AGP Executive Report

Police Accountability & Sexual Violence Allegations: Tamùkke Feminists is demanding an independent probe into rape and death-threat claims against SOCU head Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, calling for his administrative leave and protection for the complainant amid continued police and Home Affairs silence. Border Security & Surinamese Disappearance: In the abduction case tied to missing Surinamese men, Mark “Demon” Cromwell’s family remains in the spotlight as Jimol Murphy gets $1m bail after lawyers challenged the police case and said no evidence yet shows forcible abduction. Regional Food Security: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana now has a “regional responsibility” to help feed the Caribbean, pointing to agro-processing hubs, tech, and logistics as Agriculture Month 2026 begins. Aviation & Regional Cooperation: Guyana renews air services ties with France and signs with Panama, while CARICOM/ICAO push stronger regional aviation safety oversight and Guyana seeks an Aviation Centre of Excellence partner. Local Governance & Public Space: Healthy Streets Initiative work continues on Thomas Street Avenue, with Priya Manickchand inspecting the first project with the King’s Foundation. Justice & Crime: APNU’s Sharma Solomon presses for disclosure on Amaila Falls costs and guarantees before any commitment, as courts and investigations continue to move on criminal asset targeting and major cases.

Aviation Safety & Growth: President Irfaan Ali urged no complacency as Guyana’s air sector expands, warning that one lapse can undo years of safety work while the country’s traffic and seats keep climbing. UN Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda broke CARICOM ranks by backing former Ecuador foreign minister María Fernanda Espinosa for UN chief, even as Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett faces a fast-moving race and Rebeca Grynspan remains near the top in Security Council straw polls. Oil Milestone & Local Content: ExxonMobil projects Guyana could cross one million barrels per day by year-end, with local content earnings reported at about US$3.6B. Illegal Mining Meets Drug Money: APNU MP Sharma Solomon called for financial probes into illegal mining after INTERPOL warned cocaine profits are being moved through gold operations. Courts & Election Case: A handwriting expert told court signatures tied to Volda Lawrence match those on a disputed Region Four Form 24 declaration, keeping the 2020 election fraud trial in focus. Public Safety: Police continued unrest-related traffic advisories for Vigilance and also seized unauthorized sirens worth over $2M. Education & Skills: Ministries met Niagara College on curricula for the hospitality training institute, while CAD labs and STEM clubs expand training opportunities. Agriculture Month 2026: The sector was launched under “Innovate, Nourish, Grow,” highlighting women and youth, farmers’ markets, and tech-driven production. Regional Aviation Deals: Guyana signed air services arrangements with Greece and a sustainability MoU with the Dominican Republic.

Aviation & Connectivity: Guyana signed aviation cooperation MoUs and agreements—most notably a sustainable civil aviation framework with the Dominican Republic and an Air Services Agreement with Greece—while President Ali urged stronger aviation safety as the ICAO/EASA forum gets underway and CARICOM partners push a regional aviation safety roadmap. Oil & Local Content: ExxonMobil says Guyana could cross the one-million-barrel-a-day mark by year-end, with local content spending topping US$3.6B and thousands of vendors engaged. Agriculture Month 2026: The Ministry launched “Innovate, Nourish, Grow,” highlighting women and youth in agri-processing, weekly farmers’ markets to tackle food prices, and plans for about 1,000 pregnant heifers to strengthen livestock genetics. Security & Law: U.S. support will boost Guyana’s counter-narcotics and air-domain awareness; meanwhile, Opposition MP Sharma Solomon calls for deeper scrutiny of the financial networks behind illegal mining and drug money. Housing & Development: Two U.S. firms backed by EXIM financing are set to build 10,000 affordable homes in Guyana. Politics & Accountability: AFC and others demand independent probes into police sexual assault allegations, as public pressure grows over how investigations are handled.

