AGP Executive Report

Oil & Gas Accountability: APNU MP Saiku Andrews says Guyana must stop ExxonMobil adding expenses through new projects and start receiving its full 50% profits under the 2016 Petroleum Agreement, after Exxon told investors it has paid down US$55B in development and operating costs. Exxon Performance: ExxonMobil reported Q2 profits of US$14.5B, with Middle East disruptions mostly offset by Permian and Guyana growth. Maritime Safety & MV Barima: MARAD insists no salvage company has been selected yet for the MV Barima recovery, with an Expression of Interest process open until Aug 14; meanwhile, calls grow to restructure MARAD to focus on safety. Public Health Infrastructure: The Health Ministry plans to use part of a US$22M World Bank loan for design and supervision of a new National Public Health Reference Laboratory, with bids opening Aug 31. Water Bottling Clash: Private sector stakeholders push back on plans to turn GWI into a bottled water distributor, with the minister insisting the state won’t compete with local producers. Agriculture & Food Costs: GRDB pilots rice-duck integration to cut herbicide and fertiliser use and lower farmers’ production costs. Business Results: ANSA McAL reports Guyana drove 19.7% growth in H1 2026. Sports & Community: CPL SchoolYard back-to-school initiatives roll out across the region, including Guyana.

Bottled Water Showdown: Public Utilities Minister Deodat Indar met private sector stakeholders after the government’s $496.3M state-owned bottled water plant approval, insisting it won’t compete with local producers—but many attendees still left unconvinced, as GMSA and APNU renew warnings about market displacement and corruption risks. Food Prices & Logistics: President Irfaan Ali floated a dedicated cargo service between Charity and Moruca to cut transport costs that are pushing up food prices, with longer-term relief tied to boosting local production. Poultry Supply Move: The Guyana Poultry Producers Association asked for temporary chicken import licences as local output may fall short over the next four weeks, aiming to stabilize retail prices without permanently undercutting producers. Democracy Watch: The Carter Center warned that a GECOM composition impasse could threaten timely local government elections and urged urgent electoral reforms. Oil Revenue Milestone: ExxonMobil says it has fully recovered its $55B Guyana investment and that remaining production will be shared 50/50 with Guyana under the contractor agreement. MV Barima Salvage & Fallout: Maritime authorities seek a salvage contractor to recover the MV Barima while preserving forensic evidence for the Commission of Inquiry; meanwhile, Region Six says it has engaged and supported affected families after the July sinking.

Oil & Gas—ExxonMobil Payback: ExxonMobil says it has fully recovered its US$55B Guyana Stabroek investment, meaning Guyana now gets a 50/50 production split on remaining output. Energy—Offshore Deal Watch: Ratio Petroleum has raised its offer for Pharos Energy to £146.4m, nudging out Serica’s bid and setting up a shareholder decision. Local Business—Bottled Water Fight: President Ali defended the state-owned GWI plan to enter bottled water, while GMSA/APNU warned it could crush private operators. Mining—Gold Licence Push: Canadian Aris Mining says it’s engaging Guyana and GGMC to secure a licence for its Toroparu Gold Project, targeting a construction decision in early 2027. Governance—CCJ Extradition Ruling: AG Anil Nandlall says the CCJ decision should end claims of political influence in the extradition process. Maritime & Food—Barima Fallout: Region Six says it has supported Barima victims’ families; meanwhile Agriculture Minister Mustapha rejects rumours that Guyana fish are unsafe after the sinking. Hospital Dispute: High Court denied VAMED’s urgent injunctions in the specialty hospitals arbitration, ordering site and equipment preservation. Sports & Media—CPL Coverage: Republic Bank CPL 2026 broadcast partners are confirmed, with Guyana Amazon Warriors among the teams.

