AGP Executive Report

Oil & Revenue: Bank of Guyana data says Guyana earned about US$778M into the Natural Resource Fund for August, as Iran-linked market shifts lift crude prices and boost inflows. Energy & Power Reliability: GPL says demand spikes from the dry-season heat are driving outages, while the opposition argues the grid failures are costing businesses and households. Local Infrastructure & Jobs: Sod turned for a new $1.5B Pouderoyen Market (18 months) to expand vendor space and commercial activity; Supreme Court tenders also point to $376M for apartments and a gym in New Amsterdam. Mining Enforcement: Authorities arrested four more foreigners and seized equipment in the Potaro illegal mining crackdown, with deportations continuing. Trade & Policy: World Trade Centre Georgetown is preparing a Guyana session on AI risks and safeguards for small economies, alongside a policy paper for regional discussion. Corporate Performance: Demerara Distillers (DDL) reported $2.284B profit after tax for the first half of 2026, citing higher energy/logistics and input costs. Business & Skills: Labour Ministry says it has completed 3,000+ OSH inspections in 2026 so far, accelerating workplace safety efforts.

Oil Revenue Watch: Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund received about US$778M from Stabroek Block profits in August, as Exxon recovers investments and production ramps toward 1 million bpd by year-end. Power & Cost of Living: GPL says it’s adding generation and transmission to handle rising electricity demand during the dry season, while the opposition argues blackouts are still crippling businesses and households. Local Markets & Jobs: Government has started the $1.5B Pouderoyen Market project in Region Three, aiming to expand vendor space and boost local commerce within 18 months. Mining Enforcement: Authorities arrested four more non-nationals and seized equipment in the widening Potaro illegal mining crackdown in Potaro Mining District. Energy Infrastructure: GPL is also rolling out redundancy upgrades to keep power flowing during maintenance and failures, tied to a US$422.2M grid-strengthening programme. Business & Trade: WTCG will host an Oct 19–23 conference on AI’s impact on trade for small economies. Regional Growth: PM Phillips says ICT hubs in hinterland communities have expanded since 2021, with 170 hubs now operational. Health & Society: A family is seeking support for a baby with a rare mitochondrial disease, planning a permanent move to the UK for treatment.

Oil Supply Risk: Iran-linked attack near the Strait of Hormuz and a recent Saudi pipeline closure are raising fears of fresh disruptions as crude pushes above US$100. Mining & Investment: Mako Mining signed a 10-year mineral agreement with Guyana for its Eagle Mountain gold project, targeting construction in Q3 2027 and first production by end-2028. Power Grid Reliability: GPL is showcasing a US$422.2M transmission and distribution upgrade, adding redundancy to keep electricity flowing during maintenance and faults as Gas-to-Energy ramps up. Energy Sector Operations: Siemens Energy has started preparations to take over operations and maintenance for the 300MW Gas-to-Energy plant, with staffing and training plans for a safe start-up. Local Business & Finance: Banks DIH Holdings’ bid to cap shareholder voting at 15% was blocked again by the full court. Telecom Expansion: One Communications says it’s planning a multi-year hinterland coverage push, balancing security and financial viability. Labour & Safety: Guyana commissioned an OSH Centre of Excellence in Region 6 and signalled upcoming oil-and-gas OSH regulations. Trade & Export Support: WTC Georgetown will host an International Trade Research workshop for exporters and entrepreneurs on Oct. 22. Agriculture Tech: Guyana and Qatar signed an MoU to advance agricultural technology and sustainable farming practices. Governance & Courts: Special Branch head in the Mohameds extradition case admitted shredding and burning a notebook tied to their arrest.

