AGP Executive Report

Maritime Safety & Accountability: Guyana’s MV Barima Commission of Inquiry says it’s moving toward public hearings later this month, after site visits, setting up its secretariat, securing the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, and collecting documents from MARAD, Transport and Harbours, the Coast Guard and Air Guard, while inviting the public to submit relevant information and recommendations. Oil Sector Politics: ExxonMobil tells investors Guyana’s Stabroek profit share will fall again as new projects restart its recoverable-cost “bank,” reigniting opposition calls for ring-fencing future Stabroek developments and renegotiating terms before approvals. Mining Governance: GGMC warns against unauthorized selling or “purported transfer” of mining lands and cautions against using irrevocable powers of attorney as proof of lawful tenure. Infrastructure & Power: GPL and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council sign an MoU to secure land for the Princes Street 69kV substation, while Kwakwani gets an 800 kVA generator to support 24-hour electricity, with more capacity expected by January. Local Crime: A suspected copper cable thief linked to the Demerara River bridge theft was arrested after allegedly preparing to steal more. Housing Delivery: Region Ten house-lot allocations top 3,000, with backlog clearing targeted by end-2027. Diplomacy: China’s embassy rejects US criticism of Chinese-built Guyana infrastructure as “malicious” and politically motivated.

Oil Profit Fight: ExxonMobil tells investors Guyana’s Stabroek Block profit share will fall again as new offshore spending gets added back into its recoverable cost bank, reigniting calls from opposition and legal voices to renegotiate terms before more developments. Opposition Watch: Opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed pushes for ring-fencing future Stabroek projects so Guyana’s share can’t be squeezed by the same cost-recovery mechanics. Barima COI Moves: The M/V Barima Commission of Inquiry says it has completed key prep work—site survey, secretariat, and venue—while inviting the public to submit information ahead of public hearings later this month. Maritime Accountability: The COI has also gathered documents from MARAD, Transport and Harbours, Coast Guard and Air Guard, and is compiling a witness list as it prepares to interview. Mining & Health Pressure: APNU MP Sherod Duncan demands an independent environmental and public health assessment of the Barama River amid mercury contamination fears tied to mining activity. Power Reliability: Kwakwani gets an 800 kVA generator to support 24-hour electricity, with another 1MW unit expected by January. Local Governance: GPL and the M&CC sign an MoU to secure land for the Princes Street substation, while Linden’s town council rejects a minister’s order to stop collecting Kara Kara Road tolls. Amerindian Affairs: A $500M Amerindian Hostel is set to begin shortly to improve temporary accommodation for hinterland residents in Georgetown. Workplace Safety: Labour Ministry launches an investigation into a fatal construction accident that killed a Cuban worker and injured two others.

Amerindian Heritage Month & Barima fallout: President Irfaan Ali opened Amerindian Heritage Month in Sophia and warned Amerindians not to let “fast boat” politicians use tragedies to dodge legal trouble, as the MV Barima commission still has no public hearing date and critics say the inquiry is moving too slowly. Hinterland connectivity dispute: Ali also said government is dissatisfied with telecom providers’ service in hinterland communities, while WIN blamed the state for weak support like electricity and roads. Extradition legal update: The CCJ refused to halt Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s extradition case, clearing the way for proceedings to continue in the Magistrates’ Court. Opposition cooperation under strain: WIN and APNU released a joint statement after talks, but it admitted no final decisions on key governance issues—prompting criticism that the Opposition isn’t ready to govern. Oil governance debate: PNC/APNU leader Aubrey Norton renewed calls for ring-fencing and updated contract models for future offshore developments, arguing Guyana’s profit share should be protected as projects move beyond derisking. Public service delivery: The Citizens Connect App says 75% of reported issues have been resolved since launch. Local government flashpoint: The Ministry ordered Linden Town Council to stop collecting tolls from commercial vehicles, calling the charges unauthorized and unlawful. Infrastructure milestone: The US$35M Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge is set for opening by October 5. Tourism & development: Pas Cargo secured IDB-Lab financing, and Guyana begins preparations to host the 2027 Carifta Games in Leonora.