LNG & EPC Deals: Technip Energies has lined up two Chinese contractors to build modules for the US Commonwealth LNG project, with delivery targeted for mid-2029, though timelines may shift due to yuan-dollar risk. State vs Private Bottled Water: Guyana’s GMSA and APNU warn the $496.3m state bottling plan could crowd out local firms, while President Ali insists GWI is there to ensure safe, affordable water and says manufacturers should question why imports dominate. Oil & Gas Governance: Dr. Vincent Adams alleges the Ali administration weakened offshore oversight capacity, while the AG says MV Barima salvage could cost US$8m–US$10m and defends open tender procurement; separate reports also flag fish sales fears after the Barima sinking, with the minister saying there’s no scientific basis. Community Development: President Ali previews Model Village plans for Non Pareil/Melanie and pushes “model community” consultations for Kaneville, alongside a one-stop government service centre for Moruca residents. Regional & Business Moves: Pegasus Suites joins the Hyatt family as Atlantic Suites Hotel; CARICOM/Guyana talks continue on CARIFESTA 2027; and Gold Port begins a 13-km access road for its Groete gold-copper project. Sports & Media: CPL 2026 kicks off Aug 7 with broadcast partners confirmed, and Jamaica Kingsmen unveil a new franchise identity and off-field sponsorship push.

Energy & Markets: SBM Offshore lifted its 2026 outlook again after a revenue surge, with first-half directional revenue up 112% to US$4.9B and directional EBITDA up 92% to US$1.3B, supported by new Petrobras FPSO work and the sale of FPSO One Guyana. Elections & Governance: The Carter Center urged Guyana to break the GECOM deadlock and amend the Constitutional Reform Act to keep local elections on track, warning that a non-functioning commission threatens reforms ahead of the next general and regional polls. Cost of Living & Hinterland Transport: President Ali said government is disappointed airlines won’t lower Hinterland travel fares, and floated expanding the Guyana Defence Force Air Corps to move people and food more cheaply; he also announced steps to cut Moruca food prices via cheaper cargo options and more local production. Community Development: Ali unveiled plans to turn Kaneville into Guyana’s first pilot “model community,” and consultations also pushed the Model Village Initiative in Diamond/Golden Grove and wider Region Three, with major housing projections between Wales and Leonora. Oil & Policy Pressure: A former EPA head and environmentalist Dr. Vincent Adams hit back at IMF calls to speed up Exxon cost-oil audit disputes, saying transparency and enforcement have been lacking. Public Safety: Fire Service warned against burning garbage and grass as El Niño dries conditions and raises wildfire risk. Sports & Business: GFF confirmed the Elite League starts Aug 29, but fixtures and prize details are still pending; Republic Bank CPL added drone shows for early matches in St Vincent. Maritime Disaster Watch: Opposition and civil society renewed pressure around the MV Barima salvage push, arguing delays worsened suffering and could compromise accountability.

MV Barima Accountability & Recovery: Government ends the search and recovery phase after the ferry capsized on July 18, while MARAD moves to salvage the wreck—opposition and civil society say procurement delays and accountability gaps are prolonging grief, with calls for emergency speed and scrutiny beyond operational crew. Oil & Fiscal Oversight: The IMF urges Guyana to quickly settle Exxon cost-oil audit disputes and strengthen oversight, as critics argue transparency failures have stalled progress; meanwhile, reports say Liza One production has slipped below 100,000 bpd, raising questions about how fast Guyana captures its promised 50% profits. Energy Cooperation: Guyana and Jamaica sign agreements to deepen regional energy cooperation, including infrastructure and energy security—another step toward a more integrated Caribbean oil market. Cost of Living & Transport: President Ali fumes at airlines for refusing to cut Hinterland travel fares, saying high air costs are pushing up food prices in interior communities and hinting at expanding the Air Corps role. Local Industry vs State Competition: The GMSA challenges a $496.3M state water bottling plant, warning it could crush private manufacturers and put GWI in direct competition. Elections Pressure: The Carter Center flags the ongoing GECOM impasse and urges implementation of its 2025 election recommendations to keep local polls on track. CARIFESTA 2027 Planning: CARICOM meets Guyana culture officials as preparations ramp up for CARIFESTA 2027, with a focus on logistics, funding and youth development. Sports & Business: Caribbean Airlines launches a limited-time Guyana–Toronto Travel Tuesday promo, while Guyana Cup backs a cross-sport alliance with the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.

