AGP Executive Report

Forced-Labour Trade Pressure: The US Trade Representative has flagged 60 economies, including Guyana, for failing to enforce bans on imports made with forced labour, setting up proposed Section 301 duties of 10%–12.5% and a July 7 comment hearing. Former Presidents’ Benefits: Attorney General Anil Nandlall says the Former President’s Benefits Bill will be read in the National Assembly to repeal earlier APNU+AFC caps and restore the 2009 benefits framework. Local Content Push: Finance Minister Ashni Singh and other officials urged local suppliers to gear up for expanding oil opportunities, while government also moves to amend local content rules and assess in-country capacity. Children Online Safety: AG Nandlall announced national consultations to craft a Guyana-specific regulatory model to shield children from harmful social media content. Opposition Consultations: PNCR leader Azruddin Mohamed says consultations for replacing election commissioners will proceed despite Aubrey Norton’s criticisms. UN Security Council: CARICOM congratulated Trinidad and Tobago on its UN Security Council election, while the vote count reportedly included a puzzling “Guyana” entry. Local Governance & Security: Home Affairs plans a $215M rebuild of the Grove Police Station; meanwhile, a former top cop warns the police crisis is mainly about leadership competence, not just new laws.

PNCR vs WIN extradition claims: PNCR leader Aubrey Norton says WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed entered politics to avoid extradition to the US over alleged gold and tax crimes, as the extradition case awaits a CCJ decision. Tragedy on the coast: Bodies of a Victoria couple and the unborn child were recovered from the Atlantic after they were swept under near Unity/Victoria; families accuse state search efforts of delay and say WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed funded fishermen to continue the search. Police leadership warning: Retired DCP Dr. Paul Williams argues the GPF’s problems are rooted in incompetent leadership appointments, not lack of laws. Water Street arson probe: Investigators say the Water Street fire was deliberately set, pointing to CCTV footage and an arson plot targeting a cargo truck and warehouse. Child online safety consultations: AG Anil Nandlall says government has launched national consultations on regulating social media for children, aiming to protect minors while keeping educational access. Former presidents benefits: Nandlall says the government plans to restore full benefits under the 2010 Former Presidents Benefits and Other Facilities legislation. Energy contract pressure: Reports claim Karpowership is demanding an extra US$3.4M daily, raising concerns as Guyana faces ongoing power blackouts. Regional governance & sports: CWI released its 2026 home schedule across the Caribbean, with Guyana hosting key matches; ERC flagged 151 social media violations, with racial slurs topping the list.

Energy Negotiations: Government officials went silent on Karpowership’s demand for an extra US$3.4M daily to keep supplying power, with the company now asking US$0.095/KW versus the earlier US$0.076/KW. Child Online Safety: A national consultation was launched to draft stronger protections for children online, with possible legislation drawing from Australia, the UK and parts of Europe. Oil Block Watch: Ghana-based Cybele Energy is at risk of losing its shallow-water offshore concession after failing to pay a US$17M signing bonus, with interest now added. Local Content & Economy: Ministers highlighted how Guyana’s Local Content law is driving growth beyond oil—pushing opportunities in farming, housing and other sectors. Aviation Infrastructure: Three firms bid to build a new CJIA air traffic control tower, including two Chinese joint ventures and a Guyanese-led bid. Interior Development: President Ali announced major Region 7 projects, including a Puruni River bridge and new water systems, while warning contractors over delays. Public Services Dispute: Opposition MPs renewed criticism over the Region 7 “water ambulance” handover, calling it inadequate for real medical emergencies. Education & Training: The Education Ministry received 13 bids for a CPCE Centre in Region Two to expand teacher training for remote communities. Security & Enforcement: Six illegal mining operations were shut down in Region Seven, with 38 arrests and equipment seized. Sports: Guyana’s boxing team earned praise after a bronze at the South American Youth Games, while cricket and local tournaments continue to build youth participation.