Oil & Finance: Government oversaw the signing of the first IDB Lab loan agreement for a Guyanese private firm (Pas Cargo), as officials push deeper private-sector financing. CCJ & Justice: The CCJ refused to halt Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s extradition case, clearing the way for proceedings to continue in the Magistrates’ Court. Opposition & Oil Policy: Aubrey Norton renewed calls for new fiscal terms, ring-fencing and updated contract models for future offshore developments, warning against profit dilution. Local Governance: The Ministry ordered Linden Town Council to stop collecting tolls from commercial vehicles entering town, calling the charges unauthorized and unlawful. Infrastructure: The US$35M Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge is set for opening by October 5, with road upgrades aimed at easing traffic bottlenecks. Public Services & Schools: Opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed flagged leaking classrooms and missing furniture as the new school year begins. Energy Politics: The Chinese Embassy hit back at a US State Department official’s criticism of Chinese projects in Guyana, calling it politically motivated. Road Safety: Police issued 14,000+ electronic speeding tickets in a day and warned repeat offenders of court action. Disaster Accountability: The Barima inquiry still has no public hearing date, with critics questioning delays and witness calls. Sports: Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 111 helped Guyana Amazon Warriors beat TKR in CPL 2026.

UN Secretary-General deadlock: Divisions in the UN Security Council over the next SG could drag on past António Guterres’s 31 December term, with the US reportedly backing IAEA chief Rafael Grossi while others push for a first female SG, including Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Guyana politics & courts: An appeals court ruled opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed’s extradition case must continue in magistrate’s court, though the final ruling is to be held pending a constitutional motion. Oil governance push: APNU leader Aubrey Norton renewed calls for new fiscal terms and stronger audit capacity for offshore Stabroek operations as Guyana’s profit share rises. Local governance: Priya Manickchand met Woolford Avenue vendors to discuss organising vending around ongoing upgrades. Education logistics: Northwest Secondary said Grade 7 accommodation issues will be resolved by tomorrow, using its TVET facility for some classes. Agriculture resilience: Farmers were urged to prepare for El Niño-linked dry conditions into early 2027. Mining compliance access: GGMC expanded gold declaration services in mining districts, including mobile visits and more licensed traders. Youth & learning: Youth entrepreneurship training graduates are entering business life, and UG expects about 5,000 new students for the 2026/27 academic year.

Oil & Diplomacy: Trump says Exxon and Chevron are “going in” to Venezuela, a reversal that puts Guyana’s Stabroek Block in the spotlight again as U.S. pushes new oil deals. Court & Opposition Politics: A Guyanese appeals court ruled Azruddin Mohamed’s extradition case must continue in magistrate’s court, with the final ruling paused until a constitutional motion is heard. Opposition Cooperation Talks: WIN and APNU agreed to consult leadership and membership before forming teams to map future political cooperation, after earlier discussions on GECOM and local government issues. Oil-Deal Debate: Aubrey Norton argues Guyana should negotiate new fiscal arrangements for future oil projects, warning current terms could shrink Guyana’s share again. Mining & Gold Declarations: GGMC is expanding access to gold declaration services in mining districts, including mobile visits and more licensed traders to help miners use authorised channels. Power for Mining: Omai says it may rely on HFO generators because Amaila Falls and GTE timelines may miss its development schedule. Education & Schools: Northwest Secondary says Grade 7 accommodation issues will be resolved by tomorrow, using its TVET facility for some classes. University Intake: UG expects about 5,000 new students for 2026/27 as orientation begins across campuses. Regional Security: WCO wraps Project BOLT, boosting Caribbean customs capacity against weapons and narcotics trafficking. Royal Spotlight (Regional): Buckingham Palace announces King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Caribbean tour, including Guyana, as royal visits and Commonwealth ties heat up across the region.