Energy & Grid Reliability: GPL says it’s upgrading the Demerara-Berbice interconnected system to handle rising demand tied to the 300MW Gas-to-Energy project, while APNU accuses the utility of shifting blame to consumers amid ongoing blackout complaints. Oil Revenue & Fiscal Use: Guyana’s NRF report shows 2025 oil earnings of US$2.5B, but withdrawals of about US$2.463B left little for savings, raising questions about long-term buffers. Telecom Expansion: One Communications is rolling out a multi-year hinterland and coastal connectivity push, including free handsets, while admitting low-density areas hinge on financial viability. Legal & Governance: In the Mohameds extradition fight, the Special Branch head admitted shredding and burning notes tied to the arrest, and police later issued a clarification on how the documents were disposed of. Finance & Markets: The full court upheld an injunction blocking Banks DIH from enforcing a 15% cap on shareholder voting power. Labour & Safety: A $100M OSH Centre of Excellence was commissioned in Region Six, and consultations are set for OSH regulations tailored to the oil & gas sector. Trade & Export Support: WTC Georgetown will host an international trade research workshop for exporters and entrepreneurs on Oct. 22. Immigration Pressure: Opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed says accepting third-country U.S. deportees could strain Guyana’s socio-economic system and wants the agreement details released.

Oil & Energy Markets: Crude oil surged back above US$100 as U.S.-Iran tensions and Middle East supply risks tighten global supply, while the IEA warns 2026 oil demand could fall sharply before a weak rebound in 2027. Power & Utilities: APNU criticised GPL over frequent blackouts, saying the company is blaming citizens despite rising electricity demand; meanwhile PM Phillips met Siemens Energy on Gas-to-Energy operational readiness for the 300MW plant. Mining & Investment: Guyana signed a 10-year mineral agreement with Mako Mining for the Eagle Mountain Gold Project, while EPA exempted U92 Energy’s Kurupung uranium exploration from an EIA (exploration only). Trade & Infrastructure: Guyana and Japan moved to deepen trade and commercial ties; works continue at Parika Stelling with a temporary diversion jetty to restore heavier truck loading. Governance & Finance: Full Court upheld an injunction blocking Banks DIH from capping shareholder voting power. Mobile Services: One Communications warned 2G users to upgrade by Oct 31 or face service disruption. Aviation & Tourism: Guyana was selected to host the CAPA Airline Leader Summit (Americas) in 2027. Legal/Police: Police issued a clarification in the Mohameds extradition case after testimony on destruction of Special Branch notes.

Extradition Records Row: The Guyana Police Force says it is “clarifying” testimony in the Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed extradition case, insisting only personal working notes were shredded and burnt in an official incinerator, while official court records (station diary, arrest warrants and related documents) were produced. Power & Planning Pressure: Opposition MPs hit back at Government and GPL over recurring blackouts, arguing the outages reflect poor planning and that asking citizens to conserve is unfair given rising demand. Mining Deal: Government signed a ten-year mineral agreement with Mako Mining for the Eagle Mountain Gold Project, setting legal and fiscal stability for large-scale open-pit development. Uranium Oversight: EPA exempted U92 Energy’s Kurupung uranium exploration from an EIA, while stressing it’s not approval for mining. Trade Talks: Guyana and Japan launched high-level talks to deepen trade, investment and commercial joint ventures. Finance Access: Finance Minister Ashni Singh urged businesses to tap a UK Export Finance facility expanded to £3B. Workplace Tragedy: A 76-year-old contractor was crushed to death by a reversing truck at Banks DIH in Georgetown. Oil Demand Outlook: The IEA cut its 2026 oil demand forecast amid Middle East disruptions, keeping pressure on energy markets.

Eagle Mountain Gold Deal: Canada’s Mako Mining signed a mineral agreement with Guyana for the Eagle Mountain Gold Project, setting a stability framework as construction is expected to start in Q3 2027 and gold production targeted for end-2028. Oil & Costs Watch: Brent crude pushed above US$100 as Middle East supply risks mount, a move that could lift transport and production costs for the region. Trade & Logistics Pressure: CARICOM’s private sector group warns El Niño is cutting Panama Canal transits, raising landed costs and thinning inventories for 2026 Q4 and 2027. Local Water Conservation: GWI issued an El Niño advisory urging households to save water immediately. Guyana–Japan Ties: Finance Minister Ashni Singh met Japan’s delegation to deepen trade and attract more Japanese companies to Guyana. UK Export Finance Push: Guyanese businesses were urged to tap a £3B UKEF facility to fund equipment and expansion. Extradition Court Drama: In the Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed extradition case, the Special Branch head testified he shredded and burned records tied to a US Marshal’s post-arrest conversation. Business Disruption: A major fire destroyed the Regent Household Electronics Store on Regent Street, Georgetown. Sports (Business Angle): Guyana Amazon Warriors clinched top CPL playoff seeding after beating St Lucia Kings.

