AGP Executive Report

Defamation Fallout in Procurement: Sigma Engineers Ltd Inc. says it will pursue legal action after Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed linked the firm to alleged GWI contracts and preferential treatment tied to President Irfaan Ali’s brother; Sigma insists it has operated in Bangladesh since 2003, was registered in Guyana on Oct. 6, 2022, and won its first Guyana contract in 2026 via competitive bidding. Legal Threats Escalate: Mohamed Aqtar Ali’s lawyer also threatens a defamation suit, while Sigma’s counsel offers Mohamed a chance to withdraw statements or face court. Small Business Readiness for Development Bank: The Small Business Bureau warns entrepreneurs that access to new Development Bank financing will require better financial literacy, record-keeping, and sound business plans—not just demand for capital. Power Crunch in Linden: Record electricity demand and El Niño heat are blamed for load shedding and blackouts, with Linden’s grid under strain and protests brewing over who benefits from subsidised supply. Road Safety Push: Police Traffic is in the final phase of training to install speed limiter devices on heavy-duty trucks. MV Barima Support & Accountability: Government expands HEART Initiative support for survivors and families, including a new counselling platform, while opposition figures demand full published legal terms for aid. Regional Policy Focus: CARICOM education ministers back a plan to lift mathematics outcomes and expand skills pathways.

Electricity & Planning: Guyana’s peak power demand hit a record 242.64 MW as El Niño heat, housing growth and more commercial/industrial activity push the grid toward a projected 266 MW peak, with Linden also reporting outages tied to a generation shortfall and talks to boost capacity. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Linden’s mayor says municipal power planning is failing and protests are brewing over load shedding and conflicting supply arrangements under the Power Purchase Agreement. Maritime Safety & Rights: Region One leader Chris Debideen renewed calls to replace ageing ferries after the MV Barima disaster, while APNU MP Sherod Duncan demands the full legal terms for HEART Initiative relief so survivors aren’t pressured into waivers that could limit future litigation. Energy Industry: Modec says it’s moving to decarbonise future FPSOs, including work aimed at lowering carbon intensity across engineering, construction and operations. Business & Hospitality: Hyatt enters Guyana via Atlantic Suites Hotel in Georgetown, with plans to expand further. Legal/Corporate Dispute: Sigma Engineers rejects Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s allegations and signals legal action. Water Update: GWI says water quality in Mackenzie returned to normal after sediment-related discoloration and network flushing. Sports (Business Angle): CPL confirms Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop as inaugural Hall of Fame inductees, while Guyana’s club football continues to professionalize with Concacaf club licences for 2026/2027.

Electricity & Planning: APNU’s Sharma Solomon says Guyana’s power woes are a planning failure, pointing to rising demand on the Demerara-Berbice grid and feeders being pushed beyond design limits as El Niño drives record consumption. Local Power Response: Linden Electricity Company says outages in Region 10 are due to a critical generation shortfall (peak demand now over 15MW vs ~14.5MW available) and says it’s in talks with a supplier for extra immediate capacity. National Grid Build-Out: Government and GPL outline steps to boost supply as demand is projected to climb to about 266MW in the hottest months, with major additions expected from tracked infrastructure, data centres and a gas-to-energy push. Gas-to-Energy Billing Reality: Updates on the Wales Gas-to-Energy project suggest the promised 50% light-bill relief won’t arrive until enough capacity (about 228MW) is online. Oil Outlook: Exxon CEO Darren Woods tells shareholders that four more Stabroek Block discoveries could exceed expectations, using AI and new work in already-shot acreage. Oil Revenue Debate: Fresh commentary and letters keep spotlighting confusion around “50% profit” versus cost recovery and revenue shares under the PSA. Governance & Justice: A senior Guyanese lawyer argues the RJLSC has no power to review CCJ President Winston Anderson’s actions, while Anderson responds to leaked internal correspondence allegations. Land Regularisation: Government advances land regularisation with a coordination team and investigations expected to wrap by end-August in multiple regions. Diplomacy & Services: Panama appoints a new ambassador as it moves toward opening a physical embassy in Guyana; a Government Service Centre launches in Lethem to bring passports, IDs and certificates closer to residents. Business & Tourism: Hyatt adds Atlantic Suites as its first affiliated Guyana property, targeting a Hyatt Regency conversion in 2028. Agriculture & Food Storage: A regional food hub at Yarrowkabra is on schedule for completion soon, aiming to strengthen storage and CARICOM fresh-produce supply.

