AGP Executive Report

LNG & Offshore Engineering: Technip Energies has lined up two Chinese partners—Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry and Qingdao Wuchuan McDermott—for EPC module fabrication for the US Commonwealth LNG project, with delivery targeted for mid-2029, though timelines may shift as contractors reassess yuan-to-dollar risks. Water Bottling Politics: President Irfaan Ali defended the state’s plan to enter the bottled water market via GWI’s GY$496.3M facility, pushing back on GMSA and opposition concerns that it could undermine local manufacturers. Model Villages Rollout: Ali continued consultations for Non Pareil/Melanie under the Model Village Initiative, promising safer, cleaner, people-centred upgrades from drainage and security to small-business opportunities. Agriculture Innovation: The GRDB and FAO are piloting a rice-duck integrated system to cut farmers’ costs and reduce reliance on herbicides and synthetic fertiliser. Fisheries Safety Fears: After social media rumours post-M.V. Barima, Agriculture Minister Mustapha said there’s no scientific basis for claims that Guyana-caught fish is unsafe. Transport & Logistics: Over 200 passengers were delayed for hours aboard M.V. Ma Lisha during safety checks, while the Fire Service warned against burning garbage as El Niño dries vegetation. Infrastructure & Services: Government received four bids to relocate sections of the old Demerara Harbour Bridge for the Sandhills–Timehri crossing, and Ali announced a one-stop Government Service Centre in Santa Rosa, Moruca. Oil Governance Debate: OGGN-linked reporting reignited calls for ring-fencing in Guyana’s oil contracts, arguing it could have meant billions more for the country.

Oil & Gas Finance: SBM Offshore lifted its 2026 outlook again after a strong first-half, boosted by new FPSO work and the sale of FPSO ONE GUYANA, raising directional revenue guidance to about US$7.6B and directional EBITDA to about US$1.9B. Energy Security & Regional Trade: Curaçao is pitching itself as a logistics hub for offshore operations tied to Suriname and Guyana, citing deep-water port capacity, ship repair, bunkering and energy know-how. Local Industry & Jobs: President Ali renewed promises to complete the Kwebanna Road in Region One, linking the corridor to housing, agriculture, poultry, hydroponics and swamp shrimp production. Food Prices & Transport: Ali also outlined steps to cut Moruca sub-region food costs, including a proposed cargo service between Charity and Moruca and expanded poultry and other farm financing via the Guyana Development Bank. Infrastructure Procurement: Public Works received four bids to relocate sections of the old Demerara Harbour Bridge for the Sandhills-to-Timehri crossing, with contractor offers ranging from about US$272M to US$1.08B. Manufacturing Policy: The GMSA pushed back on a state-owned water bottling plant, warning it could undercut local manufacturers and crowd out private investment. Disaster Response: Government ended active search for MV Barima victims, though the MRCC remains on standby while forensic identification continues. Climate & Safety: The Fire Service warned against burning garbage and grass as El Niño-driven dry conditions raise wildfire risk.

Offshore Oil & Logistics: Curaçao is pitching itself as a strategic logistics hub for the growing offshore oil work in Suriname and Guyana, banking on deep-water ports, ship repair, fuel storage and bunkering to serve exploration and production needs. Energy Market Pressure: The IMF says Middle East conflict is raising risks for the Caribbean via higher energy and food prices, with growth and inflation impacts varying by country. CARIFESTA Planning: CARICOM culture officials met Guyana’s ministers to map out CARIFESTA 2027, including funding, logistics, marketing and how the festival can boost creative industries. Hinterland Air Fares: President Ali is pushing back hard on local airlines after they refused to lower Hinterland travel costs, saying the prices are feeding into higher living costs inland and on food. Housing & Infrastructure Push: Government consultations in Region Three unveiled a “model village” rollout and projections of about 30,000 new homes between Wales and Leonora over five years, tied to road and service upgrades. Water Bottling Fight: The GMSA is challenging a $496.3M state-owned water bottling plant, warning it could crush private manufacturers and turn government into a competitor. MV Barima Aftermath: Guyana has ended active search and recovery for MV Barima victims, while the MRCC stays on standby and forensic ID work continues; meanwhile, civil society continues to demand accountability. Oil Production Watch: Reports say Liza One output has slipped below 100,000 bpd, raising questions about timing and value for Guyana’s 50% profits.