Oil & Energy Markets: Brent crude pushed back above US$100 as Middle East tensions and US-Iran strikes raised fears of supply disruption, keeping energy costs and investment sentiment in focus. Local Power & Infrastructure: GPL says it will add 5MW to the national grid, but questions linger on whether it can tame chronic blackouts while the Wales gas-to-energy project remains delayed. Mining Investment: Mako Mining signed a mineral agreement with the Government for the Eagle Mountain gold project, with construction targeted for Q3 2027 and first production expected by end-2028. Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says the sector has “massively transformed” since 2020, citing big budget growth and higher output in rice and priority commodities. Water Conservation: GWI issued an El Niño dry-weather advisory urging households to cut water use immediately. Trade & Finance: Guyanese businesses were urged to tap a £3B UK Export Finance facility to fund equipment and expansion. International Partnerships: President Ali says Guyana-Qatar ties are deepening into a strategic partnership across energy, investment, food security and human capital. Governance & Courts: Extradition proceedings for Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar Mohamed resume, with the prosecutor citing “compelling evidence.” Business & Safety: Police seized suspected smuggled goods at Port Kaituma, arresting a businesswoman. Sports (Business-leaning): Guyana Amazon Warriors secured top CPL playoff seed after a win over St Lucia Kings, powered by Imran Tahir’s record-setting 5/17.

UK–Guyana Trade & Financing: UK Export Finance says it can back Guyanese private-sector imports of non-oil goods, with up to £3B available, as UK–Guyana trade hits over £2.2B for Q1 2026. Energy Costs & Oil Prices: Brent surged above $100 a barrel again on Middle East escalation, raising fears of higher transport and business costs. Digital Trade Warning: A World Bank/IDB/WTO report says Guyana risks falling behind in digital trade rules and infrastructure, urging stronger commitments and integration. Migration Deal Under Fire: Guyana’s first arrivals of “skilled, non-criminal” third-country deportees from the US (via IOM) are drawing calls for the full agreement to be published. Oil Profit-Sharing Debate: Former EPA head Dr Vincent Adams urges ring-fencing to protect Stabroek Block profit share from sliding. Local Business Disruption: Regent Household Electronics on Regent Street was gutted by a major fire, with nearby businesses also scorched. Maritime Salvage Bids: Three firms submitted bids to salvage the MV Barima after its July sinking. CPL Spotlight: Imran Tahir made history with a record-oldest T20 five-wicket haul as Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Saint Lucia Kings.

Oil & Inflation Watch: Brent crude jumped back above US$100 a barrel for the first time since July 24, climbing about 2% as US-Iran tensions and Iran-backed Houthi attacks on Saudi energy facilities stoked fresh fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Local Energy Politics: Opposition figures renewed pressure on GPL over blackouts, while former EPA head Vincent Adams urged President Ali to ring-fence future Stabroek Block projects to protect Guyana’s profit share. Gas-to-Energy Update: PM Mark Phillips visited the Wales gas-to-energy site, saying major components are installed and the first gas turbine could come online by end-2026. Water Infrastructure: Government will use part of a US$76M CDB loan to install transmission mains for water supply in Regions 2, 3, 5 and 6. Maritime Recovery: Three firms submitted bids to salvage the MV Barima after it sank in July; NPTAB will evaluate bids before negotiations. Digital Trade Push: World Bank/IDB/WTO warned Guyana risks falling behind in digital trade frameworks and integration. Business & Industry: ANSA McAL named Padma De Lima as managing director of Guyana Breweries effective Oct 1, 2026. Sports (CPL): Antigua & Barbuda Falcons ended the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ unbeaten run with a 65-run win at Providence.