UN Diplomacy: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan widened her lead in the UN Security Council’s fourth straw poll for the next secretary-general, while Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett again placed close behind as diplomats weigh how permanent members may ultimately decide. Aviation & Security: President Irfaan Ali used the ICAO/EASA forum in Georgetown to push uniform regional airport safety and security procedures, call for an AI strategy for aviation oversight, and say Guyana is seeking a major airline partner to make CJIA Terminal 2 a global hub. Power & Deadlines: GPL met contractors again over repeated outages, pressing for project deadline compliance amid public frustration. MV Barima Inquiry: The MV Barima Commission of Inquiry invited survivors and relatives to apply for standing and is expected to start public hearings in early October. Public Safety Incident: A firefighter revived a child after smoke inhalation during a Sophia children’s home fire; all 26 children were evacuated and treated. Local Unrest: Vigilance protesters blocked a police search linked to the missing Surinamese men case, with a truck set ablaze during the standoff. Oil Milestone: ExxonMobil marked one billion barrels of oil from Guyana projects as debate continues over revenue and the 2016 PSA terms.

Aviation & Security: President Irfaan Ali told an ICAO/EASA aviation safety forum that Guyana will review all aviation laws to meet top international standards, and said the country is moving toward a Caribbean-wide technology system to monitor airspace and the EEZ. He also said government is ready to finalise talks with a major airline to use CJIA’s Terminal Two as a global hub, with an eye on building local aviation training capacity. UN Diplomacy: The UN Security Council’s fourth secret straw poll has put former Costa Rica VP Rebeca Grynspan narrowly ahead for UN secretary-general, while China says it will back a candidate who meets UN Charter standards. Courts & Rights: The US Supreme Court temporarily allowed Trump’s “third-country” deportations to resume while it reviews whether migrants must get a meaningful chance to object. MV Barima Inquiry: Public hearings for the MV Barima Commission of Inquiry are set to begin early next month, with rules focused on document collection and witness identification. Local Governance & Justice: In extradition proceedings involving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar Mohamed, Special Branch head Prem Narine told the court he was “somewhat intimidated” after a family photo was posted online; separately, the US-linked extradition case also heard claims about surveillance and meetings. Police Conduct: SOCU head Fazal Karimbaksh faces allegations of rape by a female inspector, with police saying he remains on duty while investigations proceed. Economy & Daily Life: GuyOil raised fuel prices by up to 13%, pushing gasoline and diesel higher. Tourism & Skills: Guyana is certifying tourism businesses under a sustainability “Good Travel Seal” programme, and expanding technical education with new AutoCAD labs. Sports & Culture: Sport Ministry signed an MoU with Lahore Qalandars for cricket development; Guyana also continued building its sustainable tourism push as regional teams wrapped up the Chess Olympiad.

Access to Information vs ExxonMobil: Guyana’s High Court ordered the Commissioner of Information to process two requests from Christopher Ram within 60 days, including details on ExxonMobil-led consortium earnings, spending, and taxes paid under the 2016 Petroleum Agreement. Elections Fraud Trial: In the GECOM server case, IT manager Aneal Giddings told the court he did not access, alter, or tamper with the Statements of Poll server while it was in his locked vehicle, while defence pressed gaps in written authorisation. Opposition Leader Extradition Hearing: Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman said the court will not suppress valid questions in Azruddin Mohamed’s extradition proceedings, as Special Branch head Prem Narine faced renewed cross-examination over surveillance and arrest circumstances. Mining Crackdown: GGMC enforcement shut down an unlicensed gold shop at Tamakay Landing, seizing gold, equipment and cash, with two people detained as investigations continue. Youth, Jobs and Skills: President Ali urged young Guyanese to seize emerging economic opportunities, while NATI welcomed 251 new TVET students and the Education Ministry commissioned new AutoCAD labs to expand technical training. Football Development: Aspire Zone Foundation signed an MoU with the GFF to support Under-14 and Under-17 programmes, coaching, and performance assessment. Sports & Community: The Golden Generation Hub continued supporting seniors at Palms Geriatric Home, and Republican Gym won the national novices boxing title.