Oil Governance Clash: PNC leader Aubrey Norton says Exxon’s cost recovery has already lifted Guyana’s profit share from 12.5% to 39.8%, but warns future projects could cut it again unless ring-fencing is built into new agreements. Opposition Legal Fight: PNCR rejects the AG’s reading of a Lethem High Court ruling, calling it wrong in law and fact and saying it will appeal. MV Barima Fallout: Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul renews criticism over government silence 15 days after the salvage tender closed, demanding details on bids, timelines, and recovery plans. Local Power Pressure: Linden Mayor Dominique Blair says the added 1.5MW hasn’t ended blackouts and BOSAI is still on load-shedding. Housing & Jobs on the Ground: President Ali’s Kuru Kuru walkabout produced commitments on a fenced youth recreation/cricket pitch, irrigation wells, and steps to unlock unused land for housing. Mining Compliance: GGMC urges miners to declare gold via authorised channels as declaration services expand in mining districts. Sports & National Pride: Guyana’s Amazon Warriors face TKR in a high-stakes CPL Independence Day rivalry, while NACAC president Mike Sands calls for a high-level CARICOM sports commission ahead of Guyana’s 2027 CARIFTA Games. Diaspora Politics: WIN opens a New York chapter and urges overseas Guyanese to organise early for 2031 elections, despite the leader’s extradition fight. Royal Caribbean Visit: Buckingham Palace confirms King Charles and Queen Camilla’s CHOGM-linked Caribbean tour including stops in Guyana and the Bahamas, with Antigua and Barbuda dropping its oath of allegiance ahead of the visit.

Oil Governance & Transparency: Professor Kenrick Hunte says Guyana needs real-time monitoring and tighter auditing of petroleum costs and revenues, not just ring-fencing, as production nears 1 million barrels/day. Opposition & Legal Battles: PNCR rejects the AG’s “premature” claims over the Lethem property High Court ruling and says it will appeal. Political Cooperation Talks: WIN and APNU/PNCR move toward drafting engagement guidelines, including GECOM-related issues and Region 10 RDC functioning. MV Barima Salvage Scrutiny: Fifteen days after the salvage EOI deadline, Mahipaul says government remains silent on bids, timelines, and recovery plans. Local Governance & Power: Linden Mayor reports no meaningful improvement after an added 1.5MW, with load-shedding continuing. Mining Policy: GGMC urges miners to declare gold through authorised channels as services expand in mining districts. Markets & Procurement: Local Government invites bids for new market facilities at Soesdyke Junction, Skeldon and Port Mourant. Youth & Jobs: President Ali met trainees at Kuru Kuru building carpentry and welding skills, with some aiming to start businesses. Economy Watch: IDB says debt servicing costs are falling and unemployment has improved, even as growth remains exposed to external shocks.

Opposition Talks: WIN and APNU have finally issued a joint statement after meetings led by Azruddin Mohamed and Aubrey Norton, agreeing to keep working on cooperation while discussing GECOM appointments, Region 10’s RDC impasse, and Local Government Commission nominations. Oil Accountability: APNU MP Sharma Solomon renewed calls for transparency over ExxonMobil audits, arguing government secrecy “is not protection” and leaving Guyanese in the dark on challenged costs and disputes. Indigenous Land Clash: The Amerindian Peoples Association backed Chinese Landing and Tassawini residents in a standoff over alleged unauthorized mining machinery, demanding immediate action from Natural Resources and GGMC to halt operations on titled lands. Oil Revenue Oversight: Aubrey Norton also pushed for stronger oversight of the Natural Resource Fund as oil profits reportedly triple, pointing to the need for real public accountability. Infrastructure & Power: GPL is drilling for a new 69kV Demerara Riverbed submarine cable to strengthen West Demerara supply, while Bosai donated six 1MW generators for Region 10 power upgrades. Healthcare Push: Health Minister Frank Anthony says multiple new hospitals are expected by 2028, including West Demerara’s 120-bed facility and new regional hospitals with imaging and emergency services. Ferry Update: The M.V. Canawaima resumed Guyana–Suriname service after Suriname lifted an operational ban, with priority given to stranded passengers and cargo. Local Governance Funding: APNU is demanding emergency funding for Linden’s council after toll revenue losses from the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge toll abolition. Royal Visit Context: Antigua and Barbuda dropped its oath of allegiance to King Charles, pledging loyalty to the state instead—set against the backdrop of the monarch’s upcoming Caribbean tour.