Offshore Operations: ExxonMobil Global Projects has awarded Sercel a one-year contract to deploy its Marlin software suite for the Whiptail project in the Stabroek Block, supporting SIMOPS for safer pipe-laying and mooring work. Oil & Gas Politics: Liza One production has slipped from the approved 120,000 bpd to under 100,000 bpd, sharpening questions about whether Guyana will get the full 50% profits promised under the PSA. Big Oil Profits Backlash: Trump again attacked ExxonMobil and Chevron over “too much money,” warning they should cut retail prices as oil prices stay elevated amid Iran-war disruptions. Local Industry Under Pressure: The GMSA is pushing back on a $496.3M state-owned water bottling plant, warning it could crush private manufacturers and turn government into a competitor. Climate & Water Risk: Hydromet warns El Niño could drive up to 80 hot spell days this year, with reduced water availability likely to hit households, farming, and hinterland communities. Governance & Accountability: The government says MV Barima search and recovery has ended, while the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre remains operational; meanwhile, opposition protesters stormed Watooka House in Linden demanding deeper accountability. Community & Business: President Ali launched “model communities” consultations in Region Three, and unveiled plans for a modern two-storey Pouderoyen market aimed at boosting year-round local commerce. Sports & Health: CPL is rolling out free health screenings at all eight host venues, while Guyana Cup and Lotto/Let’sBet are teaming up to expand tapeball rewards and prizes.

MV Barima Salvage Procurement: The Government has begun the next step in recovering the sunken M.V. Barima, publishing a Request for Expressions of Interest for marine salvage firms, with strict technical, environmental and forensic evidence-preservation requirements as families still await answers for missing brothers Neil and Kenrick Cort. Public Accountability Pressure: UG students and civil society staged a picket outside the Office of the President demanding resignations and accountability over alleged regulatory failures tied to the disaster, while legal proceedings in the murder case involving the captain and crew have been adjourned to September 7. Heat & Water Risk: Hydromet warns Guyana could see up to 80 hot-spell days this year (Aug–Oct), far above the usual ~30, with Regions 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 hit hardest—raising concerns for water, agriculture, health and electricity demand. CPL Health Push: Republic Bank CPL will offer free health screenings at all eight host venues across the Caribbean, including blood pressure, glucose, BMI, urinalysis and PSA testing. Pouderoyen Market Plan: President Ali unveiled plans for a modern two-storey Pouderoyen market with 140+ spaces, a food court and farmers’ market, aiming to boost year-round commerce and local business opportunities. Police Scam Alert: Guyana Police warn the public not to click links in fake WhatsApp/email traffic fine messages, stressing payments should only be made via official portals.

IMF Endorsement: The IMF says Guyana’s “prudent borrowing strategy” keeps debt distress risk low, even as public debt is projected to reach US$10.3B by end-2026, urging more savings if oil prices stay high. El Niño Heat Alert: Hydromet warns El Niño could push Guyana to as many as 80 hot-spell days this year (Aug–Oct), with hotter nights, fewer wet days, and knock-on risks for crops and water. MV Barima Fallout: The murder case against MV Barima captain Kevin “KP” Price and two crew members was adjourned to Sept 7 after disclosure delays, while former minister David Patterson questions the COI’s independence. Oil & Gas Governance: OGGN argues ring-fencing was denied, costing Guyana about US$4.7B (US$12.4B vs US$7.7B earned) and highlights how cost recovery rules affect profit share. Security & Scams: Police warn of fake WhatsApp traffic fine messages pushing links for payment. Community & Jobs: President Ali kicks off Model Village consultations, including a modern Tuschen community market, and the Fire Service expands hydrant coverage to improve emergency response.

