreach. Regional Disaster Solidarity: Guyana offered assistance and condolences to earthquake-hit Venezuela.

Venezuela Earthquake Relief: President Irfaan Ali offered condolences and assistance to quake-hit Venezuela after twin 7.2 and 7.5 tremors devastated Caracas and nearby areas, with the death toll reported rising and a state of emergency declared. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM also expressed solidarity, while T&T pledged humanitarian support and Jamaica said it stands ready to help—highlighting a coordinated Caribbean response. Energy & Governance: Former EPA head Dr. Vincent Adams warned Guyana lacks the regulatory capacity to safely oversee uranium mining as U92 Energy pushes ahead with the Kurupung project. Local Government Pay: Minister Priya Manickchand says over 1,000 local officials will receive higher stipends within days, including major jumps for NDC chairpersons and councillors. Power Sector Pressure: GPL’s 2025 performance worsened, with system losses above target and skilled staff reportedly drifting to the oil and gas sector, according to the PUC report. Bilateral Talks: President Ali met Jamaica PM Andrew Holness to deepen cooperation across technology, energy, security, agriculture, housing and more.

Local Government Pay Boost: Minister Priya Manickchand says over 1,000 NDC and RDC councillors will see higher monthly stipends within days, with NDC chairpersons rising to $50,000 (from $10,000) and vice-chairpersons to $40,000 (from $5,000). Court Orders Subvention Payment: The High Court ruled Government acted improperly in cutting IDPADA-G funding and ordered payment of the outstanding 2022 subvention balance. Electoral Independence Debate: Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander argues commissioners can’t be recalled by parties without undermining the constitutional design for a permanent electoral body. Wales Gas-to-Energy Labour Fallout: Transportation providers tied to the Wales Gas-to-Energy project had services terminated after protests over unpaid wages. Public Works Enforcement: Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill warns contractors he will start impounding trucks operating above the authorised weight limit. Sanitation Upgrade: GWI bought two new sewer combination tanker trucks to speed up response to blockages, overflows and leaks. Venezuela Earthquake Solidarity: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali offered assistance to Venezuela after back-to-back quakes; CARICOM and regional partners also signalled support as the death toll climbs. Storm Damage Response: Essequibo Coast communities, including schools in Anna Regina and Region Two, are dealing with roof damage, power disruptions and emergency tarpaulin repairs after heavy rain and strong winds.

Court Orders IDPADA-G Subvention Payment: Chancellor (Ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire ordered the government to pay IDPADA-G its outstanding subvention for the remaining months of 2022, after finding funding was improperly cut short. Pension Access Overhaul: NIS says pensioners can now collect benefits through 4,800+ locations nationwide, expanding from 77 sites via Mobile Money Guyana, MoneyGram and Bill Express to reduce queues and travel. Education Infrastructure Push: 21 firms bid to design and supervise six new IDB-funded primary schools across Regions 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 10. Social Media for Children: AG Anil Nandlall says Guyana is seeking a formal relationship with Facebook and insists proposed safeguards are to protect children, while a Guyanese research assessment warns against mandatory identity-linked age checks. Suriname Map Row: Guyanese business groups and GYEC condemn Suriname’s display of the New River Triangle as Surinamese territory and call for boycotts until the practice stops. Uranium Debate: APNU urges the government to properly inform the public about the Kurupung uranium project and readiness to regulate extraction and risks. Local Governance & Services: Work continues on the 78%-complete Brickdam Police HQ (commissioning Jan 2027) and CJIA’s new baggage handling system is set to be finished next month. GECOM Operations: GECOM resumed services at the Soesdyke Registration Sub-Office ahead of the July 1 registration exercise.

Airport Upgrade: CJIA CEO Ramesh Ghir says a new state-of-the-art baggage handling system is underway and should be finished next month, with remote screening at airline counters, new scanners, and expanded CCTV plus body cameras for added security. Child Online Safety: AG Anil Nandlall insists proposed social media rules are meant to protect children, not censor adults, as consultations continue around an under-16 framework. Sovereignty Row with Suriname: GCCI and GOGEC both condemn Suriname event organisers for displaying maps that depict Guyana’s New River Triangle as Suriname territory, calling for Guyana and businesses to reject such disrespect. Elections & Registration: GECOM has resumed services at the Soesdyke Registration Sub-Office ahead of the July 1 registration exercise. Education Push: GOAL’s 4th graduation saw 3,876 students graduate, with government saying the programme has now surpassed 54,000 scholarships since 2021. Flood Relief Pressure: Region 10 flood response is under fire as residents in Kwakwani, Hururu and Aroaima say relief is slow despite ongoing inundation. Energy & Transparency: Opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed demands investigations into alleged labour, tax and permit breaches by the Gas-to-Energy contractor Lindsayca.