AGP Executive Report

Border & Police Accountability: U.S.-sanctioned businessman Mark “Demon” Cromwell denied any role in the disappearance of two Surinamese men, accusing police of corruption and trying to frame his family, as his brother Jimol Murphy and another man linked to the case were granted $1m bail after defence arguments that police have not produced proof of abduction. Court & Bail Developments: Murphy’s abduction charge over the Rosignol disappearance was challenged in court, with lawyers citing an alibi and lack of material proof, while unrest in Vigilance followed the arrests. Agriculture Month & Food Security: President Irfaan Ali said Guyana now has a “regional responsibility” to help feed the Caribbean, pointing to innovation, agro-processing and tech-driven farming to cut import dependence. Farmers’ Market Push: A weekly Sophia farmers’ market starts every Wednesday to lower prices and improve returns for producers. Infrastructure Update: Load testing is underway on the New Mackenzie–Wismar bridge ahead of opening, aimed at easing Demerara River bottlenecks. Aviation Connectivity: Guyana renewed air services with France and signed an agreement with Panama, expanding route options and trade links. Energy Transparency Debate: APNU’s Sharma Solomon renewed calls for disclosure on Amaila Falls costs, tariffs and state guarantees before commitments are made.

Oil & Local Content: ExxonMobil projects Guyana will push beyond 1 million barrels per day by year-end, with local content earnings topping US$3.6B and over 2,000 vendors participating. Aviation & Trade: Guyana signed an Air Services Agreement with Greece, boosting connectivity even without direct flights, while a Guyana–Dominican Republic MOU targets aviation decarbonisation under ICAO CORSIA. Security & Courts: Attorney General Anil Nandlall says courts will see more freeze, detention and forfeiture applications as Guyana shifts to tracing criminal money after INTERPOL warnings. Illegal Mining Probe: APNU MP Sharma Solomon urges investigations into the financiers behind illegal mining, not just the miners. Agriculture Month 2026: The ministry launched Agriculture Month with a tech-and-youth focus, including farmers’ markets and Honey Fest, and highlighted drones, sensors and digital tools. Housing & US Support: Two US firms will build 10,000 affordable homes in Guyana under EXIM Bank financing. Business & Jobs: Massy confirms it’s selling its Caterpillar business to Guyanese-linked MACORP, with staff transition plans. Public Safety: Police report a fatal chop incident in Parika involving a six-year-old; the suspect is in custody. Retail: Starbucks opened at Giftland Mall.

Oil & Local Content: ExxonMobil says Guyana is on track to cross 1 million barrels per day by year-end, with local content spending topping US$3.6B and 2,000+ vendors involved. Housing & Finance: Two U.S. firms (US Frame Factory and Golden Shield Homes) backed by EXIM financing are set to build 10,000 affordable homes in Guyana. Aviation & Trade: Guyana and Greece sign an Air Services Agreement to boost connectivity and competition, while Guyana hosts the Global Aviation Safety Forum and pushes stronger aviation safety oversight. Agriculture & Food Prices: Agriculture Month 2026 kicks off with a push for tech-driven farming and weekly farmers’ markets (starting Sophia) to cut middlemen markups and ease food costs. Security & Crime Finance: Opposition MP Sharma Solomon calls for investigations into the financial networks behind illegal mining, linking it to drug money flows. Tourism Sustainability: Guyana reports 60% compliance on Green Destinations’ sustainability criteria, with 10 businesses earning the Good Travel Seal. Regional Cooperation: CARICOM moves to advance a digital health strategy with PAHO, IDB and World Bank support. Legal/Assets: Authorities warn courts to expect more applications to freeze, seize and forfeit criminal assets.