Flood-Control Value for Money: After $240B+ pumped into Drainage and Irrigation, MP Duncan and others are pressing for answers as Region 4 flooding keeps returning, with calls for a serious audit of NDIA performance. Interior Outreach Under Fire: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed says PPP/C’s Region 7 Cabinet tour is “photo ops” and must deliver structural relief for interior residents, not taxpayer-funded optics. Health System Clash: Amanza Walton-Desir blasts the Health Ministry over a “refurbished” passenger boat handed as a $24.8M water ambulance for Region Seven, arguing it lacks real lifesaving equipment. Power Supply Pressure: GPL says damaged transmission lines from an excavator hit Demerara, and it will pursue legal action to recover repair costs; it also flagged a separate recent distribution incident. Oil & Gas Watch: ExxonMobil filed for environmental approval for the Haimara gas development, proposing a super-sized FPSO and linking it to other Stabroek gas discoveries. Legal/Institutions: The Guyana Bar Association elects Arudranauth Gossai as president, while the fallout from GECOM/Bar Council election disputes continues with threats of court action. Creative Economy: Government is set to consult on strengthening Guyana’s copyright and intellectual property framework to support the Orange Economy. Regional Connectivity: LIAT and Air Caraïbes sign an interline agreement to make Caribbean travel easier, with Guyana included in LIAT’s network. Sports & Talent: West Indies Academy squads depart for Sri Lanka, featuring Guyanese Kevlon Anderson and Mavendra Dindyal.

Oil & Markets: Gold stayed near US$4,500/oz in May as Iran-U.S. tensions kept traders cautious, while Guyana’s oil boom continues to draw attention to how the country manages windfall growth. Power & Infrastructure: GPL says it will pursue legal action after damaged transmission and distribution lines left parts of Demerara without power, following incidents involving an excavator and a reversing truck. Local Economy & Business Climate: Finance Minister Ashni Singh’s push for Guyanese firms to expand beyond local shores drew an editorial challenge over whether domestic opportunities are keeping pace with the growth narrative. Education & Skills: GOAL reports strong demand for its 2026 intake, with 14,000+ scholarships already awarded and more applications coming in. Health: OMAT head Dr Stephen Carryl urges lifestyle changes and regular check-ups as non-communicable diseases, especially diabetes, continue to rise among young Guyanese. Environment: PM Mark Phillips told crowds at the EPA’s Green Walk that environmental stewardship is shared across generations ahead of World Environment Day. Sports & Youth: Avinash Contracting recommitted support for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast (Aug 8 start in Berbice), while West Indies Academy players including Guyanese Kevlon Anderson and Mavendra Dindyal departed for a Sri Lanka development tour. Governance & Law: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed criticized the Region Seven Cabinet outreach as “photo ops” and demanded real follow-through. International & Connectivity: LIAT and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement to improve seamless travel across the region, including Guyana.

Power & Accountability: GPL says it will pursue legal action after an excavator damaged its Demerara transmission line, and it’s also dealing with earlier truck damage to distribution lines and a utility pole—raising fresh questions about who pays when infrastructure is hit. Hinterland Governance: President Ali announced new government service centres for Bartica and Kamarang within four weeks, plus a second boat for the Parika–Bartica route, aiming to cut travel time for GRA, NIS, immigration, IDs and more. Aviation Safety: The Aviation Operators Association of Guyana is urging hinterland residents to stop treating airstrips like public roads, after reports of vehicles, debris and stones on runways. Education & Compliance: GTEC warned the public about 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, cautioning students and employers to do due diligence. Public Service Discipline: Two probation officers dismissed after video surfaced showing a schoolgirl being dragged through the streets. Foreign Policy Politics: APNU says Guyana must not abandon Cuba amid CARICOM’s Cuba statement row, arguing Guyana can balance long-standing ties with other partners. Regional Flooding: PNCR/APNU blames drainage neglect for flooding in Regions 4, 5 and 6, calling for urgent fixes. Energy Diplomacy: Reports say government officials were tight-lipped on whether an agreement was reached to keep powerships supplying GPL as deadlines approach.

