AGP Executive Report

Migration & Labour Mobility: Guyana says it has received six deportees from the US—Cuban and Afghan nationals—under a new “third-country” migration cooperation framework. The deal is temporary, limited, and “vetted,” with Guyana able to reject individuals; IOM will handle receiving, housing and integration support while the US covers relocation costs. Energy & Local Capacity: ExxonMobil is seeking local suppliers for its Port Mourant oil and gas training facility, targeting technician training in electrical, mechanical, instrumentation and process operations. Legal & Human Capital: Guyana broke ground for its first law school at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen—ending the regional placement cap that forced many aspiring lawyers to study abroad. Governance & Infrastructure Oversight: Public Works says it has tightened engineering supervision, lab testing and technical audits as infrastructure delivery expands. Trade & Compliance: The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry warned scrap-metal dealers over illegal copper trade, threatening licence cancellations and prosecution. Business & Youth: GCCI launched its Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17, focused on entrepreneurship, tech and agro-processing. Sports: GMR&SC hosts Speedfest Superbike and Vitz Cup Track Day this weekend at South Dakota Circuit.

Law & Governance: Guyana turned the sod for its first Council of Legal Education law school at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus, a regional push meant to ease Caribbean demand for legal training. Infrastructure Oversight: Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill says the government has tightened engineering supervision, material testing, and technical audits as the infrastructure programme expands. Power & Industry in Linden: APNU MP Sharma Solomon rejected GPL’s plan to integrate Linden into the national grid by 2029, warning about costs and reliability. Housing & Construction Integrity: The Guyana Police Force launched a probe into allegations a British businessman defrauded citizens of about $145M linked to Modular Builds Guyana home projects; Modular Build denies the claims and says it is taking legal action. Mining & Exploration: Omai says its Omai Gold Project mineral resources rose 86% in 16 months, while Altair Minerals ramps up drilling at its Region 7 South Oko and North Peters targets with multiple rigs. Energy & Education: ExxonMobil launched a US$100M, 10-year STEM teacher-training programme (STELLAR) to strengthen science and math teaching nationwide. Food Security: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says Guyana is on track to help CARICOM cut the food import bill by 25% by 2030. Social Stability: The Ethnic Relations Commission reported a rise in online ethnic hate speech warnings, issuing 48 cautions in its latest monitoring period.

Education & Skills: Guyana turned the sod for its new Council of Legal Education law school at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen campus, with the National Assembly already approving $100M; Attorney General Anil Nandlall said it’s a regional institution meant to serve Caribbean students, not just Guyanese. Power & Industry: APNU rejected a plan to integrate Linden into the national electricity grid by 2029, warning it could raise costs and affect reliability, while President Ali said Linden will get two new business districts and that bauxite expansion is looming. Mining & Exploration: Omai reported an 86% jump in its Omai Gold Project resource estimate over 16 months, and Australian Altair Minerals ramped up drilling at its Region Seven gold project with three rigs operating. Community & Governance: President Ali outlined a new phase of investment for Linden and Region 10, including business districts, agro-processing support, and a major swine production push via the Guyana Development Bank. Social Stability: The Ethnic Relations Commission issued 48 warnings for ethnic hate speech online in its latest monitoring period, up from 37 previously. Corporate & Safety: ExxonMobil launched a US$100M, 10-year STEM teacher-training programme (STELLAR) starting with 60 educators.

Tourism & Regional Development: President Irfaan Ali will keynote the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown (Oct. 5–9), focusing on smart, sustainable and inclusive tourism and how tech and resilience can turn visitor growth into real community gains. Education & Legal Services: Guyana broke ground for the Caribbean Council of Legal Education’s fourth regional law school at the University of Guyana, with Attorney General Anil Nandlall stressing it will serve the wider region, not just Guyanese students. Agriculture & Hinterland Jobs: Ali outlined major Region 10 expansion plans, including an agro-investment park in Linden and large-scale swine production, with financing support via the Guyana Development Bank and links to cold storage and services. Energy & Offshore Assets: Altera is exploring redeployment options for its Piranema Spirit cylindrical FPSO, eyeing smaller fields or early production systems in the southern Atlantic and West Africa. Mining Governance: GGMC warned against unauthorized sale or transfer of mining lands and cautioned against relying on irrevocable powers of attorney as proof of lawful tenure. Safety & Construction: Labour Ministry investigations continue after a fatal Houston construction-site incident involving a Cuban worker, while police also moved a Cuban driver case over a Timehri crash that killed two Indonesian oil-sector workers.