CCJ Integrity Watch: Retired judge Timothy Hamel-Smith backs a judicial enquiry into the Caribbean Court of Justice processes, saying it’s vital to restore public confidence, as CCJ President Winston Anderson rejects claims of panel fixing and other misconduct. Electricity Demand Pressure: Guyana Power and Light and government officials say El Niño-driven heat pushed demand to a record 242.64MW, with projections rising to about 266MW in Aug–Oct, while the Wales Gas-to-Energy project is expected to deliver 57MW by year-end (full benefits later). Power Expansion Plan: GPL’s 2026–2030 development programme projects rapid growth could add up to 307MW daily by 2030 from major infrastructure, data centres, and a fertiliser plant. Oil Outlook: Exxon CEO Darren Woods tells shareholders that four more Stabroek Block discoveries could exceed expectations, while noting parts of the acreage are affected by the Guyana–Venezuela border dispute before the ICJ. Diplomacy & Services: Panama appoints a new ambassador to Guyana as it moves to open a physical embassy; meanwhile, a Government Service Centre launches in Lethem to bring passports, ID cards, and certificates closer to Region Nine residents. LPG Safety Move: GNBS makes revised LPG regulator standard GYS 523 compulsory, tightening safety requirements for importers and distributors. Sports & Business Pulse: CPL/WCPL adjust start times for two Guyana Amazon Warriors fixtures on Sept. 6; Hyatt expands in Guyana with Atlantic Suites joining the Hyatt portfolio ahead of a Hyatt Regency Georgetown project.

Power & Grid Stability: Guyana is responding to El Niño-driven record electricity demand, with peak load hitting 242.64MW and projected to reach about 266MW in Aug–Oct; the Government says it will boost generation reserves while issuing conservation orders to state agencies and major users, including switching off AC units and lights when not in use. Gas-to-Energy Update: The Wales Gas-to-Energy project is expected to deliver 57MW by end-2026, with higher output (up to 228MW) in early 2027; officials also clarified that the promised 50% light-bill reduction won’t start until enough capacity is online. Land Regularisation: Government is advancing land regularisation in Regions 2, 4 and 5, setting a roadmap and timeline with investigations expected to conclude by end-August 2026, to support issuance of transports or certificates of title. Hospitality Investment: Atlantic Suites Hotel will convert to Hyatt Regency Georgetown Guyana in 2028 after an estimated US$50m expansion, adding rooms and upgraded meeting and event facilities. Agriculture & Trade: The Regional Food Hub at Yarrowkabra is on schedule, expected to be completed within four weeks, with cold storage to help farmers store perishable produce and strengthen CARICOM fresh-food supply. Governance & Rule of Law: The CCJ President, Winston Anderson, issued a statement condemning leaked internal correspondence and addressing allegations tied to court management and panel decisions. Oil & Finance: Exxon says over US$3.6b has been spent with local companies since 2019, while a financial analyst argues Guyana’s foreign currency issue is mainly liquidity and market infrastructure, not a true shortage.

