AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Trade & Business: Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) kicks off a major trade mission to Guyana and Suriname (June 8–14) with 38 companies and 58 participants, aiming for new partnerships and market insights. US Trade Policy: USTR proposes new Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labour import findings, with additional duties ranging from 10% to 12.5% across 60 economies (comments due July 6; hearing July 7). Energy & Transport: Guyana plans to expand public EV charging to 24 stations by year-end (adding 13), while the US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is about 90% complete with drainage and electrical works progressing. Mining & Aviation: Aris Mining starts Puruni River bridge works for the Toroparu Gold Project; Xen Aviation adds a Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander to boost domestic connectivity. Local Economy & Jobs: LCDS support helps St Cuthbert’s Mission near completion of a $10M cassava mill to create jobs and add value for farmers. Health & Tech: Guyana’s organ donation and transplant system gets a new EU-funded initiative, and an Indian surgeon completes a world-record robotic cardiac telesurgery between Guyana and India. Crime: A 23-year-old farmer confesses to the murder of 7-year-old Adriel Mohamed and the attempted murder of a 72-year-old woman in Zeelugt.

Mining Policy: Guyana’s gold sector critics say foreign firms pay “ridiculously low” annual rental of just US$5 per acre for large-scale mining licences, while locals pay US$3—a debate over how the country prices access to mineral-rich land. Aviation & Connectivity: Xen Aviation expands with a new Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander to boost domestic and regional service capacity. Roads & Infrastructure: The US$161M Soesdyke–Linden Highway is about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works progressing. Clean Transport: Guyana is set to double public EV charging to 24 stations by year-end (7 already operating; 13 more planned, plus UNDP additions). Energy Projects: Ongoing power negotiations remain in focus as the powership Karpowership contract dispute continues. Finance & Business: President Ali says the Guyana Development Bank will help citizens pool resources via collateral-free loans up to US$3M and mentorship, as the bank’s bill moves through Parliament. Health & Development: A new EU-funded initiative aims to build a national organ donation and transplant system. Crime & Public Safety: Police report a confession in the murder of a 7-year-old during a home invasion at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo.

ICJ Tension: Venezuela says it has “well-founded doubts” about the ICJ process over the Essequibo dispute after Guyana’s statements, reiterating it won’t recognize any ICJ ruling. Power Negotiations: Guyana remains in talks with Karpowership after the June 1 deadline, with government pushing for a lower renewal rate that could otherwise cost taxpayers an extra US$5.8m annually. Energy Relief: GPL will start the monthly $30,000 electricity subsidy for eligible pensioners in the June 2026 billing cycle, with credits handled for both post-paid and pre-paid customers. Local Democracy Row: APNU accuses the government of undermining elected local authorities by creating and funding parallel Community Development Councils. Development Bank Scrutiny: A proposed Guyana Development Bank law is tabled, but critics flag governance and discretion concerns in how funds may be allocated. EV Rollout: Guyana targets 24 public EV charging stations by year-end, adding 13 via government and 4 via UNDP. Infrastructure Progress: The $161m Soesdyke–Linden Highway project is about 90% complete, with drainage and electrical works advancing. Crime: Police arrested a suspect in the murder of 7-year-old Adriel Aftab Mohamed during a Zeelugt home invasion; his great-grandmother was also badly injured. Business & Governance: Transparency International’s CPI debate continues in Parliament as Minister Gail Teixeira pushes back on using perception-based rankings to judge anti-corruption performance. Health System Upgrade: Guyana launches a 31-month, EU-funded organ donation and transplantation initiative to build an internationally aligned system.