Aviation Safety & Regulation: Concerns are growing over Domestic Airways’ safety record and regulatory status, with critics pointing to alleged gaps around its Air Operator Certificate, aircraft registration, and compliance with Guyana Civil Aviation Authority standards. Environment & Mining Oversight: The EPA is reviewing the Environmental Impact Assessment for Mako Mining’s Eagle Mountain Gold Project in Region Eight, following a 2024 takeover. Child Protection Accountability: Two probation officers caught dragging a schoolgirl on CCTV have been dismissed after a tribunal investigation. Floods & Governance: Opposition leaders say flooding in Regions 4, 5 and 6 shows government neglect of drainage and irrigation, while the administration says it has mobilised a coordinated national response. Regional Service Delivery: President Ali announced government service centres for Bartica and Kamarang within four weeks, plus a second boat for the Parika–Bartica route. Energy Crisis Watch: Reports claim Guyana is under pressure from powership providers as contract renewal talks drag on, raising fears over electricity supply. Legal Sector Leadership: Arudranauth Gossai was elected President of the Guyana Bar Association. Border Tensions: Venezuela again rejects Guyana’s border claims, alleging a smear campaign and “fabricated” incidents. Sports & Culture: ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League launches its “Super We” campaign ahead of the July 23–Aug 1 tournament.

Hinterland Governance Push: President Irfaan Ali leads a May 31–June 1 cabinet outreach into Region 7, with ministers and MPs visiting communities from Karrau and Batavia to Bartica and surrounding hinterland settlements. Energy Crisis & Contract Pressure: Reports say Turkish powership Karpowership is demanding higher rates after a charter expiry, with government officials scrambling over extensions to avoid power disruptions. Oil & Infrastructure Watch: ExxonMobil Guyana has started a three-month inspection of the Gas-to-Energy subsea pipeline, with vessels operating in a defined safety zone off the West Coast of Demerara. Flood Response: Cabinet met regional leaders after widespread flooding from heavy rainfall, with drainage and emergency agencies mobilised nationwide. Legal & Accountability: Attorney Arudranauth Gossai was elected President of the Guyana Bar Association amid complaints over election transparency; meanwhile, the Integrity Commission faces criticism over reported non-filers. Education Abuse Probe: The Education Ministry fast-tracked investigations into alleged abuse of special needs learners at David Rose Special School, with two teachers placed on leave and a governing board planned. Regional Politics & Border Tensions: Venezuela again accused Guyana of “fabricating” border incidents and a “false flag” narrative. Trade & Business: Guyana–Brazil trade hit US$1B, and Finance Minister Ashni Singh urged local firms to expand into regional and international markets. Sports & Culture: ExxonMobil GSL launched “Super We” to celebrate cricket’s cultural heartbeat, while “Cricket in the Streets” was launched to spot grassroots talent.

INTERPOL-led Security Sweep: Police across 20 countries seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of illicit drugs in Operation ORCA XI, with 8,701 arrests and support from OAS and EU funding. Border Tensions: A Guyanese soldier was wounded in a gunfight along the Cuyuni River after patrols came under fire from Venezuela, as the Essequibo dispute continues at the ICJ. Essequibo Governance: Governor Neil Villamizar inspected rehabilitation works at Dr. José Gregorio Hernández Hospital, prioritising roof recovery and waterproofing to protect patients and staff. Local Youth Development: President Ali launched “Cricket in the Streets” to spot grassroots talent via community cage pitches, linking identified players to a planned Cricket Academy. Business & Standards: Finance Minister Ashni Singh urged firms to expand beyond Guyana, while PSC leadership pushed for world-class customer service and international standards. Tourism & Travel: CJIA processed over 48,500 arrivals as Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee “Homecoming” drew 56,000+ passengers. International Courtroom Fallout: Guyana-born former Des Moines schools superintendent Ian Roberts was sentenced to two years in U.S. federal prison for falsely claiming citizenship and firearm charges, with deportation expected after his term.

