AGP Executive Report

Development Finance: President Ali says the Guyana Development Bank will start processing loans on October 5, using a mobile app and community desks in commercial bank branches to reach hinterland and riverine entrepreneurs, with simple applications plus compulsory mentorship and technical support; initial financing includes up to G$3 million (including zero-interest/zero-collateral options) aimed at agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, manufacturing, creative industries and technology, with publicizing beneficiaries to boost fairness. Power & Grid Reliability: GPL warns outages may ease by June 2027 as it pushes an about US$800M grid modernisation, but admits the system is running with a thin reserve now and some engines need overhaul; separately, a new 69kV transmission line along East Coast backlands is set to be completed by end-November to allow the railway embankment highway expansion without disrupting electricity. Food & Agriculture Infrastructure: Region Two will begin building a climate-controlled 10,000-tonne rice storage hub in the second half of 2026, supported by a $1B allocation, to protect grain quality and strengthen post-harvest resilience. Forestry Livelihoods: East Bank Berbice loggers are offered up to 5,000 more acres, a furniture workshop and a mining block, but only if they resolve internal divisions and get their association functioning. Trade & Industry: The Shipping Association of Guyana seeks closer government collaboration to improve port efficiency and cargo movement as trade volumes rise; meanwhile, the World Trade Centre Georgetown will host an International Trade and Investment Conference (Oct 19–23) to connect local firms to regional and global markets. Energy Projects & Local Content: Government says works on the Wales Gas-to-Energy project have advanced since June, with the first gas turbine targeted by end-2026, while the Longtail gas-focused Stabroek Block development is under regulatory review with startup planned for 2030. Mining Enforcement: Residents of Chinese Landing report illegal mining and heavy machinery breaching titled lands again, while authorities continue crackdowns on illegal operations in the Puruni River area.

Oil & Gas Expansion: Guyana expects its fifth FPSO, the Errea Wittu, to arrive this week and begin producing in Q4 2026, adding about 250,000 bpd as output pushes past one million bpd. Grid & Power Reliability: GPL says it’s investing about US$800M to modernise the grid, ease outages, and handle rising demand, while PM Phillips promises a more diversified, digital power system by 2030. Investment Climate: GO-Invest’s Peter Ramsaroop told the diaspora forum foreign investors will get equal treatment, with agro-processing flagged as a major opportunity. Local Content & Skills: A new Guyanese-led joint venture, Allrig Guyana, launches to deliver technical services and explore a technician academy to grow local capability. Mining & Enforcement: Authorities seized two dredges and gold in a Puruni River crackdown, while GGMC marked Mining Week with Pork Knockers Day celebrations across mining communities. Industry Regulation: Government threatens to shut down scrap-metal trade tied to stolen copper, and GNBS introduced a new standard for gold, silver and platinum jewellery testing and labelling. Finance & Accountability: President Ali says Guyana Development Bank loan beneficiaries will be publicly listed before financing, with an app planned to widen access. Agriculture & Food Security: Hydromet chief warns water rationing may be needed if the dry spell worsens, as farmers report irrigation shortages. Trade & Markets: Essequibo’s Agro and Trade Fair drew 100+ exhibitors chasing new customers and partnerships.

Power & Grid Modernisation: PM Mark Phillips says Guyana’s electricity system will be “fundamentally different” by 2030—more diversified, digital, and able to integrate renewables—while the Gas-to-Energy push is meant to add about 300MW. Blackout Pressure: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed warns Christmas may bring more outages, pointing to delays in GPL’s US$422M transmission and substation works. Emergency Backup Plans: Government is reportedly in talks with a Turkish firm for a third powership to add up to 300MW as the Gas-to-Energy timeline faces strain. Natural Resources & Jobs: Minister Vickram Bharrat says youth must be trained for oil, mining and forestry, urging more secondary students into science and technical tracks. Illegal Mining Crackdown: GGMC seized two water dredges and gold from an alleged Puruni River operation; three people were taken into police custody. Mining Governance: Concerns are raised about how GGMC handles sales and transfers of mining lands and concessions. Finance & Development Bank: Government is developing a mobile app to expand access to the Guyana Development Bank ahead of October 5 operations. Trade & Industry: Guyana’s exports to China hit a record US$501M in 2025; Chinese investment in Guyana is put at about US$13B. Local Business Growth: ACADO Guyana opens a multimillion-dollar Rome distribution centre, boosting consumer goods logistics. Agriculture: 69 shade houses benefited 460+ farmers in the first half of 2026, with more planned for later this year. Consumer Promotion: Banks DIH launches a Banko Wine “Uncap the Cash” promotion running to Sept 30.