Electricity & Cost Relief: Guyana’s power crunch is worsening as El Niño pushes demand to a record 242.64MW, with officials warning blackouts may persist until grid fixes are completed; the Wales Gas-to-Energy project is now expected to deliver 57MW by year-end, but the promised 50% light-bill reduction won’t start until the plant reaches higher output (228MW). Land Regularisation: Government is advancing land regularisation in Regions 2, 4 and 5, setting up a coordination team to drive investigations and move toward issuing transports/certificates of title, with work expected to conclude by end-August 2026. Oil & Local Spend: ExxonMobil says it has spent over US$3.6B with local companies since 2019 and involved more than 2,000 Guyanese suppliers, urging deeper participation higher up the supply chain. Finance & FX Liquidity: A financial analyst argues Guyana’s foreign currency issue is not a “shortage” but a liquidity/market problem, calling for stronger financial market infrastructure and interbank trading. Mobile Money Fees: Consumers complain about extra MMG agent charges on deposits; MMG says the additional fees are not authorised and its fee structure hasn’t changed. Hospitality Investment: Atlantic Suites Hotel is set to convert to a Hyatt Regency by 2028 under a roughly US$50M development plan. Regional Courts: The CCJ president issued a statement rejecting allegations of misconduct and panel fixing, while the court faces wider public scrutiny. Sports (Business Angle): CPL’s “zone of death” T10 Tapeball Blast kicks off today, with Guyana’s regional teams chasing playoff spots.

Oil & Energy: Petrobras says it has detected hydrocarbons in an exploratory well off Brazil’s Amazon coast, in the Equatorial Margin—an area where Guyana’s massive finds have already reshaped regional expectations. Local Oil Economy: ExxonMobil’s Guyana chief says the industry has spent over US$3.6B with local companies since 2019, with more than 2,000 vendors involved and a push to move beyond “easy” supply-chain work. Power & Cost Pressures: With El Niño driving demand, Government and GPL report peak electricity at 242.64MW and roll out conservation steps (switching off lights/AC in public buildings, peak-period load cuts by major users) while adding generation capacity. Mobile Money Fees: Consumers complain agents are charging extra MMG deposit fees; MMG insists its fee structure hasn’t changed and the added charges are not authorised. Transport & Recovery: PM Phillips says bids to salvage the MV Barima will be processed and evaluated before contract decisions; meanwhile, families say more than 30 remain lost. Business & Investment: Hyatt and RJR Investments will convert Atlantic Suites Hotel into a Hyatt Regency by 2028. Sports: Guyana Amazon Warriors notch their first CPL win, beating Jamaica Kingsmen by six wickets.

CCJ Integrity Under Fire: CCJ president Justice Winston Anderson condemned the unauthorized leak and publication of confidential internal correspondence, after reports alleged an internal rift and “authoritarian” management style. Oil & Local Business Impact: ExxonMobil says it has spent US$3.6B in Guyana to date and that the Stabroek consortium has recovered about US$55B in costs, while debate continues over Guyana’s full 50% profit share and transparency of cost recovery. Ferry Safety & Operations: MV Canawaima was cleared to sail again after an Aug. 13 reinspection, following Suriname’s safety concerns; operators say technical follow-up continues. Fire Service Facilities: The acting Fire Chief pushed back on claims about broken washrooms and safety issues at the Fire Service HQ, citing long-running structural and plumbing defects and repairs underway. Mobile Money Fees: Consumers complain agents are charging new extra fees for Mobile Money Guyana transactions, with agents saying commissions are too low. Gold Exploration Funding: Australian Liberty Metals raised about US$3.5M to fund exploration at its newly acquired Oko North and Oko South gold projects in Guyana. Community & Skills: EU-backed Upper Berbice cooperative commissioned a portable sawmill worth about $18M to boost value-added timber processing, with training support. Sports (CPL): Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Jamaica Kingsmen by six wickets, with Imran Tahir and Mohammad Nabi starring.