Oil & Energy Markets: Brent crude surged back above $100 a barrel on Wednesday, driven by intensifying US-Iran tensions and attacks on Middle East oil infrastructure, raising fresh supply-disruption fears and adding to global energy-cost pressure that could spill into inflation and borrowing costs. Guyana–Qatar Diplomacy: President Irfaan Ali used Guyana’s 60th Independence celebrations in Doha to frame ties with Qatar as a “partnership of purpose,” with talks also covering expanded cooperation in investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and carbon credits. Power Reliability Watch: GPL says rising peak electricity demand is overloading feeders and transformers, contributing to outages; it plans to add 5MW by Wednesday and is pushing generation and grid upgrades while warning the public about dangerous work near power lines. Wales Gas-to-Energy Progress: The Wales gas-to-energy plant is targeting “first-fire” around Dec. 4 as efforts continue to feed more megawatts into the national grid. Business Support: The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce wrapped up its Community Business Clinic programme, expanding access to registration, tax, standards, financing and tourism guidance for entrepreneurs. Remittances Expansion: WapiPay entered Jamaica via a partnership with JN Money, enabling payouts through JN Money locations or direct bank deposits. Sports (Local Interest): Antigua & Barbuda Falcons ended Guyana Amazon Warriors’ CPL unbeaten run with a 65-run win.

Electricity Crunch & Grid Pressure: GPL says soaring peak demand (about 257MW) is overloading feeders and transformers, driving voltage fluctuations and outages; it plans to add 5MW by Wednesday and urges customers to avoid overloading the failing distribution grid. Energy Projects Progress: PM Mark Phillips and utilities officials visited the Wales Gas-to-Energy site as GPL reports steady work toward 600MW total capacity across phases, aiming to cut reliance on heavy fuel imports. Political Heat on Power Sector: Former Infrastructure Minister David Patterson blasts the Government’s electricity management as “clueless and incompetent,” while GPL points to demand and reserve-power limits. US Deportees Framework: Guyana begins accepting vetted, non-criminal third-country deportees from the US under a temporary one-year arrangement; officials stress sovereign veto power and no permanent resettlement. Community Business Support: Tourism, Industry and Commerce concluded its Community Business Clinic programme in Pakuri, expanding one-stop support for registration, taxes, standards, financing and tourism opportunities. Local Governance Clash: Linden Town Council faces a legal fight over municipal tolls on the Kara Kara Public Road after a ministerial cease-and-desist order. Mining Sector Social Impact: GGDMA rolls out 1,000 back-to-school packages worth over G$6M for children in mining communities. Aviation & Trade Links: Guyana’s appointment to ICAO’s Air Transport Regulation Panel and President Ali’s Qatar meetings highlight growing regional and global economic engagement. Housing Enforcement: CH&PA moves against unauthorised container storage at Herstelling, ordering removal within a week. Tech Leadership: TouchStar appoints Jamal Cobham as Managing Director as it pushes AI-native and civic/government tech expansion.

Electricity & Grid Stress: GPL says blackouts are driven by rising peak demand (7pm–9pm) and customers overloading breakers/AC settings; it urges users to notify upgrades and avoid increasing fuse amperage without permission. US–Guyana Migration Framework: Guyana has begun temporarily accepting vetted, skilled, non-criminal third-country nationals from the US (initially six arrivals); opposition MPs demand full disclosure and parliamentary scrutiny. Extradition Court Battle: Special Branch head Prem Narine told the extradition hearing that Azruddin Mohamed is a threat to society and national security, while defence argues the process is politically motivated. Oil Markets Watch: Brent stayed below $100 despite US–Iran escalation, with alternative routes and other producers offsetting supply disruptions; physical market signals tighter conditions. Energy Diplomacy: President Ali’s Qatar state visit highlights investment and energy cooperation, including talks between QIA and Guyana entities. Housing Push: CH&PA invited expressions of interest to build 400 sq ft one-bedroom units under the Social Housing Programme, and also plans townhouses at Ogle and Silica City. Tourism Uptick: Guyana recorded 48,582 visitors in August, up 5.6% year-on-year. Sports (CPL): Amazon Warriors remain unbeaten and moved to the top after replacing Nabi/Gurbaz for Afghanistan duty and winning key matches.