UN Courtroom & Security: Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman said extradition proceedings involving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed won’t suppress “valid questions,” warning the case could affect “generations to come,” as Special Branch head Prem Narine faced cross-examination and denied President Irfaan Ali ordered surveillance. Police & Accountability: GECOM IT manager Aneal Giddings admitted he had no written authorisation to be alone with Statements of Poll for four hours in 2020, while the Kitty/Campbellville Community Policing Group was relaunched with a new elected executive. Education & Skills: NATI welcomed 251 new TVET students, and the Education Ministry commissioned AutoCAD labs at Hope Secondary and North Ruimveldt, part of an $85M push to expand industrial technology training. Road Safety & Corruption: Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh urged motorists to report bribe demands as speed cameras and SRIS enforcement help drive down accidents. Aviation Safety: GCAA warned animal owners of up to $1M fines and jail if animals enter runways. Football Development: GFF and Aspire Zone Foundation signed an MoU to boost youth and grassroots football, including Under-14 and Under-17 support. Energy & Infrastructure: Government is reviewing proposals for a national fuel storage network as imported fuel costs rise. MV Barima Fallout: President Ali renewed calls for a new safety culture after the tragedy, while critics pointed to procurement timelines.

UN Secretary-General Race: China urged the next UN chief to be “competent, impartial and upright,” while the Rodrigues-Birkett bid remains in focus amid reports of possible US opposition and veto concerns. Essequibo & Border Diplomacy: President Ali met US lawmakers on sovereignty and the anticipated ICJ border ruling, as Guyana continues lobbying for international backing. Haiti Security: All OAS member states backed renewal and full deployment of the UN-backed Haiti Gang Suppression Force, stressing Haiti-led solutions and the need for resources. Local Governance & Services: Georgetown garbage collection rules are changing under Priya Manickchand, including removing a 48-hour contractor grace period and adding enforcement against illegal dumping. Water Access: GWI opened a $100 five-gallon purified water refill station in Vergenoegen to serve communities without direct access. Infrastructure & Safety: Road upgrades advance at Annandale and Coldingen, while police seized illegal sirens and procured 8,000 truck speed limiters. Economy & Skills: Ali says Guyana is moving toward a specialised STEM school with Exxon, and Amerindian communities are getting electricity and internet upgrades. Oil & Energy Costs: GUYOIL raised fuel prices nationwide, and Guyana pushed for natural capital to be counted in climate financing. Culture & People: Mighty Sparrow died at 91; HEART says MV Barima families received over $75M in support.

Aviation & Law Enforcement: Air Services Limited (ASL) says it will build Guyana’s first Fixed-Base Operator facility, boosting executive handling, VIP services, maintenance and refuelling. Road Safety Crackdown: Traffic police seized four illegal siren devices worth over $2M from private vehicles, warning owners face charges. Speed Control: About 8,000 truck speed limiters have been procured and delivered, with installation training set to start within a week. Justice & Accountability: Senior Supt Prem Narine told a magistrate he had information linking Opposition-linked businessman Azruddin Mohamed to six execution-style killings—raising the question of why no charges followed. Labour & Equality: As Guyana rewrites labour laws, women’s groups are pushing for equal rights, non-discrimination and inclusion in the workplace. Energy & Cost of Living: GUYOIL increased fuel prices nationwide. Climate Finance: Ashni Singh urged that natural capital be counted in climate financing and debt sustainability. Power & Public Health: Full Court cleared government to take over VAMED hospital sites, even as arbitration over unpaid amounts continues. Tourism & Skills: Tourism officials say AI can modernise tourism, but people and heritage must stay central.

UN Diplomacy & Rule of Law: At the UNGA, world leaders warned that selective enforcement of international law is eroding global order, with France’s Macron stressing “peace without justice” and calls for equal application of rules. UN Secretary-General Race: Guyana’s UN bid for Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett stayed in focus as Foreign Minister Hugh Todd met Russia’s Sergey Lavrov on UN leadership and multilateralism, amid reports of possible US opposition. Public Accountability & Judiciary: A legal panel in the region highlighted pressures on judicial independence, including concerns around acting appointments and digital amplification. MV Barima Aftermath: Families of the MV Barima tragedy say they’re still waiting as the criminal case and a Commission of Inquiry continue; meanwhile, a retired Coast Guard captain is training ferry crews for emergency response. Aviation Safety: The GCAA warned of animals crossing runways and said offenders face prosecution under the Civil Aviation Act. Energy & Governance: President Ali said the government will focus on stabilising electricity supply over six months via grid and generation overhauls. Local Economy & Services: GWI expects more details on a state-owned bottled-water plant by November. Tourism Skills: Nineteen bird guides were accredited, boosting specialised birding tourism. Sports: Guyana’s powerlifters closed Fesupo with a 21-medal haul, while Tommi Gore took pole in GMR&SC qualifying.