Maritime Accountability: The murder case against MV Barima captain Kevin “KP” Price and two crew members was adjourned to September 7 after the court said disclosure couldn’t be completed earlier, keeping the tragedy’s legal fallout in limbo. Salvage & Evidence Risk: Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul says the government’s salvage tender process could delay recovery long enough for key forensic evidence to deteriorate, while MARAD begins seeking expressions of interest for the wreck’s recovery. Oil Governance: The IMF urges Guyana to quickly resolve ExxonMobil cost-oil audit disputes and strengthen oil-sector audit capacity, warning the delays have fiscal and transparency implications. Climate & Costs: Hydromet warns Guyana could see up to 80 hot-spell days this year as El Niño strengthens, raising risks for crops, water supply, and higher electricity demand. Public Safety Scam: Police warn of a fake traffic ticket text-message scam pushing people to fraudulent websites and urging payment only via the official Guyana Police Force portal. Gold Sector Inflows: Canadian mining interest in Guyana’s gold keeps growing, with reports that 13 Canadian firms now hold positions after new deals around the Quartzstone project. Energy Markets: Oil prices slid on renewed US-Iran de-escalation hopes, with analysts noting potential knock-on effects for petrol costs.

Oil & Gas Oversight: The IMF is urging Guyana to strengthen oil and gas audit capacity and quickly resolve ExxonMobil cost-oil disputes, warning that delays have fiscal and governance implications. Gold Sector Ownership: Canadian control of Guyana’s gold deepened again as 13 Canadian firms now hold interests, with XAU Resources moving to acquire the Quartzstone Gold Project in Region Seven. MV Barima Salvage Procurement: Government has begun searching for a marine salvage firm for the sunken MV Barima, but opposition MPs say the tender timeline is a “cruel delay” that could damage forensic evidence; MARAD is inviting expressions of interest with submissions due Aug. 14. Maritime Law & Accountability Debate: Maritime experts and legal commentators argue outdated or conflicting maritime rules left the ferry exposed, while families and activists push for recovery and accountability. Emergency Support Donations: The Association of Chinese Enterprises in Guyana made an additional donation to the Civil Defence Commission to support MV Barima relief efforts. New Drilling Push: Australian-listed Altair Minerals unveiled a fully funded 75,000-metre drilling programme for its Greater Oko gold project in Region Seven. Local Industry Policy: The National Assembly approved G$496.3M for Guyana’s first state-owned water bottling plant to cut reliance on imported bottled water.

MV Barima Salvage Tender: Guyana has moved to salvage the sunken MV Barima after mounting pressure from families and stakeholders, with MARAD issuing a Request for Proposals/Expressions of Interest for qualified marine salvage firms to recover the wreck lying in soft mud at about 13–15 metres depth; the process closes Aug. 14 and bidders must show how they’ll protect and document forensic material for the Commission of Inquiry while minimizing environmental impact. IMF on Growth & Oversight: The IMF says Guyana’s strong oil and non-oil performance is driving expansion, but urges tighter oversight and resolution of Exxon cost-oil disputes to strengthen governance and reduce uncertainty for investors. Water Bottling Push: Parliament approved G$496.3M for Guyana’s first state-owned water bottling plant under GWI to cut reliance on imported bottled water and improve long-term water security. Regional Tax Modernisation: CARICOM’s tax administrators conference in Georgetown wrapped up, highlighting AI and data-driven tools to boost compliance and sustainable revenue across the region. Emancipation Day Messages: President Ali and CARICOM leaders used the occasion to stress unity, resilience, and the unfinished work of justice, while the country also marked the day under the shadow of the Barima tragedy.

Oil & Growth Watch: The IMF says Guyana’s economy keeps sprinting, with 2025 growth above 19% and unemployment down to 6.2%, while oil output topped 900,000 bpd and the non-oil economy grew about 14%. Energy Output Boost: ExxonMobil reports its fifth Guyana FPSO, Errea Wittu, has set sail for the Uaru project, adding 250,000 bpd—pushing capacity toward nearly 1.2 million bpd by end-2026. Exxon Earnings: ExxonMobil’s Q2 2026 earnings rose to $14.5B on higher oil prices and stronger operations, with major cash returns to shareholders. MV Barima Salvage Tender: MARAD has opened Expressions of Interest to salvage the sunken MV Barima, citing poor visibility, strong currents, and the need to protect forensic material for the Commission of Inquiry; EOIs close Aug 14. Local Business & Standards: GNBS urges shoppers to buy properly labelled footwear that meets the national standard for safety and comfort as schools reopen. Education & Sports: President’s College won the ExxonMobil Guyana National Schools Kayaking crown for District 4, while KMTC hosts the Emancipation horse race meet today with $10M in prizes. Governance & Finance: The Government is also moving ahead with the Guyana Development Bank Act and related rollout plans, as institutions gear up for new regional lending operations.