Opposition Under Fire: AFC says police actions against Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and fellow MPs are “oppressive” and warns law enforcement is being used to intimidate political opponents. Political Talks: WIN and APNU finally agree on a joint statement after days of meetings, with key issues including GECOM appointments and Region 10’s impasse. Exxon Audit Row: APNU MP Sharma Solomon blasts government secrecy over ExxonMobil’s US$19.6B audit, arguing “silence is not protection.” Chinese Landing Standoff: APA and Opposition MP Sherod Duncan press for action over ongoing unauthorized mining machinery on titled Indigenous lands, with mediation and IACHR precautionary measures still unresolved. Courts & Extradition: The Court of Appeal allows extradition proceedings against Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed to continue, but bars the magistrate from a final decision pending a constitutional appeal. Local Governance: APNU demands emergency funding for Linden’s mayor and town council after toll revenue losses from the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge toll abolition. Royal & National Events: Traffic HQ ramps up readiness for school reopening and major events, including the upcoming state visit by King Charles III. Economy Watch: An IDB report says Guyana’s debt servicing burden is falling and unemployment has dropped, even as growth remains highly exposed to external shocks.

Royal Diplomacy & CHOGM: King Charles III and Queen Camilla have announced an autumn Caribbean tour tied to CHOGM 2026, with stops including the Bahamas, Guyana, and Antigua and Barbuda—while Prince Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK adds fresh family-drama pressure. Women’s Cricket Boost: WCPL 2026 confirmed a star overseas cast, including Guyana Amazon Warriors’ Shabnim Ismail, Erin Burns, Chloe Tryon, Tazmin Brits and Nadine de Klerk, plus Barbados Tridents’ Suzie Bates and Madeline Green and India’s Pooja Vastrakar and Kiran Navgire. GBV Support in Focus: The Hope and Justice Centre in Lusignan says over 130 GBV survivors accessed services in the first half of 2026, offering medical, legal, counselling and law-enforcement help under one roof. Health Response to MV Barima: Health Ministry teams continue psychological and psychiatric support for MV Barima families, with grief-handling training from PAHO/WHO specialists. Power Supply Upgrade: Bosai and Guyana Manganese donated six 1MW generator sets to GPL for Region 10 and the Soesdyke–Linden Highway corridor. Indigenous Land Rights: APA condemns the Chinese Landing/Tassawini mining standoff, calling for immediate action by MNR and GGMC to stop incursions on titled village lands. Oil Governance Debate: Professor Kenrick Hunte warns Guyana’s “profit oil” focus is misleading, while criticism grows over government silence on Exxon audit outcomes. Legal Accountability: High Court awarded former PSC chairman Paul Slowe G$1 million over an unlawful 2021 arrest. Road Safety: Police report two Indonesians killed in a Timehri road crash involving three vehicles.

MV Barima Mental Health Response: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says psychologists and psychiatrists are being deployed to MV Barima families and survivors, with Pan American Health Organisation specialists training local workers in grief counselling. Power Supply Boost: GPL will relocate and install six 1MW generator sets donated by Bosai to strengthen electricity along the Soesdyke–Linden Highway and support Region 10, with work expected within four months. Oil Revenue Debate: Professor Kenrick Hunte warns Guyana’s “profit oil” focus is misleading, urging attention to total gross revenue and domestic retention, while government faces renewed criticism over keeping Exxon audit outcomes under wraps. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous advocate Laura George condemns the Chinese Landing/Tassawini standoff, saying the state is failing to protect titled village lands and human rights. Extradition Legal Twist: The Court of Appeal orders Azruddin Mohamed’s extradition proceedings to continue, but final disposition is stayed pending constitutional challenges to the Fugitive Offenders Act. Ferry Resumes: The MV Canawaima ban is lifted and service restarts today, with stranded passengers prioritized. Diplomacy & Royals: Guyana welcomes Sri Lanka’s new non-resident high commissioner, and reports confirm King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Caribbean visit including Guyana for CHOGM 2026. CPL/WCPL Sports: CPL standings spotlight St Lucia Kings on top and Guyana Amazon Warriors unbeaten; WCPL overseas rosters are confirmed for Barbados Tridents and Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Maritime & Opposition Standoff: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed was released on GY$100,000 bail after a tense Demerara River standoff with joint services, with MARAD saying his vessel and Mohamed were not licensed/authorised—while WIN MPs dispute the chase narrative and point to expired (not missing) documents. High Court Rights Ruling: Retired police officer Paul Slowe won GY$2 million for wrongful arrest, with the court finding his constitutional liberty rights were infringed. Indigenous Land vs Mining: The Amerindian Peoples Association renewed calls for government to halt an incursion at Chinese Landing, arguing rights are being violated; Natural Resources Minister Bharrat says CCJ guidance leaves “no legal grounds” to stop operations. UN Secretary-General Race: A second Security Council straw poll keeps Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett in the lead on “encourage” votes, but below the critical threshold for a clear win, highlighting council secrecy and rifts. Oil & Economy: Coverage points to oil-driven growth expectations for 2026, while regional energy politics also swirl as Venezuela weighs an OPEC exit and US talks on oil-field stakes continue. Mining Investment Push: Government launched G-MEX, a new annual mining investment platform aimed at attracting responsible capital and boosting Guyana’s mineral visibility. Local Governance & Services: Education officials urged national prayer ahead of the new school year, while CJIA’s new baggage system is set to be fully operational by end-September.