UN leadership race: UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned the world is edging toward “World War III,” as the race to replace António Guterres intensifies; Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett remains a top contender in Security Council straw polls, while Russia’s Lavrov met her during UNGA diplomacy and Barbados PM Mia Mottley publicly backed her bid. Regional security: OAS member states, including Guyana, called for renewal of Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and urged sustained funding and equipment. Guyana–US deportation dispute: Opposition MP Sherod Duncan demanded the Government table the full, unredacted third-country deportation agreement after US Ambassador Nicole Theriot disclosed a US$7.8M IOM-linked, two-year, monthly flight plan. Maritime accountability: Families of MV Barima victims say 30+ remain unaccounted for and salvage questions persist, as protests in Linden pressed ministers to resign over the tragedy. Energy & governance: President Ali outlined a six-month plan to stabilise electricity supply via grid and generating overhauls; Finance Minister Ashni Singh warned contractors of liquidated damages for delays, while Audit Office chief Deodat Sharma said oil-and-gas audit capacity needs PAC approval. Oil politics: Exxon Guyana president Alistair Routledge told critics “It’s not our job” to raise living standards, reigniting debate over Guyana’s oil deal value. Local development: Region Eight residents began heavy machinery training for community road works; Guyana also accredited 19 bird guides to boost specialist tourism.

UN Secretary-General race: Mexico’s foreign minister says “the time for women” has come as Chile withdraws support for Michelle Bachelet, leaving a crowded field that includes Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Oil governance: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana is reviewing whether it should invest directly in the next phase of oil projects as its Stabroek share rises to 39.8%, while critics point to Bank of Guyana figures suggesting less than 30%. Diplomacy & security: US Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau signals deeper US support for Guyana’s growth and a counter-narcotics MoU after meeting Ali; at INTERPOL’s Americas conference, officials warned criminal syndicates are laundering cocaine profits through illegal gold mining. Local governance & services: Parapet waste pickup in Georgetown is set to resume; telecom vandalism and copper theft hit about 7,000 customers; and the Labour Ministry will collaborate with prisons on accredited inmate training. Citizenship & law: Attorney General Anil Nandlall says Guyana will tighten citizenship grants and regulate non-citizen land/property ownership. Politics at home: APNU disputes claims that public wage awards would trigger hyperinflation, citing past arbitration outcomes.

GuyExpo 2026: The four-day trade show is officially launched at the National Exhibition Centre, with registration now open for exhibitors and sponsors ahead of Nov. 12–15 under the theme “Creating Tomorrow’s Opportunities Through Today’s Investments.” Diaspora Investment Push: President Irfaan Ali told Guyanese in New York that a special diaspora investment vehicle is coming soon, promising government-guaranteed returns for projects like fertiliser and gas bottling, alongside plans for a single app for government services and a national payment system. Citizenship & Land Rules: Attorney General Anil Nandlall says immigration and citizenship laws are being reviewed to tighten citizenship grants and regulate land/property ownership by non-citizens, with consultation promised. Public Finance Under Scrutiny: Auditor General Deodat Sharma warns that a bigger, more complex national budget means tougher audit work as spending rises to G$1.558 trillion in 2026. Security & Governance at UN: PM Philip Davis used his UNGA debut to call for UN reform, climate justice and reparations, while Guyana’s UN message faces opposition protests in New York. Disaster Preparedness: CDC held El Niño stakeholder consultations in Region Five, urging water control and fire prevention as dry conditions could persist into early 2027. Local Economy & Services: GRA reintroduced official Customs badges to help the public identify authorised officers; UG reports $7B spent in the first half of 2026 to expand medicine and engineering access. Sports & Culture: Amerindian Heritage Games opened with 800+ athletes; Guyana’s powerlifters and sprinters keep winning at South American Games and FESUPO.