UN Leadership: Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn from the race to be UN secretary-general after weak support in the UN Security Council straw polls, leaving Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett among the remaining contenders. Mining Enforcement: GGMC, with police support, seized two water dredges and gold after dismantling an illegal Puruni River operation; three people were escorted for investigations. Local Content & Finance: Nearly 500 businesses registered for Guyana’s oil and gas supply chain opportunities in the first half of 2026, but the report gives no ethnic breakdown of the US$466.2m spent. Power & Infrastructure: Utilities Minister Deodat Indar defended the US$422m transmission and substation buildout and explained why 69kV poles remain in the middle of the East Coast Demerara four-lane expansion until a backlands route is finished. Markets & Trade: ACADO Guyana opened a new distribution centre, while New Amsterdam’s modernised market reconstruction moved ahead with a $1.029b sod-turning. Food & Agriculture: First crop-insurance payouts reached 2,068 rice farmers, with nearly US$128k paid after weather-related losses. Manufacturing Export: Umami products have reached Qatar shelves via LuLu Hypermarket, pushing Guyanese value-added foods into the Gulf. Housing Spend: Government says it spent $89.9b of $159.1b budgeted in the first half on affordable housing, with thousands of titles and land allocations reported. MV Barima: Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul renewed demands for answers on the 37-day delay in naming a salvage contractor after the EOI closed.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: GGMC with police seized two water dredges and gold after dismantling an illegal Puruni River operation; three people were escorted for investigations. Forestry Livelihoods: East Bank Berbice small loggers and firewood cutters will be reorganised, with plans to expand concessions and create new economic opportunities. Rice Support: First crop-insurance payouts reached 2,068 rice farmers, with nearly US$128,000 paid after above-normal rainfall losses. Local Industry Jobs: Plans unveiled for a furniture and joinery facility in East Berbice, plus a free jewellery-making course before year-end. Market Modernisation: New Amsterdam Market reconstruction was kicked off with a $1.03B, 20-month, multi-lot rebuild to keep vendors operating and improve sanitation and layout. Oil Revenue Scrutiny: Commentators and critics question Guyana’s oil revenue assumptions, including a projected average price versus market levels, while debate continues over where earnings are going. Guyana Development Bank: Commencement Order gazetted; operations set to begin Oct 5 with zero-interest loans up to $3M for underbanked MSMEs. UN & Diplomacy: Guyana’s UN envoy Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett placed second in the Security Council’s third straw poll for the next secretary-general. Politics & Governance: WIN alleges GBTI account closures of its nominees; APNU challenges economic growth revisions and borrowing plans.

Energy & Industry: President Irfaan Ali says Qatar talks focused on financing the Berbice deep-water port, while new refinery proposals are still coming in (UAE and others), with Bechtel studying the port and financing structure as the key pace-setter. Power & Infrastructure: Asphalt paving has started on the new Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge deck, with load testing next and an opening targeted no later than Oct. 5; meanwhile, Public Utilities Minister Deodat Indar says a 69kV transmission line can’t be moved yet in an East Coast road works zone because relocation would cause outages until an alternative line is finished by end-November. Oil & Gas Policy: Government says it’s not discussing extra payment to Lindsayca for the delayed 300MW Gas-to-Energy project, despite a request for more resources; first power is still aimed for end-December. Economy & Jobs: Opposition APNU challenges the Mid-Year report’s downward revisions to non-oil growth (including agriculture, sugar, manufacturing and bauxite) even as overall GDP growth is lifted, arguing oil-led gains are masking weaker sectors. Finance & Social Protection: NIS says its contributor base grew 41% over five years, adding nearly 80,000 contributors, as job creation expands. Trade & Regional Links: PM Mark Phillips reports Guyana–China trade hit about US$1.8B in 2025, with exports to China reaching a record US$501M. Governance & Legal: Court hears forensic auditor testimony alleging vote variances in Region Four’s 2020 election; defence also demands GPF withdraw a public statement tied to Mohameds’ extradition proceedings. Local Commerce: Sod turned for a modern New Amsterdam Market (G$1.03B), designed to reduce crowding and improve sanitation and vendor capacity. Transport Safety: Trans Guyana Airways reports a runway excursion at Mabaruma after an animal entered the runway, highlighting ongoing hinterland aerodrome incursion concerns. Digital Services: Over 55,000 e-passports issued in the first half of 2026, ahead of a mandatory online appointment system from Oct. 2026.