Energy & Governance: Government finally broke silence on Karpowership contract renewal talks, saying negotiations are ongoing to secure the “best possible rate,” as APNU demands full transparency and warns of blackout risk if no deal is reached. Public Utilities Relief: GPL begins the monthly $30,000 electricity subsidy for pensioners in the June 2026 billing cycle, with credits handled for both post-paid and pre-paid customers. Parliament & Accountability: Minister Gail Teixeira pushed back in the National Assembly against using Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, arguing it’s perception-based and not proof of corruption. Budget Pressure: Finance Minister Ashni Singh tabled a supplementary request of about $54.889B, including an extra $19B for the stalled Gas-to-Energy project. Environment Standards: GNBS urged businesses to adopt environmental management practices and implement ISO 14001:2026 as Guyana marks World Environment Day. Trade Risk: The U.S. is considering 12.5% tariffs under Section 301, with The Bahamas and Guyana flagged over forced-labour enforcement gaps. Security & Crime: Police arrested a suspected killer in the Zeelugt home invasion that left a 7-year-old boy dead and his elderly great-aunt seriously injured.

Parliament & Public Finance: Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh tabled Financial Paper No. 1 seeking G$54.889B in supplementary funding for 2026, including G$19B more for the Gas-to-Energy project and major allocations for housing, public works and agriculture. Energy Sector: InterEnergy outlined its GPL grid modernisation roadmap through 2030, aiming for a more reliable, resilient and digitally managed network. SME Credit Push: The Guyana Development Bank Bill 2026 was laid in the National Assembly to expand SME access to up to G$3M micro-credit at zero interest, paired with mentorship and training. Oil Wealth Governance: Singh also presented the NRF receipts notification, with the Natural Resource Fund balance reported at US$4.1B. Former Presidents Benefits: Government reintroduced the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill 2026 to restore the 2009 benefits framework after the 2015 changes. Local Business & Sports: Guyana Breweries’ Smalta sponsored Berbice’s U19 tournament and youth life development programme. Tech & Health Spotlight: SS Innovations and GPHC highlighted a world-record robot-assisted cardiac telesurgery linking Guyana and India.

Supplementary Budget Push: Guyana has asked the National Assembly for an extra $54.889B just four months after the $1.558T 2026 budget, including $19B more for the stalled Gas-to-Energy project and added funding for housing, roads, drainage, hinterland airstrips, and utilities. Energy Grid Modernisation: InterEnergy outlined a plan to modernise the GPL grid through 2030, aiming for a more reliable, resilient and digitally managed network. Parliament Resumes Oversight: After a 100-day hiatus, the Committee of Selection constituted 13 parliamentary committees, restarting legislative oversight. Former Presidents Benefits Bill: Government tabled the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill 2026 to restore broader benefits removed in 2015. Oil Wealth Transparency: Finance Minister tabled notifications showing US$761M in oil revenues and royalties for Jan–Mar 2026, and said the NRF balance stood at US$4.1B. SME Financing Plan: The Guyana Development Bank Bill 2026 was tabled to provide zero-interest micro-credit up to $3M for SMEs, paired with mentorship. Sports & Youth: Smalta sponsored Berbice’s U19 tournament and life development programme, while Regal Stationery backed GGA youth golf initiatives. Public Safety: Police are hunting a lone suspect after a home invasion in Zeelugt left a 7-year-old boy dead and his great-grandmother injured.

Power & Negotiations: Karpowership warns it may suspend operations unless Guyana agrees to new commercial terms; government says talks are ongoing and outages are not due to lack of power generation, while GPL also confirms a $30,000 annual electricity subsidy for pensioners will show on June bills. Oil Revenue Share: Guyana remains on a 12.5% profits take from Stabroek while ExxonMobil and partners take 87.5%, as the operator pushes ahead with additional projects that could keep the “cost bank” repayment timeline stretched. Local Business & Finance Lawmaking: Parliament reconvenes June 5 with a push for bills aimed at small-business support, including a proposed Guyana Development Bank to expand affordable lending, plus updates to victim protection laws. Trade & Investment Ties: Guyana and the U.S. discuss expanding private-sector engagement and commercial investment, while Qualfon meets GO-Invest on maintaining operations and diversifying in Guyana’s BPO sector. Energy Policy & Consumer Protection: Government launches a national consultation on harmful social media use by children, with plans for stronger online safeguards. Public Services: Passport offices will open Saturdays in June to clear backlog of overdue collections. Crime & Public Safety: Police hunt a lone suspect after a 7-year-old was killed and his great-grandmother stabbed in Zeelugt; separately, two wanted men in an AK-47 firearms probe surrender to police. Infrastructure & Growth: Construction starts on a US$5M tug and barge for G Mining’s Oko West gold project in Region Seven.