Offshore Oil & Logistics: ExxonMobil Global Projects has awarded Sercel a one-year contract to deploy its Marlin SIMOPS software suite at the Whiptail project in the Stabroek Block, aiming to improve live coordination and safety for pipe-laying and mooring operations. Oil Revenue Pressure: Liza One output reportedly fell from the approved 120,000 bpd to under 100,000 bpd by June, sharpening questions about whether Guyana will receive the full 50% profits promised under the PSA. Big Oil Politics: President Donald Trump again attacked ExxonMobil and Chevron over “too much money,” urging them to cut retail prices as oil prices surge amid the Iran conflict. Local Industry vs State Competition: The GMSA is pushing back hard on a $496.3m state-owned water bottling plant, warning it could crush private manufacturers and compete directly with local investment. Maritime Disaster Update: Government has ended active search and recovery for the MV Barima tragedy, though the MRCC remains on standby and some recovered bodies are still awaiting identification. Climate & Water Risk: Hydromet warns El Niño could drive up to 80 hot spell days this year, with reduced water availability likely affecting domestic use, agriculture and hinterland communities. Mining Watch: Junior Canadian Tajiri Resources says it will expand in Guyana gold and expects to announce a new acquisition soon while advancing drilling at its Yono project. Energy Transition Readiness: An IDB study says no Caribbean port is fully ready for shore-side power and green fuel bunkering yet, with Guyana included among the assessed countries.

MV Barima Accountability: Guyana’s Commission of Inquiry into the July 18 ferry disaster has been empowered to refer findings on criminal negligence, official misconduct and statutory breaches for prosecution, with a mandate covering vessel seaworthiness, passenger and cargo operations, crew conduct, and the search-and-rescue response; meanwhile, families still await missing relatives as procurement begins to raise the sunken ship. Local Governance Pressure: Opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed says Linden will see a peaceful protest over unresolved RDC leadership appointments, flood relief gaps, and demands for stronger accountability tied to the Barima tragedy. Climate & Water Risk: Hydromet warns El Niño could drive up to 80 hot spell days this year (vs. about 30), with Regions 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 hit hardest—raising concerns for water, agriculture, health and transport. Oil & Offshore Operations: ExxonMobil selected Sercel’s Marlin software to support SIMOPS planning for its Whiptail project offshore Guyana, as the company posts strong profits and continues to navigate Middle East shipping disruption risks. Oil Revenue Debate: OGGN argues ring-fencing could have increased Guyana’s Stabroek earnings (2020–2025) from US$7.7B to US$12.4B. Community Development: President Ali advances the Model Villages initiative with public consultations, including a modern year-round Pouderoyen market concept and Zeelugt upgrades. Fire Safety Upgrade: The Fire Service is expanding hydrant coverage nationwide with 200 new installations to speed emergency response.

MV Barima Inquiry: Guyana’s Commission of Inquiry into the July 18 ferry disaster has been empowered to refer criminal negligence, official misconduct and statutory breaches for prosecution, while opposition figures warn that delayed salvage could let saltwater damage key forensic material. Governance & accountability: Former Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson questions the COI’s independence after the appointment of Javed Shadick as secretary, raising concerns about political ties and process. Energy & markets: ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods says pump prices won’t ease until the crude–product price disconnect closes, and warns Strait of Hormuz confidence will take time to rebuild; meanwhile, a study flags Guyana among Caribbean ports with medium-term work ahead for shore-side power and green fuel bunkering. Climate & industry readiness: Hydromet warns El Niño could bring up to 80 hot spell days this year, with knock-on risks for agriculture and water. Infrastructure & services: Fire Service expands hydrant coverage with 200 new installations, and President Ali advances Model Village consultations, including a modern market for Tuschen. Trade pressures: Caribbean states, including Guyana, face new US import tariffs tied to forced-labour claims.