Border Security: A Guyana Defence Force rank was injured in an exchange of gunfire along the Cuyuni River, Region Seven, during a border security operation; the patrol ensured safe passage for civilians and said the injured soldier is stable. Diamond Jubilee Travel: CJIA processed over 48,500 arrivals as Guyana welcomed more than 56,000 passengers for the 60th Independence “Homecoming” celebrations, with officials citing continued airline confidence despite global aviation headwinds. Regional Politics: Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago “reserved their positions” on a CARICOM foreign affairs statement condemning U.S. pressure and sanctions on Cuba, widening rifts inside the bloc. Opposition Coalition Talks: AFC says it’s ready to return for Local Government Elections but warns GECOM must get its house in order; coalition discussions also continue among opposition parties. Local Governance Cost Concerns: MP Sharma Solomon criticized the Gas-to-Energy project over delays and loss of oversight, arguing households are paying through higher electricity costs and instability. Sports Development & Safeguarding: ExxonMobil Guyana launched the 4th Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament, while UNICEF, GFF and RCC wrapped a child safeguarding workshop for football coaches and officials. International Legal Fallout: In the U.S., Guyana-born former Des Moines schools superintendent Ian Roberts was sentenced to two years in prison for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegal firearm possession, with deportation expected after his term.

Education Accountability: Minister Sonia Parag says two teachers at David Rose Special Education Needs School were placed on administrative leave after CCTV allegedly showed abuse of non-verbal, autistic students; a full probe is expected to finish by Monday Anti-Money Laundering Push: Attorney General Anil Nandlall says Guyana has signed and operationalised a CFATF multilateral MOU to speed up targeted financial sanctions cooperation and information-sharing on terrorism and proliferation financing Local Infrastructure Pressure: Opposition MP Sherod Duncan questions the worsening Kwakwani Trail conditions in Region 10 despite major road budget allocations, calling the state of the 60-mile corridor unjustifiable Regional Integration: Barbados and Guyana will accept national ID cards for cross-border travel starting July 1, cutting out biometric passports for holders of valid IDs Sovereignty & Diplomacy: France’s Macron reaffirms support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the Essequibo dispute Oil & Governance Watch: Guyana faces potential EITI suspension risk if it can’t show substantial progress on 21 corrective actions after a validation review Crime & Courts (US-linked): Guyana-born former Des Moines superintendent Ian Roberts is sentenced in Iowa for false citizenship claims and illegal firearm possession, with deportation likely after prison.

EITI Compliance Watch: Guyana faces possible temporary suspension from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative unless it shows “substantial progress” on 21 corrective actions after a May 15 validation review flagged weak outcomes and follow-through. Oil Spill Insurance Standoff: Exxon says Guyana’s US$600M oil-spill insurance remains unchanged even as courts previously ordered an unlimited guarantee, leaving a US$2B affiliate guarantee in place. Money-Laundering Crackdown: AG Anil Nandlall pushed for tougher AML/CFT enforcement, urging judicial training and higher conviction rates, while Guyana signed a CFATF multilateral MOU to enable targeted sanctions intelligence-sharing with regional partners. Regional Security Diplomacy: Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago reserved their positions as CARICOM condemned intensified US measures and warned against military action over Cuba. Healthcare Innovation: President Ali announced a landmark remote robotic cardiac surgery linking Guyana to an India-based specialist. Local Governance & Democracy: AFC leader David Patterson says the party is ready for local elections but warns GECOM is not properly set up, citing unfilled posts and stalled meetings. Sports & Culture: GSLT20 director Jamie Stewart says the 2026 season will spotlight a more Guyanese flavour; boxing’s development tournament draws near 60 entrants; Independence tapeball cricket crowns Annandale and New Campbellville. Public Services: Citizens Connect reports show 875 of 1,200-plus community issues resolved since launch.

Independence Politics Under the Microscope: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed used Guyana’s 60th Diamond Jubilee address to warn that corruption, inequality, and intimidation are eroding democratic confidence, while President Irfaan Ali called for unity and urged citizens to reject partisan division as parliament remains deadlocked. Parliament Reopens After Pressure: Government announced the 13th Parliament will reconvene on June 5, following opposition and diplomatic lobbying, with FGM’s Amanza Walton-Desir saying the executive only moved after outside pressure. Democracy and Civic Space: Mohamed also framed the fight as constitutional—arguing people must be able to question authority without fear. Diamond Jubilee Spotlight: Fort Island’s midnight flag-raising and Providence Stadium’s drone show capped the celebrations with national emblems and the new bridge in the sky. Essequibo Tensions: Venezuela hit back hard at Ali’s sovereignty remarks, calling them “provocative and delusional” and insisting the 1966 Geneva Agreement and direct talks are the only path. Border Modernisation: Guyana and Barbados launched digital ID travel for passport-free movement from July 1, with airlines given time to adjust. Regional Security Split: CARICOM foreign ministers condemned intensified US measures on Cuba, but Guyana and T&T reserved their positions. Cricket & National Pride: CWI confirmed West Indies’ 2026 home season vs Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan, with New Zealand ODIs split between Guyana and Barbados.