UN Diplomacy: The UN Security Council’s third straw poll for the next secretary-general again failed to produce a clear front-runner, with leaked results showing Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan leading and Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett close behind. Power & Infrastructure: Public Utilities Minister Deodat Indar says a 69kV transmission line in the East Coast Demerara road works can’t be removed yet, with relocation only after an alternative line is finished by end-November. Road Works: Asphalt paving has started on the new Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge deck, with load testing next and a target opening no later than Oct 5. Energy Investment: President Ali says financing for the Berbice deep-water port is the key driver for refinery investment pace, while discussions on extra funds for the delayed Wales gas-to-energy project are “not on the table.” Digital Services & Skills: Over 55,000 e-passports issued in the first half of 2026; BIT has already surpassed its annual training target. Trade & Finance: Guyana-China trade hit about US$1.8B in 2025, with exports to China at a record US$501M; Citi formally opens a Guyana office. Public Safety: Automated speeding cameras issued 30,266 speeding violations in the first half of 2026.

Power Infrastructure Watch: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed says GPL’s US$422M transmission and substation project is the biggest in GPL history but five substations are still far behind schedule, raising doubts about promised blackout relief. Grid Progress Update: GPL reports the Colombia 69kV substation is about 60–70% complete, with materials shipped and factory testing done, aimed at improving reliability for communities toward Onverwagt. Energy Cost Plan: President Irfaan Ali says a Wales gas bottling plant (GGBLC) is designed to bottle and distribute LPG to cut cooking gas costs, with the project estimated at US$40M under a public-private partnership. Oil & Gas Politics: Attorneys Christopher Ram and Melinda Janki challenge President Ali’s “sanctity of contract” stance on ExxonMobil, arguing renegotiation is different and the administration should ask for better terms. Mining Enforcement: Guyana blacklists 100+ non-nationals as mining controls tighten, alongside a wider network of Guyana Gold Board offices and licensed buyers to keep gold declarations legitimate. Food Prices & Farming: Government rolls out farmers’ markets nationwide to narrow wholesale-retail gaps as food prices rose 6.7% in the first half of 2026; agriculture also saw a marginal 0.5% contraction from heavy rainfall. Education & Community Support: GGDMA delivers backpacks and supplies to 500+ schoolchildren in Bartica, while the Ministry of Education moves toward universal secondary access. Finance for Growth: Citibank opens a representative office in Georgetown, signaling interest in financing Guyana’s capital projects. Waste-to-Wealth: Waste To Wealth Caribbean pushes a household “Separate, Divert, Compost, Monetize” model to cut landfill pressure.

Agriculture & Food Security: Guyana’s agriculture, forestry and fishing sector dipped 0.5% in the first half of 2026 after excessive rainfall disrupted planting and access to fields, though sugar, rice and livestock held up better as government pushes climate-smart farming and cost cuts. Cost of Living & Markets: Food prices rose 6.7% in the first half of 2026, prompting a nationwide rollout of farmers’ markets via the Guyana Marketing Corporation to narrow wholesale-to-retail gaps. Waste & Circular Economy: Waste To Wealth Caribbean urged households to “Separate, Divert, Compost, Monetize” biodegradable waste, pitching backyard composting to ease landfill pressure. Health: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony appealed for higher cancer screening as 704 positive cases have been recorded so far in 2026, warning many are detected late. Mining Controls: Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat says more than 100 non-nationals were blacklisted as enforcement against illegal mining intensified, alongside expanded gold purchasing points. Energy & Infrastructure: President Ali backed a US$40M gas bottling plant in Wales to reduce cooking gas costs, while GPL reported major transmission works including a 69kV Colombia substation 60–70% complete and an Enmore substation progressing for Gas-to-Energy power distribution. Finance & Investment: Citibank is opening a representative office in Georgetown to support financing for Guyana’s capital projects, and the Guyana Development Bank is set to operationalise with a first US$100M tranche. Public Works: Government bought the Berbice River Bridge for G$400M as the private operator winds down, and a new Zeelugt Market project worth about G$1.4B has begun.

Energy Shock: Attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline are tightening global supply routes and pushing up physical crude and diesel prices, with Europe and U.S. consumers feeling the squeeze as Strait of Hormuz risks linger. Oil Revenue Outlook: Guyana’s mid-year report projects petroleum deposits of about US$6.5B for 2026, with exports surpassing US$15B in the first half and profit oil lifting government receipts. Power & Grid Works: GPL says the Enmore substation (60% complete) is advancing to support Gas-to-Energy power distribution, while opposition leaders continue to question timelines and costs amid ongoing reliability concerns. Agriculture Savings: President Ali says reversals of drainage, irrigation and land rental fee hikes are saving farmers about $1.4B annually, alongside tax relief on key farm inputs. Finance & Development Bank: Finance Minister Ashni Singh signed the commencement order to operationalise the Guyana Development Bank, with a first US$100M tranche at start-up. TVET Push: The Ministry of Education launched the 2026 TVET Fair, urging students toward practical skills as every region targets a TVET centre by end-2026. Public Services Digitised: 79 government services are now online, with more planned before year-end. Labour Rights: Caribbean Teachers Union launched a campaign backing Guyana’s teachers’ union over a dispute on union dues check-off deductions.