Food Security & Agriculture: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says Guyana is on track to help CARICOM cut the region’s food import bill by 25% by 2030, citing strong gains in agricultural production and a 77% success rate when the target was assessed in 2025. Regional Development: President Irfaan Ali’s Cabinet outreach for Region 10 points to more infrastructure and livelihood support for Linden and nearby communities, including an agro-investment park, business clustering, and continued road and water works. Energy & Trade Routes: With tensions around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz disrupting shipping, major oil importers are shifting to longer trade routes—raising costs and travel times but aiming to reduce geopolitical risk. Maritime Safety & Accountability: The Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima disaster has opened to the public and is moving toward later-month public hearings, while also noting no update yet on salvage plans. Construction Safety: Labour Ministry investigators are probing a fatal Houston construction site accident that killed a Cuban worker and injured two others. Infrastructure Theft: Police are investigating the theft of about 90 feet of copper cable from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, leaving LED lighting inoperable. Mining Regulation: GGMC warns against unauthorised sale or transfer of mining lands and cautions against using irrevocable powers of attorney to bypass rules. Tourism Leadership: The Caribbean Tourism Organization will launch a Future Leaders Forum in Guyana during the 2026 State of the Tourism Industry Conference.

Oil & Gas—Stabroek economics under pressure: ExxonMobil told investors Guyana’s profit share will fall again as new offshore projects restart cost recovery, after the company said it has fully recovered its US$55B investment and operating costs. Oil & Gas—1 million bpd milestone: Guyana is inching toward producing more than one million barrels per day as new fields come online, with major operators positioning for longer-term growth. Venezuela Energy—Chevron ramps up: Chevron says it will invest over US$7B to double Venezuelan output to about 600,000 bpd, keeping the region’s energy race front and centre. Mining—GGMC warns against mining-land sales: The GGMC cautioned tenure holders against selling or “purporting to sell” mining lands without authorization, including misuse of irrevocable powers of attorney. Infrastructure—Bridge power theft hits LED lighting: Police are probing the theft of about 90 feet of copper cable from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, valued at about GY$1.62M. Maritime Safety—MV Barima inquiry gears up: The Commission of Inquiry says it will begin public hearings later this month, invites submissions from the public, and has already secured the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Power & Safety—Fatal construction accident investigated: Labour officials launched an investigation after a scaffold accident at a Houston site involved live GPL lines, killing one Cuban worker and injuring two others. Power—Princes Street substation land deal: GPL and the Georgetown City Council signed an MoU to secure municipal land for a new 69kV/13.8kV GIS substation. Logistics—IDB Lab financing for Pas Cargo: Pas Cargo Guyana became the first private firm to secure IDB Lab financing, marking a push for more non-oil investment.

Oil & Contracts: ExxonMobil told investors Guyana’s Stabroek profit share will fall again as new offshore spending is added back into its recoverable cost bank, reigniting calls from opposition and legal voices to renegotiate or ring-fence future terms. Maritime Safety: The MV Barima Commission of Inquiry says it’s moving toward public hearings later this month, after site surveys, document gathering, and setting up its secretariat and hearing venue at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Public Works & Security: Police are probing the theft of about 90 feet of copper cable from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, leaving LED bridge lights powerless and valued at roughly GY$1.62M. Power & Industry: GPL and the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown signed an MoU to secure land for the Princes Street 69kV/13.8kV substation, with financial obligations to be reconciled. Energy Sector Training: The Guyana Energy Agency ran LPG cylinder bulk transportation safety training with GNBS, the Fire Service, the EPA and bottlers to tighten compliance across the LPG supply chain. Mining Governance: GGMC warned it will crack down on unauthorised sale or transfer of mining lands and urged tenure holders to seek clarification before any transactions. Hinterland Services: President Ali urged telecom providers to invest more in hinterland connectivity, while government highlighted ICT spending to bridge the digital divide. Construction Safety: Labour investigators are looking into a fatal Houston scaffold accident where a scaffold rolled into live GPL lines, killing one worker and injuring two others. Finance & Logistics: Pas Cargo Guyana secured its first IDB Lab loan, marking a boost for private-sector financing beyond oil. Infrastructure Diplomacy: China hit back at US criticism of Chinese-built Guyana infrastructure, calling the remarks malicious and politically motivated.