Aviation & Trade: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana is seeking a major airline partner to use CJIA Terminal 2 as a global hub, while the government prepares to finalise negotiations and also targets an aviation training partner as the ICAO/EASA forum opens in Georgetown with delegates from nearly 60 countries. Power & Infrastructure: GPL again pressed contractors on electricity project deadlines amid repeated Demerara-Berbice blackouts, as public frustration grows. Oil & Mining: ExxonMobil marked one billion barrels of oil from Guyana projects, while Zijin’s AGM reported US$334M revenue from the Aurora gold mine in the first half of 2026. Local Economy & Skills: The Education Ministry commissioned a new AutoCAD lab at New Amsterdam Secondary to expand TVET and digital design training, and ten tourism businesses received the “Good Travel Seal” for sustainable tourism. Governance & Accountability: A court ordered Commissioner of Information Charles Ramson Snr. to process three access-to-information requests, framed as a win for civil society. Public Safety: A COI into the MV Barima disaster is set to start in the first week of October, and children evacuated after a Plum Park children’s home fire are receiving counselling. Enforcement: Three miners were detained for illegal mining along the Siparuni riverbank, with equipment seized and reclamation costs expected.

Aviation & Trade: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana is ready to finalise talks with a major airline to use CJIA Terminal Two as a global hub, with a Caribbean-wide air/sea monitoring system also planned. Security & Compliance: Three miners, including two non-nationals, were detained for illegal mining along the Siparuni riverbank; equipment was seized and river damage is being assessed. Transport & Housing: US Frame Factory and Golden Shield, backed by EXIM financing, are set to build 10,000 affordable homes in Guyana. Energy & Cost of Living: GuyOil raised fuel prices again—gasoline up to $258/litre and diesel to $318/litre—citing global supply pressures. Skills & Jobs: An $85M AutoCAD lab is being commissioned for New Amsterdam students, expanding technical education. Tourism: Ten businesses received the “Good Travel Seal” as Guyana scales sustainable tourism certification. Governance & Justice: A High Court ruling orders the Access to Information Commissioner to process Ramson’s requests within 60 days. Public Safety: Children evacuated after a fire at Plum Park/Sophia Children’s Home are receiving counselling and continuous care. Crime & Enforcement: Police seized 36 pounds of suspected cocaine hidden in frozen fish; a separate case saw a Glock 19 and 13 rounds found in Georgetown. Oil & Accountability: Exxon says it paid US$1.1B in taxes to GRA in 2025, while also arguing PSA terms mean it doesn’t pay taxes to the state.

Children’s Safety: Nine minors were hospitalized after smoke inhalation in a fire at the Children and Family Home in Plum Park, Sophia; officials say all children were accounted for and evacuated, with affected children taken to GPHC. Regional Mobility: MV Canawaima’s Guyana–Suriname ferry service resumes after re-inspection, with technical monitoring continuing and operations unaffected. Youth & Skills: President Ali urged young Guyanese to seize emerging opportunities, pointing to youth-focused projects; meanwhile NATI welcomed 251 new TVET students and Education commissioned two new AutoCAD labs to expand industrial technology training. Football Development: Aspire Zone Foundation and the Guyana Football Federation signed an MoU to boost Under-14 and Under-17 programmes, coaching, and possible training camps. Business & Community: AmCham Guyana’s third annual golf tournament drew a record 27 teams; Trident BMC-LLC won. Security & Crime: Police detained a suspect after 36 pounds of cocaine were found concealed in frozen fish. Energy Planning: Government is reviewing proposals for a national fuel storage network to build larger reserves and reduce exposure to imported fuel price swings.

AmCham Golf: Trident BMC-LLC edged Century Tamara and Panko Team to win AmCham Guyana’s third annual golf tournament at Lusignan Golf Club, with 27 teams and 108 players. Football Development: The GFF and Aspire Zone Foundation signed an MoU in Doha to boost youth and grassroots football, with technical/coaching support for Guyana’s U-14 and U-17 teams. TVET Expansion: NATI welcomed 251 new students for 2026–2027 training, while the Education Ministry commissioned two new AutoCAD labs at Hope Secondary and North Ruimveldt to widen digital technical pathways. Maritime Capacity: GRSE is expanding shipbuilding capacity to build 32 vessels concurrently and is targeting commercial and export markets. Public Safety & Crime: Police seized 36 pounds of suspected cocaine hidden in frozen fish in Richmondville, Providence; one suspect was arrested. Aviation & Jobs: Delegates from nearly 60 countries are set for an ICAO/EASA aviation safety forum in Georgetown, while ASL announced fleet and infrastructure expansion including Guyana’s first FBO facility and 150 jobs. Energy & Infrastructure: Government is reviewing proposals for a national fuel storage network to hold larger reserves as imported fuel costs rise. Agriculture: NDIA completed a $60M drainage sluice at Buses Lust to reduce flooding risk and support farm output. NIS Watch: A finance-and-policy column says NIS cash flow looks healthy but long-term sustainability and administration concerns remain.