Debt & Oil Markets: Nigeria is weighing refinancing costly legacy debt and raising new development funding as investor sentiment improves with higher crude prices tied to Middle East tensions. Power Contract Watch: Guyana’s government says it’s negotiating the “best possible” renewal terms with Karpowership after the previous deal expired, while the company presses for higher standardized rates and warns of disconnections. Cost-of-Living Support: GPL says the annual $30,000 electricity subsidy for pensioners will appear as a credit on June bills (or in prepaid wallets). Local Industry & Logistics: Construction has started on a US$5M tug and barge for Canadian gold firm G Mining Ventures to support the Oko West project in Region Seven. Trade & Investment Diplomacy: Guyana and the U.S. are discussing expanded private-sector engagement and commercial ties, with meetings in Washington covering energy and economic cooperation. Forced-Labour Tariffs: The U.S. proposes Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labour findings, with Guyana listed among affected economies. Health & Tech: SS Innovations says it completed the world’s longest-distance robotic telesurgery, linking Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation with India. Governance & Social Policy: Government launches targeted field operations to speed up the $100,000 cash grant for vulnerable groups, including hinterland regions. Energy Supply Outlook: South America’s oil export boom is lifting shipments as buyers seek crude not dependent on the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil & Gas Growth: Guyana is expected to exceed one million barrels of oil per day by year-end as the government pushes local businesses to position for the next phase of the sector’s expansion. Local Content: Finance Minister Ashni Singh and Labour Minister Keoma Griffith stressed that local content success must be measured by real opportunities and lives transformed, while the Local Content Secretariat reviews in-country capacity ahead of possible amendments. Local Governance & Security Spending: The Home Affairs Ministry plans about $215M to rebuild the Grove Police Station, with dozens of contractors bidding. Trade & Tariffs Shock: The U.S. proposes Section 301 tariffs on imports from 60 economies over forced-labour enforcement failures, with Guyana listed among the affected countries—raising the risk of higher costs across supply chains. Regional Mobility & Immigration: A lawyer warns CARICOM full membership could pressure Bermuda’s immigration rules via treaty commitments on free movement. CARICOM/Legal Institutions: A CCJ judge lamented that most CARICOM states still don’t use the court as their final appellate option. Tech & Health Innovation: SS Innovations says it completed the world’s longest-distance robotic telesurgery, linking Guyana and India via fiber. Sports & Youth: ExxonMobil Guyana-backed Future Warriors Tapeball crowned West Ruimveldt Primary as Demerara zone champions; Caribbean Week in New York also spotlighted tourism and connectivity.

US Forced-Labour Tariffs: The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed Section 301 duties of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, naming Guyana among 54 countries found to have failed to effectively enforce forced-labour import prohibitions—public comments are being sought ahead of a July 7 hearing. Local Content Push: At Guyana’s Local Content Summit, Finance Minister Ashni Singh urged local suppliers to prepare for expanding opportunities as oil output targets one million barrels per day by year-end, while Labour Minister Keoma Griffith said local content success must be measured by lives transformed, not just contract values. Digital Government: Government is accelerating digital transformation with e-ID, FastPay, and integrated services to make it easier for citizens and businesses to access and pay for government services. Education & Skills: The GTEC flagged 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, warning the public to verify accreditation before enrolling. Energy & Environment: A study links small-scale gold mining in Guyana to long-term damage to Amazon dung beetle communities, with recovery taking decades. Public Safety: Home Affairs is set to rebuild the $215M Grove Police Station, with dozens of contractors bidding.