CARICOM–Cuba Rift: Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago have reserved their positions on a COFCOR statement condemning intensified US measures against Cuba, even as CARICOM foreign ministers voiced “profound concern” over worsening humanitarian conditions and warned against any military aggression. Digital Borders: Guyana and Barbados launched a passport-free travel system using national e-ID cards and facial recognition, starting July 1, with airlines given time to update systems. Sovereignty Clash: Venezuela rejected President Irfaan Ali’s Independence claims on Essequibo, insisting the 1966 Geneva Agreement is the only valid legal path and calling the remarks falsification. GECOM Stalemate: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed says GECOM work is stalled as he awaits legal advice on Opposition nominees, citing constitutional consultation requirements. Labour Rights: GTUC hailed an ICJ advisory opinion affirming the right to strike under ILO Convention 87. Health Tech Milestone: Guyana performed the world’s longest-distance robotic cardiac telesurgery, with a remote surgeon operating from Georgetown on a patient in India. Cricket & Politics: CWI unveiled the 2026 home schedule under “WI OUTSIDE!”, with Guyana hosting the first three New Zealand ODIs; meanwhile CPL and GSL launched a limited-time ticket bundle. Independence Spotlight: A flag-hoisting malfunction left the Golden Arrowhead stuck at midnight during the Diamond Jubilee climax.

CARICOM Cuba Stand-Off: COFCOR condemned intensifying US-led economic and financial measures against Cuba, warning of possible military aggression and stressing Cuba’s right to import fuel; Regional Integration Push: President Ali and Barbados PM Mia Mottley announced diaspora bond plans and a new Guyana–Barbados digital ID travel arrangement starting July 1, with passports effectively sidelined, plus talk of a Trident Arrow Investment Fund; Diamond Jubilee Tech Milestone: Guyana marked Independence Day with the world’s longest-distance robotic cardiac telesurgery, remotely performing a coronary bypass from Georgetown to India over roughly 20,000 km, alongside local robotic surgery; Border Security Update: Ali said Guyana has beefed up border security with new assets and tighter intelligence sharing after recent attacks on soldiers; Regional Politics & Travel Reality Check: Trinidad and Tobago said it is not considering national ID travel for now, even as Guyana and Barbados move ahead; Sports & Governance: IBA named Guyanese boxing administrator Steve Ninvalle as an election observer, while Guyana’s Independence celebrations also featured a drone and light show and major public events.

Independence Afterglow: Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee wrapped with a drone-and-light show at the National Stadium, projecting national emblems and the new bridge, after a week of unity messaging from President Ali. Healthcare Breakthrough: The headline moment was a world-record push—Guyana completed the world’s longest-distance tele-robotic cardiac surgery, linking surgeons in Guyana with a patient in India using the Mantra Freedom 60 system. Border & Security: With tensions still high after recent attacks near the Venezuelan border, Ali says security has been beefed up with new assets and tighter intelligence sharing with allies. Regional Integration: From July 1, Guyanese and Barbadians will travel using only digital e-ID cards, and Ali also announced a new diaspora bond for infrastructure—plus a Guyana-Barbados investment fund. Energy & Business: Local content backers at GCCI call the law a jobs engine, while a separate regional energy story notes Occidental taking a 10% stake in Exxon’s deepwater block offshore Trinidad. Sports & Governance: IBA named Guyanese boxing administrator Steve Ninvalle as an election observer, while cricket’s West Indies leadership saluted Guyana’s 60-year legacy.