Maritime Standoff Turns Political: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and WIN MPs were intercepted after a Demerara River “go-fast” incident, then escorted under armed guard to the Coast Guard base; WIN MP Natasha Singh-Lewis was arrested over an alleged firearm, and Mohamed later got $100K bail as MARAD reiterated the boat and Mohamed were not properly licensed/authorised. Courtroom Setback for PNCR: The High Court dismissed PNCR’s claim over its Lethem office building, ruling the party had no ownership rights and removal didn’t violate constitutional protections. Mining Rights Clash at Chinese Landing: The Amerindian Peoples Association condemned a mining incursion at Chinese Landing and urged MNR and GGMC to halt activity, as village leaders continue to resist GGMC-registered operations. Cost of Living Pressure: IDB data point to food-driven inflation, with food prices rising 5.9% in early 2026. Education & Youth Prep: Education Ministry urged religious communities to hold prayers ahead of the new school year; CARIFTA preparations got a boost with earlier Interschools and Nationals in Linden. International & Governance: Guyana’s UN secretary-general candidate Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett led a second Security Council straw poll; King Charles and Camilla announced a Caribbean tour including a Guyana visit marking 60 years of ties. Infrastructure & Services: CJIA’s new baggage system is set to be fully operational by end-September, and passport applications move to mandatory online appointments from Oct 1.

Royal Diplomacy: Buckingham Palace confirms King Charles III and Queen Camilla will tour the Bahamas, Guyana and Antigua & Barbuda from Oct 27–Nov 4, timed around CHOGM 2026, with a state visit to Guyana marking 60 years of UK-Guyana ties. Opposition & Maritime Clash: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed was released on GUY$100,000 bail after a Demerara River “go-fast” interception; MARAD says neither the vessel nor Mohamed is licensed/authorised, while MPs dispute the police account. Mining Standoff in Chinese Landing: APNU MP Sherod Duncan backs Chinese Landing residents blocking heavy equipment into Tassawini, criticizing the government’s response as the dispute remains before the Court of Appeal and follows Inter-American Commission precautionary measures. CARIFTA Games Prep: Guyana officially kicks off preparations to host the 2027 CARIFTA Games in Leonora (Mar 27–29, 2027) after a NACAC delegation’s venue assessment. Regional Connectivity: Region Four schools along the Linden–Soesdyke Highway receive Starlink devices ahead of the new term, as the ferry suspension with Suriname continues to disrupt travel and trade. Local Economy & Food Supply: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha approves weekly chicken imports (330,000 pounds) to stabilize prices amid rising demand. Governance Talks: WIN and APNU remain without a joint statement after closed-door talks, with both sides trading blame over document changes and timing.

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed: Guyana Police and Coast Guard detained Mohamed after a “go-fast” vessel was intercepted on the Demerara River; MARAD says neither the boat nor Mohamed is licensed, while WIN MPs dispute the chase account and say the vessel was already docked. Bail and aftermath: Mohamed was released on $100,000 bail after a six-hour standoff; Natasha Singh-Lewis reportedly got $200,000 bail. Opposition talks stall: WIN and APNU met again but still have no joint statement, with a proposed six-member team and draft versions reportedly failing to align. Royal diplomacy: Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s autumn tour (Oct 27–Nov 4), including a state visit to Guyana marking 60 years of bilateral ties and CHOGM attendance in Antigua. Cost-of-living pressure: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says approved weekly chicken imports of 330,000 pounds aim to stabilise prices amid demand strain. Education connectivity: Region Four schools along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway are set to receive Starlink devices ahead of the new term. Sports and youth development: Guyana begins preparations to host the 2027 CARIFTA Games, with NACAC officials touring the Lenora National Track and Field Centre.