AGP Executive Report

MV Barima Inquiry: President Irfaan Ali has named a five-member international Commission of Inquiry to probe the MV Barima ferry disaster, with a mandate covering vessel seaworthiness, loading and passenger boarding, maintenance and compliance, and the search-and-rescue response; the panel is chaired by Belize jurist Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith, with maritime and legal experts from Poland, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago, while Guyana’s Joint Opposition says a separate technical marine safety probe must also run in parallel. Maritime Safety & Accountability: Industry groups GOGEC and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the COI as independent and credible, but critics continue to question whether technical safety investigations and enforcement will be fully addressed. Energy Procurement: PM Mark Phillips urged smarter procurement and grid modernisation at CARILEC’s engineering and procurement conference, pointing to the Gas-to-Energy project and a more diversified, digital power system. Agriculture Youth: CARICOM launched a Regional High School Youth in Agriculture video competition, inviting student-led agricultural production projects across the Community. Food Security Trend: FAO economist Máximo Torero reports hunger fell again in 2025, with fewer people facing chronic hunger and food insecurity. Trade & Tariffs Watch: The U.S. replaced expiring Section 122 tariffs with new forced-labour Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies, with product carve-outs noted for some imports.

Maritime Disaster Probe: President Irfaan Ali has named a five-member international Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima ferry tragedy, with Belize jurist Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith as chair and commissioners including maritime experts from Poland, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, tasked to examine causes, loading and passenger boarding, vessel seaworthiness and maintenance, compliance, crew conduct, emergency response and whether negligence or failures contributed. Recovery Update: Authorities report 73 bodies recovered and 30 still unaccounted for, as search and recovery continues with divers working to access the wreck. Political Pushback: Opposition parties are calling for parliamentary involvement in setting the inquiry’s terms of reference, while critics warn against scapegoating lower-level officials. Education Infrastructure: The Ministry of Education has retendered the Orealla Secondary School project in Region Six after terminating the original $198M contract over delays, with the new estimate put at $207.2M. Mining Deal Watch: Canadian firm XAU Resources has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Barbados parent controlling Guyana’s Quartzstone Gold Project, following Fortuna Mining’s US$5M entry into the project. Energy & Trade Context: Global energy planners are accelerating pipeline plans to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, while Guyana faces a new 12.5% U.S. tariff under forced-labour rules.

MV Barima Inquiry: President Irfaan Ali has named a five-member international Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima ferry tragedy, with Belize’s Justice Godfrey Philip Smith as chair and members from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Poland. The panel will probe the full circumstances: loading, passenger boarding, onboard conditions, seaworthiness and maintenance, compliance with maritime rules, crew competence, life-saving arrangements, and the search-and-rescue response, with a mandate to recommend accountability and safety reforms. Parliamentary Pushback: Opposition APNU and WIN are pressing for the National Assembly to debate and agree the inquiry’s Terms of Reference, warning against a unilateral process. Police Probe: CID is intensifying its investigation into who authorized unrecorded passengers and undocumented cargo; the captain and a wharf loading superintendent remain in custody as investigators reconstruct records. National Budget: The National Assembly will consider a $54.9B supplementary financial paper Monday, including major allocations for housing, agriculture (including GUYSUCO retroactive payments), drainage and irrigation, roads, and support for key public services. US Tariffs: Guyana is among 60 economies hit by a new 12.5% US “forced labour” tariff under Section 301, with the government saying it will continue engaging USTR and that the move replaces the expiring Section 122 global tariff.

MV Barima Inquiry: President Irfaan Ali says a five-member international, independent Commission of Inquiry will be announced to probe the July 18 ferry capsizing, including seaworthiness, loading and boarding, crew competence, emergency response, and reforms to prevent a repeat. Parliamentary Pushback: Opposition parties (APNU/WIN and others) complain they were shut out of the process and want the National Assembly to debate the Terms of Reference, while Dr. Dexter Todd warns police probes must not turn the captain or wharf superintendent into scapegoats for wider failures. Recovery Update: Search and recovery continues with divers cutting into the wreck; officials report 73 bodies found (69 identified) and ongoing efforts to account for the missing. Maritime Safety Questions: APNU points to March 2026 tender documents suggesting major rehabilitation needs, raising concerns about whether the vessel’s condition was properly addressed. National Budget: The National Assembly will consider a $54.9B supplementary budget Monday, including major housing, agriculture (GUYSUCO retroactive payments), roads, and drainage allocations. Oil Economy Pressure: A column highlights how Guyana’s debt has surged sixfold after years of oil pumping. Trade Shock: Guyana faces a new 12.5% U.S. forced-labour tariff under Section 301, while the government says it is not aware of forced-labour exports from Guyana. STEM Opportunity: The Blackman-Waddell Summer Math Institute returns as a free, scholarship-backed elite programme for gifted students.