Power & Grid Stress: GPL admits the national grid is struggling, with distribution weaknesses exposed by outages and the biggest crunch between 7pm–9pm despite 253.6MW available generation. Housing Push: CH&PA invites contractors to build 400sqft one-bedroom homes under the Social Housing Programme (EOIs due Sept 21), while Govt also plans townhouses at Ogle and Silica City for young professionals. Tourism Uptick: Guyana recorded 48,582 visitors in August 2026, up 5.6% year-on-year, with leisure travel leading. Oil Governance Debate: Chartered accountant Christopher Ram urges ring-fencing every new Stabroek Block development to protect Guyana’s profit share from Exxon cost recovery. US Deportee Framework: Opposition MPs demand transparency after Guyana began receiving limited, vetted third-country deportees from the US (initial cohort of six). Extradition Court Drama: Special Branch head Prem Narine tells court Azruddin Mohamed is a threat to society and national security as extradition proceedings continue. Sports & Economy Mood: Amazon Warriors stay unbeaten in CPL as cricket tourism and local spending chatter grows.

Energy & Trade Routes: Oil importers are shifting away from traditional Middle East corridors as Iran-linked disruptions push longer, more dispersed supply lines—costlier, slower, but meant to cut geopolitical risk. Oil & Refining Debate: Energy experts warn Guyana’s refinery plans shouldn’t be limited to a 30,000 bpd target; they argue for larger capacity to better serve local fuel needs and reduce import dependence. Gas-to-Energy Project Risk: Lindsayca Guyana Inc. says it’s running out of funds for the Wales Gas-to-Energy Phase One, reportedly seeking an additional US$170M, raising doubts about meeting end-of-year grid delivery promises. Migration & Governance: Guyana finalized a temporary US migration cooperation framework via IOM for a limited, vetted group of non-criminal skilled deportees; officials say the US funds relocation while Guyana retains case-by-case discretion, drawing criticism over institutional capacity. Public Services & Standards: Leonora Hospital lab earns GNBS certification to boost diagnostic quality in Region Three. Local Infrastructure: GLSC plans new sub-offices in Mahdia and Springlands. Power Reliability: Linden reports 10 outages in two days despite added generation capacity. Business & Youth: GCCI launches a Youth Entrepreneur Conference to train ages 10–17 for modern sectors like tourism, agro-processing, and AI. Sports (Economy Angle): Republic Bank CPL continues with Warriors’ unbeaten run and Next Gen cricket clinics in Barbados.

Duty-Free for Racing Boats: President Irfaan Ali told Lake Mainstay Regatta boat racers the government will explore a special import category with duty concessions for competitive racing boats, with strict eligibility to prevent recreational abuse. Amerindian Youth Financing: Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek urged Amerindian youth to prepare now for Guyana Development Bank financing, including loans up to $3M for business and development projects. US Deportee Deal Sparks Pushback: Guyana finalized a temporary framework to receive a limited, vetted group of skilled, non-criminal third-country deportees via IOM, with the US funding relocation; APNU MP Ganesh Mahipaul warned Guyana must not become “last” in its own country. Gas-to-Energy Funding Strain: Lindsayca Guyana Inc. is reportedly running out of money on the Wales Gas-to-Energy project and has requested about US$170M more, raising delivery concerns. Oil Refinery Debate: Energy expert Marta Jara cautioned against Ali’s 30,000 bpd refinery plan, arguing Guyana should consider larger 300,000–500,000 bpd options to better meet fuel needs. GNBS Quality Boost: Leonora Cottage Hospital Lab earned GNBS certification for key diagnostic testing areas, adding to certified labs nationwide. Power Reliability Woes in Linden: Despite added generation capacity, Linden saw 10 outages in two days, according to MP Sharma Solomon. Land & Survey Expansion: GLSC plans new sub-offices in Mahdia and Springlands to improve regional service coverage. Infrastructure for Extractive Areas: Puruni River Bridge and access roads are advancing to replace a pontoon crossing with a permanent modular steel bridge and supporting community facilities. Road Safety Pressure: GPHC reports 1,500+ accident-related emergency visits up to end of August, with 180–200 per month. Youth Entrepreneurship: GCCI launched a Youth Entrepreneur Conference for ages 10–17, training young people in high-growth sectors like tourism, agro-processing, AI and marketing. Sports with Economic Angle: Republic Bank CPL Next Gen clinics in Barbados and Guyana’s archery event sponsorships highlight sports tourism and grassroots development.