UN Leadership Race: China urged the next UN secretary-general to be “competent, impartial and upright,” as candidates including Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett remain in the spotlight. Water & Housing: GWI plans to drill 14 new wells for CH&PA housing schemes in Region Three as water shortages strain new communities. Aviation & Jobs: Air Services Limited says it will build Guyana’s first Fixed-Base Operator facility for business jets, alongside fleet expansion that could create 150 jobs. Transport Safety: An ASL aircraft ran off the Mahdia runway; no injuries reported, while police continue runway-safety scrutiny after prior incidents. Fuel Costs: GUYOIL raised retail fuel prices countrywide, with gasoline, diesel and ULSD all up amid tighter global energy markets. Oil Skills & Education: President Ali says Guyana is moving toward a specialised STEM school with Exxon. Social Support: HEART Initiative reports over GYD $75M and 750+ persons assisted for MV Barima victims. Tourism Accountability: A World Tourism Day commentary calls for real visitor and revenue figures, not just arrivals and departures totals. Labour & Equality: Women’s groups join labour-law review consultations to push for stronger workplace equality and non-discrimination.

Aviation & Business: Air Services Limited (ASL) says it will build Guyana’s first Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) facility to boost executive/business aviation services, including passenger handling, VIP lounges, concierge support, ground handling, refuelling, flight dispatch, and aircraft maintenance. Fuel Prices: GUYOIL has raised retail fuel prices nationwide, with gasoline now $258/litre, diesel $318/litre, ULSD $370/litre, and kerosene $230/litre, citing tighter global energy markets. Climate Finance: Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh urged UN climate-vulnerability talks to treat natural capital as part of debt sustainability and climate financing, backing debt-for-nature swaps and biodiversity credits. Oil Governance Fight: ExxonMobil pushed back against calls for ring-fencing new oil projects, as Guyana’s profit-share debate continues. Power Crisis Pressure: Government again told consumers to expect another six months before electricity stabilises, with plans to overhaul generating capacity and complete key transmission work. Labour & Equality: Women’s groups are pressing for Guyana’s labour-law rewrite to lock in equality and non-discrimination as oil-driven growth reshapes work. Skills for the Future: ILO warned that fast tech change can leave workers behind unless skills systems keep pace. Aviation Safety: GCAA warned runway animal trespassers face fines up to $1M and jail, signalling tougher enforcement. Tourism & Jobs: Tourism officials say Guyana’s tourism push must use AI and digital tools without losing the human touch, while Aagman Restaurant expands in Region Three. Justice & Accountability: Police testimony in the Azruddin Mohamed extradition case raised questions about why alleged execution-style killings were never charged.

Oil & Energy: US crude imports from Iraq resumed to an average 51,000 bpd last week, while Guyana’s exports to the US averaged 171,000 bpd. Oil Governance Debate: Exxon Guyana chief Alistair Routledge told critics “it’s not our job” to raise living standards, reigniting arguments over Guyana’s profit share and accountability. UN Diplomacy & Essequibo: President Irfaan Ali rejected Venezuela’s UN push to abandon the ICJ, insisting Caracas must comply with the court process. Public Finance Watch: The 2026 Mid-Year Report is drawing fresh scrutiny, including commentary on NIS cashflow versus long-term actuarial health. EV Skills & Jobs: Guyana Energy Agency graduated 25 more EV/hybrid technicians (102 total), as charging use rises. Aviation Safety: GCAA warned of animals crossing runways and said offenders face prosecution under the Civil Aviation Act. Maritime Disaster Response: MARAD seeks salvage firms for the MV Barima wreck; a retired Coast Guard captain is training ferry crews on emergency drills. Tourism & Local Capacity: 19 bird guides were accredited, boosting specialised birding tourism. Workplace Reform: Government launched initiatives targeting toxic workplaces, intimidation, and sexual exploitation/harassment in the public service. Crime & Security: Two suspects were arrested in an armed robbery at Nandy Park; separate reports detail gunpoint robbery of two Cuban nationals.