Guyana Development Bank Launch: Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh signed the Commencement Order to operationalise the Guyana Development Bank, with a first US$100M tranche (half of the $40B authorised capital) and start-up planned for Oct 5, 2026, offering zero-interest/zero-collateral loans up to G$3M for business growth in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, services and tech. Oil Revenue Surge: The 2026 mid-year report projects petroleum revenue near US$6.5B for 2026, with profit oil sales expected to bring US$5.9B and royalties US$508.1M; exports topped US$15B in the first half as production rose to ~902,000 bpd. TVET Skills Push: Education Minister Sonia Parag launched the 2026 TVET Fair, urging students toward practical, tool-and-industry skills, with every administrative region set to have a TVET centre by end-2026. Power Reliability Works: GPL’s Chateau Margot 69kV substation is 60% complete, aiming to improve grid resilience for East Coast Demerara and reduce blackout risk. Coastal & Road Infrastructure: Windsor Forest sea defence moves into a second phase (225m added), while the Craig to Land of Canaan highway advances across eight lots with completion targeted for early 2027. Agriculture Support: Rice farmers accessed nearly US$128K in first-crop insurance claims (2,068 farmers), alongside broader subsidies under the premium-free scheme. Union Rights Tension: The Caribbean Union of Teachers launched a regional campaign backing Guyana’s teachers’ union in a dispute over union dues “check-off” deductions. Public Services Digitised: Government says 79 services are now online, with more digitisation planned before year-end.

Oil & Gas Revenues: Guyana’s crude exports topped US$15B in the first half of 2026, with the mid-year report projecting nearly US$6.5B in petroleum deposits for the year and US$5.97B from profit oil. Power Grid Upgrade: GPL says the Chateau Margot 69kV substation is 60% complete, designed to improve reliability and reroute power to cut blackouts. Grid Under Strain: President Ali admits outages can’t be instantly ended, citing demand jumping to 242.6MW by August 2026; critics warn GPL is running with a dangerously thin reserve. Smart Grid Push: GPL is investing about US$20M to modernise the GNCC with real-time monitoring and automation to speed fault response. Cost of Living Pressure: Government data shows food prices up 6.7% and overall consumer prices up 4.4% in the first half of 2026. Labour & Safety Reform: Labour Ministry moves to modernise occupational safety and health laws, including new oil-and-gas regulations with the ILO. Housing & Markets: CH&PA meets contractors on a Saudi-funded Region 3 housing push, while the state awarded about $2.44B for major market upgrades. Governance Tensions: APNU and WIN boycott President Ali’s committee meetings over lack of agendas. Maritime Justice: Court sets Oct 19 for a ruling on whether the MV Barima murder case is an “abuse of process.” Global Energy Risk: Red Sea and Gulf disruptions are lifting oil prices again, raising stakes for energy-dependent economies.

Electricity Crisis & Grid Modernisation: President Irfaan Ali admits blackouts can’t be instantly ended, blaming demand growth and legacy infrastructure, while GPL pushes a US$20m smart upgrade at the Guyana National Control Centre to speed fault response and switching. Power Reliability Pressure: Former minister David Patterson warns GPL is running with only ~5% spinning reserve versus the 15–20% needed, leaving the system exposed to cascading outages. Economic Growth, Cost-of-Living Reality: Guyana’s economy grew 33.3% in H1 2026 (non-oil 10.1%), but the mid-year report shows food prices up 6.7% and consumer prices up 4.4%, with agriculture and mining facing setbacks. Labour Market Gains: Unemployment fell to 6.2% and 156,000 new jobs were created as the labour force expanded. Housing & Infrastructure Spend: CH&PA met contractors on a Saudi-funded Region 3 housing works package (~$9.1b) targeting 3,800 lots, while government awarded $2.4b for market upgrades in Regions 3 and 4. Oil Deal & Energy Security Debate: Ali says Guyana won’t be “squeezed” by Exxon but calls the PSA “bad,” and discusses building beyond oil. Finance & Trade Signals: Citibank plans to open a representative office in Georgetown, and credit card settlements hit US$356m so far in 2026. Legal/Maritime Accountability: Court sets Oct 19 for a ruling on “abuse of process” in the MV Barima disaster murder case. Tourism Jobs Perception: GTA and THAG urge youth to see tourism as a real career path, not “menial” work.