Extradition Politics: PNCR leader Aubrey Norton says WIN’s Azruddin Mohamed entered politics to avoid US extradition over alleged gold and tax crimes, as extradition proceedings await a CCJ decision. Public Safety & Accountability: A former deputy police commissioner, Dr. Paul Williams, warns the Guyana Police Force is failing due to leadership and competence gaps, not just new laws. Arson Probe: Investigators say the Water Street fire was deliberately set, using CCTV-linked findings to trace an arson attempt inside the Demerara Shipping compound. Energy Costs Pressure: Government officials are reportedly silent as Karpowership demands an extra US$3.4M daily to keep supplying power, amid rising blackout concerns. Local Economy & Infrastructure: President Irfaan Ali announced a US$6M Puruni River bridge for Region 7, plus other Bartica outreach projects. Oil Sector Moves: Sispro says its women-led consortium has partnered with Nigeria’s Bono Energy and is ready to sign a PSA soon; meanwhile, Cybele Energy risks losing its block over a delayed US$17M signing bonus. Child Online Protection: Nandlall says national consultations are underway to regulate social media impacts on children. Banking Expansion: Citi received approval to open a representative office in Georgetown. Trade & Tariffs Watch: The US proposes Section 301 tariffs up to 12.5% on 60 economies, including Guyana, over forced-labour enforcement failures.

Power Negotiations: Government officials remain silent as Karpowership reportedly demands an extra US$3.4M daily to keep supplying 36MW, pushing rates up to match the second vessel’s higher price. Oil & Gas (Local Deals): Sispro, a women-led Guyanese consortium, says it has partnered with Nigeria’s Bono Energy and is ready to sign a PSA with the state within days. Oil & Gas (Risk of Losing Block): Ghana-based Cybele Energy is at risk of losing its shallow-water offshore concession after failing to pay a US$17M signing bonus, with about US$4M in accrued interest. Mining (Project Spotlight): Canadian G Mining Ventures’ Oko West Gold project in Region 7 is featured as a “next big thing,” with construction progress and first gold targeted for late 2027. Aviation Infrastructure: Three firms bid for CJIA’s air traffic control tower, including two Chinese joint ventures and a Guyanese JV, with bids ranging from GY$3.9B to about US$89M. Education & Local Capacity: 13 bids received for a CPCE Centre in Region 2, aimed at training teachers in remote communities. Finance & Banking: Citi gets approval to open a representative office in Georgetown to deepen access to products and partnerships. Energy Transition (Fisheries): Canada-backed STAR-Fish ramps up clean-energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable power and cold-chain upgrades. Business & Growth Policy: Local Content law is highlighted as driving spillover growth beyond oil into agriculture, housing, transport and healthcare. Public Safety: A Blairmont fire killed a wheelchair-bound woman; authorities are investigating the cause. Diaspora Finance: President Ali announces a new diaspora bond to fund public infrastructure projects, expected within a week.

Flood-Control Value for Money: Opposition MP Duncan says after $240B GYD pumped into Drainage and Irrigation, residents are still getting hit by repeated flooding in Region 4, renewing calls for accountability and better delivery. Interior Outreach Under Fire: Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed brands the Cabinet’s Region 7 tour “photo ops,” arguing structural fixes—not taxpayer-funded optics—are what riverain communities need. Oil & Gas Pipeline Moves: ExxonMobil filed for environmental approval to develop the Haimara gas discovery offshore Guyana, with a proposed super-sized FPSO and links to other Stabroek gas resources. Power Supply Risks: GPL says it’s pursuing cost recovery after damaged transmission lines and a utility pole disrupted electricity service in Demerara. Aviation & Trade Links: Guyana’s aviation authority investigates a Cessna crash in the interior; meanwhile, LIAT and Air Caraïbes expand connectivity via an interline agreement. Business & Finance: Citi received approval to open a representative office in Georgetown, signaling deeper financial-market access for investors. Creative Economy: Stakeholders welcome planned consultations to strengthen Guyana’s copyright and intellectual property framework. Regional Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York gathers ministers and industry leaders, with Guyana among attendees. Public Safety Tragedies: A wheelchair-bound woman died in a Blairmont fire; a former boxer Howard Eastman was jailed for ganja possession.