Oil & Gas Watch: Global oil prices slid about 7% after renewed US-Iran talks eased fears of supply disruptions, with Brent falling to around $82/bbl—good news for downstream costs, but a reminder that Guyana’s rising production still faces geopolitical swings. Maritime Safety & Accountability: Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul says MARAD’s plan to salvage the sunken MV Barima via public Expressions of Interest is a “cruel delay,” warning evidence could deteriorate before recovery starts. Local Industry & Infrastructure: President Irfaan Ali has begun public consultations on model villages, aiming to upgrade roads, drainage, irrigation and green spaces while preserving village identity and linking communities to the wider economy. Energy Reliability (Region): In the Caribbean, WAPA announced a massive overnight grid shutdown in St. Thomas and all of St. John, tied to work on the FEMA-funded Feeder 13 bypass. Mining & Investment: IMF urges Guyana to strengthen oil and gas audit capacity and resolve ExxonMobil cost-oil disputes faster; meanwhile, Canadian firms’ grip on Guyana gold deepens as XAU Resources moves to acquire the Quartzstone project. Shipbuilding (India): GRSE won a ₹1,032 crore ONGC contract to build four offshore support vessels, boosting offshore logistics capacity.

Maritime Safety & Accountability: Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul says the government’s plan to salvage the sunken MV Barima via public tender is a “cruel delay” that could rot key forensic material underwater, as families push for faster action. Disaster Response & Community Support: The Association of Chinese Enterprises in Guyana (ACEG) has added another donation to the Civil Defence Commission to support MV Barima relief efforts. Oil & Gas Oversight: The IMF urges Guyana to strengthen oil and gas audit capacity and speed up resolution of ExxonMobil cost-oil audit disputes, warning of fiscal and governance risks. Gold Sector Investment: Canadian firms’ grip on Guyana’s gold industry grows again, with XAU Resources moving to acquire the Quartzstone Gold Project, bringing the total to 13 Canadian players. New Drilling Push: Australian Altair Minerals unveils a fully funded 75,000-metre drilling programme for its Greater Oko Gold Project in Region Seven. Water & Industry: Parliament approves $496.3M for Guyana’s first state-owned water bottling plant to cut reliance on imported bottled water. Economic Outlook: The IMF says Guyana remains among the world’s fastest-growing economies, with strong oil and non-oil activity driving rapid expansion. Energy & Digital Resilience: Blue NAP Americas and Cloud Carib advance a sovereign cloud partnership aimed at boosting cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and compliance for Caribbean organisations.

MV Barima Salvage Push: Government has issued a Request for Proposals to salvage the 87-year-old MV Barima wreck off Guyana’s coast, after mounting pressure from stakeholders; the move follows the July 18 disaster that left 73 dead and at least 30 missing, with families disputing plans for a memorial site and urging recovery of the vessel. Water Bottling Investment: Parliament approved $496.3M for Guyana’s first state-owned water bottling plant under GWI, aiming to cut reliance on imported bottled water and lower consumer costs. Oil Sector Expansion: ExxonMobil says its fifth Guyana FPSO, Errea Wittu, has set sail for the Uaru project, adding 250,000 bpd and lifting national capacity toward nearly 1.2 million bpd by end-2026. IMF on Growth and Diversification: The IMF praised Guyana’s 2026 Article IV outlook, citing rapid oil and non-oil expansion, while projecting continued non-oil growth and highlighting the role of savings in the Natural Resources Fund. UN Secretary-General Race: A first UN Security Council straw poll put UNCTAD chief Rebeca Grynspan ahead, with Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett close behind—an important signal for regional diplomacy. Construction Safety Drive: The Labour Ministry continued its “Putting Safety First in the Construction Sector” campaign with a Region Four seminar, pushing a stronger safety culture ahead of inspections. Back-to-School Standards: GNBS urged parents to buy properly labelled footwear that meets national standards for safety and consumer protection.

UN Energy & Industry: ExxonMobil says its fifth Guyana FPSO, Errea Wittu, has set sail for the Uaru project, aiming to add 250,000 bpd and lift national output toward nearly 1.2 million bpd by end-2026. Oil & Finance: Exxon reported Q2 2026 earnings of about US$14.5B, with profits boosted by higher crude prices and strong upstream and refining execution. Local Economy Watch: The IMF praised Guyana’s 2025 performance—over 19% growth, unemployment down to 6.2%, and contained inflation—while stressing the need to keep diversifying beyond oil. Construction & Safety: The Labour Ministry continued its “Putting Safety First in the Construction Sector” campaign with a Region Four seminar, pushing a stronger safety culture before enforcement. Infrastructure Bids: Public Utilities and Aviation received eight bids for municipal airports at Lethem and Rose Hall, plus rehabilitation of hinterland airstrips. Maritime Accountability: The MV Barima case remains a flashpoint, with defence and opposition voices arguing murder charges are premature and calling for deeper maritime safety reforms. Standards for Industry & Consumers: GNBS urged parents to buy properly labelled footwear that meets the national standard, targeting safer, more reliable school supplies. Sports & Youth: District 4 won the ExxonMobil Guyana National Schools Kayaking crown, while KMTC hosts the Emancipation horse race meet today.