MV Barima Inquiry: President Irfaan Ali says an international, independent five-member commission of inquiry will be announced Sunday to probe the MV Barima ferry capsizing—covering loading, boarding, seaworthiness, maintenance, compliance, crew competence, life-saving arrangements, and the emergency response—with the panel set to recommend accountability and maritime safety reforms. Opposition Pushback: APNU and WIN reject Ali’s unilateral approach, calling for parliamentary debate on the commission’s terms of reference and warning against a process that sidelines the National Assembly. Police Probe Limits: Dr. Dexter Todd says police investigations must continue, but cautions the captain and wharf loading superintendent should not become scapegoats for wider administrative and regulatory failures that require specialist maritime expertise. Recovery Update: Search and recovery continues with divers and multi-agency assets; officials report 73 bodies found and 69 identified, alongside ongoing efforts to account for the missing. US Tariffs on Exports: Guyana faces a new 12.5% U.S. tariff under forced-labour Section 301 rules replacing the expired Section 122 levy; Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud says it’s not a new burden and that Guyana will lobby for an exemption while continuing engagement with USTR. Parliament Monday: A Supplementary Financial Paper totalling G$54.9B is slated for consideration, including major allocations for agriculture (including GUYSUCO retroactive worker payments), housing, and drainage and irrigation. Regional Industry Note: PM Mark Phillips urged Caribbean Baptist women to strengthen communities through faith, linking the message to the nation’s mourning after the ferry tragedy.

MV Barima Recovery: Prime Minister Mark Phillips says the search area has expanded, with crews now combing an extra 32 square miles west to Waini Point and east to Adventure; 17 state assets (3 aircraft, 14 vessels) are working around the clock, and divers completed five dives on Friday, bringing bodies found to 73 and positively identified to 69, with 63 released for burial and 6 being transported home; 22 funerals have been held so far, as teams cut away debris to improve access and assess whether the vessel can be righted. Ferry Safety & Accountability: Police investigations intensify into who authorized unrecorded passengers and undocumented cargo; the captain and Kingston loading superintendent remain detained, while the opposition APNU pushes for an urgent parliamentary debate and independent commission terms of reference, warning against making scapegoats of lower-level officials. U.S. Forced-Labour Tariffs: Guyana is hit with a 12.5% U.S. tariff under Section 301 after the U.S. says 60 economies failed to enforce forced-labour import bans; Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud says it replaces the expiring Section 122 levy, not a new burden, and that Guyana will lobby for an exemption while continuing engagement with USTR. UN Leadership Race: Guyana’s UN Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett joined a town hall debate where candidates pressed for Security Council reform, restored trust, and better UN relevance amid deadlock and financial strain.

Maritime Safety & Accountability: Guyana’s CID is intensifying its probe into the state-operated MV Barima capsizing, zeroing in on who authorized unrecorded passengers and undocumented cargo before the final voyage, with the captain and the Kingston wharf loading superintendent still in custody as investigators reconstruct shipping records. Recovery Update: Search and recovery teams have retrieved 72 bodies, with 65 positively identified by families, while technical teams reposition the wreck as operations continue. Supply Chain Continuity: With normal transport disrupted to Port Kaituma, the Ministry of Public Works has introduced a free interim cargo-only barge service starting July 27, urging weather-sensitive goods to be securely packaged. Trade & Industry Impact: The U.S. has launched forced-labour tariffs under Section 301, and Guyana is set to face a 12.5% rate; Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud says it replaces the expiring 10% global tariff and is not a new, Guyana-specific burden. Aviation Sector: The Aviation Operators’ Association of Guyana re-elected Captain Learie Barclay as president, calling for continued investment in aerodromes and improved safety and reliability. UN Leadership & Diplomacy: Guyana’s UN candidate Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett is among six contenders in the race to replace António Guterres, arguing for a UN that stays engaged even when the Security Council is blocked.

UN Secretary-General Race: Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and five other candidates faced a Bloomberg-broadcast UN town hall in New York, fielding questions on reform, Security Council veto deadlocks, Gaza and the Strait of Hormuz, with the Security Council set to begin voting steps on July 30. MV Barima Ferry Disaster: Opposition leader David Patterson renewed claims that post-2020 oversight safeguards were dismantled, leaving the MV Barima vulnerable; meanwhile, recovery and funerals continue as the death toll climbs and families share accounts of overcrowding and alleged mechanical trouble. Maritime Safety & Accountability: Patterson and others argue Guyana must investigate itself properly after the capsizing, while police actions and calls for transparent probes intensify. Guyana’s Energy & Trade Context: Global oil and shipping risks remain in focus as insurers shift coverage outside Middle East hotspots and analysts warn of price pressure from renewed disruptions around key sea routes. Local Business & Logistics: LJ Williams reported a narrower first-quarter loss and Bryden pi announced warehouse relocation to a new Chaguanas distribution hub to strengthen regional supply and healthcare distribution.