Caricom & US travel transparency: A new statement from the US Consulate General is reigniting debate in Guyana over whether full Caricom membership could affect visa-free travel for Bermudians, with critics saying the Guyana government must show it “did its homework” before campaigning. CCJ integrity row: The Caribbean Court of Justice leadership crisis is still spreading, with the GTUC calling for an internal investigation into alleged conflicts involving President Winston Anderson and leaked judge correspondence. US extradition timeline: The CCJ has set dates next month for the US extradition case involving Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar “Shell” Mohamed over alleged wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering tied to gold trading. Bottled water cost push: The Private Sector Commission and bottled water manufacturers agreed on a public-private approach to cut costs and strengthen local production, after concerns the state move could squeeze private firms. Healthcare upgrade: Guyana is modernising its neurological health strategy, including an Acute Stroke Unit at Georgetown Public Hospital and a new neuro-rehabilitation centre. Investment confidence numbers: GO-Invest says about G$1.06 trillion in private investment was facilitated over six years, with foreign investors leading and local firms expanding across mining, services, tourism, energy and ICT. Oil & profits debate: Opposition voices are again challenging Guyana’s 50% profit share in Exxon’s deal, while international commentary links oil price swings to regional conflict and corporate profits. Local business & infrastructure: City crews halted vending along Bourda/Robb Street during a major clean-up over health hazards, while Hyatt announced Atlantic Suites Hotel has joined its portfolio as Guyana’s first Hyatt affiliated hotel. Sports: Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Jamaica Kingsmen for a third straight CPL defeat, with Shai Hope’s unbeaten 56 and Mohammad Nabi’s 4-22 central to the win.

CARICOM Education Ministers (Guyana): The 52nd CARICOM Council for Human and Social Development on Education is underway in Georgetown, chaired by Guyana’s Education Minister Sonia Parag, with a push to strengthen maths, assessments, teacher development, and new regional frameworks for micro-credentials and apprenticeships. Bottled Water Cost Fight: The Private Sector Commission and bottled water manufacturers agreed on a public-private approach to lower bottled water costs, focusing on standardising PET preforms and improving margins so savings reach consumers. Disability Education Win: A pilot transition education programme for learners with disabilities concluded with 41 graduates completing the year and three passing the NGSA and moving into secondary schools. Local Business & Health: Georgetown’s Mayor and City Council launched a major sanitation drive around Bourda Market, temporarily halting vending on Robb Street while crews clear waste and fix sewer issues. Energy & Tech: GPL says its smart grid rollout won’t cut power losses immediately, as benefits build through better system visibility and control. Investment & Mining: GO-Invest reports G$1.06 trillion in private investment facilitated over six years, while Liberty Metals secured an option to acquire 90% of gold projects in the Oko district (44,288 acres). US-Guyana Infrastructure Signals: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau says American firms are expected to compete for Guyana infrastructure opportunities, including ports, roads, and housing. Sports: Jason Holder’s Patriots beat Saint Lucia Kings in the CPL, handing the home side its first defeat.

Oil & Tech: ExxonMobil says AI has flagged four new exploration opportunities in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, as it pushes drilling and targets 1.3m bpd by 2027 and 1.7m bpd by 2030. Local Content/Profit Split: After Exxon confirmed it recovered its US$55B investment, government says Guyana is already receiving its 50% profit share under the 2016 PSA—while opposition warns future project approvals could dilute Guyana’s take. Security & Airspace: The US will provide US$2m to help Guyana monitor airspace and build unmanned aerial system capabilities to tackle drug trafficking and strengthen border security. Hinterland Airfares: Domestic airlines and the Aviation Operators’ Association defend high ticket prices as cost-driven (fuel, maintenance, insurance, remote airstrips), while JAGS Aviation launches Lethem service with a 10% fare cut. CARICOM Education: CARICOM education ministers meet in Georgetown on skills, micro-credentials, assessments and improving maths—framing education as more than exams. Governance & Courts: GTUC urges an internal probe into alleged serious divisions within the CCJ, as political debate over CCJ integrity and access to justice continues. Transport Safety: Suriname threatens a sailing ban on the MV Canawaima unless safety fixes are completed; locally, Barima tragedy families picket for accountability and salvaging. Business/Legal: Pomeroon Trading (linked to David Lammy) ordered to pay $562,500 to an elderly landowner after a rent dispute tied to a failed coconut project. Crime: Police report a casino robbery at Tuschen (G$1.34M stolen), cannabis seizure (9.2kg), and a businessman found shot in a car at Ogle.