Oil & Gas Accountability: Exxon Guyana’s president Alistair Routledge pushed back on calls for the company to “do more,” saying it’s “not our job” and that Exxon is not elected to represent the people. Local Content & Oversight: The Audit Office says it’s trying to build stronger oil-and-gas scrutiny capacity after funding proposals were blocked, while mid-year reporting shows oil firms spent about US$466.2M on goods and services for greater Guyanese participation and local content approvals are being processed faster. Project Delivery: Finance Minister Ashni Singh warned contractors of liquidated damages for delays, as government tightens contract management. EV Skills Push: The Guyana Energy Agency graduated 25 more EV/hybrid technicians (102 trained total), citing rising charging use and the need for local repair capacity. Tourism Skills: 19 birding professionals were accredited, boosting niche birding tourism linked to conservation. Migration & Labour Planning: President Ali said Guyana is drafting a flexible migration policy as the economy prepares for up to three million people passing through by 2030. Public Service Workplace Reform: Government launched gender equality and PSEAH training, targeting intimidation and toxic workplace behaviour. Crime & Security: Police arrested two suspects in a Nandy Park armed robbery; INTERPOL warned criminal networks now operate like corporations. UN & Diplomacy: Guyana’s UN envoy Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett topped the Security Council vote count in the race to replace Guterres, while Ali told Venezuela to respect the ICJ ruling on Essequibo.

Oil & Gas Policy: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana is reviewing whether it should invest directly in the next phase of oil projects as its Stabroek share rises to 39.8%, while critics point to Bank of Guyana data suggesting less than 30%. Bauxite Expansion: Talks with US-linked partners focus on a US$150M package to expand bauxite mining and processing, including new calcination and brown-fused alumina plans. Telecom Disruption: One Communications reports vandalism and copper theft disrupting service for about 7,000 customers over two months, urging stronger protection and public reporting. Security & Crime Finance: INTERPOL warns criminal syndicates are increasingly using illegal gold mining to launder cocaine profits, citing Operation Guyana Shield arrests and seizures. Diaspora Investment Push: Ali tells Guyanese in New York a special diaspora investment vehicle is coming with guaranteed returns, alongside plans for a single government services app and a national payment system. Public Safety Spending: Home Affairs Minister Walrond says about $467B has been allocated to public safety and security since 2020, with $100B budgeted for 2026. Business & Trade: GuyExpo 2026 officially launches (Nov 12–15) with registration open, positioning the fair as a growth platform for MSMEs. Infrastructure/Health Courts: VAMED asks the Court of Appeal to overturn a decision allowing government access to hospital sites pending arbitration.

GuyExpo 2026 Launch & SME Push: Guyana’s flagship trade show was officially launched for Nov 12–15 at the National Exhibition Centre, with registration now open and a clear message to use the expo to win customers, partners and investment. Diaspora Investment Vehicle: President Irfaan Ali told Guyanese in New York that a special government-backed investment vehicle is coming soon, aimed at funding major projects like fertiliser and gas bottling, with guaranteed returns, alongside plans for a single mobile app for government services and a national payment system. Development Bank Transparency Debate: APNU questioned the legality of publishing names of prospective Development Bank borrowers, citing confidentiality rules in the Development Bank Act. Public Finance Under Scrutiny: The Auditor General warned that the rapidly growing national budget (G$1.558T in 2026) is making projects bigger and more complex, raising the bar for audits. Customs Identity Measures: The GRA reintroduced official Customs Officer badges to boost public confidence and curb impersonation fraud. Health & Infrastructure Moves: The Full Court cleared the way for government to take over VAMED hospital sites, while Region Seven invited bids for upgraded health facilities in Upper Mazaruni communities. Security & Crime Response: INTERPOL’s Americas conference opened in Guyana as officials warned criminal networks are operating like corporations, exploiting ports, borders and crypto.