Maritime Safety & Accountability: Guyana’s MV Barima disaster continues to dominate local headlines, with families describing alleged last-minute engine trouble, overcrowding and warnings ignored, while police detain the captain and a Transport and Harbours Department loading superintendent as investigators probe manifest and cargo discrepancies; opposition leaders are pushing for an independent marine safety investigation under international rules, not just a commission of inquiry, as recovery teams work to reposition and lift the 1939 ferry using specialised equipment. Energy & Prices: A fuel boss expects near-term pump increases amid US-Iran war developments, while commentary flags the return of $100 oil and the risk of higher gasoline and diesel costs. Oil & Gas Business: Eco Atlantic reports a widened full-year net loss but says it remains debt-free and is progressing talks on an Orinduik block licence and potential acquisitions. UN Spotlight (Guyana-linked): Six candidates, including Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, will debate for UN secretary-general on July 23 ahead of Security Council voting. Local Governance & Procurement: Government plans to raise the community direct-contracting limit from $5M to $30M to expand hinterland participation in road and infrastructure projects. Health (Regional): PAHO/WHO-linked research says nearly 470 million people in the Americas live with neurological disorders, with Guyana among the highest-burden countries.

MV Barima Probe Intensifies: Guyana’s ferry disaster investigation is widening after police arrested a third suspect tied to loading operations at the Kingston wharf, while the government prepares an independent commission of inquiry and continues complex recovery work to reposition and lift the 1939 vessel. Accountability Push: Opposition figures are challenging whether the state can be trusted to investigate itself, arguing Guyana must follow an independent marine safety process under international rules—not just a commission. Human Cost Still Rising: Reports over the week put the death toll at 53 with dozens still unaccounted for, as search teams use multiple vessels and aircraft and divers work around the wreck. Hinterland Development Contracts: Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo says community contracting limits will rise from $5M to $30M to expand hinterland participation in road and other infrastructure projects. UN Leadership Spotlight: Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett is among six candidates set to debate for UN Secretary-General, with the event broadcast ahead of the formal selection process. Energy & Investment Angle: A US-Guyana investment forum highlights growing American interest in Guyana’s energy and infrastructure as the country’s oil-driven growth continues. Corporate Update: Fortuna Mining will release Q2 2026 results on Aug. 5, with a conference call the next day.

MV Barima Disaster: Guyana’s ferry tragedy response is moving into a more technical phase as President Irfaan Ali says the government will reposition and eventually lift the 87-year-old MV Barima using specialised equipment, tugboats and floating airbags, while the search area expands along the water and shoreline; meanwhile the death toll has climbed to 53 with 76–77 rescued and dozens still unaccounted for, as officials cite major passenger manifest discrepancies and investigate possible safety violations. Independent Inquiry Push: Prime Minister Mark Phillips says an independent commission of inquiry will be set up “as early as possible” to examine what happened before departure, manifest issues, cargo handling, emergency response and regulatory compliance—while opposition figures argue a commission can’t replace a proper marine safety investigation. Accountability and Safety Questions: Police have arrested the captain and first engineer after drug tests, and opposition leaders say the vessel’s age made maintenance a public-safety issue, with claims that safeguards were dismantled. Tourism & Industry: Guyana will host the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (Oct 5–9), positioning the country for more MICE and business travel. Energy & Finance: U92 Energy filed for a Canadian public offering of up to $6m. Mining & Enforcement: Police say five Chinese nationals were arrested for alleged illegal mining and overstaying in Guyana. Regional Context: Tobago stakeholders say the Guyana tragedy highlights urgent lessons for marine safety and crowding controls.

Maritime Safety & Accountability: Guyana’s MV Barima ferry disaster continues to worsen, with Prime Minister Mark Phillips saying the death toll has risen to 53 and 55+ still missing as divers and expanded search teams recover more bodies off the Essequibo coast; the government says it will set up an Independent Commission of Inquiry and has arrested the captain and first engineer after marijuana-positive tests, while officials cite major manifest discrepancies and question what really happened. Infrastructure & Hinterland Transport: Public Works Minister Juan Edghill says the US$12.7M MV Ma Lisha remains idle because Port Kaituma’s newly built wharf suffered soil-shift structural problems, forcing reconstruction—highlighting how project readiness affects service delivery. Regional Lessons: Tobago stakeholders are urging stronger marine safety practices after the tragedy, pointing to past incidents and the need to prevent overcrowding and operational failures. Industry & Investment: Rystad Energy flags Guyana as a growing FPSO hotspot, with new units planned for 2026–2028 as ExxonMobil advances Stabroek development. Local Business & Tourism: The Caribbean Premier League is framed as a major regional tourism and commerce driver, with Guyana among host territories for the 2026 season.