Oil & Fiscal Terms: Exxon says it has recovered its full US$55B investment, but Guyana’s 50% profit split is now back in the spotlight as government confirms the arrangement is already in effect—while opposition warns any new project approvals could shift economics and reduce Guyana’s take. Security & Tech: The U.S. and Guyana signed a new security MoU, with Washington pledging US$2M for air domain awareness and unmanned aerial system capabilities. Tourism & Research: CTO will launch a Caribbean Tourism Research Forum at SOTIC 2026 in Guyana to link research, policy and industry innovation. Transport Costs Debate: Domestic airlines and the Aviation Operators’ Association defend high hinterland airfares as driven by financing, maintenance, and especially insurance costs. Local Governance: New Amsterdam leaders say they were sidelined from discussions on the model village-driven modernisation plans. Crime & Public Safety: Police report a toy-gun scare by a constable, a Tuschen casino robbery of G$1.34M, and arrests after 9.2kg of cannabis was found in a motorcar. Regional Shipping: Suriname threatens to ban the MV Canawaima unless safety and technical fixes are completed; Guyana says maintenance and dry-docking are Suriname’s responsibility under the JV.

Oil & Energy: Guyana crossed the one-billion-barrel oil production milestone, with output now nearing 900,000 bpd and expected to top one million bpd by end-2026 after a new FPSO arrives later this year. US–Guyana Ties: Guyana and the United States signed an MoU to deepen security cooperation, including counternarcotics and border security, while also discussing expanded economic cooperation in energy and critical minerals. Petroleum Revenue Debate: Opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed renewed calls for full disclosure on what ExxonMobil’s full cost recovery means for Guyana’s profit share and remaining recoverable costs. Food Supply & Prices: Government will temporarily import about 330,000 lbs of chicken weekly to stabilise local supply while poultry production catches up. Aviation Costs: The Aviation Operators’ Association says domestic airfare prices reflect high operating costs—especially insurance and aircraft capital repayments—after President Ali raised concerns about affordability. Regional Courts: Heads of judiciary across CARICOM pledged support for the CCJ’s integrity amid ongoing allegations around the court’s leadership and judge independence. Tourism & Research: CTO announced a Caribbean Tourism Research Forum at SOTIC 2026 in Guyana to connect research with tourism policy and industry decisions. Maritime Link: Guyana responded to Suriname’s threat of a sailing ban for the MV Canawaima, stressing fuel/lubricant/battery supply is Guyana’s side under the joint venture, while maintenance/dry docking is Suriname’s responsibility. Local Business: Mings Products & Services marked 35 years in Guyana, while Massy Stores reopened a redeveloped supermarket in Barbados after a BDS$46M investment.

Oil & Revenue Transparency: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and former Finance Minister Winston Jordan are pressing the government to explain what ExxonMobil’s claim of full recovery of over US$55B in Stabroek Block costs means for Guyana’s profit share and future receipts, after citizens learned details through Exxon rather than official disclosure. Power & Grid Investment: GPL says it will spend about US$4.8B over five years to expand and upgrade the national grid, modernise transmission and distribution, cut system losses and improve reliability. Food Supply & Imports: Government will temporarily import about 330,000 pounds of chicken weekly as local poultry output falls short, while also expanding cold-storage capacity to smooth future shortages. Aviation Costs Debate: The Aviation Operators’ Association of Guyana says domestic airfares reflect real operating costs—aircraft repayments, high insurance premiums and maintenance on laterite/gravel strips—not profiteering, and is open to a targeted assistance programme. Security & Diplomacy: Guyana and the US signed an MoU to deepen security cooperation, as Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau meets President Ali on energy and critical minerals. Transport Safety: Guyana says it’s working with Suriname to resolve issues around MV Canawaima that could lead to a sailing ban, while Suriname’s maritime authority demands safety fixes. Local Business & Urban Upgrades: Stakeholders were consulted on Kingston’s beautification and infrastructure overhaul, covering drainage, roads, parking, utilities, lighting and traffic flow. Energy/Mining Pipeline: Canada-based U92 Energy filed for a public offering to fund its Kurupung uranium drill programme, expecting EPA approval soon. Governance & Courts: The Guyana Bar Association urged the CCJ President to run the court in line with the code of judicial conduct after concerns over leaked internal emails.