Hinterland Connectivity: President Irfaan Ali says the telecoms sector is failing hinterland communities and presses Digicel/One Communications and E-Networks to invest more in towers and service expansion. Mining Governance: GGMC warns against the resale or transfer of mining lands without authorization and cautions against using irrevocable powers of attorney as proof of tenure. Power & Safety: A Cuban construction worker died and two colleagues were badly burned after scaffolding rolled into Guyana Power and Light lines at Plantation Houston, prompting GPL to renew safety reminders for work near electrical infrastructure. Weather & Agriculture: Hydromet warns El Niño conditions should persist through late 2026 into 2027, with rainfall below normal and farmers urged to prepare. Private Sector Finance: Pas Cargo Guyana secured its first IDB-Lab financing, marking a new milestone for local private-sector shipping investment. Infrastructure & Trade: The US$35M Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge is set to open by October 5, with Linden toll collection for commercial vehicles ordered shut as “null, void and unlawful.” Oil Sector Watch: ExxonMobil says Guyana’s oil profits will be used to finance future projects even after earlier investments are recovered, while Norton renews calls for stronger ring-fencing and updated offshore fiscal terms. China–US Tensions: The Chinese Embassy rejects US State Department criticism of Chinese projects in Guyana as politically motivated. Tourism Youth Pipeline: CTO launches a Future Leaders Forum at SOTIC 2026 in Guyana to connect students with tourism leaders.

IDB-Lab Financing: Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh oversaw the signing of the first IDB Lab loan agreement for a Guyanese private firm, Pas Cargo Guyana Inc., marking a fresh push for local business investment. Oil-Deal Debate: Opposition leader Aubrey Norton renewed calls for tougher fiscal terms, mandatory ring-fencing and updated contract models for future offshore projects, arguing Guyana’s share should be protected as earlier developments are derisked. China-US Tension Over Projects: The Chinese Embassy rejected U.S. State Department criticism of Chinese construction in Guyana, calling it politically motivated, while pointing to major local infrastructure work. Energy Sector Watch: ExxonMobil told investors it has recovered its $55B investment and says Guyana’s oil profits will be used to fund further developments, even as debate continues over fairness and transparency. Infrastructure & Transport: The new US$35M Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge is set to open by October 5, promising smoother four-lane connectivity for Linden and hinterland travel. Local Governance: Government ordered Linden Town Council to stop collecting tolls from commercial vehicles entering town, saying the charges were unauthorized and unlawful. Safety in Construction: A Cuban construction worker died after a scaffold rolled into high-voltage GPL lines in Houston, Plantation; two others were injured. Agriculture Preparedness: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha urged farmers to prepare for El Niño conditions, warning dry weather could extend into early 2027. Mining & Roads: Tenders are out for 14 new bridges across Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary, while residents in Kuru Kuru heard President Ali’s plans for shade houses, honey and livestock alongside water and land-use solutions.

UN Leadership Deadlock: Divisions in the UN Security Council over the next Secretary-General could drag on past António Guterres’s term end, with the US backing Rafael Grossi while others push for a first female leader—Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett is among the contenders. Oil & Gas Governance: Opposition leader Aubrey Norton says Guyana must build capacity to audit offshore oil costs in the Stabroek Block, arguing future deals need new fiscal terms and stronger ring-fencing. Energy Security for Mining: Omai Gold Mines says it may rely on heavy fuel oil generators because key government power projects could miss its schedule. Gold Declaration Access: GGMC is expanding gold declaration services in mining districts, including mobile visits and more licensed traders to help miners use authorised channels. Agriculture Resilience: Farmers are urged to prepare for El Niño-linked dry conditions that could last into early 2027, with emphasis on drainage and irrigation support. Tourism & Youth: CTO will launch a Future Leaders Forum at SOTIC 2026 in Guyana, giving students a direct voice in shaping Caribbean tourism. Education Restart: Guyana’s new academic year begins with renewed school energy and President Ali’s call for a successful term.