Maritime Safety & Accountability: The Government has opened a tender to salvage the sunken MV Barima, seeking proven salvage firms for operations in strong currents and low visibility; the tender closes Aug 14, with plans required to protect and document forensic material for the Commission of Inquiry. Energy & Oil Output: ExxonMobil says its fifth Guyana FPSO, Errea Wittu, has set sail for the Uaru project, adding 250,000 bpd and pushing capacity toward nearly 1.2 million bpd by end-2026. Public Finance & Growth Watch: The IMF reports Guyana remains among the world’s fastest-growing economies, citing 19% expansion in 2025, oil output above 900,000 bpd, and non-oil growth around 14%. Development Banking: President Ali signed the Guyana Development Bank Act, clearing the way for interest-free loans up to $3M for SMEs without collateral, plus business advisory support. Regional Tax Cooperation: CARICOM’s 27th COTA General Assembly in Georgetown wrapped up, focusing on AI-enabled, data-driven tax administration across the region. Hinterland Connectivity: Bids were received for municipal airports at Lethem and Rose Hall and for rehabilitation of hinterland coastal airstrips. Security Update: Police destroyed about $2.4M in ganja along the Berbice River, with no arrests. Emancipation Day: Multiple national and CARICOM messages marked Emancipation Day while urging unity and continued work on justice and economic freedom.

UN Watch: The UN Security Council’s first informal straw poll for the next Secretary-General has Rebeca Grynspan (UNCTAD) leading, with Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett close behind—though the process stays secret, keeping veto politics in play. Oil & Gas: ExxonMobil says its fifth Guyana FPSO, Errea Wittu, has set sail for the Uaru project, targeting a 4Q26 startup and adding 250,000 bpd capacity; separately, Exxon says it has already recouped its Guyana investments faster than expected and expects more oil money for Guyana. Development Finance: President Irfaan Ali signed the Guyana Development Bank Act into law, clearing the way for interest-free, collateral-free loans up to $3M for SMEs plus advisory support—welcomed by young entrepreneurs. Poverty Data Scrutiny: Bloomberg reports the government has delayed publishing key poverty-related statistics despite the oil boom, raising transparency concerns. Maritime Reform Pressure: After the MV Barima disaster, Clement Rohee calls for a sweeping overhaul of river and ocean transport regulation and services. Aviation Tenders: Eight bids were received for municipal airports at Lethem and Rose Hall, plus hinterland coastal airstrip rehabilitation.

Oil & Gas Windfalls: ExxonMobil says its Guyana venture has recouped about $55B invested since 2014, about two years faster than expected, with Guyana set to receive more oil money as the company books lower volumes but higher free cash flow by 2030. Exxon Earnings Watch: Exxon reported Q2 profit up 105% to $14.53B (revenue $116.02B), while also missing Wall Street estimates amid volatile prices and refining margins. New Development Finance: President Ali signed the Guyana Development Bank Act 2026 into law, setting up interest-free, collateral-free loans up to $3M plus mentorship and technical support for SMEs. Local Business & Jobs: The Labour Ministry is pushing a nationwide “Putting Safety First” campaign, starting with a Region Four seminar to build a stronger construction safety culture before enforcement ramps up. Maritime Accountability: A five-member Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy was sworn in, with President Ali pledging administrative, technical and financial support for a full, fair probe. UN Diplomacy: In the UN Security Council’s first informal straw poll, UNCTAD chief Rebeca Grynspan led the race to succeed Antonio Guterres, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett close behind. Mining Deal: G Mining Ventures and G2 Goldfields completed a US$2.2B consolidation, combining Guyana gold assets into a larger district-scale project. Sports & Community: Republic Bank’s CPL Step Challenge returns for 2026, while GuySuCo’s boss urged employees to tighten execution as the second crop begins.