Development Finance: The Guyana Development Bank is being positioned as a game-changer for startups and underserved borrowers, with the Private Sector Commission saying it can unlock new opportunities for young entrepreneurs, university graduates and single mothers who often lack collateral. Model Villages & Local Jobs: President Ali is pushing the Model Village initiative for Essequibo Coast communities, promising safer, cleaner living with road, drainage, lighting, walkways and vending-hub upgrades—plus economic chances for residents to earn and build businesses. Food Prices & Logistics: Ali announced a proposed subsidised Charity-to-Moruca cargo service to cut freight costs and ease food prices, with a youth-led consortium model supported via the Development Bank. Water Bottling Fight: President Ali defended GWI’s GY$496.3M state-run bottled water plan, saying it’s not competition with local firms—while opposition MPs and manufacturers’ groups demand the money be redirected to fixing failing municipal water systems. Tourism Growth: Guyana welcomed 226,463 visitors in the first half of 2026, up 12%, with GTA projecting 500,000+ arrivals by year-end. Entrepreneurship Push (Region Five): Financing and mentorship opportunities linked to the Model Village approach are expected to launch in Region Five within two weeks. Offshore/Shipping Risk: A U.S. court sentenced a shadow-fleet tanker captain to jail and deportation for fleeing Coast Guard orders, highlighting ongoing enforcement pressure on illicit shipping. Private Sector Expansion: Amaya Milk Company says it will soon start producing mozzarella in Region Five, expanding value-added dairy and buying local milk from farmers. Clean-Up & Market Access: Georgetown City Council temporarily shut vending along Robb Street, Bourda during a major clean-up to address clogged drains and sewage issues.

Oil & Fiscal Clarity: ExxonMobil says it has recovered its full US$55B investment in Guyana, with profit share expected to rise to 50%—a development Opposition figures say the government must immediately explain, especially what Guyana is receiving and when. Energy Security & Critical Minerals: The U.S. Department of War announced an US$85.5M equity deal to help acquire and expand a refractory-grade bauxite mine in Guyana, tying the supply chain to U.S. defense needs. U.S.-Guyana Talks: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is set to visit Guyana (Aug 9–12) to meet President Ali and cabinet on energy, critical minerals, and expanding investment. Water Bottling Fight: President Ali defended GWI’s US$496.3M state-run bottled water plan, insisting it is “not in competition” with local firms while critics warn it could crush private enterprise. Transport Costs & Food Prices: Ali announced a proposed Charity-to-Moruca cargo service to cut freight charges in Region One, with Guyana Development Bank support and youth-led cluster ownership. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed is calling for urgent inspections of deteriorating East Bank overpasses after alleging exposed wiring and broken access systems. Mining & Uranium: Region Seven officials urged “hands off the Kurupung” uranium project as U92 Energy prepares to begin drilling after EPA approval. Business Growth: Amaya Milk Company says it will start producing mozzarella in Region Five, expanding value-added dairy from local milk supplies. Tourism Pipeline: Registration opened for CTO’s SOTIC 2026 (Oct 5–9) in Georgetown, aiming to attract investment and partnerships for Guyana’s tourism push. Social Protection: New figures show 532 girls under 18 were placed in emergency care after abuse between 2020–2025, alongside 124 police reports of domestic and family violence involving girls.