Emancipation Day Messages: President Irfaan Ali, PM Mark Phillips and CARICOM Chair Philip J. Pierre used the 188th anniversary to link African Guyanese contributions and the Village Movement to a call for freedom that’s lived through justice and opportunity. Guyana’s Growth vs Living Conditions: The IMF says Guyana remains among the world’s fastest-growing economies, citing strong oil and non-oil expansion, but Bloomberg reports the government is withholding key poverty statistics despite visible construction activity. ExxonMobil Expansion in Stabroek: Exxon says its fifth Guyana FPSO, Errea Wittu, has set sail for Uaru, targeting production startup in 4Q26 and adding 250,000 bpd capacity; Exxon also says it has recovered major development costs faster than expected. Maritime Safety and MV Barima Fallout: Opposition leaders and legal voices are intensifying pressure over the MV Barima murder charges and the Commission of Inquiry process, including calls for captains to refuse unfit ferries and concerns about transparency. Construction Safety Drive: Labour’s “Putting Safety First in the Construction Sector” campaign continues with seminars aimed at strengthening workplace safety culture. Aviation for Hinterland Connectivity: Eight bids were received for municipal airports at Lethem and Rose Hall, plus rehabilitation of hinterland coastal airstrips. UN Secretary-General Race: In a first Security Council straw poll, UNCTAD chief Rebeca Grynspan led, with Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett close behind.

Sovereign Tech for Industry: Blue NAP Americas and Cloud Carib are teaming up to deliver a sovereign cloud foundation for Caribbean governments and regulated businesses, pairing Curaçao Tier IV data centre infrastructure with cybersecurity, disaster recovery and managed services. Oil Transparency Push: Bloomberg reports the Guyana government is withholding key poverty statistics despite visible construction and oil-driven growth, raising concerns about how benefits are reaching households. Stabroek Block Expansion: ExxonMobil says its fifth Guyana FPSO, Errea Wittu, has set sail for the Uaru project, targeting production startup in 4Q26 and adding 250,000 bpd to boost national output toward 1.2 million bpd. Safety Culture in Construction: The Labour Ministry continues its “Putting Safety First” campaign with a Region Four seminar to strengthen workplace safety standards before enforcement ramps up. Hinterland Air Access: Eight bids were received for municipal airports at Lethem and Rose Hall plus rehabilitation of hinterland coastal airstrips, with Chinese and Indian firms prominent in submissions. Mining Deal: G Mining Ventures and G2 Goldfields completed a US$2.2B Guyana gold consolidation, combining Oko West and Oko-Ghanie into a larger district-scale project in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region. Maritime Accountability Fight: Opposition figures and defence lawyers are challenging the timing and approach of murder charges tied to the MV Barima disaster, while a five-member international Commission of Inquiry has been sworn in.

Oil & Gas Economics: ExxonMobil says its Guyana venture has already recouped about US$55B invested since 2014, about two years faster than expected, as the Stabroek Block’s profit-sharing deal keeps Guyana’s output surging and Exxon’s free cash flow set to double by 2030; the company also reports record upstream performance and a new fifth FPSO moving toward 4Q26 startup. Corporate Earnings: Exxon posted Q2 net profit up 105% to US$14.53B (revenue US$116.02B) but missed Wall Street estimates, while Chevron also logged a standout quarter amid Iran-war supply disruptions. Maritime Safety & Justice: Guyana’s five-member international MV Barima Commission of Inquiry was sworn in, with President Ali pledging full support; meanwhile, defence lawyers argue murder charges against three crew members are premature under maritime law unless the capsizing is first properly investigated. Labour & Construction Safety: The Labour Ministry continues its “Putting Safety First in the Construction Sector” campaign with a Region Four seminar, pushing a stronger safety culture before inspections ramp up. Mining Deal: G Mining Ventures and G2 Goldfields completed a US$2.2B consolidation, combining Guyana gold assets into a larger district-scale project. UN Watch: In the first secret Security Council straw poll for the next UN secretary-general, UNCTAD chief Rebeca Grynspan led, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett close behind.