UN Diplomacy: President Irfaan Ali pressed UNGA for support for Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as next UN Secretary-General, warning that UN reform depends on who leads it, while reports say the US plans to veto her bid. Border & Sovereignty: Ali urged Venezuela to abide by the ICJ’s forthcoming Essequibo ruling after Delcy Rodríguez called for renewed talks at the UN. Judicial Independence: Commentary and reporting intensified around the “visa review” involving Justice Gino Persaud, with critics warning of a chilling effect on Guyana’s judiciary. Regional Security: INTERPOL’s Americas conference in Georgetown backed faster intelligence-sharing and action against illicit finance, highlighting links between cocaine profits and illegal gold mining. Transport & Rights: MV Barima salvage bids are still being evaluated by technical teams, as families resist any pressure to sign away rights. Infrastructure & Cost of Living: Project FLOW expanded purified water to 19 Region Six schools; fuel prices rose again at multiple Georgetown stations; One Communications restored services after fibre cable damage. Energy & Business: ExxonMobil’s Routledge urged private-sector involvement to build the foundation for gas development. Local Governance/Services: SGCC called for redundancy on the Corentyne ferry link after Canawaima disruption. Fire & Telecom: A Robb Street boutique fire destroyed an upper flat; One Communications said mobile and fibre services were fully restored after cable damage. Sports: Guyana opened Concacaf Nations League play with a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico; CPL saw Shanaka’s record-fast century as Patriots crushed the Kings.

UN Secretary-General Push: President Irfaan Ali made a direct, personal appeal at the UNGA for Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to lead the UN, arguing the next SG must restore trust and that the Security Council still needs reform for Africa and Latin America/Caribbean. Essequibo/ICJ: Ali also urged Venezuela to abide by the forthcoming ICJ ruling on the border dispute, after Venezuela’s UN remarks called for renewed Geneva Agreement talks. UN Security Council Reform: Ali renewed calls for permanent representation for Africa and the Caribbean in a council he says still reflects 1945. Hemispheric Security: Guyana hosted INTERPOL Americas, with leaders calling for faster intelligence-sharing and coordinated action against narco-terrorism, cybercrime and money laundering. Local Law & Order: AG Anil Nandlall warned that selling or possessing Tasers could carry up to 15 years under the Firearms Act. Energy/Local Content: GCCI urged clearer government guidance so oil and gas benefits reach local contractors. Sports & Culture: Guyana beat Puerto Rico 1-0 in Nations League; Ceili Peterson won taekwondo bronze at the South American Games; and Roots & Flavours Culinary Arts Centre opened to turn heritage into livelihoods.

LPG Safety Upgrade: Two national standards for LPG cylinders and low-pressure regulators were approved as compulsory after public fears over leaks and explosions, with new requirements on stamping, markings, relief devices, and regulator testing. Judicial Independence Under Strain: Retired Justice Courtney Abel warned that a US travel restriction on High Court Judge Gino Persaud—amid stalled top judicial appointments—could undermine rule of law, while AG Anil Nandlall rejected claims the government influenced any visa action. GECOM Pressure: US Ambassador Nicole Theriot said Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s concerns about GECOM are being taken seriously, warning that failure to hold local/regional elections would be “not good for democracy.” Essequibo Diplomacy: Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez renewed calls for renewed negotiations at the UN, again invoking the Geneva Agreement as the ICJ process nears a decision. Regional Security Move: Guyana signed onto the US-led “Shield of the Americas” coordinated sanctions action targeting 24 narco-terrorist groups with asset freezes and visa/immigration restrictions. Aviation Milestone: Guyana’s Civil Aviation Authority secured a first-ever ICAO seat on an air transport regulation panel. Gov’t Digital Push: President Ali says a single government services app is planned for next year, alongside a national payment platform by year-end. Business & Energy: DDL broke ground on a US$10m St Kitts expansion as Zijin Longking announced US$232m solar-plus-storage investments tied to Suriname and Guyana gold mines.