Oil & Markets: Gold stayed steady in May, holding near US$4,500/oz despite global tensions, while commentary flags how Guyana’s oil boom is raising pressure to spread benefits beyond crude. Energy & Power Reliability: GPL says it will pursue cost recovery after damaged transmission lines and a separate pole incident disrupted electricity in Demerara. Aviation & Safety: Guyana’s aviation authority is investigating a CESSNA crash in the interior; separate reports also raise renewed questions about Domestic Airways’ regulatory status and safety record. Business & Finance: Citi received approval to open a representative office in Georgetown, aiming to serve international investors and expand access for local firms. Investment & Trade: GO-Invest and BritCham held a strategic roundtable in London to connect UK businesses with Guyana opportunities; the French ambassador pointed to trade potential but blamed limited connectivity and port constraints. Creative Economy: Stakeholders welcomed proposed consultations to strengthen Guyana’s copyright and intellectual property framework to support the Orange Economy. Education & Credentials: GTEC warned the public about 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions and urged verification before accepting qualifications. Environment & Conservation: Iwokrama signed a multi-year conservation pact with Beharry Holdings to support biodiversity monitoring and related programmes. Sports & Tourism: Tourism Guyana Titans begin a cricket tour of Tobago, using sport to market Guyana; corporate support continues for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.

Power & Infrastructure: GPL says it will pursue legal action to recover repair costs after an excavator damaged its Demerara transmission line, following a separate recent truck incident that also hit GPL equipment. Education & Compliance: Ghana’s GTEC warns the public about 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, urging due diligence on certificates. Energy Security: Uncertainty continues around powership supply for GPL, with officials reportedly silent on whether a new agreement is in place to prevent blackouts. Flooding & Roads: APNU MP Sherod Duncan flags severe flooding and road submersion on the Rupununi corridor, calling for practical drainage and roadbed upgrades. Mining & Environment: EPA is reviewing the EIA for Mako Mining’s Eagle Mountain Gold Project, while separate reporting highlights JV deals that could shift control of large gold land areas. Finance: Citizens Bank Guyana reports $1.34B profit after tax for the first six months of FY2026, citing loan growth and improved earnings. Business & Investment: Hinterland residents are set to access soft loans and business support via the planned Guyana Development Bank. Aviation Safety: Concerns are growing over Domestic Airways’ regulatory status after a small plane crash in Guyana’s interior.

Caribbean Week in New York: Tourism ministers and commissioners from across the region, including Guyana, are set to gather in Manhattan for Caribbean Week 2026, aiming to strengthen economic resilience and market share. Aviation Safety & Oversight: Concerns are growing over Domestic Airways’ safety record and regulatory status, with questions raised about missing certification and compliance with Guyana Civil Aviation Authority requirements after another reported incident. Energy & Power Supply: Reports say Guyana is under pressure from Turkish powership operators after a charter expiry, with officials scrambling to negotiate to avoid power disruptions. Gas-to-Energy Progress: ExxonMobil Guyana has started a three-month inspection of the GTE subsea pipeline, with vessels operating near the pipeline corridor and mariners urged to keep clear. Mining & Environment: The EPA is reviewing the EIA for Mako Mining’s Eagle Mountain Gold Project after its 2024 takeover, as the project targets long-term open-pit production. Gold Land Deals: New JV arrangements linked to the Alphonso family are said to have enabled foreign firms to control over 600 sq km of gold-bearing lands in Region Seven. Trade & Regional Links: Guyana–Brazil trade reportedly hit the US$1B mark in 2026, driven by energy, mining, infrastructure and construction demand. Banking Performance: Citizens Bank Guyana posted $1.34B profit after tax for the first six months of 2026, with net loans and advances rising to $71.8B. Business & Community: Finance Minister Ashni Singh urged local firms to expand beyond Guyana into regional and international markets. Local Disruptions: Fires gutted a Demerara Shipping workshop on Water Street and damaged businesses on Lombard Street, while a police corporal was seriously injured in a Hague Road traffic accident.