UN Leadership Race: The UN Security Council’s first secret straw poll put UNCTAD chief Rebeca Grynspan in front to succeed Antonio Guterres, with Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett close behind—an early signal that Guyana’s voice is landing in the top diplomatic tier. MV Barima Inquiry: President Irfaan Ali swore in the five-member Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima disaster, promising full support as the panel is tasked with uncovering causes, compliance failures, and reforms to prevent a repeat. Legal Pushback: Lawyers for three crew members charged with murder say the DPP’s plan to run criminal trials alongside the COI could prejudice the accused and undermine constitutional rights. Port Kaituma Wharf Probe: APNU MP Ganesh Mahipaul claims the Port Kaituma wharf was doomed by faulty design and an inadequate foundation, arguing piles were not driven to firm ground. Oil & Shipping Watch: ExxonMobil says exploration drilling at Rockhead-1 in the Stabroek Block is set to end Aug. 31, while global oil prices eye a major monthly jump as Middle East conflict disrupts shipping routes. Sports Development: MCYS/NSC launched a landmark two-day sports seminar at ACCC focused on governance, workforce development, and sports tourism. Business & Cricket: Toolsie Persaud Limited joins as a silver sponsor for the IMC Over-40s Cricket World Cup in Guyana.

MV Barima Inquiry: President Irfaan Ali has sworn in a five-member international Commission of Inquiry to establish the full truth behind the deadly MV Barima ferry disaster, tasking it to examine what happened, why it happened, and what reforms are needed to prevent a repeat; the panel took its oath before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman, with Ali stressing families and the nation deserve a full, fair, impartial account. Legal Pressure on Maritime Accountability: In parallel, Guyana has charged the captain and two senior crew members—Kevin Price, Rondell Dwayne Robert, and Delon Granderson—with murder over the deaths linked to the capsizing, remanding them to prison as the case proceeds. Energy & Power Sector Moves: Guyana Power and Light (GPL) signed a non-binding MoU to explore grid modernisation and other power infrastructure projects, while the Guyana Energy Agency launched its inaugural Energy Champions Awards to spotlight business-led renewable energy, efficiency, water, waste, and green building actions. Mining Deal in Region Seven: Canadian firms G Mining Ventures and G2 Goldfields completed a US$2.2B acquisition/spin-out arrangement to consolidate adjacent gold projects in Guyana’s Cuyuni-Mazaruni region, aiming to build a tier-one, low-cost mining complex. Entrepreneurship & Industry Support: The Small Business Bureau’s Tertiary Entrepreneurship Award programme has provided startup financing to 15 young entrepreneurs, with additional support expected through Guyana’s Development Bank. UN Leadership Watch: The UN Security Council began secret straw polls to gauge support for seven candidates for the next secretary-general, including Guyana’s own Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, as the selection process moves into its next phase.

MV Barima Disaster: Guyana’s ferry tragedy continues to dominate headlines as the captain and two senior crew members face murder charges and are remanded, while the government says the choice to salvage the sunken MV Barima or preserve it as a memorial will be guided by families’ wishes. Legal Pressure on Government: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed says he will assemble a legal team for victims’ families and warns people not to sign compensation documents without advice. Maritime Safety & Accountability: PM Mark Phillips denies any intent to kill passengers, as an international commission is tasked with probing whether negligence contributed to the disaster. Gold Sector Dealmaking: Canadian firms G Mining Ventures and G2 Goldfields have completed a US$2.2B acquisition to consolidate adjacent Guyana gold projects, creating a larger, low-cost, permitted operation. Power & Industry Planning: GPL signed a non-binding MoU to explore grid and power infrastructure upgrades with Pacific & Auro Power. Energy Transition Push: The Guyana Energy Agency launched inaugural Energy Champions Awards, inviting businesses to submit nominations by Aug. 31. Entrepreneurship: Fifteen young entrepreneurs received startup financing through the Small Business Bureau’s Tertiary Entrepreneurship Award programme. UN Leadership Race: Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett pledged UN reforms and a conflict-focused, humanitarian-aware agenda if elected UN Secretary-General.