Oil & Gas Diplomacy: Trump says ExxonMobil and Chevron are “going in” to Venezuela as the US pushes new oil deals, a reversal after Exxon exited nearly two decades ago; Guyana’s Stabroek output is cited as the backdrop. Petroleum Governance: PNC’s Aubrey Norton argues Guyana must renegotiate fiscal terms for future oil, warning that without ring-fencing, new projects could again lose out as costs are recovered across developments. Local Mining Compliance: GGMC is expanding gold declaration access in mining districts, adding offices and sending officials on set days, with 30+ licensed traders helping miners declare and sell through authorised channels. Power for Mining: Omai says it will rely on HFO generators for its Region Seven project, while Amaila Falls and the Wales GTE timeline may not align with its schedule. Community Development & Housing: President Ali met Kuru Kuru residents on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, promising a fenced playfield upgraded into a cricket pitch and pavilion, plus reviews on irrigation wells and road access for farmers. Court Update: An appeals court ruled extradition proceedings against opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed must continue in magistrate’s court while a constitutional motion is heard. Business & Services: Georgetown City Council says a shift from compound to simple interest on unpaid rates has boosted collections and eased staffing pressures.

Food Security & Jobs: CARICOM says cutting the region’s $6B food import bill by 25% could unlock a $1.5B annual opportunity for Caribbean agribusinesses, but producers must be price-competitive and deliver consistent supply. Petroleum Governance: Economist Prof. Kenrick Hunte argues Guyana needs real-time monitoring and stronger auditing beyond ring-fencing as the country nears 1 million barrels/day. Oil Revenue Debate: Glenn Lall renews calls to ring-fence each Stabroek project, saying the lack of safeguards cost Guyana billions, while commentary continues over profit-oil share and cost recovery. Power & Infrastructure: Linden’s mayor says a 1.5MW addition hasn’t ended blackouts; meanwhile GPL is drilling for a new 69kV Demerara Riverbed cable and Bosai is donating generators for Region 10. Markets & Procurement: Govt seeks contractors for new Soesdyke, Skeldon and Port Mourant market facilities. Mining & Indigenous Lands: APA backs Chinese Landing residents in the Tassawini standoff, demanding GGMC and Natural Resources act to stop machinery on titled lands. Health & Standards: GNBS runs mobile stamping to verify trade scales; and a new study highlights the hidden mental toll on merchant seafarers.

Oil & Governance: Glenn Lall renews calls to ring-fence each Stabroek project, arguing the lack of safeguards cost Guyana billions as President Ali seeks expert advice for new developments; Petroleum Transparency: Professor Kenrick Hunte pushes for real-time monitoring of costs and revenues, warning ring-fencing alone won’t protect the public as production nears 1 million bpd; Power & Infrastructure: Linden Mayor says adding 1.5MW hasn’t stopped blackouts, while GPL starts drilling for a new 69kV Demerara River cable to strengthen West Demerara supply; Markets & Local Works: Govt invites bids for new market facilities at Soesdyke Junction, Skeldon and Port Mourant; Mining & Land Rights: GGMC urges miners to declare gold through authorised channels as the Chinese Landing/Tassawini standoff over mining machinery continues; Health & Skills: New Roots and Flavours Hub opens to train women for the food industry, and GNBS runs mobile stamping to protect consumers from inaccurate weights and measures.