Power Crisis & Grid Overhaul: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana’s electricity system is under strain and blackouts are “unpleasant, unacceptable,” pointing to rising demand and lack of “spinning reserve,” with InterEnergy projecting demand could jump 138% by 2029; he calls for major investment in generation, transmission, distribution, substations and digitising. Economy Watch: Guyana’s GDP grew an estimated 33.3% in the first half of 2026 (non-oil up 10.1%), with the full-year real growth forecast revised to 20.8%. Development Finance: The Guyana Development Bank is set to launch Oct 5 with US$100M capital, offering affordable financing including zero-interest, zero-collateral loans up to G$3M for eligible borrowers in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism and tech. Oil & Revenue Governance: Ali says oil revenue flows through a transparent, audited Natural Resource Fund process and that production sharing terms have been restructured to avoid repeating earlier contract issues. Food Costs Debate: Ali claims some farm-market prices for chicken and eggs have fallen, but shoppers’ costs vary by market and vendor, keeping cost-of-living pressure in focus. Agriculture Support: Farmers received kits under the ADOPT Caribbean soil-health project, aimed at climate-resilient practices. Maritime Safety: MV Barima murder-accused face an “abuse of process” argument as recovery/salvage and regulatory scrutiny continue after the July sinking.

Economic Diversification Push: President Irfaan Ali tells Al Jazeera Guyana must use the oil boom to build a non-oil economy, backing investment in housing, education, health, tech and sectors like agriculture and tourism. GDP Surge, Cost-of-Living Questions: Guyana’s real GDP rose an estimated 33.3% in H1 2026, with non-oil growth at 10.1%, and the full-year forecast revised to 20.8%—but officials and shoppers are still debating what’s changing in everyday prices. New Development Bank: The Guyana Development Bank will launch Oct 5 with a US$100M capital base, offering affordable financing including zero-interest, zero-collateral loans up to G$3M for eligible borrowers. Power Grid Under Strain: Ali admits GPL can’t promise no more interruptions, but calls current blackouts “unacceptable,” citing rising demand and a major overhaul need; the PUC also urges consumers to document issues and report first to providers. Food Prices Debate: Ali claims lower prices for chicken and eggs, while reporting notes market-by-market differences in what shoppers actually pay. Oil Revenue & Contracts: Ali says oil revenue is protected by law and audited through the Natural Resource Fund, and that production sharing agreements have been restructured. Tourism Growth: Tourism minister Susan Rodrigues reports 271,000+ visitors Jan–July and targets 500,000+ by year-end. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Authorities detained more non-nationals and seized equipment in Potaro sweeps. Maritime Disaster Legal Fight: Defence in the MV Barima case argues “abuse of process,” with committal proceedings set for November. Workplace Safety Push: Labour Ministry reports 3,000+ OSH inspections already in 2026, accelerating enforcement as the economy expands. AI Governance Talk: WTC Georgetown warns AI risks for developing economies but backs responsible adoption, planning a policy paper for Guyana and CARICOM. Regional Energy Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda expects fuel price hikes as the US-Iran conflict strains subsidies.

Electricity & Utilities: GPL says surging demand during the dry season is behind recent blackouts, while the PUC urges customers to document and report service complaints properly instead of bypassing providers. Oil & Revenue: Guyana’s oil income rose as Iran reshaped global markets, with the Natural Resource Fund taking in US$778M for August; meanwhile, Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery is buying 16m barrels of crude for October and is pulling in supplies that include Guyana. Workplace Safety: Labour Ministry reports it has already surpassed its 2026 OSH inspection target, pushing safety checks harder across high-risk sectors. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Four more foreigners were arrested and mining equipment seized in the Potaro Mining District sweep, with deportations continuing. Local Development & Industry: Sod turned for a new $1.5B Pouderoyen Market in Region Three; and the Supreme Court of Judicature is set to build eight apartments and a gym for judicial officers in New Amsterdam. Agriculture Tech: Guyana and Qatar signed an MoU to advance agricultural technology and sustainable farming. Mining Project Progress: Access road works for Gold Port’s Groete Gold Copper Project are nearing completion. Regional Trade & Policy: WTC Georgetown flags AI risks for small economies and plans a policy paper ahead of a Guyana conference in October.