INTERPOL Americas Conference: Georgetown hosted the 27th INTERPOL Americas Regional Conference, ending with calls to hit illicit financial flows and boost cross-border information sharing, including wider use of INTERPOL tools to trace, freeze and recover proceeds of crime. Fuel & cost of living: Diesel prices rose again at multiple Georgetown stations, with one site lifting all grades, adding pressure as households already feel global energy shocks. Telecom disruption: One Communications reported fibre and mobile services were restored after a cable was damaged during construction on Carifesta Avenue, with permanent repair still being planned. Energy & local business: ExxonMobil Guyana’s Alistair Routledge told the GCCI energy luncheon that private local bodies must help build the foundation for future gas development and contractor participation. Gas-to-energy & SDGs: President Ali reiterated that Guyana’s growth should align with UN SDGs, while also pushing partnerships to expand healthcare, energy security and technology. Water for schools: Project FLOW expanded purified water access to 19 Region Six schools and training centres, supporting safer learning for thousands. Transport & ferry risk: SGCC urged redundancy for the Corentyne crossing after MV Canawaima disruption, highlighting business and passenger impacts while maritime checks continue. Fire safety: Guyana Fire Service urged developers and owners to install sprinklers and smoke detectors as multi-storey construction grows. Oil & industry: Rusal is reportedly seeking buyers for Windalco in Jamaica and bauxite operations in Guyana, signaling possible restructuring in the region’s bauxite-alumina supply chain. Tourism push: GuyExpo 2026 was launched, positioning investment and enterprise at the centre of Guyana’s next growth phase.

SDGs & Oil-Driven Development: President Irfaan Ali told the GCCI that Guyana must align growth with the UN Sustainable Development Goals—pushing clean energy, jobs, infrastructure, climate action, and responsible use of forests and marine resources. Local Content Rules: GCCI wants clearer government guidance so oil and gas contractors in Guyana benefit local businesses, with more monitoring and better information for local firms. Crime Response Gets Regional Push: At the INTERPOL Americas conference in Georgetown, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond and PM Mark Phillips urged faster intelligence sharing and stronger cross-border coordination against narcotics, cybercrime, money laundering and illegal mining. Judicial Independence Under Strain: Caribbean jurist Courtney Abel warned that the US visa review affecting High Court Justice Gino Persaud could have wider implications for judicial independence. Legal Warning on Tasers: AG Anil Nandlall said buying or possessing tasers without authority could breach Guyana’s Firearms Act and bring up to 15 years in prison. Food Security Call: Finance Minister Ashni Singh urged coordinated action across agrifood systems at a UN forum, noting Guyana’s hunger reduction but warning global risks from El Niño and conflict. Protected Forest Plan: Guyana plans to designate 3.7 million acres of forest in the Acarai-Rupununi corridor as a protected area. Opposition Platform Disruptions: WIN says another official Facebook page was removed, adding to concerns about lost communication channels for the opposition.

LPG Safety Push: GNBS standards for LPG cylinders (GYS 264) and low-pressure regulators (GYS 523) are now compulsory, tightening requirements on stamping, markings, relief devices, and regulator testing to curb leaks and explosions. Caribbean Business Expansion: DDL broke ground on a US$10m St Kitts expansion to add bottling and use the island as a hub for Guyanese-made drinks across smaller Caribbean markets. Mining Energy Transition: Zijin Longking plans US$232m for solar-plus-storage at Suriname’s Rosebel and Guyana’s Aurora gold mines, aiming to cut diesel use and support expansion. Aviation Regulation Milestone: Guyana’s Civil Aviation Authority secured a seat on ICAO’s Air Transport Regulation Panel, boosting the country’s voice in global air transport rules. Digital Government Plans: President Ali says a single “My Guyana” app for government services is targeted for next year, alongside a national payment platform by year-end. Regional Security & Sanctions: Guyana signed onto the “Shield of the Americas” sanctions action targeting 24 narco-terrorist groups, including asset freezes and visa restrictions. Environment Update: Mangrove coverage rose by 324 hectares in the first half of 2026, strengthening coastal protection efforts.