Power & Infrastructure: GPL has begun drilling for a new 69kV submarine cable across the Demerara River, linking Kingston to Vreed-en-Hoop to strengthen West Demerara supply. Electricity Boost: Bosai and Guyana Manganese donated six 1MW generators (6MW total) to GPL for relocation to the Soesdyke–Linden Highway corridor and Region 10, expected to be operational within four months. Indigenous Land & Mining: The Amerindian Peoples Association renewed calls for immediate action over the Chinese Landing/Tassawini standoff, saying heavy equipment is operating on titled village lands without consent. Oil Governance: Opposition leader Aubrey Norton urged tighter oversight of Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund as oil profits rise, while Prof. Kenrick Hunte warned that “profit oil” figures can mislead on what stays in the domestic economy. Healthcare Delivery: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says several new hospitals are under construction, including a 120-bed West Demerara facility and new regional hospitals with modern imaging and emergency services. Education Readiness: Minister Sonia Parag continues school inspections ahead of the new academic year, including drainage works along Woolford Avenue. Local Business & Food Skills: The Roots and Flavours Hub opened at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute to train women for entrepreneurship in Guyana’s food and street-vending industries. Sports Facilities: GFF opened the public tender for Phase 1 of the Blue Water Shipping Stadium, moving the project toward FIFA/CONCACAF-aligned implementation.

Indigenous Land & Mining Standoff: The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) says Chinese Landing/Tassawini residents are in “solidarity” as heavy equipment linked to miner Wayne Vieira is kept out of titled lands, while Opposition MP Sherod Duncan presses the Natural Resources Minister to explain unfulfilled IACHR precautionary measures. Power & Infrastructure: GPL will relocate and install Bosai and Guyana Manganese’s donated 6MW of generator sets to boost electricity supply along the Soesdyke–Linden Highway and in Region 10, with installation expected within four months. Oil Sector Oversight: Economist Prof. Kenrick Hunte warns Guyana’s “profit oil” focus is misleading, arguing national benchmarks should be total gross revenue and domestic retention; meanwhile, government is still defending its approach to the ExxonMobil audit silence. Education & Skills: Minister Sonia Parag continues school inspections ahead of the new academic year, while BIT graduates 107 people with training for jobs and entrepreneurship in tourism, media and creative industries. Sports Facilities: The GFF has opened a public tender for Phase 1 of the Blue Water Shipping Stadium after FIFA/Concacaf technical confirmation. Economy Watch: An IDB report says debt servicing costs have fallen and unemployment improved, but warns Guyana remains vulnerable to external oil shocks due to heavy reliance on imported oil for energy demand. Safety & Transport: Police investigate a fatal Houston Wharf incident where a 23-year-old was found pinned beneath a shipping container, and a separate Timehri road crash involving an unlicensed sand-truck driver that killed two foreign nationals. Regional Policy: CARICOM consultations are underway on the Draft Biodiversity Strategy and its financing plan, with stakeholders across environment, finance, tourism and agriculture. University Compliance: GTEC published a list of 100 unrecognised universities as of Aug. 28, urging due diligence on certificates.

Power Boost for Region 10: Bosai and Guyana Manganese donated six 1MW generator sets to GPL, with relocation along the Soesdyke–Linden Highway expected to be finished in four months. Oil Governance Row: Natural Resources Ministry defended its year-long silence on a US$19.6B ExxonMobil audit, while Christopher Ram and others argue Guyana’s “profit oil” focus still leaves the 2016 deal inequitable. Indigenous Land vs Mining at Chinese Landing: APA and residents say heavy equipment entered titled village boundaries without consent, calling for MNR/GGMC action as the standoff drags on. Mining Investment Push: Government launched G-MEX, positioning Guyana for responsible mineral development through conference, exhibition, investor forum and geological showcase pillars. Energy Security Plan: President Ali renewed calls for a domestic refinery and fuel storage to cut exposure to imported refined fuel shocks. Fatal Wharf Incident: Police opened a full investigation after a 23-year-old was found pinned beneath a shipping container at Houston Container Wharf. Road Tragedy: A Cuban unlicensed sand-truck driver was taken into custody after a Timehri crash killed two Indonesian oil workers and injured four others. Skills for Jobs: BIT graduated 107 trainees in areas like drone operation, digital marketing, video production and culinary arts.