Maritime Disaster: Guyana’s MV Barima tragedy is worsening fast. Authorities say the death toll has risen to at least 41 after 14 more bodies were recovered, with 77 people rescued so far and dozens still missing. The ferry reportedly carried 179 people, despite a manifest listing 133, and police have detained the captain and another crew member after positive marijuana tests. Search teams are still working in an expanded area off the Essequibo coast with help from French divers and regional support. Accountability & Investigation: Prime Minister Mark Phillips has ordered an inquiry into possible institutional failures, while officials and critics trade claims over manifest accuracy, loading practices, and whether the vessel was declared fit for service. Local Governance & Community Focus: Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo urged a shift in hinterland development toward job creation and income-generating village industries, backed by regional innovation and technical support hubs. Energy & Investment Spotlight: Rystad Energy flags Guyana as a key global FPSO hotspot, citing ExxonMobil’s Stabroek progress and new FPSOs planned for 2026-2028. Business & Compliance: Five Chinese nationals were arrested for overstaying in Guyana after immigration checks. Sports Business: GAC named official automotive partner for Guyana’s Global Super League cricket season, with brand visibility across broadcasts and venues.

Maritime Disaster: Guyana’s MV Barima ferry capsized off the coast near Port Kaituma, with the death toll now confirmed at 27 and 69 rescued; 83 remain missing as the search area has been expanded to about 1,040 sq km. Accountability & Safety: The government says the passenger manifest was inaccurate, with officials now confident 179 were aboard; the captain and at least one crew member are in police custody after positive marijuana tests, while PM Mark Phillips has launched an investigation into institutional failures. Evidence Protection: The Transport and Harbours management team tied to loading and dispatch has been sent off duty to protect evidence, with Kingston Goods Wharf surveillance footage secured for investigators. Hinterland Jobs Push: VP Bharrat Jagdeo urged Toshaos to shift from infrastructure-only development to income-generating village industries, including regional innovation and technical hubs. Energy & Industry Outlook: A Rystad report flags Guyana as a growing FPSO hotspot, with new units planned for 2026-2028 alongside ExxonMobil’s Stabroek expansion. Sports Business: GAC named official automotive partner for the Global Super League’s third season in Guyana.

Maritime Disaster: Guyana’s MV Barima ferry capsized off the coast near the Pomeroon River with 133 aboard; 67 survivors were rescued and the death toll rose to 10 as search teams expanded over 1,040 sq km. Accountability & Safety: Authorities say the passenger manifest was inaccurate, with dozens of rescued people not matching records; the captain and first engineer are in police custody after testing positive for marijuana, while the government removed the entire ferry management team to “protect evidence” and launched an institutional failures probe. Transport Disruption: British Airways cancelled a Saint Lucia–Guyana flight after a technical issue, leaving passengers stranded and prompting complaints over delays and support. Agribusiness Support: Government provided G$2.76B to rice farmers under First Crop 2026 Support, including cost relief measures to cushion global price pressure. Energy & Trade Oversight: OGGN raised concerns over ExxonMobil cost recovery and a possible gas-to-shore pipeline “anomaly,” while the Private Sector Commission stepped up training and enforcement gear to fight illegal trade. Mining Deal: Lexston Mining began drafting a definitive agreement to acquire 15 mineral claims (about 16,000 acres) in Guyana’s northwest.

Maritime Safety Crisis: The MV Barima ferry capsized off Guyana’s coast with 67 people rescued and dozens feared missing; the search continues as officials say the manifest doesn’t match the real passenger count, with only 35 of 67 rescued reportedly listed. Accountability & Operations: The captain and first engineer were arrested after a positive drug test, and authorities cite major operational breaches, including discrepancies in onboard numbers. Public Works & Infrastructure: The tragedy has reignited scrutiny of the 87-year-old vessel’s continued service and the need for tighter oversight. Road Incident: Two men died after a pick-up plunged into a concrete drain along the Ogle-to-Eccles Bypass Road; police say there were no visible marks of violence. Agriculture Support: Government provided G$2.76B to support 5,106 rice farmers under First Crop 2026, aiming to cushion producers from global price pressure. Local Food Production: Guyana is cutting high-value vegetable imports as young farmers expand hydroponics/shade-house and related production, with plans to link growers directly to hospitality buyers. Trade Enforcement: PSC stepped up training and equipment handovers to help agencies crack down on illegal trade and counterfeits.